Understanding the Self

Prepared by:

MS. ERICA L. CATURAY

Subject Instructor
CHAPTER 2: Lesson 1
The Physical and
Sexual Self
 At the end of this chapter, you are expected to:
• Discuss the developmental aspect of the reproductive system;
• Describe the erogenous zones;
• Explain human sexual behavior;
• Characterize the diversity of sexual behavior;
• Describe sexually transmitted diseases; and
• Differentiate natural and artificial methods of contraception.
 It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of humans
define the sex (female or male) and their secondary sexual
characteristics. From childhood, we are controlled by our
genetic makeup. It influences the way we treat ourselves and
others. However, there are individuals who do not accept their
innate sexual characteristics and they tend to change their
sexual organs through medications and surgery. Aside from our
genes, our society or the external environment helps shape our
selves. This lesson helps us better understand ourselves
through a discussion on the development of our sexual
characteristics and behavior.
 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The gonads (reproductive glands that produce the

gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form until about the
eighth week of embryonic development. During the early
stages of human development, the embryonic
reproductive structures of males and females are alike
and are said to be indifferent stage.
 GONADS

When the primary reproductive structures are formed, development of the

accessory structures and external genitalia begins. The formation of male
or female structures depends on the presence of testosterone.
 HORMONES

Usually, once formed, the embryonic testes release testosterone, and the
formation of the duct system and external genitalia follows. In the case of
female embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the development of the female
ducts and external genitalia since testosterone hormone is not produced.
 CELL DIVISION AND MULTIPLICATION OF CELLS

Any intervention with the

normal pattern of sex hormone
production in the embryo results
in strange abnormalities. For
instance, a genetic male develops
the female accessory structures
and external genitalia if the
embryonic testes fail to produce
testosterone. On the other hand, if a genetic female is exposed to testosterone
(as in the case of a mother with an androgen-producing tumor of her adrenal
gland), the embryo has ovaries but bay develop male accessory ducts and
glands, as well as a male reproductive organ and an empty scrotum.
 TURNER’S SYNDROME

As a result,
pseudohermaphr
odites are formed
who are
individuals having
accessory reproductive structures that do not “match” their gonads
while true hermaphrodites are individuals who possess both
ovarian and testicular tissues but this condition is rare in nature.
Nowadays, many pseudohermaphrodites undergo sex change
operations to have their outer selves (external genitalia) fit with
their inner selves (gonads).
 DOWN’S SYNDROME

A critical event for the development of reproductive organs takes place

about one month before birth wherein the male testes formed in the
abdominal cavity at approximately the same location as the female ovaries,
descend to enter the scrotum. If this normal event fails, it may lead to
cryptorchidism. This condition usually occurs in young males and causes
sterility (which is also a risk factor for cancer of the testes) that is why
surgery is usually performed during childhood to solve this problem.
 PUBERTY

Puberty is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and

15 years old, when the reproductive organs grow to their adult
size and become functional under the influence of rising levels of
gonadal hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen in
females). After this time, reproductive capability continues until
old age in males and menopause in females.
 The changes that occur during
puberty are similar in sequence in all
individuals but the age which they
occur differs among individuals. In
males, as they reach the age of 13,
puberty is characterized by the
increase in the size of the
reproductive organs followed by the
appearance of hair in the pubic area,
axillary, and face. The reproductive
organs continue to grow for two years
until sexual maturation marked by the
presence of mature semen in the
testes.
 In females, the budding of their
breasts usually occurring at the age of
11 signals their puberty stage.
Menarche is the first menstrual
period of females which happens two
years after the start of puberty.
Hormones play an important role in
the regulation of ovulation and
fertility of females.
Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System
Infections are the most common problems associated with the
reproductive system in adults. Vaginal infections are more common in
young and elderly women and in those whose resistance to diseases is
low.

Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive
and increase sexual arousal when touched in a sexual manner. Some of the
commonly known erogenous zones are the mouth, breasts, genitals, and
anus. Erogenous zones may vary from one person to another.
 PUBERTY

Some people may enjoy being touched in a certain area more than
the other areas. Other common areas of the body that can be
aroused easily may include the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.
 Human Sexual Behavior
Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity, solitary, between two
persons, or in a group, that induces sexual arousal (Gebhard, P.H. 2017).
There are two major factors that determine human sexual behavior; the
inherited sexual response patterns that have evolved as a means of
ensuring reproduction and that become part of each individual’s genetic
inheritance, and the degree of restraint or other types of influence
exerted on the individual by society in the expression of his sexuality.
 Types of Behavior
The various types of human sexual behavior are usually classified
according to the gender and number of participants. There is solitary
behavior involving only one individual, and there is sociosexual behavior
involving more than one person.
 SOCIOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR

Sociosexual behavior is generally divided into heterosexual

behavior (male with female) and homosexual behavior (male
with male or female with female). If three or more individuals are
involved, it is, possible to have heterosexual and homosexual
activity simultaneously (Gebhard, P.H. 2017).
Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System
Infections are the most common problems associated with the
reproductive system in adults. Vaginal infections are more common in
young and elderly women and in those whose resistance to diseases is
low.

Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive
and increase sexual arousal when touched in a sexual manner. Some of the
commonly known erogenous zones are the mouth, breasts, genitals, and
anus. Erogenous zones may vary from one person to another.
 Physiology of Human Sexual Responses

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when

sexual activity is continued.

1. Excitement Phase – it is caused by increase in pulse and blood

pressure; a sudden rise in blood supply to the surface of the body
resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing, and swelling of all
distensible body parts.
2. Plateau Phase – it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is
continued orgasm usually occurs.
 Physiology of Human Sexual Responses

3. Sexual Climax – it is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a

rapid increase in pulse rate and blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic
muscles causing contractions of the female reproductive organ and
ejaculation by the male. It is also characterized by involuntary
vocalizations.
4. Resolution Phase – it is the last stage that refers to the return to a
normal or subnormal physiologic state.
 Nervous System Factors

The entire nervous system plays a significant role during sexual

response. The autonomic system is involved in controlling the involuntary
in controlling the involuntary responses. In the presence of a stimulus
capable enough of initiating a sexual response, the efferent cerebrospinal
nerves transmit the sensory messages to the brain. The brain will
interpret the sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate and
appropriate response of the body. After interpretation and integration of
sensory input, the efferent cerebrospinal nerves receive commands from
the brain and send them to the muscles; and the spinal cord serves as a
great transmission cable. The muscles contract in response to the signal
coming from the motor nerve fibers while glands secrete their respective
products. Hence, sexual response is dependent on the activity of the
nervous system.
 Nervous System Factors

The hypothalamus and the limbic system are the parts of the brain
believed to be responsible for regulating the sexual response, but there is
no specialized “sex center” that has been located in the human brain.
Animal experiments show that each individual has coded in its brain two
sexual response patterns, one for mounting (masculine) behavior and one
for mounted (feminine) behavior. Sex hormones can intensify the
mounting behavior of individuals. Normally, one response pattern is
dominant and the other latent can still be initiated when suitable
circumstances occur. The degree to which such innate patterning exists in
humans is still unknown.
 Sexual Problems

Sexual problems may be classified as physiological, psychological,

and social in origin. Any given problem may involve all three categories.
Physiological problems are the least among the three categories. Only
a small number of people suffer from diseases that are due to abnormal
development of the genitalia or that part of the neurophysiology
controlling sexual response. Some common physiologic conditions that
can disturb sexual response include vaginal infections, retroverted uteri,
prostatitis, adrenal tumors, diabetes, senile changes of the vagina. And
cardiovascular problems. Fortunately, the majority of physiological sexual
problems can be resolved through medication or surgery while problems
of the nervous system that can affect sexual response are more difficult to
treat.
Sexual Problems
 PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

Psychological problems comprise by far the largest category. They are

usually caused by socially induced inhibitions, maladaptive attitudes,
ignorance, and sexual myths held by society. An example of the latter is
the belief that good, mature sex must involve rapid erection, prolonged
coitus, and simultaneous orgasm.
Magazines, marriage books, and general sexual folklore often
strengthen these demanding ideals, which are not always achieved;
therefore, can give rise to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety and guilt.
Such resulting negative emotions can definitely affect the behavior of an
individual.
Sexual Problems
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the infections
transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected
person through sexual contact. STDs can be caused by
bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Examples include
gonorrhea, genital, herpes, human papillomavirus
infection. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS, chlamydia, and
syphilis (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases of the National Institute of Health of the United
States 2017).
2. Gonorrhea
In 2016, 468,514 gonorrhea cases were reported for a rate of 145.8
cases per 100,000 population, an increase of 18.5% from 2015.
During 2015 to 2016, the rate of reported gonorrhea increased
22.2% among men and 13.8% among women.

3. Syphilis
In 2016, 27,814 Primary and Secondary (P&S) syphilis cases were
reported, representing a national rate of 8.7% cases per 100,000
population and a 17.6% increase from 2015 to 2016, the P&S
syphilis rate increased among both men and women in every
region of the country.
4. Chancroid
Chancroid is caused by infection with the bacterium Haemophilus
ducreyi. Clinical manifestations include genital ulcers and inguinal
lymphadenopathy or buboes.
5. Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually
transmitted infection in the United States. Over 40 distinct HPV
types can infect the genital tract; although most infections are
asymptomatic and appear to resolve spontaneously within a few
years, the prevalence of genital infection with any HPV type was
42.5% among United States adults aged 18 to 59 years during 2013
to 2014.
6. Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most prevalent of sexually
transmitted infections. Although most infections are subclinical, clinical
manifestations are characterized by recurrent, painful genital and/or
anal lesions. Most genital HSV infections in the United States are
caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2), while HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infections are
typically orolabial and acquired during childhood.

7. Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted protozoal
infection associated with adverse health outcomes such as preterm birth
and symptomatic vaginitis. It is not a nationally reportable condition,
and trend date are limited to estimates of initial physician office visits
for this condition.
 Natural and
Artificial Methods
of Contraception
 Natural Method
The natural family planning methods do not involve any
chemical or foreign body introduction in the human body.
People who are very conscious of their religious beliefs are
more inclined to use the natural way of birth control and
others follow such natural methods because they are more
cost-effective (www.nurseslabs.com2016).
a. Abstinence This natural method involves refraining
from sexual intercourse and is the most
effective natural birth control method with
ideally 0% fail rate. It is considered to be the
most effective way to avoid STIs (Sexually
Transmitted Infections).
b. Calendar Method
This method is also called as the rhythm
method. It entails withholding from coitus
during the days that the woman is fertile.
According to the menstrual cycle, the woman is
likely to conceive three or four days before and
three or four days after ovulation.
c. Basal Body Temperature
The basal body temperature (BBT) indicates the
woman’s temperature at rest. Before the day of
ovulation and during ovulation, BBT falls at 0.5F; it
increases to a full degree because of progesterone and
maintains its level throughout the menstrual cycle.

d. Cervical Mucus Method

The change in the cervical mucus during
ovulation is the basis for this method. During
ovulation, the cervical mucus is copious, thin, and
watery. It also exhibits the property of spinnbarkeit,
wherein it can be stretched up until at least 1 inch
and is slippery.
e. Symptothermal Method
The symptothermal method is basically a
combination of the BBT method and the cervical
mucus method. The woman records her
temperature every morning and also takes note of
changes in her cervical mucus.

f. Ovulation Detection
The ovulation detection method uses an over-
the-counter kit that requires the urine sample of
the woman. The kit can predict ovulation through
the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that happens
12 to 24 hours before ovulation.
g. Coitus Interruptus
Coitus Interruptus is one of the oldest methods that prevents
conception. A couple still goes on with coitus, but the man
withdraws the moment he ejaculates to emit the spermatozoa
outside of the female reproductive organ.
Artificial Methods
a. Oral Contraceptives

Also known as the pill, oral contraceptives

contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen suppresses the Follicle Stimulating
Hormone (FSH) and LH to prevent ovulation.

b. Transdermal Patch
The transdermal patch contains both estrogen
and progesterone. The woman should apply one
patch every week for three weeks on the following
areas: upper outer arm, upper torso, abdomen, or
buttocks. At the fourth week, no patch is applied
because the menstrual flow would then occur.
c. Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring releases a combination of estrogen and
progesterone, and it surrounds the cervix. This silicon ring
is inserted into the female reproductive organ and remains
there for three weeks and then removed on the fourth week,
as menstrual flow occurs. The woman becomes fertile as
soon as the ring is removed.
d. Subdermal Implants
Subdermal implants are two rod-like implants
inserted under the skin of the female during her menses or
on the seventh day of her menstruation to make sure that
she will not get pregnant. The implants are made with
etonogestrel, desogestrel, and progestin and can be helpful
for three to five years.
e. Hormonal Injections
A hormonal injection contains medroxyprogesterone, a
progesterone, and is usually given once every 12 weeks
intramuscularly. The injection causes changes in the
endometrium and cervical mucus and can help prevent
ovulation.
f. Intrauterine Device
An Intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped object
containing progesterone that is inserted into the uterus
via the female reproductive organ. It prevents fertilization
by creating a local sterile inflammatory condition to
prevent implantation of the zygote. The IUD is fitted only
by the physician and inserted after the woman’s menstrual
flow. The device can be effective for five to seven years.
g. Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers such as spermicides, vaginal gels and
creams, and glycerin films are used to cause the death of
sperms before they can enter the cervix and to lower the pH
level of the female reproductive organ so it will not become
conductive for the sperm. On the other hand, these chemical
barriers cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections.

h. Diaphragm

It is a circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix and

should be placed before coitus. Diaphragm works by
inhibiting the entrance of the sperm into the female
reproductive organ and it works better when used
together with a spermicide.
i. Cervical Cap
The cervical cap is made of soft rubber and fitted on the
rim of the cervix. It is shaped like a thimble with a thin rim
and could stay in place for not more than 48 hours.
j. Male Condoms
The male condom is a latex or synthetic
rubber sheath that is placed on the erect
male reproductive organ before penetration
in the female reproductive organ.
k. Female Condoms
Female condoms are made up of latex rubber sheaths that
are pre-lubricated with spermicide. They are usually bound
by two rings. The outer ring is first inserted against the
opening of the female reproductive organ and the inner ring
covers the cervix. It is used to prevent fertilization of the egg
by the sperm cells.
h. Surgical Methods During vasectomy, a small incision is made on
each side of the scrotum. The vas deferens is then
tied, cauterized, cut, or plugged to block the
passage of the sperm. The patient is advised to
use a backup contraceptive method until two
negative sperm count results are recorded
because the sperm could remain visible in the vas
deferens for six months.
In woman, tubal ligation is performed after
menstruation and before ovulation. The
procedure is done through a small incision
under the woman’s umbilicus that targets the
fallopian tube for cutting, cauterizing, or
blocking to inhibit the passage of both the
sperm and the ova.
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