SOWK 368: Human Sexuality

and Social Work

B. A. Social Work
Year Three
What's the distinction between sex and
sexuality?

Sex typically refers to biological characteristics such as male, or

female determined by chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive
organs.

Sexuality, on the other hand, encompasses a broader spectrum of

characteristics, behaviours, attractions, and identities related to
sexual orientation, romantic feelings, desires, and experiences.

While sex is about physical attributes, sexuality delves into

psychological, emotional, and social aspects of human
attraction and relationships.
Lecture 1

The concept of Human Sexuality



What is human sexuality?

Components of human sexuality

Relevance of social work in human sexuality

The concept of Human Sexuality

“Sexuality forms a central aspect of being human throughout

life. It encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual
orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction”
(WHO, 2002; 2019).

While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of

them are always experienced or expressed.

It is experienced and expressed through thoughts, desires,

fantasies, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices,
roles, and relationships (WHO, 2006a).
The concept of Human
Sexuality


Sexuality is important for several reasons:

1. Personal Identity: Sexuality plays a significant role in

shaping an individual's sense of self and identity.

Understanding one's sexual orientation, desires, and preferences

can contribute to self-awareness and self-acceptance.

2. Relationships: Sexuality influences how individuals form

intimate relationships, express affection, and connect with
others emotionally and physically.

Healthy sexual expression can strengthen bonds between

partners and enhance overall relationship satisfaction.
The concept of Human
Sexuality


3. Reproduction: Sexuality is closely linked to reproduction, as

it involves sexual attraction, intercourse, and fertility.

It is fundamental for the continuation of the human species and

the creation of families.

4. Social and Cultural Dynamics: Sexuality plays a significant

role in social and cultural norms, values, and practices.

It influences how individuals interact with society, navigate

gender roles, and participate in cultural rituals and traditions.
The concept of Human
Sexuality


Overall, sexuality is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human

experience that shapes various aspects of individuals' lives.

It is diverse and personal.

It has the potential to be a powerful and positive force that deepens

intimate connections.

It can also be a source of great pain.

It shapes the brain and body to be pleasure-seeking.

Understanding and embracing diverse expressions of sexuality

contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
Health Benefits of Sex
Components of Sexuality

Sexuality is, thus, an integral part of being human life,

and essential to the continued existence of humanity.

In simple term “human sexuality,” can be split into the

following five components:

• Human Development
• Sexual Health
• Relationships and Emotions
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexual Violence
Human Development


Human development involves the interrelationship

between physical, emotional, social, and intellectual
growth. This component includes:

Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy: The parts of

the body that form the reproductive and sexual systems
and their functions.

They include the following key processes related to

sexuality:
Human Development Cont’d

•Puberty: The physical and emotional changes that occur when

the body matures during adolescence and the maturing of the
reproductive system. Puberty results in the ability to reproduce.

Reproduction: The process of conception, pregnancy, and birth,

the beginning of human development.

Climacteric and Menopause: The physiological and

psychological changes in sexual and reproductive period leading
up to menopause for women.
Human Development Cont’d


Sexual Orientation: The direction of one’s romantic and sexual

attraction, either to the opposite, the same, or both sexes.

Gender Identity and Roles: Gender identity is one’s internal

sense of being either male or female, usually but not always the
same as one’s biological sex.

Gender roles are the set of socially prescribed behaviours and

characteristics expected of females and males.
Relationships and Emotions


Relationships involves the experience emotional closeness.

This component manifests in:

Families: The primary social unit to which most people belong.

It includes people who are related by blood, marriage, or
affection.

Friendships: Relationships between people based on liking,

caring, and sharing; these relationships can differ in emotional
depth, but usually do not include a sexual relationship.
Relationships and Emotions


Loving, Liking, and Caring: Feelings that are the basis of

emotional bonds and positive connections between people.

Attraction and Desire: Emotional and physical feelings that

draw someone to another person; these feelings may include
emotional and sexual passion.

Flirting: Playful romantic or sexual interactions that

communicate attraction. Flirting can cross the line and become
harassment if the recipient perceives it to be unwelcome or
offensive.
Relationships and Emotions
Cont’d

Dating and Courtship: Meeting, spending time together, and

going out as a part of the process of getting to know and love
someone, sometimes with the purpose of deciding whether or
not to marry.

Intimacy: Emotional closeness to others characterized by

feelings of connectedness, openness, sharing, and reciprocity.
Relationships and Emotions
Cont’d


Marriage and Lifetime Commitments: The union, usually

legal, of two people who make a commitment to love and
care for each other and share their lives and family
responsibilities over the long term.

Raising Children: Bringing up, providing for, and nurturing

children, usually as a part of a family.
Sexual Behaviour


Sexual behaviour is express through a variety of ways. This

component includes:

1. Masturbation: Giving oneself sexual pleasure, usually by

touching or rubbing one’s own genitals

2. Shared Sexual Behavior: Includes, but is not limited to:

• Kissing: Touching and caressing someone with one’s lips to express

affection and love.

• Caressing and Touching: Stroking gently to express affection and

love; being in physical contact with someone


• Sexual Intercourse: Vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse

Sexual Behaviour Cont’d


3. Abstinence: Not having sexual intercourse. Abstinence may

include other types of sexual touching.

4. Pleasure and Human Sexual Response: The enjoyable

response of the body to sexual touching, which may or may not
include orgasm, a highly pleasurable release of built-up sexual
tension.


5. Fantasy: Sexual or erotic thoughts, dreams, and imaginings

that are sexually arousing but are not necessarily acted on or even
desired in reality.
Sexual Health


Sexual health includes having the knowledge, attitudes and

taking the actions necessary to actively maintain the health of
one’s reproductive system and to avoid unwanted consequences
of sexual behavior.

This component includes:

Contraception: The use of various methods to intentionally

prevent pregnancy; these methods include devices, agents,
drugs, sexual practices, and surgical procedures.

Abortion: Induced termination of pregnancy.

Sexual Health Cont’d


Reproductive Tract Infections, (STIs), and HIV/AIDS:

A range of infections that occur in the reproductive tract, or

can be acquired through sexual intercourse or intimate sexual
contact (gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV/AIDS).
Many can be transmitted in other ways as well, such as during
childbirth.

Genital Care and Hygiene: Caring for and keeping one’s

genitals clean, healthy and free from injury.

Breast Self-Exam: A simple self-help technique in which

women feel their breast tissue in a prescribed manner to check
for changes or lumps that may indicate a problem.
Sexual Health Cont’d


Testicular Self-Exam: A simple self-help technique in which

men feel their testicles in a prescribed manner to check for
changes or lumps that may indicate a problem.

Unwanted Pregnancy: Decisions and actions taken to reduce the

risk of an unwanted pregnancy; includes abstinence, seeking
advice and preventive care, open and honest communication
between sexual partners, and the use of condoms and
contraception.

Prenatal Care: Regular check-ups with a trained health care

provider during pregnancy to monitor the health of the woman
and the foetus and to help to identify any problems early.
Sexual Health Cont’d


Infertility: The continuing inability to bear a child.

Sexual Dysfunction: A psychological or physical problem that

interferes with a person’s ability to express or enjoy his or her
sexuality to the fullest degree.

