Biology and Health Sciences

Key unit competency 

To be able to explain safe sex, sexuality and sexual behaviours and argue for control of sex violations.

Learning objectives 

After studying this unit I should be able to: 

• Describe male and female responses to sexual stimulation. 

• Explain different ways couples can show love and affection. 

• Outline responses to sexual attraction and stimulation at puberty by boys and girls. 

• Share experience and emotional attraction to sexuality. 

• Recognise that sexual relationships require emotional and physical maturity. 

• Be sensitive to others feelings, beliefs and attitudes towards sex. 

• Develop self-confidence and control towards sexual thoughts and feelings.

Introduction 

You may have read about adolescence in primary school science. What does the word mean? What are some of the risks which we encounter during adolescence? What should we do to avoid them? Now look at the picture below. What is going in the picture? Is it good or bad?

Suggest activities the two could engage in that are more constructive other than what is happening.

14.1 Male and female sexual responses 

Discussion corner 

1.  Discuss with your classmates about the following: 

2.  Note down your findings. 

3.  Share your findings with the rest of the class members.

The human sexual response is a series of changes that take place in the body in response to sexual stimulation. These changes take a different form in men and women. The stages are in four phases as below.

1. Excitement phase 

This is the initial stage of stimulation that gets the body ready for sex. The stimulation may be due to kissing, seeing an attractive person or soft touches. This stage is accompanied by a rise in heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. The phase can last for a few minutes to several hours. 

2. Plateau phase 

This is a phase that prepares both man and woman for orgasm. It is characterised by increased heartbeat, muscle tension and blood pressure. 

3. Orgasmic phase 

The orgasm is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include: Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing which are at their highest rates, accompanied by a rapid intake of oxygen.  

This phase is accompanied with sexual pleasure and satisfaction with release of sexual tension. 

4. Resolution phase 

During resolution, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning. This phase is marked by a general sense of well-being, enhanced intimacy and, often, fatigue. 

Sexual stimulation 

This is any stimulus whether physical or mental that leads to sexual arousal. These stimulations may lead to orgasm if they are sufficient. The term sexual stimulation often implies stimulation of the genitals, but may also include stimulation of other areas of the body, stimulation of the senses (such as sight or hearing) and mental stimulation (from reading or fantasising).

Sexual arousal may arise without physical stimulation but achieving orgasm usually requires physical sexual stimulation. 

Puberty in boys and girls

Activity 14.1: Investigating puberty 

1. In groups share experiences you have on the emotional attraction to sexuality. 

2.  You will watch a film about physical and emotional changes during puberty. 

3.  Role play boy-girl relationship.

4.  Share your experience with the rest of the class. 

Puberty is a period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. Numerous changes take place both in males and females at this stage. Puberty comes as a result of hormones that originate from the gonads: testicles in men and ovaries in females. 

Teenagers normally face challenges during this period of growth and development. The greatest challenge is increase in sexual desire in both females and males. These challenges include unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Normally there is no big physical difference between males and females before puberty apart from the sexual organs. 

Puberty in boys 

Puberty in males takes place between the ages of 11 and 13 on average. When a boy reaches puberty at an early stage, he may have benefits.  The benefits include popularity with his fellow peers because of being tall and therefore a leader. Late onset of puberty can lead to low self-esteem in males and such  may also face problems of anxiety and fear. Sexual desire is at its peak. Boys start dating girls at this stage. 

This is a critical time where boys need guidance and counseling because most of them face problems; associated with increased body activity and sexual desire. The problems faced at this stage include: 

Puberty in girls 

On average, girls begin puberty at an early age of about 10-11years. Puberty in girls occurs fast as compared to boys. Menstruation in girls is a characteristic that shows the onset of puberty. This is brought about by the growth and development of the ovaries. 

Early onset of puberty in girls is detrimental, causing low self-esteem and stress. This is due to breast enlargement and a lot of fat deposition on the body that causes different body shapes between the girl and her peers. Early onset is caused by a number of factors which include diet and environmental exposure. 

Puberty in girls is more challenging to parents. Girls tend to become more private and sensitive emotionally. Parents should therefore be more careful. Social behaviours of girls also tend to change. Girls become more attracted to males than females. The main challenge that girls face during puberty is unwanted pregnancies. Other challenges include rejection from peers, clothes to wear and physical appearance.

Sexuality education 

• Girls should be aware of the biological importance of growth and development. They should be reminded of the sexual dangers that exist at this stage of development; the risk of contracting STDs and unwanted pregnancies. It should also be a point to these girls to maintain general cleanliness and hygiene especially for a healthy life. 

• Both girls and boys should be reminded that sex is not the only way to express love. They should abstain from sex until marriage.

Self-evaluation Test 14.1 

1.  Describe emotional changes that occur in boys and girls during puberty. 

2.  Draw a step diagram to show sexual response in males and females. 

3.  Is there a way to avoid unnecessary sexual stimulation?

14.2 People and sexual relationships 

Discussion corner 

1. Discuss the following questions with your classmates. 

2.  Note down your findings. 

3.  Share your findings with the rest of the class members.

People develop different types of relationships ranging from acquaintances to friendships to romantic relationships. Most people form romantic relationships. This involves falling in love and making a commitment.  Intimate relationships bring a sense of stability and security. Partners in a healthy relationship should have the following characteristics; they should: 

