Methods of Contraception

PSY/265 Version 3

October 07, 2011

     It takes thought, planning, and consistency to have an effective birth control plan.  Different situations call for different methods; a young married couple who wants to start a family will have different options than is a single woman with perhaps multiple partners.  Each method and plan will provide different benefits and issues.  Just as important to childbirth planning are the roles that both male and female partners play in its execution.

     Tina and Dan, a young newly married couple, have been looking at the various methods of birth control.  They need help because they also are planning to start a family within a year.  To help them, it is imperative that any plan they choose not alter Tina’s hormones so that she could not conceive when they are both ready to start their family.  After reviewing many methods of birth control, the best decision would be to use a diaphragm and spermicides.  The doctor can fit Tina with a diaphragm, they are very effective when used with spermicides in avoiding pregnancy and will not alter her hormones.  When the couple is ready to conceive, they can simple stop using the diaphragm and spermicide.  The downside to this method is the high pregnancy rate when not used properly.  Forethought is also required with this method, for proper insertion; pressure on the vaginal and cervical walls may cause urinary tract or vaginal infections (Rathus, et. al., 2005).  Dan’s role will be pivotal, by showing patience and encouragement while Tina learns to insert the diaphragm he can learn how to help with the spermicide so they both have an active role in their birth control plan.

     Whereas Linda, a young single woman with an active dating life, a diaphragm may not be quite right.  Linda’s concern about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), require that she look at other options.  Although she may only be intimate with long-term committed partners, she may want to consider a longer term birth control plan.  The pill would be a good option for Linda to cover her concerns about becoming pregnant; however, the only effective option available for STI’s (and HIV) are to use latex condoms (2005).  The pill and condoms are known to be quite effective when used properly.  The pill must be taken daily at consistent times and condoms must be donned before every penetration.  The pill carries with it many healthful benefits which include reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, benign ovarian cysts and fibrocystic growths in the breast area.  Although missing daily dosages may cause ovulation and excessively high hormones may cause side effects that may include headache, nausea, vomiting, fluid retention, weight gain, and breast tenderness (2005).  Lowering the dosage has been known to resolve many of these symptoms.  While Linda may have chosen her birth control plan before any relationship began, her partner can still provide support by wearing a condom for every sexual encounter, thereby diminishing the fear of STI’s.

     Although these are only two forms of birth control plans, it is easy to see that for every situation and couple careful consideration should be given to the specifics of his or her needs to properly choose the correct plan.  Because for each situation; married, single, wanting children soon, or just needing to avoid STI’s there are like amounts of planning and contraception available.  With many plans, both partners can ensure their goals will be met when they both participate in its execution.  But any plan is only good if it is in place before sex has begun.

Reference

Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. (6th ed.). Boston; M.A: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved from PSY/265 Version 3 Website

 

Critical Thinking and Sexual Decision Making

PSY/265 Version 3

September 1, 2011

     When it comes to thinking and sex, many people would say there’s not much though going on.  For this reason, it is extremely important that some forethought take place in the form of critical thinking.  As Rathus, et. al. (2005) indicates, “The willingness to challenge the conventional wisdom and knowledge that many of us take for granted” (pp. 7-8).  For accurate and informed sexual decision making Rathus, et. al. (2005) has provided eight principles of critical thinking: be skeptical, examine definitions of terms, and the assumptions of premises of arguments.  Use caution in drawing conclusions from evidence, consider alternative interpretations of research evidence, and the kinds of evidence upon which conclusions are based, do not oversimplify, or overgeneralize.

     In a marriage there are many occasions in which decisions about sex and sexuality are made.  Personally, when sexual issues began to surface (e.g. erectile dysfunction and reduced levels of intimacy), questions of whether or not there was infidelity or even if my marriage was worth the extreme levels of stress plaguing daily life were but a few.  Skepticism is one of the first forms of critical thinking that needs to be maintained; there are many people who offered advice but not all of it good.  Another important principal is to examine definitions of terms, as many books and thoughtful advice come in the form of unrealistic terms.  Much like the assumptions or premises of arguments; if he loved you… Love had nothing to do with the situation.  I discovered the hard way it is important to use caution when drawing conclusions from what appears to be evidence.  Many issues may look similar and have nothing to do with each other.  Although there are remaining principals to critical thinking, I have provided only a few to reflect how important critical thinking is concerning sexual decision making; not just the act but the ramifications of life.

Reference

Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. (6th ed.). Retrieved from PSY/265 Version 3 Website

Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior

PSY/265 Version 3

October 13, 2011

     Vygotsky (1978) states "Every function in the child's cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later on the individual level…” although he was referring to the development of social and cognitive skills, had the quote been reversed, he could have been talking about their sexuality as well (p. 56).   Many parents are unaware of the sexuality of his or her child or children.  However, sexuality throughout childhood is considered a normal function of development at every stage: infancy, early childhood, preadolescence, and adolescence. 

     Most people do not want to consider sexuality in infants; however, even in infancy sexuality develops.  Although many signs can only be observed by outward physical observations; such as erections and pelvic thrusting, there are other indications of sexuality in infancy so subtle they may go unobserved.  Kinsey and colleagues, (1953) as restated by Rathus, et. al., (2005) indicate baby boys as young as five months and girls as young as four months demonstrate behaviors of orgasm, though not directly related masturbation begins by rubbing genitals on objects such as toys and blankets.  As children begin to explore their world, they also begin to explore their own bodies and those around them, typically around age two. 

     In early childhood, age’s three to eight; children learn what acceptable exploration is, whether in public or private from the behavior of his or her parent or caregiver.  Kissing, touching, and showing their genitalia to others is common sexual development at this stage.  Though not uncommon, indicates Rathus and colleagues (2005) “sex games like ‘show’ and ‘playing doctor’” also begin at this stage (p. 431).  Preadolescence (age 9 – 13) begins the period of sexual exploration within a wider group of friends.  A preoccupation of the self becomes easier to identify in children; with peer pressure to conform and a desire to understand his or her developing body as compared to others.  Masturbation also increases during this stage of sexual development.  According to Kinsey and colleagues (1948, 1953), as restated by Rathus et. al., (2005) “45% of males and 15% of females masturbated by age 13” (p. 433).  During this stage and the beginning stages of adolescence sexual development is a mixture of formal education and miseducation.

     Adolescence; that awkward period between puberty and adulthood, boys and girls learn about sex from a formal sexual education in schools and the mostly misguided understanding of sex from their friends.  Hormones are usually in full heightened states during this stage of sexual development; secondary sexual characteristics develop (e.g. breasts, muscles, hair) and primary sex characteristics mature (e.g. reproductive maturation; menarche and ejaculation).  Masturbation becomes a major outlet for sexual release during adolescence: 46% of boys and 24% of girls report masturbating in the Coles and Stokes 1985 national survey (Rathus, et. al., 2005).  Dating during adolescence provides an opportunity for further exploration such as petting, oral sex, and coitus.

     All the stages of normal childhood sexual behaviors are easier to identify when highlighted.  Harmless and natural, sexuality can be seen in infants as he or she rubs and fondles his or her genitals.  Advancing into a show and touch stage from early childhood and into preadolescence (e.g. playing doctor), which develops into advanced masturbation, petting, and even intercourse in the adolescent years.  Hormones, nature, and culture have a way of helping each child develop sexually through a process of, for the most part, self-exploration.

 

References

Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., & Ficher-Rathus, L. (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. (6th ed.). Boston, M.A: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved from PSY/265 Version 3 Website

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.