Sexual dysfunction includes lack of desire, inadequate

lubrication, and difficulties maintaining erections or achieving
orgasm.
Sexual Violence


Sexual violence is any violence (that is, abusive or unjust use

of power) that has a sexual aspect or element. It includes the
use of sexuality to influence, control, or manipulate others.
This element includes:

Sexual Abuse: Any sexual contact or interaction between an

older or more powerful person and a child or minor; this may
or may not involve touch.

Incest: A sexual relationship between two people who are too

closely related to get married by law or custom.
Sexual Violence Cont’d

Rape: Forced or nonconsensual sexual intercourse or other

intimate sexual contact. The force may be physical or
psychological.

Sexual intercourse constitutes rape if one of the parties is not

capable of giving consent for whatever reason.

Sexual Manipulation: Using sex to indirectly influence, control,

coerce, or exploit someone to one’s own advantage.

Sexual Harassment: Persistent unwelcome verbal or physical

sexual advances or conduct, or demand for sexual activity in
exchange for benefits, for example in a school or work setting.
Sexual Violence Cont’d

Partner or Domestic Violence: Physical or sexual violence

against a partner with whom one is in a romantic and/or
marital relationship.

Gender Discrimination: Showing preference or prejudice or

denying equal treatment to someone based solely on his or her
gender.

Harmful Practices: A range of practices, whether traditional

or modern, that decreases a person’s sexual well-being or
ability to experience his or her sexuality safely and
pleasurably.
 Why Should social workers

study human sexuality?

Relevance of social work in
sexuality


Human sexuality is a complex and diverse aspect of human

identity and behavior that encompasses a wide range of
experiences, orientations, and expressions.

It plays a significant role in individuals' overall well-being and is

an essential consideration in social work practice.

Clients expect social workers to understand issues of intimacy

and sexuality in order to provide guidance, education and
counselling in these areas (Boyle, 1993; Mary, 2007).
Relevance of social work in sexuality

1. Understanding Sexual Diversity:

Social workers need to recognize and respect the diversity of

sexual orientations and identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals.

It is important to affirm and support their rights, experiences, and

challenges in order to provide inclusive and culturally competent
care.

2. To better prepare social workers to understand and negotiate the

myriad of human sexuality issues, it is critical that human sexuality
becomes a more visible subfield of social work.
Relevance of social work in
sexuality Cont’d


3. Issues such as variant sexual behaviours, sexual assault,

adolescent sexuality, and sexual orientation have been framed
as “problems” to be solved by helping professionals (Myers
& Milner, 2007).

4. Addressing Stigma and Discrimination:

Many individuals who identify as LGBTQI+ face social stigma,

discrimination, and prejudice. Social workers play a crucial
role in challenging and combating these biases to promote
acceptance, equality, and social justice.

They can engage in advocacy, education, and policy

development to address and systemic barriers and promote
LGBTQI+ rights (Myers & Milner, 2007).
Relevance of social work in
sexuality Cont’d


5. Promoting Sexual Health and Education:

Social workers can provide comprehensive sexual health

education, counselling, and support services to individuals
across the lifespan.

This includes promoting safe and consensual sexual practices,

preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), supporting
contraceptive choices, addressing reproductive health
concerns, and fostering healthy relationships.
Relevance of social work in
sexuality Cont’d


6. Supporting Individuals with Sexual Issues and Concerns:

Social workers may encounter individuals or couples facing

various sexual issues or concerns.

These can include sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, intimacy

challenges, body image issues, gender dysphoria, and sexual
orientation exploration.

Social workers can provide a safe and non-judgmental space

for clients to discuss and explore these concerns, offering
therapeutic interventions and referrals as needed.
Relevance of social work in
sexuality Cont’d


7. Working with Individuals with Paraphilias:

Paraphilias refer to sexual interests or behaviours that deviate

from societal norms.

When working with individuals who have paraphilic interests,

social workers must approach the situation without judgment
and adhere to ethical guidelines.

They can help clients manage their paraphilic urges, reduce

harm, and explore healthy coping mechanisms while ensuring
the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
Relevance of social work in
sexuality Cont’d


8. Supporting Individuals with Sexual Violence or Abuse:

Social workers often play a critical role in supporting

survivors of sexual violence or abuse.

They can provide trauma-informed care, help individuals

navigate legal and medical processes, connect them to support
groups or therapy services, and assist in their healing journey.

Additionally, social workers can work towards preventing

sexual violence through community education, awareness
campaigns, and policy advocacy.
Social work, Sexuality and Ethics

Ethical Considerations: Social workers must adhere to

professional ethical guidelines when addressing issues
related to human sexuality.

They should maintain confidentiality, respect autonomy, and

avoid imposing their personal beliefs or values on clients.

Continuous professional development and self-reflection are

essential to ensure competent and ethical practice in the field
of human sexuality.
Conclusion


In summary, human sexuality is an integral part of social work

practice. By fostering inclusivity, challenging stigma,
promoting sexual health, supporting individuals with sexual
concerns, and addressing issues related to sexual violence,

social workers can contribute to creating a more equitable and

affirming society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual
orientation or identity.
 End of Lecture 1
 Questions or Comments?
Lecture 2
Sexual Orientation and Behaviours


Sexual Orientation

Sexual Rights

Patterns in Human Sexual Behaviour

 Sexual Orientation
Sexual Orientation


Sexual Orientation refers to a person's pattern of

emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of a
particular gender (male or female).

It involves a person's feelings and sense of identity.

It’s not necessarily something that’s noticeable to others.

People may or may not act on the attractions they feel.

Categories of Sexual Orientation

 Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex

 Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
 Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
 Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity
 Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people
What determines sexual
orientation?


Most scientists agree that sexual orientation is the result of a

combination of

environmental,

emotional, hormonal, and

biological factors.

In other words, many things contribute to a person's sexual

orientation, and the factors may be different for different
people.
How Do People Know Their
Sexual Orientation?


Many people discover their sexual orientation as teens or

young adults, and in many cases without any sexual
experience.

For example, someone may notice that their sexual thoughts

and activities focus on people of the same sex, or both sexes.

But it’s possible to have fantasies or to be curious about people

of the same sex without being homosexual or bisexual.
 Sexual Rights
Sexual Rights


Sexual rights protect all people's rights to:

fulfil and express their sexuality, and

enjoy sexual health,

with due regard for the rights of others and within a

framework of protection against discrimination." (WHO,
2006a, updated 2010).
Sexual Rights cont’d


Critical to the realization of sexual health include the right to:

equality and non-discrimination

be free from torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or

punishment

right to privacy

the highest attainable standard of health (including sexual health)

and social security

Sexual Rights cont’d


marry and to have a family, enter into marriage with the free and
full consent of the intending spouses, and to equality in and at the
dissolution of marriage.

decide the number and spacing of one's children

information, as well as education

freedom of opinion and expression, and

an effective remedy for violations of fundamental rights.

Sexual Rights cont’d


Consent

Related to sexual rights and sexual oppression is consent,

a significant and integral part of sex positivity.

Sexual consent is a direct and unequivocal agreement

to participate in a sexual activity with others and is
characterized by absence of any form of inherent
power imbalances.
Sexual Rights cont’d


Before being sexual with someone;

be honest about what both of you want and don’t want, and that
you know with absolute certainty that the person you desire
to be sexual with wants to be sexual with you too.

