Homosexuality

Because homosexuality is the most common of variations in object choice, it has been the most intensely studied. Homosexuality has been viewed as an illness, a criminal offense, and a normal life style in Western society.

There has been controversy in the literature as to the serum testosterone levels of homosexual men. Kolodny and associates reported significantly lower plasma testosterone levels for homosexual men than for a control group of heterosexual subjects, suggesting that homosexuality may be related to hormonal levels. A recent report by Birk and associates4 disputes the above finding.

Among men, overt homosexuals constitute a smaller group than those who are covert about their practices. Homosexuals are found throughout the country and among every socioeconomic stratum. Most homosexuals look and behave like heterosexuals.

Male homosexuals are likely to have short-term relationships, necessitating frequent attempts to find new partners. The two primary activities leading to sexual gratification for male homosexuals are fellatio and anal intercourse. Usually a small minority of male homosexuals state a definite preference for either an active or a passive role.

Much of what was stated about male homosexuals is true for lesbians. However lesbians tend to pair into more stable, long-term relationships. There is some evidence of more clearly defined roles for lesbians, such as one partner's taking a more dominant role. However, this idea is disputed in some circles.

Lesbians may practice mutual masturbation and oral-genital contacts. Tribadism, an act in which one woman lies on top of her partner and simulates intercourse may also be practiced. It is interesting to note that it is possible for two women to live together for a long period of time without arousing suspicion of lesbianism, whereas the same situation with men is usually viewed as suspect. Many myths still persist about the homosexual. Recently the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance have attempted to acquaint the public with their cause and numbers.

Excluding prepubertal homosexual activity, Kinsey found that 37% of men had had at least one homosexual encounter that led to orgasm, as opposed to 13% of women. Kinsey viewed homosexuality and heterosexuality on a continuum in which zero represented a pure heterosexual in contacts and physical erotic interests; a score of six reflected the pure homosexual. Kinsey's data shocked many, since it demonstrated that a continuum of sexual behavior existed rather than a dichotomous classification according to sex object. It is estimated that from 6 to 20 million adult Americans are homosexual!

Dysfunctional Sexual Response Patterns

A single biologic, psychologic, or social factor can potentially interrupt the human sexual response cycle or abort its progression. These factors, alone or in combination, may also create an intense sexual dysfunction. The research conducted by Masters and Johnson documented certain patterns of sexual dysfunction most prevalent in the couples who sought their help.

Female Dysfunctions

Four patterns of female dysfunction were described: primary and situational orgasmic dysfunction, vaginismus, and dyspareunia. The primarily nonorgasmic woman has never experienced orgasm by any means. The situationally nonorgasmic woman has been able to experience orgasm by one means but currently not with intercourse.

Dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse, may occur if the woman is unable to produce adequate lubrication. It may also be seen in women who have scarring, endometriosis, or vaginal infections, and with steroid starvation of menopause. Vaginismic women usually have unconsummated marriages. In these women, involuntary contraction of the outer one third of the vagina prevents insertion of the penis. Some vaginismic women are able to use tampons but may not be able to tolerate the thought of penile insertion. Therefore, in some women vaginismus may be situational. Some women may actually develop sexual aversion, usually as a result of feeling they are getting nothing out of sex or are being used by an uncaring partner.

Male Dysfunctions

The male may develop primary impotence, secondary impotence, premature ejaculation, or ejaculatory incompetence. Primary impotence occurs when the male has never been able to achieve an erection sufficient for penetration of the female. The male who has this dysfunction may have a history of religious orthodoxy, may actually be fearful of the female's vagina, or may be married to a vaginismic female. The male with secondary impotence has previously maintained an erection in homosexual and/or heterosexual relations but loses his ability to maintain an erection in 25% of mounting opportunities.

Premature ejaculation occurs when the male cannot delay ejaculation long enough for the female to achieve orgasm in half of their attempts at intercourse. Premature ejaculation is usually a conditioned type of response that develops from early adolescent experiences in the back seat of a car or with prostitutes, situations that required an accelerated approach to sex.

In ejaculatory incompetence, the male is unable to ejaculate intravaginally. Several factors, including religious orthodoxy, fear of impregnating the woman, or a negative response to the female, may contribute to ejaculatory incompetence. Vaginal stimulation may be insufficient to support the male's orgasm. Although some anatomic or physiologic phenomena may interfere with sexual function, Masters and Johnson found that in the vast majority of cases sexual dysfunction was attributable to emotional or interpersonal phenomena. For this reason it is essential that one consider sexuality from a psychosocial as well as a biologic perspective.

About The Author
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Natural Penis Enlargement company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2010 David Crawford of Penis Enlargement Reviews This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.