MODULE 3

TOPIC: THE PHYSICAL AND

SEXUAL SELF
2 MODULE OVERVIEW

It has been believed that the sex chromosomes

of humans define the sex (female or male) and
their secondary sexual characteristics. Our
genetic makeup 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
module helps us better understand ourselves
through a discussion on the development of our
sexual characteristics and behavior.
3 MODULE OUTCOMES

At the end of the module, the students must be able 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
 DISCUSSION

4
 DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE
5 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

▹ Gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testis or ovary)

begin to form until about the eighth week of embryonic development.
▹ During early stages of human development, the embryonic reproductive
structures of males and females are alike and are said to be in the
indifferent stage.
▹ When the primary reproductive structures are formed, development of
the accessory structures and external genitalia begins.
 DEVELOPMENTAL
ASPECTS OF THE
6 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

▹ The formation of male or female

structures depends on the presence or
absence of testosterone.
▹ 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.
 DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE
7 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
One month before birth, the male testes formed in
the abdominal cavity descend to enter the scrotum.

Cryptorchidism
▹ a condition in which one or both of the testes fail
to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum
▹ usually occurs in young males and causes
sterility (which is also a risk factor for cancer of
the testes)
▹ surgery is usually performed during childhood to
solve this problem
 DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE
8 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Abnormal separation of chromosomes during meiosis can lead to congenital

conditions in the reproductive system.
▹ XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome) – males who possess an extra female sex
chromosome; have normal male accessory structures, but their testes may
atrophy (to shrink), causing them to be sterile
▹ Having a single sex chromosome
▸ XO (Turner Syndrome) – female with only a single X chromosome
▸ YO – single Y chromosome, nonviable, die during development
▹ Phimosis – a narrowing of the foreskin of the male reproductive structure and
misplaced urethral openings
 DEVELOPMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE
9 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PUBERTY - the period of life (~10-15 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.

In males: In females:
▹ increase in the size of the reproductive ▹ budding of breasts usually occurring at the
organs age of 11
▹ appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, ▹ Menarche is the first menstrual period of
and face females which happens two years after the
▹ reproductive organs continue to grow for start of puberty.
two years until sexual maturation marked by ▹ regulation of ovulation and fertility by
the presence of mature semen in the testes hormones
 WITH THE
REPRODUCTIVE
10 SYSTEM

Common infections are caused by:

▹ Escherichia coli – could spread through the
digestive tract
▹ Sexually transmitted microorganisms (e.g.,
syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes virus)
▹ Yeast (a type of fungus)
 DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE
11 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

In females:
▹ Vaginal infections that are left untreated may
spread throughout the female reproductive
tract and may cause pelvic inflammatory
disease and sterility.
▹ Problems that involve painful or abnormal
menses may also be due to infection or
hormone imbalance.
▹ Neoplasms (abnormal mass of tissue) in the
form of tumors of the breast and cervix
 DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE
12 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

In males:
▹ Prostatitis
▹ Urethritis
▹ Epididymitis
▹ Orchiditis (inflammation of the testes) –
uncommon but can cause sterility;
commonly follows mumps in an adult
male
▹ Prostate cancer
13 MENOPAUSE

▹ occurs when females no longer experience menstruation;

ovulation and menses stop entirely, ending childbearing ability
▹ reduced estrogen production causes:
▸ reproductive organs and breasts begin to atrophy or shrink
▸ intercourse may be painful as vagina becomes dry; vaginal
infections become common
▸ irritability and other mood changes (depression in some)
▸ intense vasodilation of the skin's blood vessels, which
causes uncomfortable sweat-drenching "hot flashes”
▸ gradual thinning of the skin and loss of bone mass
▸ slowly rising blood cholesterol levels, which place
postmenopausal women at risk for cardiovascular
disorders
14 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.
▹ These zones may vary from one person to
another. Some people may enjoy being
touched in a certain area more than the other
areas.
 HUMAN SEXUAL
15 BEHAVIOR
▹ Any activity—solitary, between two, or in a group—that induces sexual
arousal
▹ Two major factors determine human sexual behavior:

1. the inherited sexual response patterns that have evolved as a

means of ensuring reproduction and are part of everyone's
genetic inheritance
2. the degree of restraint or other types of influence exerted on the
individual by society in the expression of his sexuality
16 TYPES OF BEHAVIOR

▹ SOLITARY BEHAVIOR (SELF ▹ SOCIOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR

GRATIFICATION)
▸ Heterosexual behavior
▸ self-stimulation that leads to (female with male)
sexual arousal and generally, ▸ Homosexual behavior (male
sexual climax with male; female with
▸ most frequent among the female)
unmarried or those without
sociosexual activity
 SOCIOSEXUAL
17 BEHAVIOR

▹ Involves physical contact with other people (e.g., necking, petting), usually with
the intent for coitus (sexual intercourse)

Sex and Society…

Coitus is viewed by society depending upon the marital status of the individuals.
In modern Western society, premarital coitus is more likely tolerated.
In most societies, marital coitus is considered as an obligation.
When it comes to extramarital coitus, wives are generally condemned and society is
more considerate toward males.
 PHYSIOLOGY OF
HUMAN SEXUAL
18 RESPONSE