Consenting and asking for consent are all about setting

personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of your
partner.

Beyond “respecting” boundaries, it’s equally important that you

genuinely care about your partner as a fellow human being.
Sexual Rights cont’d


Without being granted consent, all forms of sexual activity

e.g., oral sex, genital touching, vaginal and anal

penetration)

are sexual assault.

According to Planned Parenthood (2019) there are five

basic components of sexual consent (FRIES):
Five Basic Components of
Sexual Consent (FRIES)
1.

Freely given. Consenting is a choice one makes without

manipulation, pressure, or under the influence of alcohol and
other drugs.

2.

Reversible. Regardless of the situation, people can change their

mind about what sensual/sexual activity they want to participate
in at any time, even while in the middle of the act itself.

3.

Informed. You can only consent when your partner “keeps it

100” and is honest with you. For example, if your partner tells
you that he will use a condom, and does not, that is not full
consent.
Five Basic Components of
Sexual Consent (FRIES) Cont’d


4. Enthusiastic. When it comes to engaging in sexual

activity, people should only engage in behaviours that they
truly want to, not things that they feel they’re expected to
do.

5. Specific. Saying yes to one form of sensual and/or sexual

activity (e.g., lying in bed while making out and kissing
each other’s necks), does not mean that you consent to any
other activity (e.g., engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex).
Reproductive Justice

Reproductive justice is a theoretical framework that was

invented as a response to United States reproductive politics.

Core components of reproductive justice include;

equal access to safe abortion,

affordable contraceptives,

comprehensive sex education, and

freedom from sexual violence.

Reproductive Justice Cont’d


Reproductive justice has three primary principles:

the right not to have a child;

the right to have a child; and

the right to parent /nurture children in safe and healthy

environments.

A world with true reproductive justice means that people

would have access to all of the resources they need to thrive.

They would have all the supports imaginable to have children,

not to have children, and to care for their families
Reproductive Justice Cont’d


Good Sexual and Reproductive Justice means:

1.

Having a safe and fulfilling sex life, with the freedom to decide
whether or not you want to reproduce, and at what time in your
life.

2.

Access to clear advice and information to able to choose from a

range of contraceptive options, without facing any stigma or
discrimination.

3.

Have access to maternal health services during pregnancy and

childbirth, to ensure a safe pregnancy for both mother and child.
 Patterns of Human Sexual Behaviour
Sex and the Human Life Cycle

The sex drive and sexual behaviour of an individual will

vary throughout life.

In this lecture, we will discuss these age-related patterns

in sexual behaviour.
Sexual Behaviour in Infancy

Infants (age 0-2) are not sexually indifferent people. They

derive pleasure from parental cuddling and affection.

This contact has lasting effect on later emotional, including

sexual well-being. Infants that lack affection can suffer
adverse reactions.

Infants also respond sexually. Male infants frequently

have erections and some are even born with an erection.

Although sexual response in female is more difficult to

observe, such responsiveness is probably there.
Sexual Behaviour in Infancy
Cont’d


In the first year, infants mainly derive their sexual pleasure

from oral stimulation such as sucking (Freud's oral stage).

In the second year, the infant becomes more interested in the

anal region and defecation. Freud’s anal stage.

Many infants also masturbate (the act of deriving sexual

pleasure from self-stimulation of the genitals). This is normal
and is not a sign of perversion and reason for punishment.

Babies often discover and begin to explore the pleasure of

their genitals erogenous zones in human
Sexual Behaviour During
Childhood


Between 3 and 7 years, females and males become

increasingly interested in sexually related activities.

By the end of the third year, children begin to derive

pleasure from stimulating their genital region (Freud’s
phallic stage). About 60% masturbate during stage.

The only difference between masturbation at the phallic and

oral stages is that, children learn not to do it in public.
Sexual Behaviour During
Childhood Cont’d


By age 4 to 5, females and males learn to exhibit more

socially related behaviours by hugging or holding hands
with the opposite sex.

Attempt is made to mimic their parents. Sexual games

between boys and girls are common.

By age 6 to 7, child develop more modesty and a sense of

privacy among their bodies.
Sexual Behaviour During Preadolescence

Between 8 and 12, sexual interest and behaviour lie dormant

according to Freud (sexually latent stage)

But other studies argue that children exhibit interest in sex.

Physical changes associated with puberty begin making many

adolescents uncomfortable to display their “new bodies”.
Sexual Behaviour During
Preadolescence Cont’d


Androgen level in both females and males at this age

increases and sex drive beings to blossom.

Since there is no outlet for this drive with another person,

masturbation tends to increase during these years.

Many preadolescent males learn masturbation from their

peers but preadolescent females discover this sexual outlet
by self-exploration.
Sexual Behaviour During Adolescence

During adolescence (13 to 19 years), there is a surge in

sex drive (Freud’s genital stage).

Most individuals at this stage are unmarried and much of

their time is occupied with relations with the opposite sex.

Today, most males and about two-thirds of females

experience premarital coitus before age 25.
Sexual Behaviour During
Adolescence Cont’d


Studies show that 72 percent of teenage males have

experienced heterosexual fellatio, (oral stimulation of the
penis); whilst

69 percent of teenage females have experienced

heterosexual cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vulva or
clitoris)

Coincident with the increase in adolescent sex drive is an

increase in the frequency and incidence of masturbation,
particularly among boys between 13 and 15 years.
Sexual Behaviour in Adults


Adults

One point of interest in adult sexuality is the frequency of

coitus in married couples.

According to Hunt and Westoff (1974), the average

American couple has coitus two or three times a week.

This gradually decline with age or length of marriage.

The final criterion for what is ‘normal’ is what is

satisfying to a couple.
Sexual Behaviour in Adults Cont’d

At the adult stage:

Married couples use a variety of coitus positions.

There is greater utilization of oral-genital contact among

couples.

Masturbation often continues after marriage.

Reasons for continuous masturbation

1. Absence of spouse. Masturbation is a source of outlet

when one’s spouse is not available.
Sexual Behaviour in Adults
Cont’d


2. Differences in sexual desire. Masturbation is used

when there is wide differences in sexual desire in a
couple.

3. Multiple organism. Many women report greater

multiple orgasm from masturbation than from coitus.

4. Sexual fantasies. Both men and women have erotic

dreams and can reach orgasm during these dreams.
Sexual Behaviour in Old Age


Old Age

At this stage, female reproductive system becomes less

functional after menopause. A ‘male climacteric’ also
occurs , to a varying degree in older men.

Nonetheless, sexual interest and activity do not necessarily

decline in old age. Some couples may be sexually active
even in their 80s.

Generally, about one-third of men are still potent after age

70. But many older people may be widowed.
Sexual Behaviour in Old Age
Cont’d


Reasons for sexual decline in older couples.

Monotony and repetitiveness of sex between couples.

Some older people may be preoccupied with careers or money

and therefor have no time for sex

Physical or mental illness can interfere with sexual desires.

Over indulgence in food or drink.

