Human Sexual Response and Problems

Study Notes

Sexual response happens in stages: Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, and Resolution.
The Excitement phase is marked by increased pulse and blood pressure, flushing, swelling, and genital fluid secretion.
The Plateau phase is brief and leads to orgasm if stimulation continues.
Orgasm is characterized by intense pleasure, muscle spasms, and ejaculation in males.
The Resolution phase brings the body back to a normal state.
Males can experience multiple orgasms without a rest period, while females need a rest period.

Sexual problems are categorized as physiological, psychological, and social.
Physiological problems include abnormal development of genitalia or nervous system issues.
Psychological problems are the most common and often arise from societal expectations, inhibitions, and myths.
Societal expectations about sexual performance can lead to anxiety, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy.
Common psychological problems include premature ejaculation, erectile impotence, and ejaculatory impotence.
Vaginismus is a physical condition characterized by pelvic muscle spasms, making penetration painful or impossible.

STDs are spread through sexual contact and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Examples of STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, HPV, HSV, trichomonas vaginalis, HIV, and AIDS.

Natural methods do not involve any chemical or foreign body introduction.
Abstinence is the most effective natural method with a 0% fail rate and also provides protection against STIs.
The Calendar Method, or Rhythm Method, requires tracking menstrual cycles to determine fertile days.
The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method tracks temperature changes to identify ovulation.
The Cervical Mucus Method observes changes in cervical mucus to identify ovulation.
The Symptothermal Method combines BBT and Cervical Mucus Method.
Ovulation Detection kits detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, predicting ovulation.
Coitus Interruptus involves withdrawing before ejaculation.

Oral contraceptives (the pill) contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation.
The Transdermal Patch is worn weekly on the upper arm, torso, abdomen, or buttocks.
The Vaginal Ring is inserted into the vagina and remains there for three weeks.
Subdermal Implants are inserted under the skin and last for 3-5 years.
Hormonal Injections are given intramuscularly every 12 weeks.
The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus.
Chemical barriers, like spermicides and gels, kill sperm before they reach the cervix.
The Diaphragm is a rubber disk fitted over the cervix.
The Male Condom is a latex or synthetic rubber sheath placed on the erect penis.
The Female Condom is a latex rubber sheath pre-lubricated with spermicide.
Vasectomy involves tying or cutting the vas deferens to block sperm passage.
Tubal Ligation involves cutting or sealing the fallopian tubes.