THE SEXUAL SELF THE SEXUAL SELF Understanding the Self
Why do sexual topics create discomfort when discussed in public?
LEARNING OUTCOMES Identify the stages in the unfolding of the sexual self 01 Determine the differences of sex and gender 02 At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to: Explain the sexual orientation 03 Describe the erogenous zones and understand human sexual response. 04 Understand lust, love and attachment 05 Identify the causes and consequences of sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy 06 Reflect on the importance of contraception and reproductive Health Law. 07
THE BEGINNING OF THE SEXUAL SELF Our biological sex begins with sex chromosomes that we inherit from our parents during the time of fertilization, that is the fusion of the sex cells of our parents . The sex chromosomes are so called, because they genetically program the organism to develop either along a female or male line . Each parent contributes one sex chromosome to the offspring. A male parent may pass either an X or a Y chromosome while a female parent always gives the X chromosome.
THE BEGINNING OF THE SEXUAL SELF When an X chromosome comes from the father & meets the X chromosome from the mother, the resulting combination is XX which indicates a female offspring . When the father produces a Y chromosome which pairs with the X chromosome from the mother, the resulting combination is XY, signifying a male offspring .
OF THE SEXUAL SELF THE BEGINNING
SEXUALITY
SEXUALITY It is a central aspect of being human throughout life which encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. It is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles and relationships. - WHO
SEX It refers to a person’s characterization as a female or male at birth, typically based on the appearance of external genetalia our other biological characteristics including chromosomes.
GENDER It refers to social characteristics that may be (or not be) aligned with a person’s sex and adopted by an individual as their gender identity.
THE GENDEBREAD PERSON
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Physical Development The beginning of adolescence is marked by rapid physical changes including the maturation of the reproductive system and the development of different sexual characteristics.
Primary Sex Characteristics These are physical characteristics that are present at birth. In women , these characteristics include the vagina, uterus and ovaries In men , the primary sex characteristics include the penis, testes or testicles, scrotum and prostate gland
Secondary Sex Characteristics The Secondary Sexual Characteristics develop during the onset of puberty. For women , the earliest evidences of puberty are the enlargement of the breasts, menstrual cycle, widening of hips, enlargement of buttocks, and growth of pubic hair Testicular growth, sperm production, appearance of facial, pubic, and other body hair, and deepening of voice are some of the first signs of puberty in men
Secondary Sex Characteristics Hormones are natural substance that is produced in the body that influences the way the body grows or develops. Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are some examples of hormones. During puberty , testosterone and other androgens stimulate the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics and also increase sex drive . The level of testosterone production is fairly constant.
Secondary Sex Characteristics In women , the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen promotes female reproductive capacity and secondary sex characteristics. The production of female sex hormones follows a cyclical pattern, on an approximately 28- day monthly cycle . The greatest production occurs during ovulation period, when an egg is released from the ovaries. The two ovaries produce, store and release egg cells during ovulation.
Secondary Sex Characteristics Ovulation period can occur 14 days after the beginning of the menstrual period. Reproductive system is the system of sex organs designed for reproduction or sexual function. Female reproductive system includes: two ovaries uterus clitoris fallopian tubes vagina
Secondary Sex Characteristics Male reproductive system includes: penis prostate gland testes seminal vesicles scrotum vas deferens epididymis
Secondary Sex Characteristics 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 genetalia if the embryonic testes fail to produce testosterone. If a genetic female is exposed to testosterone, the embryo has ovaries but may develop male accessory ducts, glands as well as a male reproductive organ and an empty scrotum.
Secondary Sex Characteristics Pseudo hermaphrodites are formed whose individuals having accessory reproductive structures that do not “match” their gonads. Hermaphrodites are individuals who possess both ovarian and testicular tissues, but this condition is rare.
PUBERTY
Puberty Is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10-15 years old , when the reproductive organs grow to their adult size become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones. After this times, reproductive capability continues until old age in males and menopause in females. In males, as they reach the age 13, puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the reproductive organs followed by the appearance of hair in the public area axillary and the face.
Puberty The reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation marked 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 the females which happens two years the start of puberty.
