Sexual Behavior 9 What Constitutes Sexual Behavior? Any behavior is sexual if it is accompanied or followed by physiological signs of sexual arousal; the behavior can involve a single person or two or more persons of any sex. Former President Bill Clinton and 59 percent of college students surveyed in 1991 agreed that oral genital contact did not constitute having sex. 1
Onanism The Old Testament may comment on masturbation. The passage of the bible that discourages masturbation is Genesis 38:7-11, which is story about when Judah's son, Er, died childless and his brother, Onan, was required to impregnate Er's widow. During sex, Onan withdrew and "spilled his seed," which displeased God, who eventually killed him. Many take this to mean that any non-procreational sex, including masturbation, is prohibited. 9 Masturbation or Autoerotic (Self-Arousing) Behavior Masturbation is a common form of sexual expression which for many still triggers embarrassment, guilt, or denial, for either practicing it or talking about it. Especially in Victorian times, masturbation was considered disgusting, sinful, unhealthy, degenerate, or a condition of moral decay. Graham crackers and Kellogg s Corn Flakes were introduced with the hope of reducing the prevalence of masturbation and sexual arousal. 2
Masturbation or Autoerotic (Self-Arousing) Behavior (cont d) According to the NHSLS, about half of the adult population masturbates yearly. Reasons given for masturbating include relief of sexual tension, physical pleasure, or absence of an available partner. Demographic factors associated with higher rates of masturbation include male sex, a younger age, a higher educational level, and being gay. Factors associated with lower rates include being married, being female, having religious beliefs, being African- American, and being heterosexual. 9 9.1 Biological and cultural factors influence whether people masturbate (Part 1) 3
9.1 Biological and cultural factors influence whether people masturbate (Part 2) 9 9.1 Biological and cultural factors influence whether people masturbate (Part 3) 4
Masturbation or Autoerotic (Self-Arousing) Behavior (cont d) Men and women use different techniques for masturbation. Female techniques are more varied than male techniques, but men experience orgasm during masturbation more frequently than women do. Different cultures have different attitudes about masturbation. Beware: real penis and vulva in the state of arousal follow 9 Male Masturbation 5
Female Masturbation 9 Former US Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders In 1993 Attended a UN conference on AIDS Asked about masturbation as a safer sex option [Masturbation] is a part of human sexuality and it s a part of something that perhaps should be taught Asked to resign soon thereafter. 6
Additional Forms of Noncoital Behavior Kisses come in many forms, degrees, and flavors. A kiss may mean hello or good-bye and can be a friendly gesture, or it may mean true love and the union of two souls; it can be a hurried peck on the cheek, a deep French kiss, oral genital kissing, breast sucking, or shrimping. 9 Additional Forms of Noncoital Behavior Noncoital behaviors designed to increase pleasure and arousal vary. Necking refers to kissing and touching confined to the head and neck; petting means touching naked skin below the neck, but not the breasts or genitals (heavy petting); fondling includes any or all of these behaviors. 7
Ch. 9, p. 259 The Kiss, completed in 1898 by Auguste Rodin 9 Additional Forms of Noncoital Behavior (cont d) Oral genital contact, which has become increasingly prevalent among younger persons, is of three main kinds: mouth penis contact (fellatio), mouth vulva contact (cunnilingus), and mouth anus contact (anilingus). 8
Additional Forms of Noncoital Behavior (cont d) Oral genital contact, which has become increasingly prevalent among younger persons, is of three main kinds: mouth penis contact (fellatio), mouth vulva contact (cunnilingus), and mouth anus contact (anilingus). % that find oral sex appealing 9.9 Anal penetration may be performed by a man on a woman or on another man Anal Sex Heterosexual Women may use strap on dildos. Homosexual Men Women (strap on dildos) Anus has no natural lubrication Go slow Use fingers first Easy to tear rectal membrane 9
Among Heterosexuals, Most Sexual Encounters Culminate in Coitus According to the NHSLS, 95 percent of sexual encounters between opposite-sex adults include penetration of the vagina by the penis, or coitus. Coitus can be performed in many positions including man-above (missionary), woman-above, side-to-side, and rear-entry. 9 Man Above 10
Woman Above 9 From Behind 11
On beds 9 On tables 12
9.10 Coitus (penile vaginal penetration) can be performed in numerous positions (Part 1) 1940 s Medical Marriage Manual 9 9.10 Coitus (penile vaginal penetration) can be performed in numerous positions (Part 2) 1940 s Medical Marriage Manual 13
Among Heterosexuals, Most Sexual Encounters Culminate in Coitus (cont d) Men and women may have different preferences for foreplay, afterplay, and positions for sexual encounters, and they may enhance sexual pleasure by using vibrators (personal massagers) or sex toys designed for penetration of the vagina or anus (dildos). 9 Other Cultures and Sexual Behavior The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana, which was written in India during the fifth century, is an early example of people s interest in erotic pleasure. Only about 20 percent of the book is devoted to sexual positions. The remainder gives guidance on how to be a good citizen and insights into men and women in relationships. The Kama Sutra describes making love as "divine union kama sutra positions 14
Other Cultures and Sexual Behavior Mangaia, a Polynesian culture, is a sex-positive society in which children learn the sexual anatomy of both males and females and are freely permitted to engage in sex play and masturbation. Puberty rites include instruction in and initiation into coitus. 9 Many Disabled People Have Active Sex Lives Arthritis is the number one disability affecting sexual behavior. Arthritis can impair body movement important to sexual behavior such as pelvic thrusting. Spinal cord injuries also affect sexual expression. Two aspects of cord injuries that affect sexuality are the severity of the injury and the level of the injury in the cord. Many mentally retarded people are competent to make their own decisions regarding their sexual behavior. It is important to educated these men and women about sexual issues such as privacy, exploitation, STDs, and pregnancy prevention. 15