Some older people may fear that they will not perform
adequately, or feel sex is inappropriate at this time of life
 End of Lecture 2
 Questions or Comments?
Lecture 3
Atypical Sexual Behaviours


Variations in Human sexuality

Characterises of atypical sexual behaviour

Theoretical explanations of homosexuality

Explanation of other atypical sexual behaviours

Variations in Human Sexual Behaviour

Some people exhibit patterns of sex drive or sexual

behaviour that are not the typical ones seen in our culture.

Many of these unusual variations are considered

abnormal, deviant or perverse by the average
heterosexual Ghanaian.

This is because such practices violate the moral

standards of our culture.
Characteristics of Atypical Sexual Behaviour

A given level of sex drive or sexual behaviour should be

considered abnormal or deviant only if;

it is uncomfortable or harmful to the individual,

it does not lead to healthy human sexual relationships,

is bizarre in relation to what is usually done,

it harms another person, or

is done within the sight or sound of others.

Homosexuality

Homosexual behaviour is the act of having sexual contact

with a member of the same sex. (Greek homo = same).

Male homosexuals prefer to be called gays or

homophiles.

Female homosexuals often prefer the term lesbian, a name

derived from a Greek homosexual poetess named Sappho.
Homosexuality


The sexual behaviour of homosexuals is similar to those of

heterosexuals except for of course vaginal coitus.

Kissing, hugging and caressing are included in foreplay of

homosexuals

There are fellatio and anal coitus in homosexual males,

cunnilingus in lesbians, and mutual masturbation in both
sexes.

Some lesbians also practice tribadism, which is, when

one woman assumes a male like coital position.
Psychoanalysis’ Explanation of Homosexuality

The theory proposes that homosexuals experience an

abnormal development of parental attachment.

It posits that, between the ages of one and three, boys

form an Oedipus complex; that is, they fall in love with
their mother and become jealous of their father.

This conflict is resolved by the boy eventually

identifying with his father and repressing the desire for
his mother.
Psychoanalysis Explanation of Homosexuality
Cont’d

Psychoanalysis argues that male homosexuals retain a

negative Oedipus complex, that is, they desire their father
and become hostile to their mother.

Similarly, young girls form an Electra complex, in which

they fall in love with their father and become jealous of
their mother.

Later, they repress their feeling for father and identify with
their mother.
Other Explanations Cont’d


Situational Homosexual Behaviour

Situational homosexual behaviour, e.g. In prisons

homosexual behaviour is more common than in the
general population

This is not because more homosexuals commit crimes

and therefore end up behind bars.

Rather, this behaviour is done by heterosexuals who

switch to homosexual behaviour because there is no
heterosexual outlet for their sex drive.
Treatment of Homosexual

A homosexual should seek professional help only if

being gay makes him or her unhappy.

Traditionally, psychologists or psychiatrics have been

of help, even though they have also found it difficult to
treat homosexuals.
Fetishism

Fetishism is when a person is sexually fixated on

some object or on some part of another person’s body.

In most cases, this individual needs a specific object to

be sexually aroused.

Examples of sexual fetishism include parts of the body

such as feet, hair, breast or buttocks.
Trans-sexualism


Trans-sexualism

A trans-sexual is a person who feels that he or she is

trapped in the body of the wrong sex, a condition also
called sex-role inversion.
Sadism and Masochism

A sadist derives sexual pleasure from inflicting

physical or psychological pain on others.

An extreme case of sadism is when a psychotic person

derives sexual pleasure from killing and often mutilating
another person.

A masochist derives sexual pleasure from receiving

physical and psychological pain.
Voyeurism


A voyeur (French, voir = ‘to see’) is a person who

derives sexual pleasure from observing a nude person
or the sexual activity of others.
Exhibitionism


Exhibitionism or indecent exposure, is when a person

derives sexual pleasure from exposing his or her
genitals region in public.

Triolism is a form of exhibitionism, when two people

have a third person watch their sexual activity, this
third person then being a voyeur.
Paedophilia and Incest

Paedophilia is when a person desires or engages in

sexual act with a child. It is also called child molesting.

Incest

Incest is sex between close relatives including stepparents

and stepchildren.
Necrophilia and Bestiality

Necrophilia is having sexual relations with a corpse. It

reflects an extremely rare psychotic need to dominate.

Bestiality is having coitus with an animal. It is also called

zoophilia and it’s considered to be sodomy in some
societies.
Prostitution

Prostitution is the act of selling sex for immediate

monetary reward.

Some enter their trade for financial reasons or for the

glamour and excitement.

Others need to punish or degrade themselves or rebel

against their parents.

Others are in the business to support their drug habits.

Nymphomania and Satyriasis


Women with nymphomania possess a very high

insatiable desire for sex. They are compulsive and are
never satisfied.

Many have an obsessive need to be loved or accepted as a

means to release emotional tension.

The male equivalent of nymphomania is called satyriasis.

Promiscuity and Celibacy


Promiscuity

Promiscuity is when a person has coitus with many

people on a casual basis.

Celibacy

Celibacy is the total abstention from sexual activity

practiced by some religious groups such as Roman
Catholic priests.
Rape


Rape is forced sexual relations with a person without

his/her consent.

Rape can occur under threat or use of force, by

inducing fear or when a person is drugged or mentally
deficient.
Kinds of Rapist


Aggressive-aim rapist is motivated by a desire to hurt

the woman.

Sexual-aim rapist uses a minimal amount of violence.

He derives sexual pleasure from rape.

Impulse rapists are those who attack a woman when the

opportunity arises, e.g. a burglary of a home.
Rape Issues for Social Work

Rape Trauma Syndrome

These are physical harm, emotional response in a woman

after an attempted or actual rape.

Many women become indecisive whether to report and

press charges if the criminal is apprehended.

Some women become embarrassed or may fear reprisal if

the man is let go. They may even fail to discuss it with
close friends.
Rape Issues for Social Work
Cont’d


Even when a woman has the courage to report a rape, the police
respond with little understanding and often ridicule.

When a rape is tried in court, it often creates further trauma for

the woman.

She can be asked to answer questions about her past sexual

experience in an attempt by the defence counsel to show she
played some voluntary role in the incident.

Also, she is asked to recall in great detail, the events of the rape,
details that she would prefer to forget.
Rape Prevention Education


Stay away from dimly lit or deserted areas.

Walk in the middle of the sidewalk to avoid hidden areas.

Drive with the car windows up and doors locked and always.

Never let a strange male into your house.

Carry a physical deterrent like a mace.

When attacked

Engage in loud and continuous screaming

Run away if possible

Bite, scratch and kick the genitals of the perpetrator

Poke the eyes of the perpetrator

 End of Lecture 3
 Questions or Comments?
Lecture 4

The Dynamics of Social Attraction



Explanation of social attraction

Factors that determine attraction

Attraction and loving

Interpersonal Attraction


Explanation of Attraction

Attraction can be viewed as a force acting between two

people that tends to draw them together and resist their
separation.

Attraction between people leads to friendships and

romantic relationships.
Causes of Attraction


Many factors lead to attraction. These include:

proximity

similarity

physical attractiveness

familiarity

complementarity

reciprocal liking, and

reinforcement.
Proximity Effect


The proximity effect states that, the more we see and

interact with a person, the more likely he or she is to
become our friend or sexual partner.

