Understanding the Self: Chapter 7 - Sexual Self

Sexual Self

• Sexual development begins in the womb and continues after birth, with primary sex characteristics visible after birth and secondary sex characteristics emerging during puberty
• Hermaphrodites have both male and female sex organs

Human Reproductive System

• Erogenous zones are areas of the body that are sensitive to sexual stimulation
• The human sexual response has psychological and physiological bases, and is driven by libido (sex drive)

Brain's Role in Love and Sex

• The cerebral cortex is involved in higher-order thinking, such as language and judgment
• The ventral tegmental area is part of the brain's reward system and is active when we fall in love
• The basal ganglia promote attachment, and the angular gyrus is involved in the mirror neuron system, which helps us anticipate the actions of a loved one
• The limbic system is the "seat of emotions", and the hypothalamus is involved in sexual arousal, hormone balance, and blood vessel constriction and dilation

Love and the Brain

• Cortisol levels increase during the initial phase of romantic love, leading to depleted serotonin levels and intrusive, preoccupying thoughts
• Dopamine activates the reward circuit, making love a pleasurable experience, and enhances the release of testosterone
• Oxytocin is the "love hormone", deepening feelings of attachment and making couples feel close to one another
• Vasopressin is linked to long-term relationships and plays a role in defensive behaviors such as mate guarding
• Norepinephrine is a stimulant that causes individuals to feel alert and attentive to their partner

Three Components of Love

• Intimacy involves being open and vulnerable to one's partner, with communication and self-disclosure being key components
• Commitment involves deciding to fulfill agreements and live by values such as respect and integrity
• Passion is the intense state of being that drives and consumes a person to pursue an interest, including sexual attraction

Sexual Response Cycle

• The excitement phase involves increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, as well as physical changes in the genitals
• The plateau phase involves enhanced excitement and preparation for orgasm
• The orgasm phase involves a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension, with physical contractions and ejaculation
• The resolution phase involves the return to an unaroused state

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect both men and women, and can cause infertility if left untreated
• Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus and can cause sores on the genital or rectal area, buttocks, and thighs
• Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is most common in young adults
• HIV is a virus that harms the immune system, and can lead to AIDS if left untreated
• Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) can cause warts and increase the risk of cancer

Preventing STIs

• Practicing monogamy can reduce the risk of STIs
• Refraining from the use of alcohol and other drugs can reduce the risk of STIs
• Discussing STI concerns with potential partners can reduce the risk of STIs
• Avoiding high-risk behaviors can reduce the risk of STIs
• Using condoms and other barriers can reduce the risk of STIs

Diversity of Sexuality

• Heterosexual refers to romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between persons of the opposite sex or gender
• Homosexual refers to romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between persons of the same sex or gender
• Bisexual refers to attraction to both sexes
• Transgender refers to people who identify differently from their biological sex
• Transsexual refers to a person who physically transitions from male to female or vice versa
• Sexually fluid refers to the idea that sexual preferences can change over a lifetime