Module Uts Lesson 7 12
Module Uts Lesson 7 12
LESSON
SEXUAL ASPECT OF THE SELF
7
LEARNING OUTCOMES
be familiar with the human reproductive system and the human sexual responses,
and behaviors that comprise the sexual aspect of the self;
demonstrate reflective thought about different stages of love; and
explain the various sexually transmitted diseases and infections and ways to
prevent them through methods of contraception.
INTRODUCTION
Talking about sex should be deemed normal for there is a need for people to learn more about
their sexuality. Academic institutions are the best space to educate people about sexuality and sexual
behaviors under the topic sex education. The goal of including sex education in the secondary level
curriculum is to battle ignorance of the youth on sex, sexuality, relationships and sexual health and thus
help them make informed decisions as they grow into sexually healthy adults. Although sex education
was opposed by the Catholic Church in the Philippines claiming that it will promote premarital sex which
could lead to early pregnancies, this topic is necessary for understanding sex in different contexts.
Education has been regarded as the key to combat ignorance. Conservatism anchored on religious belief
may hinder full understanding of one’s sexual well-being.
DISCUSSION
Human being’s need for sex is not of the same level as the need for oxygen, water, and food. But
without it, humankind will perish. Sex is not simply for procreation but it is also a source of pleasure
which is an important part of sexual health.
For Sigmund Freud, all human behavior is motivated by the desire to feel pleasure. Such
motivation is organized and controlled by two instincts: sexuality and aggression. Freud theorized that
these instincts are driven by a form of internal psychic energy called libido.
According to Freud, human instinct continuously seeks the pleasure of the flesh which can be
satisfied through sex. To know whether human actions are really influenced by sexual urges or not,
Robert Michael, John Gagnon, and Edward Laumann conducted a study in 1992 among Americans to
know how much men think about sex far more then woman do – 54% of the men surveyed said they think
about sex every day or several times a day, whereas 65% of the women said that they think about it only a
few times a week or a few times a month.
The mind plays and important role in one’s sexuality and sexual behaviors. When one is sexually
attracted to someone, it is expected that he or she will not aggressively act on his or her urges so as not to
be accused of harassment. Humans have the ability to control their sexual urges. People may engage in
sexual activities because of feelings of love and admiration. However, sex must be understood only as one
of the many factors that drive people to act and behave the way they do.
During adolescence, boys and girls develop their secondary sex characteristics along with other
physical changes the experience in this stage. In the stages of human growth and development, an
individual becomes physically mature upon reaching the stage of puberty. Physical changes during
adolescence are brought about by sex hormones from the testes and ovaries of males and females,
respectively. Testosterone is the sex hormone for males, and estrogen and progesterone are for females.
Usually, the increase in testosterone takes place at the age of 12 to 14 years for males while the increase
in estrogen and progesterone takes place at the age of 10-12 years for females. Rapid growth and changes
happen at the age of 16 to 17 years in males and 15 to 17 years for females.
For males, physical changes include rapid increase in height and weight, growth of Adam’s apple,
deepening of voice, widening of shoulders, appearance and growth of pubic hair, and underarm and facial
hair, among others.
For females, changes include rapid increase in height and weight, onset of menstruation,
development of breasts and hips, among others.
Males develop more slowly in terms of physical growth and physiological changes but continue to
grow for about six years. Development during puberty follows a predictable sequence, but every
individual experiences changes at his or her own pace for growth and development are influenced by
heredity, environment, and lifestyle.
The male reproductive system is composed of penis, testes, vas deferens, scrotum, sperm, prostate
gland, and epididymis. The main function of system is the production of sperm for fertilization of the
ovum.
1. Penis- the primary male sex organ. It has a long shaft and an enlarged tip called the glans penis.
2. Testes or testicles – the organ responsible for the production of sperm cells and testosterone, the
male sex hormone. The testes or testicles lie outside the abdominal cavity of male within the
scrotum.
3. Vas deferens – the tube that connects the testes with the urethra. It serves as a passageway of the
sperm form the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts for ejaculation.
4. Scrotum - the sac of skin that carries the testes. It protects the testes and is responsible for
maintaining the body temperature a few degrees below the normal body temperature.
5. Sperm – the male sex cell. It is produced in the testes and matures in the epididymis and passes
from the vas deferens to the urethra. The sperm released out of the male reproductive system
through the semen, the fluid that carries the sperm along with the range of organic and inorganic
constituents.