We tend to be more attracted to people with whom we

have had contact several times than people with whom
we have had little contact.
Mere Exposure Effect


According to the mere exposure effect, the more a

person is exposed to a stimulus, the more the person
likes it.

The social allergy effect occurs when a person's

annoying habits grow worse over time, instead of
growing more fond of his or her idiosyncrasies (Miller,
2006).
Similarity (Like-Attracts-Like)

Similarity (Like-Attracts-Like)

Studies about attraction indicate that people are strongly

attracted to look-a-likes in physical and social appearance
("like attracts like").

In the broadest sense, similarity involves social

characteristics, life goals, ethnicity and appearance.

The more these points match, the happier people are in a

relationship (Folkes, 1982, Wilson et al., 2006).
Similarity in different aspects

Similarity and attraction are multidimensional. People are

attracted to others who are similar in:

Demographics e.g. age, race/ethnicity, economic

physical appearance,

attitudes,

social and cultural background e.g. social status

personality,

interests and activities preferences, etc.

Physical attractiveness


Individuals prefer partners who are more physically

attractive. This depends on gender to some extent.

Physical attractiveness is more important to males

evaluating females than to females evaluating males.

Generally, the principle seems to be that women’s worth

is based on their physical beauty, while men’s worth is
based on their success (economic, social status, etc.)
Attitudes


According to the ‘law of attraction’ by Byrne (1971),

attraction towards a person is positively related to the
proportion of attitudes similarity.

A person with similar attitudes as yours is more

agreeable with your perception of things and so the
more you like him/her (Clore, 1976)
Attitudes Cont’d

Research shows that high attitude similarity result to

increase in initial attraction to the target person and

high attitude dissimilarity resulted in a decrease of

initial attraction (Gutkin, Gridley & Wendt, 1976;
Kaplan & Olczak, 1971).
Social and cultural background

Byrne, Clore and Worchel (1966) suggested people with

similar economic status are likely to be attracted to each
other.

Buss & Barnes (1986) people prefer their romantic

partners to be similar in certain demographic
characteristics, including religious belief, political
orientation and socio-economic status.
Personality

Research shows that people are inclined to desire

romantic partners who are similar to themselves on:

agreeableness,

conscientiousness,

extroversion,

emotional stability,

openness to experience and

attachment style (Klohnen & Luo, 2003).

Effect of similarity attraction


Similarity promotes relationship commitment.

Study on heterosexual dating couples found that

similarity in intrinsic values of couples was linked to
relationship commitment and stability (Kurdek &
Schnopp-Wyatt, 1997).
Complementarity

Studies show that complementary interaction between two partners

increases their attractiveness to each other (Nowicki and Manheim;
1991).

Complementary partners preferred closer interpersonal relationship

than non-complementary ones (Nowicki & Manheim, 1991).

Couples who reported the highest level of loving and harmonious

relationship were more dissimilar in dominance (Markey &
Markey (2007)).
Similarity or complementarity?

The importance of similarity and complementarity

may depend on the stage of the relationship.

Similarity seems to carry considerable weight in

initial attraction,

while complementarity assumes importance as the

relationship develops over time.
Those Who Make us Feel Good


The central premise is that, we affiliate with, and like,

people we associate with positive feelings.

The reinforcement-affect model assumes people are

motivated by one very simple goal – the desire to feel
good (Byrne & Clore, 1970).
Those Who Offer us a Good Deal

 The model is derived from economic assumptions, and in

its simplest form,



presumes we approach relationships like a stockbroker

approaches a financial transaction

buy when it looks as if we’ll make a profit, sell if it

looks like we’ll make a loss.
Loving


Occasionally, people progress from initial impressions to

friendship to the more intense, complex, and mysterious
state of romantic love.

Elaine Hatfield (1988) distinguishes two types of love:

temporary passionate love and more enduring
companionate love.
Temporary Passionate Love


Hatfield defines passionate love as "a state of intense

longing for union with another."

This type of love tends to be more common at the outset

of a relationship.

People in this state of love tend to experience very

powerful feelings for each other.
Temporary Passionate Love


Emotional arousal is a key ingredient of passionate

love. Hatfield suggests two-factor theory of emotion
that can help us understand it.

The theory assumes that emotions have two

ingredients - physical arousal plus a cognitive label.

Arousal from any source can facilitate one emotion or

another, depending on how we interpret and the
arousal.
Enduring Companionate Love


“Love makes the time pass and time makes love pass,”
goes a French saying.

The passionate fire of love burns hot, and the relationship

that endures, usually cool to a warm afterglow.

This is what Hatfield calls companionate love, a strong,

affectionate attachment.
Loving Relationship


As marriage proceeds, the initial elation of passionate

love usually subsides, though it may rebound after the
children leave home (Hatfield & others, 1984; Mathes &
Wise, 1983).

The affection of companionate love may also dwindle

as a relationship ages, but under favorable circumstances
it deepens.
Key Ingredients in Loving
Relationship


One key to a gratifying and enduring relationship is

equity.

If decision-making power is shared, the chances for

sustained and satisfying companionate love are good.

Equitable giving and receiving - mutually sharing self

and possessions, emotional support, promoting and
caring about one another are the core of loving
relationship (Sternberg & Grajek, 1984).
Key Ingredients Loving
Relationship Cont’d


Another vital ingredient for loving relationship is

intimacy (Sternberg, 1986).

A strong friendship or marriage permits selfdisclosure, a revealing of intimate

detail about
ourselves

what we like and don’t like,

what we feel proud of or ashamed of,

what we spend most time dreaming or worrying

about. “
Conclusion


We endlessly wonder what makes our affections

flourish and fade, and how we can win the affections
of others.

Attraction leads to friendships and romantic

relationships. But the process is distinct from
perceptions of physical attractiveness which involves
views of what is, and is not considered beautiful or
attractive.
 End of Lecture 4
 Questions or Comments?
Lecture 5
 Sexual Dysfunction


Explanation of sexual Dysfunction

Classification of sexual Dysfunction

Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction

Introduction


Sexual dysfunctions involve problems in both sexual

behaviors as well as the thoughts and emotions that
accompany those behaviours.

Sometimes, the problems are caused by biological factors

whereas in others they result in psychological or
psychosocial adjustment problems.

Social, interpersonal and individual factors can all cause

sexual dysfunction.
Introduction Cont’d


Sexual dysfunction affects the quality and longevity of

important interpersonal relationships.

A person who is dealing with sexual dysfunction is often

aware of his or her lack of sexual interest or impaired
arousal or orgasmic capacity.

Although sexual dysfunctions involve behavioral

problems, they also involve the difficulties in the
relationship between mind and body.
Classification of Sexual Dysfunction


Problems with low sexual desire

- Hypoactive Sexual Desire disorder
- Sexual Aversion Disorder

Sexual Arousal Disorders

-Female Arousal Disorder
- Male Arousal Disorder

Orgasmic Disorders
- Female Orgasmic Disorder
- Male Orgasmic Disorder

Premature Ejaculation
- Two categories of premature ejaculation

Sexual Pain Disorders

- Dyspareunia
- Vaginismus
Classification of Sexual Dysfunction
Problems with Low Sexual Desire

Not everyone wants to have sex as often as possible.