It is important to note that sexual relationships between close members of a family like father and daughter is unacceptable. It is considered a taboo in the society and is also punishable by law. This form of sexual relationship is called incest. If it happens, children born normally suffer from genetic disorders and lack of vigor. The following are forms of sexual relationships: 

a) Exogamy- since incest is a taboo in the Rwandan society, individuals  are advised to find their mates outside their family circles. This is known as exogamy. Endogamy is the opposite of exogamy where individuals are allowed to marry their distant cousins. 

b)  Monogamy: This is a longterm relationship between a man and a woman in which none has other sexual partners. In the Rwandan society, monogamy is the legal form of sexual relationship.

c) Polygamy: This is a long term sexual relationship of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. An example is a man having more than one wife or a woman with more than one man. The Rwandese government is not in support of polygamous sexual relationships. These relationships are a source of sexually transmitted diseases and also contribute to poor family planning that hinders development in families. 

d) Casual relationships: This is an act of having sex with someone you do not have an attachment to. This is the case when one engages with a sex worker. Casual relationships are dangerous since they can be sources of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS and other forms of sexual and physical abuse. 

e) Dating relationships: This is when two people (a boy and a girl) go out together. It leads to engagement and later marriage. Dating should be done carefully. You should avoid sexual intercourse until at appropriate time e.g. after marriage. Sexual intercourse can lead to unexpected pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS.

Sexual problems and disappointment 

A sexual problem or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem experienced during any phase of the sexual response cycle. Such a problem prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The following are some of the sexual disappointments.

In males 

a)  Premature ejaculation: This is a condition whereby a man cannot delay ejaculation long enough to satisfy the woman. 

b)  Impotence: This is the inability to produce or maintain an erection. Impotence occurs as a result of fear, anxiety, disease such as diabetes and drug abuse. 

c)  Inflammation: Blockage of the urethra occurs as a result of an infection or due to swelling of the prostrate gland. 

In females 

a)  Vaginal discharges: This is any abnormal discharge from the vagina. It can be a white discharge with irritating smell especially after sexual intercourse. 

b) Functional disorders: This is the inability of a woman to experience sexual pleasure and satisfaction. This results from emotional problems, feeling of guilt and trauma. 

Sexuality, age and culture 

Sexuality refers to anything to do with being male or female. Human beings have engaged in sexual relationships for long. Each society, however, interprets sexuality and sexual activity in different ways. Human sexuality is part of social life. 

The society dictates the norm; what is considered acceptable or unacceptable.  Sexual behaviors are based on the morals and values of the particular society. The following sexual behaviors are unacceptable in the Rwandan culture: 

i) Incest: This is the act of having sex with a close relative. 

ii) Homosexuality: This is where people of the same sex are engaged in a sexual relationship. 

iii) Masturbation: The act of selfstimulation that leads to sexual satisfaction.

 iv) Anal sexual intercourse: This is a type of sexual activity in which the penis is inserted into the anus. 

v) Rape: The act of forcing some one into sexual intercourse without consent. 

vi) Adultery: Having sex outside wedlock. vii) Fornication: Engaging in sex before marriage. 

viii) Sex slavery: The act of taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in a forced commercial sex. 

ix) Prostitution: Engaging in sexual relationships for financial gains. 

Ageing is process of growing old. The ageing process does not reduce the need or desire for sex. For many older adults, the concept of sexuality includes practices such as kissing, hugging and fondling. Such activity may replace actual intercourse and becomes increasingly important for those who no longer desire or are in capable of sexual intercourse.  

Ageing in men 

In an ageing male, the most common sexual dysfunction is erectile dysfunction. This can be due to hormonal changes as part of normal ageing or due to underlying conditions such as diseases. Testosterone hormones in men decline with age. This hormone is produced by the testis in man. It increases sexual urge and libido. 

Ageing in women 

The most common sexual dysfunction in women, is lack of desire and arousal. This is due to decrease in hormones, which begins at menopause and continue as women age. This decrease in hormones may also produce reduced muscles, loss of bone mass and declining energy. Sexually, it may result in vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and decreased ability to achieve orgasm. 

Violation of human rights 

Look at the picture below. What is happening? In your opinion, should children be treated this way? Suggest better methods of discipline.

Human right is a right that is believed to belong justifiably to every person. This right is supposed to be enjoyed by each and every one irrespective of their position in the society. Violation of human rights includes: sexual harassment or abuse, coercion and human trafficking. 

Child sexual exploitation 

Child sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.

Children or young people are tricked into sexual relationships by being offered money. They might be invited to parties and given drugs and alcohol. They may also be recruited online.

Some children and young people are illegally taken into foreign countries for the purpose of sexual exploitation. This is part of human trafficking. 

Sexual assault 

Sexual assault is any forced or coerced sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. Sexual assault includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation, and sexual harassment or use of threats.

Self-evaluation Test 14.2 

1.  What are the effects of sex outside marriage? 

2.  Suggest factors that propagate sexual abuse of children.  

3.  How does culture affect sexuality?

Unit summary 

• Sexual response in both male and female has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. 

• Sexual stimulation is any stimulus including bodily contact that leads to, enhances and maintains sexual arousal, and may lead to orgasm. 

• Puberty is the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

• Affection is a physical expression of feelings. It is usually associated with love and long-term relationships. 

• Sexual problems and disappointments are difficulties experienced by an individual or a couple during any stage of a normal sexual activity, including physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal or orgasm. 

• Sexuality is a person's sexual orientation or preference.

• Human rights are the rights a person has simply because he or she is a human being. Human rights are held by all persons equally, universally, and forever. 

• Violation of human rights include: sexual harassment, coercion and human trafficking.