6. Prostate gland – a gland that surrounds the upper part of the urethra just below the bladder. It
secretes fluids that nourish and protect the sperm.
7. Epididymis – long-coiled tube located at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm.
The female reproductive system is composed of the ovary, ovum, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix,
vagina and vulva. The main function of the female reproductive system is the production, transportation,
and fertilization of eggs and the production of sex hormones.
1. Ovary – the female reproductive organ located in the pelvic cavity which produces the ova (egg
cells) and secretes the female hormones, progesterone and estrogen.
2. Ovum ¬ the female reproductive cell also called the egg cell. Once matured, it unites with a male
sperm to form a fertilized egg.
3. Fallopian Tubes or Oviducts – extend from the uterus to the ovaries. The primary function of the
tubes is to carry egg from the ovary to the uterus.
4. Uterus – the thick-walled, pear-sized and –shaped muscular organ that lies above the urinary
bladder. It nurtures the fertilized ovum that develops into the fetus and it carries the baby until its
birth.
5. Cervix – the lower part of the uterus. It directs the sperm into the uterus during sexual intercourse.
6. Vagina – the elastic passageway from the cervix to the outside of the female body. It receives the
penis during sexual intercourse and it is where the baby passes during childbirth.
7. Vulva – the external genital organ of the female. It consists the labia majora, labia minora, mons
pubis, clitoris, vestibules, and the vaginal opening.
Erogenous Zones
The erogenous zone is a part of the body that is highly sensitive and the stimulation of which leads
to sexual responses such as relaxation, fantasies, arousal, and orgasm. The stimulation of an individual’s
erogenous zone is considered an act of physical intimacy. These zones differ between the male and female
bodies (see Table 2).
Lips Lips
Neck Neck
Ears Ears
Nipples Breasts
Scrotum Nipples
Perineum (the area between the anus and the Cervix (lower end of the uterus)
scrotum)
Vagina
Penis
Clitoris
Knowing these zones or “hot spots” is important for every couple as it would boost sexual
satisfaction. In addition, knowing these zones will also improve sexual health. Research shows that
stimulating these spots may produce different reactions to the body such as relaxation of the muscle and
the production of the “feel-good” hormone called prolactin.
Sexual response cycle is the term used to describe the changes that occur in the body as men and
women become sexually aroused (Masters & Johnson, 1966). The cycle is divided into four phases,
namely excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
1. Excitement – This is when the body gets ready for sexual activity. In this phase, males may
experience an increase in heart rate, muscle tension, increase in breathing, erection of penis and
nipples, tightening of scrotum and release of pre-ejaculation fluid. For females, they may
experience the swelling of the clitoris and release of lubricating liquid.
2. Plateau – During this phase, intensified breathing, high blood pressure, and faster heart rate may
be experienced as well as muscle contraction in the face, feet and hands. For males, testicles are
withdrawn up into the scrotum. For females, continued swelling of the vagina is experienced and
the clitoris becomes very sensitive.
3. Orgasm – this is also referred to as the climax of the cycle. During this phase, breathing, blood
pressure, and heart rate are further intensified. Contraction of the muscles of the face, feet, and
hands continues. One or both are breathing heavily and there is irresponsible and powerful release
of sexual tension. For males, release of semen occurs. For females, muscles contraction of the
vagina is experienced.
4. Resolution – the body gradually returns to its normal level of functioning. Some parts of the body
return to their original size and color. It is also during this phase that fatigue begins to be felt but
the overall sexual activity is also expected to bring a sense of biological fulfilment.
Helen Fisher (1948) of Rutgers University identified three stages of love. These are lust,
attraction, and attachment.
Lust (libido or sex drive) is characterized by the desire for sexual gratification which is inherent to
every living organism. For humans, this is associated with the sex hormones, testosterone (for males) and
estrogen (for females).
Attraction (passionate or obsessive love, infatuation) is characterized by the intense attention
given to a desired partner. An individual with a high degree of attraction towards another person craves
for emotional union with that person. Sometimes, when one is dominated by passion, one tends to do
stupid and foolish acts.
This stage is driven by chemicals and hormones like adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin.
1. Adrenaline – is released by the body for “fight” or “flight.” For instance, after surprisingly
meeting one’s object affection, this hormone will activate one’s stress response such as sweating
and drying of the mouth.