Some people have an extremely low inclination to

share physical intimacy, and this low sexual interest
may be a stable aspect of their personality.

Others experience frank dislike for or even repugnance

thought of having any kind sexual interaction.
Hypoactive Sexual Disorders
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is a consistent trait of

individuals who have:

a notable absence of desire to have sexual intercourse or

engage in other forms of sexual activity, and

rarely if ever think or fantasizes about sex.

The word “frigid” is sometimes used to describe such

people (typically a woman) who does not seem very
interested in sharing physical intimacy.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire
Disorder Cont’d


Hypoactive sexual desire disorder does not include a person

who is not in the mood for sex or loss of sexual interest due
to more serious psychological problems, such as such
depression.

It also does not include lack of sexual interest due to illness

or side effect of a prescription of drug.

People with hypoactive sexual disorder encounter problems

cultivating sexual relationships and frequently experience a
wide range of problems with their spouses when they
married.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire
Disorder Cont’d


A person who has problems enjoying excitement and

orgasm probably develops diminished initial sexual
desire as well.

Sexual desire may be hypoactive for one individual

only or all possible partners. It usually develops during
one’s adult years. It is rare in adolescence or young
adulthood.

It may also emerge during particularly difficult or

stressful times. It may disappear when one’s life
circumstance improve.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire
Disorder Cont’d


Not all couples get together because they love one another
and enjoy shared sexual attraction. Many couples marry
practical reasons unrelated to enjoying sexual one
another sexually.

Family traditions and expectations, financial considerations,

religious and socioeconomic factors may all affect who gets
together with whom.

When such considerations impact on marital decisions in

the absence of sexual interest, sexual attraction may simply
not occur.
Sexual Aversion Disorder


The word "aversion" carries with it some strong

connotations of dislike and repugnance.

Individuals with sexual aversion disorder experience

strong dislike of shared sexual activity and avoid any
physical contact or verbal interaction likely to lead to
sexual interaction.

These individuals have very low sex or no sex drive and

very nervous about the prospect becoming sexually aroused
(Crenshaw, 1985).
Strong Dislike for Sexual
Intercourse
Sexual Aversion Disorder Cont’d


Some people with sexual aversion are particularly

repelled by specific sexual stimuli or aspects of sexual
interaction, whereas others experience a general
distaste for all cues of with explicit or even implicit
sexual meanings.

These individuals go to great lengths to avoid

encountering any stimuli with sexual connotations and
are vigilant for the unexpected appearance of erotic
stimuli.
Sexual Aversion Disorder Cont’d


Noll, Tricket and Putman (2003) maintain that sexual

aversion in adults often develop from childhood
sexual abuse.

Individuals with childhood sexual abuse report

unpleasant memories and emotions connected with their
abuse and these feeling later affect their sexual arousal
negatively.
Sexual Arousal Disorder
Sexual Arousal Disorder


Sexual arousal disorders are very a very different kind

of problems .

In these disorders, a person may very much desire to

share sexual intimacy with another but their bodies
do not go along with their inclinations.

Both women and men experience arousal disorders.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder


Female sexual arousal disorder involves:

i. reduced or absent virginal lubrication, and
ii. swelling of tissues surrounding the opening of
the vagina making penetration uncomfortable.

Intercourse may be painful, usually accompanied by tension

between partners, and a feeling of anxiety in the woman.

This may be due to organic or psychosocial factors.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder


These diminished genital responses can occur if a woman:

i. Feels she has had too little foreplay
ii. Doesn’t like, trust or enjoy her partner
iii. Has vaginal infection
iv. Has medical condition or side effect of medication

Uncomfortable penetration can be reduced by the use of

sterile or non-petroleum based lubricants.
Sexual Arousal Disorder
Male Erectile Disorder


Male erectile disorder is the inability of a man to attain and

maintain an erection of sufficient firmness for a long period to
enjoy sexual intercourse.
i. When a man cannot attain and maintain erection on
a repeated basis,
ii. consistently lose their erection before ejaculation, or
iii. before they and their partner have enjoyed some sense
of sexual satisfaction.

Men with erectile dysfunction long term or situationally

usually have normal fertility; erectile dysfunction and fertility
are different things.
Male Erectile Dysfunction
Male Erectile Disorder Cont’d


While women with sexual arousal disorder can use

lubricants to facilitate comfortable intercourse, men without
erection have no alternative.

Biological, pathological, psychological, and drug-related

factors may all play a role in this disorder.

Generally, men who feel anxious about sexual intercourse

are more likely to experience erectile difficulties.
Male Erectile Disorder Cont’d


Men who worry a lot about their performance and fear

they may not satisfy their partners also experience this
disorder

Even though erectile dysfunction can result from both

biological and pyschological factors, about four out of
five cases of erectile dysfuction has a biological cause.

Male erectile disorder can create feelings of failure and

frustration for the man, as well as disappointment and
distress in their partner.
Feelings of Failure
Disappointment and Distress
Male Erectile Disorder Cont’d


Although some men may experience a lifelong pattern of

erectile dysfunction, most men will experience
situational bout of this problem in their adult years.

Other factors that play role in erectile dysfunction

include:
i. Cigarette smoking,
ii. Regular abuse of alcohol, and
iii. High blood cholesterol.
Types of Male Sexual Dysfunction
Orgasmic Disorders


People with orgasmic disorders have no problems

experiencing sexual desire nor difficulties in responding
physically to erotic stimuli.

They experience desire and arousal. But they just can't

have orgasms or do not occur regularly and reliably
under conditions that would foster a stable pattern of
orgasmic response.

Orgasmic disorder can be delayed, diminished or

absent altogether.
Female Orgasmic Disorder


A female orgasmic disorder is often referred to as

anorgasmia.

Types of anorgasmia

 Primary anorgasmia: It is the lack of orgasmic response

in women who have never had an orgasm by any

means,

 including masturbation, fantasizing, oral stimulation, or

anal or vaginal penetration.

Female Orgasmic Disorder


Situational anorgasmia: A condition in which women have

orgasms only by means of limited patterns of stimulation.

Unless everything is "just so" in terms of person, place, time,

and method of stimulation these women simply do not have
orgasms.

Random anorgasmia: Here orgasms do not occur regularly

even when a woman feels sexual desire and arousal.

Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't, and it's hard

to determine just exactly why. It is not related to illness,
prescription drugs.
Female Orgasmic Disorder


Secondary anorgasmia: A condition in which a woman

has lost a previously reliable pattern of sexual
responsiveness. Although the woman enters the plateau
phase but doesn't reach the stage of orgasm.

Sometimes when a woman begins taking birth control

pills they experience secondary anorgasmia for a while.
Painful intercourse from sexual assaults can interfere
with orgasm.

Women who are involved in unrewarding relationships

may also lose their previously pattern of orgasmic response.
Female Orgasmic Disorder
Male Orgasmic Disorder
Male Orgasmic Disorder


Male orgasmic disorder is a condition in which a man

can:

attain and maintain an errection,

penetrate his partner,

engage in prolong pelvic thrusting

but does not ejaculate or ejaculation delayed, and

require vigorous and prolonged stimulation.

