Chapter II:

UNPACKING THE SELF

Alexandria blake cay real, rpm
instructor
The Physical Self and
Sexual Self
•Do you know the

?
feeling of falling in
love?
•Intimate?
•Excited?
• Pseudohermaphrodites – are formed who are individuals having
accessory reproductive structures that do not “match” their gonads.
Many of them undergo sex change (external fit to internal)
• Hermaphrodites (true) – are individuals who possess both ovarian
and testicular tissues but this condition is rare in nature.
• 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.
Human Sexual Behavior
• Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity – solitary, between
two persons, or in a group – that induces sexual arousal (Gebhard,
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 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.
1. Solitary Behavior
Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal
and generally, sexual climax. Usually, most self-gratification takes place
in private as an end in itself, but can also be done in a sociosexual
relationship.

It is generally beginning at or before PUBERTY, is very common among

young males, but becomes less frequent or is abandoned when
sociosexual activity is available. Consequently, self-gratification is most
frequent among the unmarried.

Majority of males and females have fantasies of some sociosexual

activity while they gratify themselves. The fantasy frequently involves
idealized sexual partners and activities that the individual has not
experienced and even might avoid in real life.
Nowadays, humans are frequently being exposed to sexual stimuli
especially from advertising (i.e. commercials) and social media (i.e.
Facebook).

Some adolescents become aggressive when they respond to such

stimuli. The rate of teenage pregnancy is increasing in our time. The
challenge is to develop self-control in order to balance suppression and
free expression. Adolescents need to control their sexual response in
order to prevent premarital sex and acquire sexually transmitted
diseases.
2. Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that
occurs between only one male and one female. It usually begins in childhood
and may be motivated by curiosity, such as showing or examining genitalia.

Petting – expression of affection and a source of pleasure; preliminary to

coitus; way of learning how to interact with another person sexually

Coitus – insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female

reproductive organ. It is viewed differently in the society depending on their
marital status.

(Premarital, marital, extramarital, postmarital coitus)

There is a difficulty in enforcing abstinence among sexually experienced and

usually older people for societies that try to confine coitus in married
couples.
A behavior may be interpreted by society or the individual as erotic (i.e.
capable of engendering sexual response) depending on the context in
which the behavior occurs. For instance, a kiss may be interpreted as a
gesture of expression or intimacy between couples while others may
interpret it as a form of respect or reverence, like when kissing the
hand of an elder or someone in authority. Examination and touching
someone’s genitalia is not interpreted as sexual act especially when
done for medical purposes. Consequently, the apparent motivation of
the behavior greatly determines its interpretation.
Erogenous
Zone
Physiology of Human
Sexual Response
Sexual response follows a
pattern of sequential stages or
phases when sexual activity is
continued.

EPOR Model by Masters &

Johnson
1. Excitement phase
2. Plateau phase
3. Orgasm/ Sexual Climax
4. Resolution phase
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 (particularly noticeable in the male
reproductive structure and female breasts), more rapid breathing,
the secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a general
increase in muscle tension. These symptoms of arousal eventually
increase to a near maximal physiological level that leads to the next
stage.
2. Plateau phase – it is generally of brief duration. If
stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.
3. Orgasm/ 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. Sexual climax may last for a
few seconds (normally not even ten), after which the individual enters
the resolution phase.
4. Resolution phase – it is the last stage that refers to the
return to a normal or subnormal physiologic state. Males and females are
similar in their response sequence. Whereas males return to normal even
if stimulation continues, but continued stimulation can produce
additional orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of
repeated orgasms without the intervening “rest period” required by
males.
Nervous system factors
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STDs are infections transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person
through sexual contact.

Cause: STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Examples: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)

STDs can lead to long-term health problems , usually in women and infants. Among
the health complications that arise from STDs are pelvic inflammatory disease,
infertility, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, and perinatal or congenital
infections in infants born to infected mothers.

