Development of Sexual Behavior

Stages of Development: Adolescence

Sexual Response

The hormonal changes of puberty produce an increased sexual arousability, especially in males. They may have orgasms and ejaculate in their sleep (“wet dreams”), and they may also have unexpected and unwelcome erections during their waking hours. Indeed, a few years after their first ejaculation, they usually reach the peak of their sexual capacity. When they have no other outlet, they may masturbate frequently, in some cases together with one or several male friends. This way, they become familiar with their own physical responses which they now clearly identify as “sexual”. On the other hand, many females first have these responses when they get involved with a “boy friend”, and even then the experience may be rather unfocussed and unspecific. Moreover, only half as many females as males masturbate at that age. There are always exceptions, but in general one can say: While girls achieve their physical maturity earlier than boys, their “sexual” response develops more slowly. Thus, female and male adolescents of the same age are, as a rule, sexually mismatched. The male will want greater physical intimacy, and the female will remain reluctant, not only because of social convention, but also because she does not share the male’s sense of urgency. In fact, many females will reach their greatest sexual motivation and capacity only in their late twenties and early thirties.

Average curve of estrogen levels in females from childhood to late adulthood (years 0...60) Estrogens excreted in urine, mg per 24h   Average curve of testosterone levels in males from childhood to late adulthood (years 0...60) mg/l of androsterone in plasma