This condition is also referred to retarded ejaculation,

or ejaculatory incompetence.
Male Orgasmic Disorder


While these men in this condition do not generally

ejaculate during sexual intercourse,

they do ejaculate regularly during masturbation, or

when their partners orally stimulate their penises.

Men who have orgasmic disorder can have orgasms

during wet dreams, meaning that their physiological
mechanism of orgasm is functional.

This means that psychological factors, such as guilt, fear,

resentment, and passivity may also be involved.
Premature Ejaculation


Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual

dysfunction among men.

It involves a man's inability to withhold his

ejaculation long enough for his partner to enjoy
some significant sense of sexual satisfaction.

Very often he ejaculates as soon as he penetrates his

partner or after brief thrusting (Masters & Johnson
1970).
Premature Ejaculation Cont’d
Premature Ejaculation Cont’d
Premature Ejaculation


Two broad categories of premature ejaculation

 Primary: In primary premature ejaculation, a man has

always been a rapid ejaculator, often for a good reason.

 Many adolescents masturbate frequently and alone without

paying attention to a partners satisfaction.

 Besides, masturbation among boys is often very quick

taking only a few minutes.

Premature Ejaculation


With time rapid ejaculation become habitual and hard

to unlearn. This partly explains primary premature
ejaculation.

When these young men later established a relationship

with a partner, the old firmly established pattern of rapid
ejaculation is still deeply set in their sexual thinking and
responding.

When rapid ejaculation results from learning, it has an

obvious psychological factor.
Premature Ejaculation


Secondary: Here, the man has enjoyed many years of

intercourse and was able to control his orgasm for his
partner to enjoy prolonged sex and orgasm.

With time, he cannot withhold his orgasm as effectively as

he was able to do in the past. This can be caused by both
psychological and biological factors.

The point in time when a man is certain that he can no

longer withhold ejaculation is called ejaculatory
inevitability
Premature Ejaculation


A common cause of premature ejaculation is performance

anxiety. The tension and stress of expectations often make
it difficult for a man to monitor his level of arousal and
therefore unable to withhold his ejaculation.

In recent time, premature ejaculation have attributed it to

neurobiological instead of pyshcological

Waldinger (2002) aruges that small but significant

imbalances of a brain neurotransmitter called serotonin
contributes to premature ejaculation.
Sexual Pain Disorders


Sexual pain disorder is a condition when sexual

intercourse is persistently uncomfortable, or

When a woman or man habitually experiences genital

discomfort, especially if either party is distressed or their
relationship suffers.

Sexual pain disorders are not fully explained by lack of

lubrication. The discomfort need not be associated only
with vaginal penetration.

These disorders can be caused by a combination of

psychological and biological factors.
Sexual Pain Disorders:
Dyspareunia


Dyspareunia refers to pain that recurs during sexual

intercourse in either women or men.

This discomfort may be associated with vaginal

penetration or the expectation of intercourse.

It can be apparent after a couple has finished having sex.

Women who experience dyspareunia complain discomfort

insertion and/or deep pelvic thrusting.
Sexual Pain Disorders:
Dyspareunia


Some people experience dyspareunia throughout

their lives, whereas others developed it later in life.

Some people report "sharp pains"

others report "twinges of hurting," and

others talk of " aching sensations".

Sexual Pain Disorders
Sexual Pain Disorders:
Dyspareunia


Unusual anatomical variations as well as a smallerthan normal vagina, can

contribute to this condition.

The most perplexing causes are psychological and/or

psychosocial. If a person anticipates pain during
intercourse because of the previous experience, he or she
may again anticipate.

This is because the individual imagines that he or she

may actually be injured in the act of sexual intercourse.

A woman may also experience dyspareunia as a result of

a surgical procedure.
Sexual Pain Disorders:
Vaginismus


Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman

experiences spastic (uncontrolled) contraction of the
muscle at the opening of her vagina as well as the
outer one-third of the vagina.

This usually makes penile penetration difficult if not

impossible.

These muscle contractions are completely involuntary,

at least not until she learns special relaxation techniques.
Sexual Pain Disorders:
Vaginismus


Vaginismus is one of the most common reasons for

unconsummated marriages, and the feelings of frustration
among women and men in this situation.

The causes of Vaginismus are primarily psychological

or psychosocial,

even though a number of biological conditions can

contribute to it.
Treatment of Sexual
Dysfunction
Sex Therapy
Psychological Counselling
Psychological Counselling
Managing Sexual Pain
Managing Sexual Dysfunction
Managing Sexual Dysfunction
Managing Sexual Dysfunction
Treatment of Premature Ejaculation
Treatment of Premature
Ejaculation


Another important thing to teach men experiencing

premature ejaculation is to:

pay attention to their growing sexual excitement, and

the rate at which they are approaching ejaculation.

Treatment of Premature Ejaculation
Medication
Medication
Herbs for Premature
Ejaculation
Treatment of Premature Ejaculation Foreplay
Treatment of Premature
Ejaculation - Foreplay
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
 End of Lecture 5
 Questions & Comments?
Lecture 6


Aphrodisiac and Sexuality

Definition and Nature of Aphrodisiac

Categories of Aphrodisiac

How Aphrodisiac works

Factors that Influence Aphrodisiac use

Side Effects of Aphrodisiac

Introduction


Sexual dysfunction has been reported to affect about

52% of men and about 63% of women across the globe
(Manortey, Mensah, & Acheampong, 2018).

As a result, many people resort to sex enhancing drugs

to improve, preserve, and restore their sexual function.

Ironically, about half of the aphrodisiac users have no

medically diagnosed sexual problem but often use these
sexual enhancers.
What is Aphrodisiac?

An aphrodisiac is any substance or food that increases

sexual desire, arousal, pleasure, performance, or
pleasure (Manortey, Mensah, & Acheampong, 2018).

Induces sexual desire

Arouses the sexual instincts,

Increases sexual pleasure and

Sexual performance”
What is Aphrodisiac Cont’d

Aphrodisiac Foods

Aphrodisiac Drink
History of Aphrodisiac


Aphrodisiacs have been used and sought after for

thousands of years and have often been made from
everything (from minerals to food to plants).

The word "aphrodisiac" comes from the name of

Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Foods such as oysters, chocolate, cloves, cinnamon and

ginger have all been believed at various points in human
history to play a part in increasing sexual arousal and
performance.
Nature of Aphrodisiacs


Aphrodisiacs are packaged as either chemical

formulations, or locally prepared herbal mixtures.

Locally prepared herbal mixtures are referred to as

natural aphrodisiacs, whereas,

Chemical formulations are referred to as orthodox

aphrodisiacs.
Locally Prepared Herbal Mixtures
Chemical Formulations - Orthodox Aphrodisiacs
Categories of Aphrodisiacs

Researchers have proposed three categories of

aphrodisiacs. These are:

Aphrodisiacs that increase libido (libido-increasing

aphrodisiacs)

those that enhance sexual pleasure (sexual pleasureincreasing aphrodisiacs), and

those that increase potency (potency-increasing

aphrodisiacs) (Manortey, Mensah, & Acheampong, 2018).
Libido Enhancing Aphrodisiacs

Libido: Low desire is the most prevalent sexual

problem for middle-aged women, affecting nearly
70% of women during midlife.

However, low libido is something that can affect men

and women of all ages.