One of the leading STDs worldwide is AIDS, which is caused by HIV. The virus attacks
the immune system making the individual more prone to infections and other
diseases. The virus usually targets the T-cells (CD4 cells) of the immune system,
which serve as the regulators of the immune system. The virus survives throughout
the body but may be transmitted via body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal
fluids and breast milk. AIDS occurs in the advanced stage of HIV infection.
Aside from HIV and AIDS, there are other STDs in humans. The
following list of diseases is based on Sexually Transmitted Disease
Surveillance 2016 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

1. Chlamydia. In 2016, a total

of 1,598,354 cases of
Chlamydia Trachomatis
infection were reported to
the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
making it the most notifiable
condition in USA. Rates of
reported cases among men
are generally lower than the
rates among women.
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 case
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.
Overall, the rate increased 14.7%
among men and 35.7% among
women. During 2012 to 2016,
P&S syphilis rates were
consistently highest among
persons aged 20 to 29 years old,
but rates increased in every
5-year age group among those
aged 15 to 64 years.
4. Chancroid. is caused by
infection with the bacterium
Haemophilus ducreyi. Clinical
manifestations include genital
ulcers and inguinal
lymphadenopathy or buboes.
Reported cases declined steadily.
In 2016, a total of 7 cases of
chancroid were reported in USA.
5. Human Papillomavirus.
HPV is the most common sexually
transmitted infection in USA.
Persistent infection with some
HPV types can cause cancer and
genital warts.
6. Herpes Simplex Virus 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.
7. 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. Visits appear to be fairly
stable since the 1990s; the number
of initial Trichomonas Vaginalis
infection in 2015 was 139,000.
Natural and Artificial
Methods of
Contraception
Natural Method
• The natural family planning methods do not involve any chemical or
foreign body introduction into the human body. People who are very
conscious of their religious belief are more inclined to use the natural
way of birth control and others follow such natural methods because
they are more cost-effective (Nurseslabs, 2016).
 Calendar
Method
• It’s also called rhythm
Abstine method. It entails withholding
nce from coitus during the days
• It involves refraining that the woman is fertile.
from sexual intercourse According to menstrual cycle,
and is the most effective the woman is likely to
natural birth control conceive three or four days
method with ideally 0% before and three or four days
fail rate. It is considered after ovulation. The woman
to be the most effective needs to record her menstrual
way to avoid STIs.
However, most people cycle for six months in order
find it difficult to comply to calculate the woman’s safe
with abstinence, so only days to prevent conception.
a few use this method.
 Cervical Mucus
Basal Method
Body • The change in the cervical
Temperat mucus during ovulation is the
basis for this method. During
ure ovulation, the cervical mucus
is copious, thin, and watery. It
• The BBT indicates the woman’s also exhibits the property of
temperature at rest. Before the day of spinnbarkeit, wherein it can
ovulation and during ovulation, BBT falls at be stretched up until at least
0.5OF; it increases to a full degree because 1 inch and is slippery. The
of progesterone and maintains its level
throughout the menstrual cycle. This woman is said to be fertile as
serves as the basis for the method. The long as the cervical mucus is
woman must record her temperature copious and watery.
every morning before any activity. A slight
decrease in the basal body temperature Therefore, she must avoid
followed by a gradual increase in the basal coitus during those days to
body temperature can be a sign that a prevent conception.
woman has ovulated.
 Ovulation
Symptothe Detection
• The ovulation detection
rmal method uses an
Method over-the-counter kit that
requires the urine sample of
the woman. The kit can
• The symptothermal method is predict ovulation through the
basically a combination of the BBT surge of luteinizing hormone
method and the cervical mucus (LH) that happens 12 to 24
method. The woman records her hours before ovulation.
temperature every morning and
also takes note of changes in her • It’s not the same
cervical mucus. She should abstain with PT
from coitus three days after a rise in • I – Negative
her temperature or on the fourth • II – Positive
day after the peak of a mucus
 Coitus
Interruptus
• It 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. A disadvantage of this
method is the pre-ejaculation fluid that
contains a few spermatozoa that may
cause fertilization.
Artificial Method
• Artificial birth control
• Any product, procedure or practice that uses artificial or unnatural
means to prevent pregnancy.