1. Excitement Phase 2. Plateau Phase

It is caused by increase in pulse and blood Following the increase of arousal is a near
pressure, a sudden rise in blood supply to maximal physiological level which is this
the surface of the body resulting in phase. It is generally of brief duration and
increased skin temperature, flushing, and leads to orgasm if stimulation is
swelling of all distensible body parts continued.
(particularly noticeable in the male
reproductive structure and female
breasts), more rapid breathing, secretion
of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a
general increase in muscle tension.
 PHYSIOLOGY OF
HUMAN SEXUAL
19 RESPONSE

3. Sexual Climax 4. Resolution Phase

It is marked by a feeling of abrupt, The return to a normal or subnormal
intense pleasure, a rapid increase in physiologic state. Whereas males
pulse rate and blood pressure, and return to normal even if stimulation
spasms of the pelvic muscles causing continues, continued stimulation can
contractions of the female produce additional orgasms in
reproductive organ and ejaculation by females. Females are physically
the male. Sexual climax may last for a capable of repeated orgasms without
few seconds (normally not over ten), the intervening "rest period" required
after which the individual enters the by males.
resolution phase.
 SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED
20 DISEASES

▹ Chlamydia ▹ Gonorrhea
A common sexually transmitted An infection caused by a sexually
disease caused by the bacteria called transmitted bacterium that infects
Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both males and females. It affects the
both men and women. Women can get urethra, rectum, throat, and cervix. It
chlamydia in the cervix, rectum, or is spread during vaginal, oral or anal
throat. Men can get chlamydia in the sex. Babies of infected mothers can be
urethra (inside the penis), rectum, or infected during childbirth. In babies,
throat. gonorrhea most commonly affects the
eyes.
 SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED
21 DISEASES

▹ Syphilis ▹ Chancroid
The disease starts as a painless sore—typically on It is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus
the genitals, rectum, or mouth. It spreads from ducreyi. The infection begins with the
person to person via skin or mucus membrane appearance of painful open sores on the genitals,
contact with these sores. sometimes accompanied by swollen, tender
After initial infection, the syphilis bacteria can lymph nodes in the groin. These symptoms occur
remain inactive (dormant) in your body for decades within a week after exposure. Symptoms in
before becoming active again. Early syphilis can be women are often less noticeable and may be
cured, sometimes with a single shot (injection) of limited to painful urination or defecation, painful
penicillin. Without treatment, syphilis can severely intercourse, rectal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.
damage the heart, brain, or other organs, and can
be life-threatening. It can also be passed from
mothers to unborn children.
 SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED
22 DISEASES

▹ Human Papillomavirus (HPV) ▹ Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

A viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucus Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted
membrane growths (warts). There are more than 100 infection caused by HSV. After the initial infection, the
varieties of HPV. Some types can cause different types virus lies dormant in the body and can reactivate
of cancer (e.g., cancer of the lower part of the uterus several times a year.
that connects to the vagina (cervix)). Other types of Genital herpes can cause pain, itching, and sores in the
cancers, including cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, genital area. If infected, a person can be contagious
vulva and back of the throat (oropharyngeal), have even if there are no visible sores or any symptoms.
been linked to HPV infection.
There's no cure for genital herpes, but medications can
Infections are often transmitted sexually or through ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others.
other skin-to-skin contact. Vaccines can help protect Condoms can also help prevent the spread of a genital
against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital herpes infection.
warts or cervical cancer.
 SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED
23 DISEASES

▹ Trichomoniasis
A common sexually transmitted infection caused by
the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
In women, it can cause a foul-smelling vaginal
discharge, genital itching, and painful urination.
Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no
symptoms. Pregnant women who have it might be at
higher risk of delivering their babies prematurely.
 METHODS OF
24 CONTRACEPTION

Natural Method Artificial Method

▹ Also called the natural family ▹ Involves the use of any product or
planning method, it does not procedure to prevent pregnancy
involve any chemical or foreign
body introduction into the human
body. People who are very
conscious of their religious beliefs
are more inclined to use the natural
way of birth control. Others follow
such natural methods because they
are more cost-effective.
25 NATURAL METHODS

Abstinence Calendar Method

▹ This involves refraining from ▹ Also called the rhythm method, it

entails withholding from coitus during
sexual intercourse and is the the days that the woman is fertile.
most effective natural birth According to the menstrual cycle, the
control method with ideally 0% woman is likely to conceive three or
fail rate. It is also the most four days before and three or four
effective way to avoid STIs days after ovulation. The woman
(Sexually Transmitted needs to record her menstrual cycle
Infections). for six months in order to calculate the
woman's safe days to prevent
conception.
26 NATURAL METHODS