Supplements are often claimed to increase libido,

although the effectiveness of these substances remains
questionable.
Libido Enhancing Foods

Here are eight of the

most common foods
said to be known
aphrodisiacs.
Whether they do put
users in the mood or
not is debatable

Artichokes

Asparagus

Chocolate

Figs

Oysters

Spicy chili peppers

Strawberries

Watermelon
Potency-increasing Aphrodisiacs
Potency


Potency: Aphrodisiacs
are often also purported
to increase sexual
potency and performance.

Some substances are used

to improve stamina,
lubrication, and
endurance.

Alomo Bitters
Potency-increasing Aphrodisiacs
Action Bitters

Orijin Bitters
Pleasure-Enhancing Aphrodisiacs

Sexual Pleasure: Some aphrodisiacs are seen as

being able to improve overall sexual pleasure.

Such products are thought to make sex more

enjoyable.

Even people who enjoy a healthy sex life may find the
lure of more enjoyable sex a good reason to try an
aphrodisiac.
Pleasure-increasing Aphrodisiacs
Pleasure-increasing Aphrodisiacs
Categories Cont’d


Aphrodisiacs also tend to fall into different categories in

terms of how they are supposed to work.

Spicy substances, such as hot chili peppers, are

sometimes considered aphrodisiacs to induce feelings of
arousal because they increase body temperature.

Reproductive organs of certain animals, such as eggs

or animal testicles, are sometimes believed to increase
sexual potency or performance.
Categories Cont’d
 Foods that evoke the senses, including sights, smell, and
taste, are often supposed to have aphrodisiac properties.
 By arousing the senses, such substances are thought to help
people feel more sexually aroused.

 Rare and exotic foods or spices are often viewed as having

aphrodisiac effects.

 Foods that resemble sexual organs such as banana, cucumber,

etc. are sometimes believed to be stimulating, including certain
fruits and vegetables.
How Does Aphrodisiac work?


Increasing blood flow. Aphrodisiac substances that increase

potency do so by increasing vasodilation. That is increase
blood flow to part of the body the penis.

Promoting lubrication and sensitivity. Substances that

enhance sexual pleasure do so by lubricating the genital
area and increasing sensitivity in that area.

Influencing hormones. Boost sex drive by increasing sex

hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen.

They also impact neurotransmitters that affect sexual

desire, such as dopamine and serotonin.
How Does Aphrodisiac work?

While many of these supplements make big promises about

boosting sexual libido or stamina, these may be more of a
placebo effect than anything else.

Because there isn't scientific evidence to show the actual

influence these foods and drinks on sexual desire or
performance.

However, some studies have found that some of these foods

work because of things like potassium, zinc, and
phytochemicals that can improve well-being (Krychman
2015).
How Does Aphrodisiac work?


Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids can help improve

blood flow throughout the body, including the genitals

Research has shown dark chocolate as aphrodisiac may

help improve blood flow.

However, one study that looked at a variety of natural

sexual enhancers found no evidence that dark chocolate
had any impact as an aphrodisiac.
How does Aphrodisiac work?
 Alcohol, also has been shown to have an impact on
increasing arousal levels.
 Regular moderate consumption of red wine was linked to
better sexual health in women.
 Research shows that women who drink one to two
glasses of red wine each day experience more sexual
desire and overall sexual functioning.


However, while low to moderate alcohol intake may

increase desire, excessive alcohol use can also hinder
sexual performance.
Factors that Influence Aphrodisiac Use

Interplay of biological, psychological and social

factors contributes to the massive patronage of
aphrodisiacs.

Makwana et al. (2013) have argued that although the

primary use of aphrodisiacs is for treating erectile
dysfunction, their use in recent years have been
more recreational than medical.
Biological factors


Biological factors including ageing and diseases such

as hypertension, diabetes, etc. that lead to reduction
of sex drive (Shigehara et al., 2021).

This influences such people to use aphrodisiacs in

order to improve their sex potency (Kotta et al., 2013;
Shigehara et al., 2021).
Personal factors (Sexual dysfunction)

 Erectile difficulties,
 Anxiety with sexual performance,
 Premature ejaculation,
 Lack of sexual desire,
 Dissatisfaction with sexual intercourse,
 Inability to achieve orgasm,
 Difficulty with sexual arousal,


Other sexual dysfunction (Atuobi-Bediako, 2019

Social factors


Peer pressure

Men openly discuss their sexual escapades with their peers

and family.

Men who are unable to “perform longer” in bed are advised

by their spouses, friends and family to seek help, for which
reason they go in for aphrodisiacs Fiaveh (2019) .

Thus, to exhibit their masculine prowess among their peers,

men tend to utilize aphrodisiacs to enhance their sexual
performance.
Social factors Cont’d

Fear of ridicule

The fear of being ridiculed by their spouses. Some men are

threatened with divorce when they are unable to sexually
satisfy their wives (Atindanbila et al., 2014).

The perception of sexual prowess as a sign of masculinity is

a runs through most cultures and ethnic groups in Ghana.

Fiaveh (2019) reported that some men are ridiculed due to

the fact that they are unable to provide satisfaction to their
wives and/or partners sexually.
Social factors Cont’d


Multiple Partners

Most men will always want to satisfy multiple sex partners

to ensure fairness, especially where polygamy is practised
(Amoah et al., 2022; Yidana et al., 2019).

Adverts

Adverts in both print and electronic media promote

aphrodisiac and influenced it use (Manortey et al., 2018).
People normally practice what they hear and see.
Psychological factors


Positive feedback from women contribute to the increase

of aphrodisiac use (Amoah et al., 2022; Brunetti et al.,
2020; Yidana et al., 2019).

Young men feel they are “real men” when their female
sexual partners appreciate their sexual performance in bed
hence, they are motivated to use aphrodisiacs (Manortey
et al., 2018).

Some men believe that if their ladies show pain during

sex, then they are ‘men’” (Amoah, Adjei, Arthur-Holmes,
2022).
Psychological factors


Although sex therapists have recommend that 3-7

minutes intravaginal ejaculatory period is normal,

there is a perception among most men that an intravaginal

ejaculatory period should range between 7-25 minutes.

Thus, most aphrodisiacs use among some men is based on

a wrong perception of “normal” intravaginal ejaculatory
period (Manortey, Mensah, and Acheampong, 2018).
Side Effects of Aphrodisiacs


Aphrodisiacs may have many side effects including:

dizziness,

headache,

hypotension,

restless

unconsciousness,

decrease in sex quality,

priapism, and

in extreme case coma (Yidana et al., 2019).

Conclusion


Overall, Community-level factors (social norms &

expectations),

interpersonal factors (expectations of partners &

friends),

public policy (drug-related regulations), and

institutional factors (access and use of drugs) all

contribute to the sale and use of aphrodisiacs among
both men and women in Ghana (Amoah et al., 2022).
 End of Lecture 6
 Questions or Comments?
 Kotta S, Ansari S. H, & Ali J. (2013).
Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs. Pharmacog Rev.
2013;7(13):1-10. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.112832

 Krychman M. (2015). Natural aphrodisiacs - A review of selected

sexual enhancers. Sex Med Rev. 2015;3(4):279-288.
doi:10.1002/smrj.62