• Consider these factors: healthy, desire for children in the future, your
moral and spiritual beliefs, and even convenience.
 Oral
Contraceptives

• Also known as the pill, oral contraceptives

contain synthetic estrogen and
progesterone. Estrogen suppresses the
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and LH Transdermal Patch
to prevent ovulation. Moreover, • The transdermal patch contains both
progesterone decreases the permeability estrogen and progesterone. The
of the cervical mucus to limit the sperm’s woman should apply one patch every
access to the ova. It is suggested that the week for three weeks on the following
woman takes the first pill on the first areas: upper outer arm, upper torso,
abdomen, or buttocks. At the fourth
Sunday after the beginning of a menstrual week, not patch is applied because the
flow, or as soon as it is prescribed by the menstrual flow would then occur. The
doctor. area where the patch is applied should
be clean, dry and free of irritation.
 Vaginal Ring

Subdermal
• The vaginal ring releases a combination
of estrogen and progesterone and it Implants
• These are two rod-like implants are
surrounds the cervix. This silicon ring is inserted under the skin of the
inserted in the female reproductive female during her menses or on the
organ and remains there for three seventh day of her menstruation to
weeks and then removed on the fourth make sure that she will not get
week, as menstrual flow would occur. pregnant. The implants are made
The woman becomes fertile as soon as with etonogestrel, desogestrel, and
the ring is removed. progestin and can be helpful for
three to five years.
 Hormonal Intrauterine Device
Injections
• A hormonal injection contains • An IUD is a small, T-shaped object
medroxyprogesterone, a containing progesterone that is inserted
into the uterus via the female reproductive
progesterone, and is usually give organ. It prevents fertilization by creating a
once every 12 weeks local sterile inflammatory condition to
intramuscularly. The injection prevent implantation of the zygote. The
IUD is fitted only by the physician and
causes changes in the endometrium inserted after the woman’s menstrual flow.
and cervical mucus and can help The device can be effective for five to
prevent ovulation. seven years.
 • 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. The
diaphragm should be fitted only by the
physician, and should remain in place for
six hours after coitus.
Diaphragm
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
conducive for the sperm. On the other
hand, these chemical barriers cannot
prevent sexually transmitted infections.
 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. • The male condom is a latex or synthetic
rubber sheath that is placed on the
erect male reproductive organ before
penetration into the female
reproductive organ to trap the sperm
during ejaculation. It can prevent STIs
and can be bought over-the-counter.
Male condoms have an ideal fail rate of
2% and a typical fail rate of 15% due to
break in the sheath’s integrity or spilling
of semen.

Male Condoms
 Female Condoms Surgical Methods
• Female condoms are made up to latex • During vasectomy, a small incision is made on each
side of the scrotum. The vas deferens is then tied,
rubber sheaths that are pre-lubricated cauterized, cut or plugged to block the passage of
with spermicide. They are usually the sperm. The patient is advised to use a backup
contraceptive method until two negative sperm
bound by two rings. The outer ring is count results are recorded because the sperm could
first inserted against the opening of remain viable in the vas deferens for 6 months.
the female reproductive organ and the • In women, tubal ligation is performed after
menstruation and before ovulation. The procedure is
inner ring covers the cervix. It is used done through a small incision under the woman’s
to prevent fertilization of the egg by umbilicus that targets the fallopian tube for cutting,
cauterizing, or blocking to inhibit the passage of both
the sperm cells. the sperm and the ova.
“carefully educate your grown
ups about the right values of
sex. If you don’t, the society
will teach them the wrong
values.”