Problem: Respond to the discussion form. Please do not mix the two.
Mckenna: Chapters 14 and 15 highlight how sexual functioning and sexual health are shaped by the intricate interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. What stood out most to me is that sexual difficulties, such as disorders of desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain, are not simply "mechanical" problems but are deeply connected to emotional well-being, communication, and relational satisfaction. The text notes that both men and women can experience disruptions in desire or arousal, often triggered by anxiety, body-image concerns, hormonal shifts, or stress (Carroll, 2024). Yet in society, men's sexual difficulties are often pathologized less harshly than women's, revealing a persistent gender bias in how sexual functioning is discussed and treated. For example, while erectile dysfunction is framed as a treatable medical condition, women's arousal or orgasmic difficulties are sometimes dismissed as emotional or relational problems. This difference suggests that our cultural expectations about gender and sexuality influence how sexual "normality" is defined and whose experiences are validated.
Kimberlyn: This week's readings highlighted the importance of sexual health for overall well-being and quality of life. While often considered a taboo topic, discussing sexual functioning is important because psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed can significantly affect sexual experiences. As a parent of two young children, ages one and three, I can personally relate. Between caring for the kids, managing household responsibilities, and balancing work and family life, it's easy to feel mentally and physically exhausted, which naturally impacts intimacy and sexual connection. This made the reading on female orgasmic disorder particularly eye-opening. Historically, women who had difficulty reaching orgasm were labeled as "frigid," implying a lack of emotional warmth, but today we understand that these issues are complex and multifaceted. The DSM-5-TR defines female orgasmic disorder as "a marked delay in, marked infrequency of, or absence of orgasm" (Marchand, 2021). I think overall refering to women who had trouble orgasming as frigid is a lame excuse coming from a man. I can't imagine any female would have come up with that. Need Assignment Help?