Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Sexual arousal

Sexuality affects our feelings about ourselves as either female or male and typically develops as we grow through various stages of life. In this paper, I will explain sexual arousal and the various factors which work together to bring about sexual response. I will also explore the cause of a decrease in sexual functions (Rathus, A., Nevid, S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. 2005, p. 2).

Just like other aspects of physical development e.g. increases in height and weight, sexual development is also significant for one’s health (Hill, 2008, p. 63). As we mature our emotions, perceptions, and needs continuously change. During adolescence the genitals; penis and testicles, vagina, breasts, and ovaries mature. Teenagers often find themselves attracted to the opposite sex or being tempted to try out sexual activity. Social factors and hormonal changes more often than not create a lot of pressure on many adolescents. It is during this time that many teenagers experience being loved and their first exposures to sexual touch and advances which too seem exciting. People are very responsive to what they see and even when touched and thus the brain is central to arousal (Kinsey, 1953 p. 18). At varying magnitudes, each of our senses affects our sexual experiences. Some people may simply be aroused by the sight of an attractive person.

Drugs and Hormones influence the behavior that is expressed by each individual. Sex hormones produce sexual responses and control sexual desire. Two main hormones control sexual responses; in men, testosterone and estrogen in women (Hill, 2008 p. 34). Thoughts and body responses to sexual arousal are common and one needs not be embarrassed about such changes. However, the onset of these body changes poses a risk to adolescence in contemporary society. Unplanned pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, abortion, rape, and emotional stress resulting from the fear of consequences of such behavior form part of the dangers that one should have in mind and be prepared to deal with while making every decision.

Lack of Sexual Interest

Many people have sexual problems, persistent difficulties in becoming sexually aroused are referred to as sexual dysfunction. People affected by this condition may opt-out of sexual encounters for fear of embarrassment and failure to satisfy their partners. Persistent feelings of fear and frustration may follow which compounds the problem. In addition, physical changes such as weight gain may cause anxiety hence affecting sexual activity (Rathus, A., et al 2005, p. 493).

Genetic and psychosocial factors for instance depression, stress, performance anxiety, and hormonal deficiencies may affect sexual interest. As men advance in years testosterone levels decreases which partly explains why sexual dysfunction is prevalent later in life (Wincze, P., & Carey, P. 2001, p. 235). In men, the more anxious one is, the higher the chances of sexual dysfunction. Infections may affect sexual interest by causing pain during coitus as well as health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Endocrine disorders which may prejudice the production of testosterone and treatments regimens for hypertension also may reduce sexual interest (Rathus, A., et al 2005, p. 503).

Alcohol, morphine, and other central nervous system depressants may decrease sexual arousal.

Physical examination by gynecologists or urologists is essential to determine the etiology of reduced sexual interest. Treatment of lack of sexual interest rages from chemical to behavioral regimens and psychotherapy (Bancroft, 2009, p. 236). In practical terms, one should address the physical aspects which may reduce sexual activity e.g. by performing regular exercises which may reduce stress. Drugs may also b used on prescription from a physician e.g. sildenafil commonly known as Viagra is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Men need to realize that occasional cases of lack of sexual interest occur and therefore take them as temporary disappointments. However persistent occurrences call for attention from medical practitioners for assessment.

Reference list

Bancroft, J. (2009). Human sexuality and its problems. 3rd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

Hill, C. A. (2008). Human sexuality: personality and social psychological perspectives. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Kinsey, A. C. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Wincze, J. P., & Carey, M. P. (2001). Sexual Dysfunction: a guide for assessment and treatment. 2nd ed. New York: Guilford Press.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2022, January 6). Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sexual-arousal-and-lack-of-interest/

Work Cited

"Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest." IvyPanda, 6 Jan. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/sexual-arousal-and-lack-of-interest/.

References

IvyPanda. (2022) 'Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest'. 6 January.

References

IvyPanda. 2022. "Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest." January 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sexual-arousal-and-lack-of-interest/.

1. IvyPanda. "Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest." January 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sexual-arousal-and-lack-of-interest/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Sexual Arousal and Lack of Interest." January 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/sexual-arousal-and-lack-of-interest/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1