Age, Sexual Health, Virginity, And Deviant Behavior

Summary:

While age has always been associated with the various physical factors of sex, other biological factors may also have an effect on other sexual health traits. For example, men and women who lose their virginity at a later age are statistically more likely to develop psychological conditions related to sex than others who had sex at an age considered to be the “average” time for gaining the first sexual experience.

Keywords:

sexual health

Article Body:

More than ever, researchers now consider a person’s age as a significant factor in sexual health. Age has always been a factor, but only because age factors into things like endurance and, theoretically, experience in sexual activities. However, recently concluded studies are starting to show that age may have a more direct impact on a person's sexual health, particularly if more outside factors are brought into consideration. According to the study, people who lose their virginity at a younger or older age than average (which can be rather subjective, depending on certain community factors) can develop physical and psychological “quirks” related to sex.

One of the first things researchers noted was just how little significant impact abstinence-only education had on the statistics. According to the raw statistical data, people who lost their virginity at a younger age were at a significantly higher risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease later on in life than average. It also appeared to increase the chances of a person developing other sexual health risk factors, such as engaging in intercourse with multiple partners and developing a history of alcohol-influenced sexual contact. Knowledge of contraception methods other than abstinence had an impact in reducing the STD risks, but abstinence-only education didn't show any significant effects and, as implied by some of the data, may actually increase the risks.

Problems with sexual health functions were found to increase for both “early” and “late” people, according to the study's findings. The results showed that one of the more common problems that cropped up in men was an inability to maintain an erection and premature ejaculations. According to the data, while most men are liable to experience these problems for some time, it is a more prominent and persistent condition for those who lost their virginity earlier or later than the generally accepted average age. Some of the data also indicated that women who engaged in sexual contact earlier or later in life may also have difficulty reaching a state of arousal and experiencing orgasms.

It was noted that young men who started having sex at a later date developed more sexual deviancies and dysfunctions than their counterparts who started earlier. Most of the deviancies can probably be considered mundane, depending on the socio-cultural context they are viewed in, but the dysfunctions have a tendency to be both psychological in nature. This includes conditions where certain environmental “criteria” have to be met before the person can enter a physical state of sexual arousal.

The researchers have admitted that it is currently unclear exactly what the connections are between some deviant sexual behaviors and the age one loses one's virginity. The findings suggest a complex picture in terms of sexual health and the psychological implications of it, though a cause-and-effect scenario is difficult to discern from the current data. On some aspects, the data has been found to support abstinence-only education, like what is imposed in some public schools. However, other data also indicates that the lack of support and acknowledgment of abstinence-only education can also lead to problems later on, in terms of sexual behavior and practices. At the moment, the researchers have not made any official statements on which side of the argument they favor.

Understanding Your Cat’s Aggressive Behavior

Are you a cat owner? If so, your cat may typically appear to be a calm, cool, and collected cat. After all, many cats are content with lounging around all day with just a few hours of play. Despite the fact that your cat may appear to be calm and mild mannered, there may come a point in time when you notice a change. It is not uncommon for pet owners to report occasional aggressiveness with their cats.

If you have just witnessed your cat in an aggressive state, fear may be the first thought that enters into your mind. Many cat owners have questions when they witness their cats attack. Many owners want to know if something is wrong with their cat or if it is a danger to those around him or her. In all honesty, you will find it depends. Before deciding if you should contact your cat’s veterinarian, there are a number of important points you will first want to take into consideration.

First, it is important to know that cats, even domestic cats, can be considered predators. The ancestors of your cat relied on hunting to survive. This is not a trait or a characteristic that just disappears. Your beloved cat will also have that need and desire to hunt. This is one of the many reasons why cats occasionally display aggressive behavior.

Concerning natural aggressive behavior, many pet owners are concerned, as they provide their cat with enough food. It doesn’t matter how well fed your cat is, he or she will always occasionally feel the need to hunt. For example, has your cat ever killed a bird, mouse, or another rodent? If so, did they consume their kill? Chances are not. This is proof that cats don’t just attack for the sake of food.

As for how you can determine whether your pet cat is just exercising his need to hunt, look at the attack in question. Did your cat try to attack your foot as you walked by? If so, this a normal occurrence and not a sign of something serious.

Jumping at your feet as you walk by was sited as an example above. This can lead to another cause of aggression in cats; overexcitement. Some popular cat toys on the market are those where balls are attached to a string and your catch chases it. These toys are nice, but they can also lead to some confusion, as your foot may appear similar in nature to your cat’s favorite toy. It is also important to know that cats are sensitive and their mood easily changes. Is this why playtime with your cat can end with you having a scratch or a bite mark.

Cats, as with many other pets, are territorial. This is another leading cause of aggression in cats. Is your cat the only pet in your home? If so, they may react with aggression when another pet enters into their territory. The same can be said for children. Do you have children? If not, when a child visits your home, your cat may be frustrated, fearful, or angry with the change, especially inside their territory. The quick movements of small children can also cause a cat to act out. As an important note, cats are typically safe around children. With that in mind, all small children should be watched carefully when around any kind of pet.

