Sex and Human Sexuality

Sex and Human Sexuality

• Sexuality is a fundamental drive influencing feelings, thoughts, and actions
• It defines biological reproduction, describes psychological and sociological self-representations, and guides attraction
• Sexuality shapes the brain and body for seeking pleasure, yet remains a taboo topic for inquiry
• Sex is integral to human life, influencing society, behavior, and identity
• Neuropsychologist Karl Pribram identified sex as one of four basic human drives linked to survival, along with feeding, fighting, and fleeing
• The concept of sexuality is the least understood and openly discussed of these drives
• The module aims to provide an objective exploration of sex, gender, and sexual orientation

Sex as a Biological Component

• Sex refers to biological characteristics differentiating male, female, or intersex individuals
• It is related to biological reproduction and involves sexual organs like ovaries (female) and testes (male)
• Sex can be male, female or intersex (chromosomes, anatomy, or characteristics don't fit typical categories)
• Sex at birth is assigned based on external genitalia, anatomical sex, and phenotype

Biological Differences

• Differences exist between males and females in external genitalia, reproductive systems, sex-linked chromosomes, hormone levels, brain structure, and secondary sex characteristics
• Males have a penis for urination and sexual intercourse, while females have a vagina for the same functions plus childbirth
• Testes produce and store sperm cells, while ovaries produce and store egg cells and contain the fetus during pregnancy
• Males have XY chromosomes with fewer genes, while females have XX chromosomes with more genes
• Males typically have more testosterone which regulates bone mass, sex drive, fat distribution, muscle mass, RBC and sperm production
• Females typically have more estrogen regulating the menstrual cycle and secondary sex characteristics and progesterone preparing the body for potential pregnancy
• The male brain tend to have a bigger amygdala and experience emotion more intensely
• The female brain tend to have a bigger hippocampus (for learning), bigger corpus callosum (for brain coordination), tend to have better memories and shift attention quicker
• Males have deeper voices and denser body hair and broader body types
• Females have higher voices, fuller breasts, and narrower waists

Sex Identification

• Typical cases involve infants born clearly male or female and are determined by external genitalia
• Atypical cases involve ambiguous sexual characteristics, necessitating further tests

Additional Definitions

• Physical attractiveness is the aesthetic evaluation of physical appearance
• Body image includes the perception of one’s physical self and related thoughts/feelings
• These feelings can be positive, negative, or influenced by individual and environmental factors
• Body shaming is discrimination based on physical attributes
• Body shame increases the risk for physiological problems, relationship avoidance, and low self-esteem
• Self-acceptance is satisfaction with oneself despite deficiencies
• Self-worth is the sense of one’s own value

Sexuality, Sexual Orientation, and Sexual Behavior

• Early theories linked gender identity, gender role, and sexual orientation, but they are now considered separate concepts
• Sexuality is one's capacity for sexual feelings

Sex and Gender

• Sex and gender are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct
• Sex and gender are important in identity but do not indicate sexual orientation

Sexual Orientation

• Sexual orientation is a person's capacity to arouse sexual interest in another, or feel sexual interest
• It is an enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction and is independent of cultural and social experiences
• Heterosexual orientation involves attraction to the opposite sex, while homosexual orientation involves attraction to the same sex
• Sexual orientation does not necessarily correlate with gender identity or gender role
• Sexual attraction primarily serves pleasure, and is as diverse as gender identity

Sexual Fluidity and Identity

• Intimate behavior can exhibit sexual fluidity that changes in circumstances
• Sexual orientations are relatively stable and genetically influenced
• Sexual preference involves choice regarding sexual partners and can be influenced by social systems
• Sexual identity may or may not be defined by sexual orientation

Sexual Behavior

• Sexual behavior involves stimulating erogenous zones for sexual pleasure alone or with partners

Common Types of Sexual Behavior

• Sexual fantasies are mental imagery that is sexually arousing
• Masturbation is tactile stimulation of the body for sexual pleasure
• Coital sex is vaginal-penile intercourse
• Oral sex is oral stimulation of male or female sexual organs
• Anal sex is penetration of the anus

Society and Sexual Behaviour

• Normal sexual behavior depends on culture
• Sexually restrictive cultures often have a rigid view and negative attitudes towards sexual expression which may be seen as taboo, strictly regulated or prohibited
• Sexually permissive cultures often hold more progressive views and attitudes and exhibit more leniency in evaluation and regulation of sex-related behavior

Influences on Sexual Attitudes

• Societies have norms reinforcing their social system of sexuality
• Normal sexual behavior is based on societal mores and values
• Individuals are socialized through family, education, peers, media, and religion
• Historically, religion has been the greatest influence, but peers and media are now strong influences
• Normative standards on sexual behavior vary across the world

Catholic Teachings on Sexuality

• The Catholic Church believes human life and sexuality are inseparable, and the human body and sex are good
• Same-sex marriage is considered a sin
• Marriage is defined as a covenant between a man and a woman for procreation
• Premarital sex is disapproved and considered "gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and human sexuality"
• Age of Sexual Consent: 12 years old
• Homosexuality: The Catholic Church welcomes celibate gay and lesbian people but condemns homosexual acts saying they are intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law
• Masturbation and Birth Control: The Catholic Church sees masturbation as sinful and disapproves of artificial birth control
• Incest is disapproved

Sexuality and Mental Health

• DSMV is the official manual for diagnosis of mental health disorders

Mental Health Disorders

• Gender Dysphoria distress from mismatch between gender identity and assigned sex
• Gender Non-conformity vs. Gender Dysphoria: differentiated by clinically significant distress
• Transsexualism is the desire to live and be accepted as the opposite sex
• Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood is persistence and intense distress about one's assigned gender, manifested prior to puberty
• Sexual Maturation Disorder Is uncertainty about one's gender identity or sexual orientation, causing anxiety or distress

Sexuality and Health: Risky Sexual Behaviors

• Unprotected sex work can cause increased risk of STD
• Having multiple/anonymous partners can cause increased risk of STD
• Illicit drug use can cause irreversible damage including increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Penile-anal sex can cause increased risk for infection and damage to rectum/anus

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases is a condition passed from one person to another through sexual contact

Symptoms of STDs

• Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
• Sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the penis/vagina
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis/vagina
• Painful or swollen testicles

Most Common Types of STDs

• Chlamydia
• HPV / Human Papillovirus
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Gonorrhea
• Pubic Lice
• Trichomoniasis
• Herpes