ORIENTATION SEXUAL
Sexual Orientation Refers to a person’s sexual and romantic interest either people of the opposite sex or people of the same sex.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION KINDS OF
HETEROSEXUAL People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: Heterosexuals are sometimes called “straight”. KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
BISEXUAL People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes. Attracted to both men and women. KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
ASEXUAL People who are asexual may not be interested in any sex, but they still feel emotionally close to other people. KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
PANSEXUAL Individuals who can experience sexual, romantic or emotional attraction to all person, regardless of that person’s gender, sex, or sexuality (pan) all KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
POLISEXUAL Poli (many) The sexual attraction to many, but not necessarily all genders KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
HOMOSEXUAL Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. Men with a homosexual orientation are referred to as a gay while women with homosexual orientation are referred to as a lesbian KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
TRANSGENDER Are those who believe they were born with the body of the opposite sex. Thu, some seek sex- change operation. KINDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION TRANSSEXUAL Are those whose genitals are surgically removed and are fashioned as the genitals of the desired gender.
EROGENOUS ZONE THE
According to Freud, Erogenous zones are areas of the body that provide pleasure Erogenous zones may be classified by the type of sexual response that they generate. Many people are gently aroused when their eyelids, eyebrows, temples, shoulders, hands, arms and hair are subtly touched. Gently touching or stroking of these zones stimulates a partner during foreplay and increase the arousal level. THE EROGENOUS ZONE
CLITORIS It is considered as “the body part contributing most to sexual arousal “ This is extremely sensitive. VAGINA The interior of the vagina does contain nerve endings and women reported that deep stimulation leads to a more intense orgasm. THE EROGENOUS ZONE OF THE FEMALE BODY
CERVIX The cervix is located at the lower end of the uterus. It has its own feel- good nerve pathways. MOUTH & LIPS Many women rank the mouth and lips highly erogenous areas. THE EROGENOUS ZONE
NECK Neck is very sensitive to light touch, especially among people with low body fat. BREAST & NIPPLES Nipple stimulation sets fireworks off in the same region of the brain that processes sensations from clitoris and vagina. THE EROGENOUS ZONE
EARS Ears are super sensitive to the touch, probably due to a large number of nerve endings. THE EROGENOUS ZONE
PENIS Penile stimulation significantly contributes to sexual satisfaction. Circumcision doesn’t appear to decrease sensation or sexual satisfaction MOUTH & LIPS Highly sensitive, male lips respond to light touch, temperature, or pressure. Kissing also triggers a release of hormones involve in intimacy. THE EROGENOUS ZONE OF THE MALE BODY
SCROTUM The scrotum is one of men’s most notable erogenous zones. Lots of nerves mean that this area is super- sensitive to touch. NECK The neck has great sensitivity to vibration, making it a prime spot for light erotic touch. THE EROGENOUS ZONE
NIPPLES While male nipples don’t appear to serve any real purpose, that doesn't mean that they are totally useful. PERINEUM It’ s the area between the anus and scrotum, which help convey sensations of sexual pleasure from genitals to the brain THE EROGENOUS ZONE
EARS Highly sensitive to touch because a high number of sensory receptors of the skin. THE EROGENOUS ZONE
THE EROGENOUS ZONES One of the most basic sexual stimulation is masturbation or self- stimulation that causes sexual pleasure or orgasm. Other sexual activities such as intimate kissing, cuddling, necking, petting, or touching the erogenous zones may be uniquely important to sexual arousal .
THE EROGENOUS ZONES In many species, sexual arousal is closely tied to variations in hormonal levels, in humans, however, hormones play less of a role. In one sense, the brain is where sexual desire originates and where sexual behavior is controlled. Cognitive factors thus play an important role in sexual arousal in humans. Culture also influences the expression of sexual desire.