Serious Consequences of Liberal Sexual Behavior

Summary:

A liberal attitude and sexual behavior could lead to serious consequences if guidelines to pleasurable and safe sexual activities are not observed and met. The same is also true with the lack of proper understanding and appreciation of sexual health issues and standards which could lead to neglect of their partners' sexual rights.

Keywords:

sexual health

Article Body:

While needing and having sex is a fact of life, the increasing levels of sexual liberation and tolerance for irresponsible sexual behavior have resulted in the rise of unconventional practices and growing acceptance of sexual orientations that were once considered taboo. This is not to pass judgment to those who prefer to experiment in their sexual affairs, but this liberal attitude and behavior could lead to serious consequences if guidelines to a pleasurable and safe sexual activities are not observed and met. The same is also true with the general public who lacks proper understanding and appreciation of sexual health issues and standards which could lead to neglect their partners' sexual rights.

A sexual encounter should entail not only physical pleasure but social and moral responsibility. The lack of responsibility for one's sexual behavior can result in unexpected consequences such as unwanted pregnancy, a situation that may lead to emotional and psychological complications. Engaging in unprotected sex can also expose both sexual partners to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Oftentimes, we judge by mere appearances. However, even the nice, healthy-looking person beside you can be afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease without you or that person knowing it. Though some STDs may produce obvious symptoms, most STDs are asymptomatic infections that do not show noticeable signs and symptoms. Thus, the “silent” infection. These cases are only diagnosed through testing. However, there is no widespread program that requires routine check-up. Moreover, there seems to be a lack of public awareness about the dangers of contracting STDs, even in the age of HIV and AIDS. The social stigma of having or even discussing the subject of STDs keeps people from acquiring more information about STD and other sexual health concerns from their health care professionals.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are diseases caused by by viruses, bacteria and parasites and can easily be transmitted through body contact during sex. Sometimes, STD takes a long time to display any kind of symptoms. The following are some of the most common STDs that affect sexually active individuals:

Chlamydia – is caused by bacterial infection. It is the most common treatable bacterial STD but if not given proper attention may cause serious problems later in life. It often infects the cervix in women while the urethra, rectum and eyes can be infected in both sexes. Symptoms may show up at anytime between 1 to 3 weeks after exposure, or it can also be delayed for indefinite period of time.

Gonorrhea - is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted and can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, anus and throat. Symptoms may show up at anytime between 1 and 14 days after exposure and more noticeable in men than in women. However, it's possible to have infection without having obvious symptoms.

Crabs or Pubic Lice - are small, crab shaped blood-sucking parasites that live on pubic hair but can also be found wherever there is hair such as in the armpits, on the body and even in facial hair such as eyebrows. Crabs or pubic lice can also survive away from the body. They may be found in clothes, bedding and towels. You can have crabs and not know about it until after 2 to 3 weeks when you experience some itching. Crabs are mainly passed on through body contact during sex, but they can also be passed on through sharing clothes, towels or bedding with someone who has them.

Genital Herpes - is caused by the virus called herpes simplex and affects the mouth, genital area, the skin around the anus, and fingers. After the first outbreak of herpes is over, the virus hides away in the nerve fibers and remains totally undetected without causing any symptom. Symptoms usually appear one to 26 days after exposure and last for two to three weeks. Symptoms include an itching in the genital or anal area, small fluid-filled blisters that can burst and leave small sores which can be very painful, urine discomfort, and a flu-like illness, backache, headache, swollen glands or fever.

Genital Warts – are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), small fleshy growths found anywhere on a man or woman's genital area, or on different parts of the body, such as the hands and anus. After you have been infected with the genital wart virus, it usually takes between 1 and 3 months for warts to appear on your genitals. They may occur singly or in groups. They may itch, but are usually painless. Often there are no other symptoms. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual colored vaginal discharge.

Gut Infections – are bacterial infections that can be passed on during sex, causing diarrhea and stomach pains. Infection can be prevented by using condoms, dental dams or latex gloves. Sex toys should be thoroughly cleaned after use and hands washed after any contact with feces. Anti-diarrhea treatments and antibiotics can be used for treatment.

Syphilis - is a common bacterial infection that may also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child. The signs and symptoms of syphilis can be difficult to recognize and may take up to 3 months to show after having sexual contact with an infected person. The primary and secondary stages are very infectious.

It is very important that STD is detected and treated in order to avoid serious infections which can lead to long-term or permanent damage. Abstinence is the surest thing to avoid STD. The practice of safe sex can greatly help in minimizing risk from STD. Always use condoms during sexual intercourse or other contraceptions. Observe genital hygiene routines, as well as keeping your hands clean at all times. Consult with your professional health care provider for advice on sexual health matters.