2. Dopamine – ignites an intense rush of pleasure when released. High level of neurotransmitter like
dopamine causes increased energy, less need for food and sleep, and focused attention to one’s
desired partner.
3. Serotonin – is attributed to “falling in love “ as this hormone makes a person think of his or her
desired partner at most times.
Attachment (companionate love) is characterized by the desire of couples to stay together. A person
who is already attached feels comfort and security from his or her partner. This phase also includes
behaviors anchored on long-term companionship. This stage is driven by two major hormones, namely
oxytocin and vasopressin.
1. Oxytocin (cuddle hormone) – is released during orgasm. The feeling of attachment becomes
more intense after a couple has a sexual intercourse.
2. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) – is released after sexual intercourse. Scientists discovered
the role of vasopressin in attachment by studying prairie vole, small creatures (like mice) that form
monogamous bonds like humans. When male prairie voles were injected a drug that suppresses
vasopressin, they began neglecting their partners.
A “turn on” refers to something that someone may find desirable, pleasant, beautiful,likeable or
any other positive quality. A “turn off,” on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Turns ons and turn
offs usually refer to another person’s physical traits, attributes, attitudes, and conduct that one may find
desirable or not. A person may be turned on if he or she finds a particular quality of another person
desirable; otherwise, he or she may be turned off.
For teens, turn ons and turn offs may focus on the physical attributes and personal qualities of
someone from the opposite sex. A teenage girl, for instance, may find a boy’s charming smile as a turn on
wile bad posture may be a turn off. A teenage boy, on the other hand, may find a girl’s dimples a turn on
while tattoos may be a big turn off.
For young adults and mature adults, turn ons and turn offs may be associated with sexual
activities. Sexual stimulation is often a turn on for it is a part of any sexual activity. Turn ons may also be
the sexual acts that one finds desirable and pleasurable and turn offs may be those acts that are
disagreeable. Turn ons and offs also signal sexual responses during sexual activities.
What turns on and off are qualities and acts that people observe and experience. It can be the
different things that people observe and experience. It can be the different things that one comes in
contact with constantly. An individual’s turn ons and offs can simply serve as markers of one’s
personality and identity.
Sexual behaviors and/or activities may come in the form of masturbation, premarital sex, marital
sex, extramarital sex, heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.
Masturbation
This is sexual act of stimulating one’s own genitals done alone by an individual. Both men and
women masturbate although some studies say that men do the act more often than women do.
Premarital sex
This refers to the sexual activities people engage in outside of marriage. For certain religions, this
is considered unacceptable for there is a belief that is only through marriage that man and woman could
partake in sexual activities.
Marital sex
These are the sexual activities that happen within the bounds of marriage. Sexual activities within
marriage are accepted for marriage is perceived to be legal and symbolic binding of two people who agree
to only be with each other.
Extramarital sex
These are sexual activities that married people engaged in with people they are not married to.
Extramarital sex happens among people engaged in extramarital affairs. This is considered unlawful and
unacceptable in society for it is a practice of infidelity.
Heterosexuality
Homosexuality
Bisexuality
This refers to sexual behavior of one who engages in sexual acts with someone from the opposite
or same sex
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) refer to health conditions that are passed on from a person to
another through sexual contact. STDs can be contracted through having unprotected sex with someone
who has STD.
11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but a
complication resulting from STIs especially Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Women infected with PID
experience inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The disease is caused by
bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
12. Chlamydia ¬ a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that
do significant damage to the human reproductive system. Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagina,
cervix, anus, urethra, eyes and throat. Females infected with Chlamydia suffer vaginal discharge
with strong smell, difficulty in urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse. Males infected with
Chlamydia experience discharge from the penis, difficulty in urinating, and swelling in the
testicles.
Methods of Contraception
Since there is no perfect method of contraception, one must take into consideration the following
factors in choosing a particular method of contraception:
1. It should be safe enough. There should be no unwanted side-effect for any individual using the
contraceptive.