RESPONSE CYCLE SEXUAL
The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional changes that occur as a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in sexually stimulating activities, including intercourse and masturbation. William Masters and Virginia Johnson used the term sexual-response cycle to describe the changes that occur in the body as men and women become sexually aroused. SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
The divided the sexual response cycle into four (4) phases. Phase 1: Excitement Phase Phase 2: Plateau Phase Phase 3: Orgasm Phase Phase 4: Resolution Phase SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
Phase 1: Excitement Phase Beginning of sexual arousal, can last from one minute to several hours. Pulse rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing quickens, and the skin shows a rosy flush particularly on the chest and breast area during this phase. The nipples harden and erect in both men and women. In men , penis becomes erect, the skin of the scrotum thickens, he begins secreting a lubricating liquid and the testes increase in size. In women , the clitoris swells, the lip of the vagina open, and the inside of the vagina moistens in preparation of sexual intercourse SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
Phase 2 : Plateau Phase The change in the body is continued. Breathing becomes more rapid, heart rate increases, body temperature rises. Blood pressure increases during this stage. In men , the penis become more erects, the circumference of its head increases, and releases few drops of fluid. In women , the outer part of the vagina swells with increased amount of blood to that area, while the clitoris retracts under the clitoral hood nut remains highly sensitive. The outer lip of the vagina becomes redder in color SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
Phase 3: Orgasm Phase Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen. There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension. Orgasmic contractions of the muscles happen in the release of the semen which contains the sperm cells. Men usually achieve one intense orgasm. In women, orgasm involves the contraction of the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal walls and can happen multiple times. In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of semen. A rash or “sex flush” may appear over the entire body SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
Phase 4: Resolution Phase The body returns to its normal state after orgasm. In men , the erection is lost, the testes decrease in size and the skin of scrotum thins again. In women , the clitoris the color of the outer lip of the vagina, and the lips of the vagina return to its normal state. Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase with further sexual stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms. Men typically need recovery time after orgasm, called, a refractory period, during which they cannot reach orgasm again. SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
LOVE & ATTACHMENT CHEMISTRY OF LUST,
According to anthropologist Helen Fisher (2016) there are three stages of falling in love. In each stage, a different set of brain chemicals run the show. These stages are lust, attractions and love. CHEMISTRY OF LUST, LOVE AND ATTACHMENT
During adolescence, dating and courtship emerge and become increasingly important. Puberty is a stage when many boys and girls experience their first attraction. Romantic love is especially important among college students. CHEMISTRY OF LUST, LOVE AND ATTACHMENT
LUST Is driven by the desire for sexual gratification. The evolutionary basis for this from people’s need to reproduce a need shared among all living things.
ATTRACTION Is a positive attitude held by one person toward another person. Initial attraction is influenced by social norms, physical attractiveness, and process of interpersonal exchange. Psychologist Robert Sternberg suggests that there are three components of love: 1. Intimacy 2. Passion 3. Commitment
ATTRACTION Intimacy - component refers to the feelings of closeness, connectedness and bondedness. Passion - component refers to the drives that lead to romance, physical attraction, and sexual consummation. Commitment - refers to the decision to love and the commitment to maintain that love. Attachment may also be called affectionate or companionate love.
EARLY PREGNANCY SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) and
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) and EARLY PREGNANCY SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are contracted primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal sex) STIs are increasing health problems. Some STIs affect the sex organs themselves, whereas others have broader and more life threatening effects..
The bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics, but those caused by viruses are more difficult to treat and are often incurable such as HIV/AIDS. STIs commonly include human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, and genitals warts. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk to sexually transmitted infections. Hence sexually active persons should practice safe sex. However, it is important to remember that not having sex can be the safest sex method to avoid all forms of sexually transmitted infections as well as other sexual problems such as early pregnancy. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) and EARLY PREGNANCY
Contraception refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. Some methods of contraception such as condom can also be used to prevent some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other common methods of contraception available in the Philippine include: 1. intrauterine device or IUD, 2. birth control injection 3. withdrawal method, 4. calendar method 5. cervical mucus or the Billings method. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) and EARLY PREGNANCY
Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 or otherwise known as Reproductive Health Law or RH Law. Reproductive Health Law or RH Law Is a law that guarantees universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education and maternal care. The RH bill provides for “prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs” SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) and EARLY PREGNANCY
The Reproductive Health Law or RH Law aims to keep couples and especially women, well-informed about available family planning methods that they can freely use depending on their needs and beliefs. As well as, it aims to promote adolescent and youth health and propagate information on sexuality and reproductive health through proper care and sex education. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) and EARLY PREGNANCY
ACTIVITY 1. In our country today, are we free to express our own sexual identity? Justify your answer. 2. Recall the changes that happened in your body during puberty. How did you feel about those changes? What were your challenges? 3. Conduct a literary research on the sociological perspective of gender and sexuality. How do countries differ in their regard to transgenders and other members of the LGBTQ+ community? What laws have been enacted to protect them?