Gender Differences in Experiencing Sexual Intimacy: How Is It Different for Men and Women?
Throughout history, the terms gender and sexuality have been used interchangeably. An individual's gender is a product of social construct, while their reproductive system decides whether they are biologically male or female. The gendering of sexes has led to differential experiences with their sexuality and presumed sexual orientation. Therefore, sexual intimacy is experienced differently by men and women due to multiple factors.
Let's discuss the gender differences in sexuality and how men and women experience intimacy differently.
The Role of Hormones and Brain Chemistry in Men's and Women's Sexual Experiences
Thus far, psychological research on the difference between gender and sexuality has asserted that sexual response to intimacy remains the same in both genders. Both men and women follow the same stages in intimacy and sexual arousal- sexual excitement, plateau, orgasm, and revolution. However, if you move beyond response and the process, differences can be mapped out in the sexual nature of both men and women. The fact remains that a different sexual orientation may arise because of a conflict between one's gender and biological sex.
The higher sex drive in men is due to the presence of Testosterone (T), a sexual hormone that contributes to their sexual urges and desires. Additionally, Estrogen, the primary sex hormone in women, also affects men's sexual health. Reduced Testosterone in men can result in erectile dysfunction and increase the chances of accumulating body fat.
Also Read: The Science of Sexual Recovery: Understanding the Refractory Period in Men and Women
Impact of Societal Expectations and Stereotypes of Men's and Women's Sexuality
Women grow up to be sex-averse compared to men, as society normalizes the idea of male masturbation and sexual pleasure. Women's sexual desires are denied or delayed in the name of customs, traditions, and values. The sexual double standards reflect on the intimate experiences of women, who tend to pursue physical pleasure mostly in committed or romantic entanglements.
Masturbation experiences have a gender bias to them as well. Men masturbate more than women to satisfy their sexual desires, and the use of porn for visual cues varies for both genders.
Impact of Trauma and Mental Health on Men's and Women's Sexual Experiences
Traumatic experiences, such as sexual abuse or assault, can lead to fear, guilt, shame, and anxiety that can negatively impact one's sexual relationships. Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can also affect one's sexual experiences, leading to decreased desire and sexual dysfunction. However, in our society, the impact of men's sexual abuse remains largely neglected and overlooked. Men experience more shame or guilt around sexual trauma, while women may experience more physical pain or difficulty with arousal hindering their sexual satisfaction.
Studies have revealed that women's sexual abuse led to more cognitive associations in the form of body image and self-esteem issues, sympathetic nervous system activation, and sexual self-schemas. Violence towards men and women prevails to date, and it is imperative to assess their impact on sexual experiences and establish ways to recover from it. Recovery can be aided by the assistance of your loved ones and medical specialists such as gynecologists, obstetricians, and sexologists.
The Role of Education and Open Communication in Closing The Gender Gap in Sexuality
Studies have shown that sex education, when imparted in adolescent years through direct and open communication, makes students more considerate, comfortable, and accepting towards sexuality and equality among other genders. T The role of a comprehensive sex education system (CSE) lies in changing the gender implications and perception towards sexuality and relationships. Openly communicating about sexuality would reduce sexual double standards, where different sexually appropriate expectations would not be imposed on different genders. Communication and awareness might be the key to weakening the endorsement of conventional gender-related sexual attitudes.
The Gender Divide in Sexual Health: Understanding The Challenges Men and Women Face
The gender divide and types of sexualities in sexual health refer to the differences in the experiences, needs, and access to sexual health services and information between men and women. Women's sexual health lacks both prioritization and empirical research in contemporary society. Women lack knowledge, and instead of pleasure, they are burdened with the sexual responsibilities of their partner. The over-emphasis on a man's role during physical intimacy also results in performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction, which is frowned upon and ultimately takes a toll on their mental health.
The Future of Gender and Sexuality: How We Can Move Towards Greater Equality and Understanding
Appropriate education and removing biases and gender roles from society can go a long way toward establishing equality. Sexual intimacy is not solely related to a single gender and can differ for different sexual orientations. Equality can be achieved in society when everyone understands the relationship between sex, gender, and sexuality.
Sex, gender, and desire are products of culture, and the ideas behind these are changing over time. A balanced and holistic approach to dispensing sex education can go a long way toward tackling many of the stigmas associated with sexuality.
Conclusion
Though much has been written on sexuality, intimacy, and gender differences, the discussion is far from over. As our society evolves, gender roles and sexuality develop with it. Continued emphasis on these issues and their nuances is the need of the hour. Communication can help people be more open about their problems and provide a way to understand their challenges, thus allowing social researchers to keep working towards a more equitable and healthy society.
It is important to seek medical advice from a doctor if you have further queries about the topic.