2. It should be efficient in averting unwanted pregnancy.
3. It should be simple and easy to use.
4. It should be available at any time.
1. Folk Method
a. Postcoital Douche or Douching – Douching is a method used by women to flush out the
vagina with a medicinal solution to remove or destroy the sperm. After sexual activity, the
woman will immediately apply the solution. Some of the solutions used are water, vinegar, and
other commercially available products. However, this is relatively ineffective because the
sperm enters into the cervical canal within two minutes after ejaculation and such access may
occur before the seminal fluid can be washed off from the vagina. Doctors claim that frequent
douching may affect that natural mucous of the vagina. Moreover, women find it inconvenient
to douche right after intercourse.
b. Prolonged Lactation – this technique used by women is done through breast feeding their
baby for longer period. Prolonged lactation, according to doctors, helps delay ovulation.
start of the next menstruation. Therefore, before ovulation, as long as there is mucous
discharge, it is unsafe to have a sexual intercourse, this is because the mucous is necessary for
the survival of the sperm cells as it nourishes the semen inside the woman’s body from three to
five days.
c. Withdrawal or Coitus interrupptus – This is a process wherein the man, during sexual
intercourse, withdraws the penis out of the vagina before orgasm.
d. Coitus reservatus – This is a practice in which the man withholds ejaculation and let the
erection subside inside the vagina.
There are other behavioral contraceptive methods such as oral or anal sex but these are considered
forms of perversion.
3. Mechanical Contraceptives - There are mechanical contraceptives of different from that act as
barriers to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus, thereby preventing pregnancy.
a. Condom – The condom is a thin material made of rubber used during sexual activity. The man
wears the condom on his penis to prevent the sperm from entering the vagina. Most doctors
usually recommend the use of condom to men who are sexually active to prevent the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
b. Diaphragm – This is a shallow rubber cup inserted into the vagina. The diaphragm is coated
with spermicidal cream or jelly to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. After intercourse,
the diaphragm should not be removed for at least eight hours. The diaphragm can be inserted
by the woman alone without any assistance.
c. Cervical caps – These are fitted over the cervix by a doctor. Usually, cervical caps can be
worn for a month starting after menstruation up to the inset of the next menstruation
6. Pills - Taking the pill is completely dissociated from the sexual act. The pill renders the woman
infertile. She does not need to think about pregnancy. When taken exactly as prescribed, the pill is
almost 100 percent effective. The pill contains hormones which prevent conception by inhibiting
the ovaries from releasing egg cells. The development of the oral contraception pill is viewed as
another modern medical miracle. In contemporary society where there is a tendency to regard
drugs as a panacea for everything, from insomnia, headache, to even boredom, it would be wise
for a woman to remember that even medicinal miracles have their drawbacks. Oral contraceptives
are powerful and effective drugs, but they have side effects on some users and should not be used
at all by some women.
7. Sterilization- Sterilization or surgery is done with comparative ease and is virtually 100 percent
effective. Sterilization of the male is achieved through tubal ligation. Vasectomy is a relatively
simple procedure in which the vas deferens, the tube through which sperms are transported, is tied
off or cauterized, causing the sperm to be reabsorbed by the body instead of becoming part of the
semen. Tubal ligation is a major surgical procedure in which the woman is put under general
anesthesia, a large abdominal incision is made and the fallopian tubes are cut and tied off.
Ovulation and menstruation continue as usual but the ripen egg cannot enter the uterus. Instead, it
disintegrates and is absorbed by the body.
8. Injectables- Injectables are one of the latest forms of contraception. The contraceptive is injected
in a woman to inhibit ovulation. An injection usually lasts for three months.
LET’S DO THIS
1. The second stage of love is attraction. This is characterized by too much attention given to a
desired partner. Have you experienced being attracted to another person? Describe your feeling
during this stage of love. If you have not experienced being attracted to another person, what do
you think is the feeling of being attracted to another person?
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2. It is natural to feel attracted to another person. What are the factors that “turn you on” to another
person? List down the physical and attitudinal or behavioral traits that you find appealing.
How important are these traits in selecting a partner or in entering into a relationship? Explain your
answer.
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3. Do you favour the inclusion of sex education in the high school curriculum? Explain your answer.
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REFLECTION
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REFERENCES
Alata, Eden Joy P. et. al. (2018). Understanding the Self. Sampaloc, Manila. Rex Book Store, Inc.
Brawner, Dalisay G. & Arcega, Analiza F. (2018). Understanding the Self. South Triangle, Quezon
City. C & E Publishing.
Corpuz, Ronald M. et. al. (2019). Understanding the Self. South Triangle, Quezon City. C & E
Publishing.
Villafuerte, Salvacion F. et. al. (2018). Understanding the Self. Cubao, Quezon City. Nieme Publishing
House Co. Ltd.