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Cervical Mucus Method

▹ BBT indicates the woman's temperature at ▹ The change in the cervical mucus during
rest. Before the day of ovulation and during ovulation is the basis for this method.
ovulation, BBT falls at 0.5°F; it increases to a During ovulation, the cervical mucus is
full degree because of progesterone and copious, thin, and watery. It also exhibits
maintains its level throughout the the property of spinnbarkeit (fibrosity),
menstrual cycle. This serves as the basis for wherein it can be stretched up until at least
the method. The woman must record her 1 inch and is slippery. The woman is said to
temperature every morning before any be fertile as long as the cervical mucus is
activity. A slight decrease in the basal body copious and watery. Therefore, she must
temperature followed by a gradual increase avoid coitus during those days to prevent
can be a sign that a woman has ovulated. conception.
27 NATURAL METHODS

Symptothermal Ovulation Detection Coitus lnterruptus

Method ▹ This method uses an over- ▹ One of the oldest methods
▹ A combination of the BBT the-counter kit that requires that prevents conception.
method and the cervical the urine sample of the ▹ A couple still goes on with
mucus method. woman. The kit can predict coitus, but the man
ovulation through the surge withdraws the moment he
▹ The woman records her of the luteinizing hormone
temperature every morning ejaculates to emit the
(LH) that happens 12 to 24 spermatozoa outside of the
and also takes note of hours before ovulation.
changes in her cervical female reproductive organ. A
mucus. She should abstain disadvantage of this method
from coitus three days after is the pre-ejaculation fluid
a rise in her temperature or that contains a few
on the fourth day after the spermatozoa that may cause
peak of a mucus change. fertilization.
28 ARTIFICIAL METHODS

Oral Contraceptives Transdermal Patch Vaginal Ring

▹ Also known as the pill, these ▹ The transdermal patch ▹ The vaginal ring, made of
contain synthetic estrogen contains both estrogen and silicon, is inserted vaginally
and progesterone. Estrogen progesterone. The woman and surrounds the cervix,
suppresses the Follicle should apply one patch releasing a combination of
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) every week for three weeks estrogen and progesterone.
and LH to prevent ovulation. on the following areas: The ring remains there for
Progesterone decreases the upper outer arm, upper three weeks and then
permeability of the cervical torso, abdomen, or buttocks. removed on the fourth week,
mucus to limit the sperm's At the fourth week, no patch as menstrual flow occurs.
access to the ova. is applied because the The woman becomes fertile
menstrual flow would then as soon as the ring is
occur. removed.
29 ARTIFICIAL METHODS

Subdermal Implants Hormonal Injections Intrauterine Device (IUD)

▹ Subdermal implants are two ▹ A hormonal injection ▹ An IUD is a small, T-shaped
rod-like implants inserted contains object containing progesterone
under the skin of the female medroxyprogesterone, a that is inserted into the uterus
during her menses or on the progesterone, and is usually via the female reproductive
7th day of her menses to given once every 12 weeks organ. It prevents fertilization
make sure that she will not intramuscularly. The by creating a local sterile
get pregnant. The implants injection causes changes in inflammatory condition to
are made with etonogestrel, the endometrium and prevent implantation of the
desogestrel, and progestin cervical mucus and can help zygote.
and can be effective for 3-5 inhibit ovulation. ▹ It is fitted only by the physician
years. and inserted after
menstruation. It can be
effective for 5-7 years.
30 ARTIFICIAL METHODS

Chemical Barriers Diaphragm Cervical Cap

▹ Chemical barriers such as ▹ It is a circular, rubber disk ▹ The cervical cap is made of soft
spermicides, vaginal gels that fits the cervix and rubber and fitted on the rim of
and creams, and glycerin should be placed before the cervix. It is shaped like a
films are used to cause the coitus. It inhibits the thimble with a thin rim and
death of sperms before they entrance of the sperm into could stay in place for not more
can enter the cervix and to the female reproductive than 48 hours.
lower the pH level of the organ and works better
female reproductive organ when used together with a
so it will not be conducive spermicide.
for the sperm. ▹ The diaphragm should be
▹ On the other hand, these fitted only by the physician
chemical barriers cannot and should remain in place
prevent STIs. for six hours after coitus.
31 ARTIFICIAL METHODS

Male Condoms Female Condoms

▹ A latex or synthetic rubber sheath that is ▹ Made up of latex rubber sheaths that are
placed on the erect male reproductive pre-lubricated with spermicide
organ and rolled before penetration into ▹ They are usually bound by two rings. The
the female reproductive organ to trap the outer ring is first inserted against the
sperm during ejaculation opening of the female reproductive organ
▹ It can prevent STIs and can be bought and the inner ring covers the cervix.
over-the-counter. It has an ideal fail rate of
2% and a typical fail rate of 15% due to a
break in the sheath's integrity or spilling
of semen.
32 ARTIFICIAL METHODS

Surgical Methods
▹ In males, 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 viable in the vas deferens
for six months.
▹ In women, 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.
 END.

33
34 ACTIVITY 3.1

Fill out the table below by listing the common secondary male and female sex
characteristics.

Male Secondary Sexual Characteristics Female Secondary Characteristics

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5
35 ACTIVITY 3.2

Answer the following questions:

1. When do we usually observe the changes listed above for males and females?
2. Were you able to experience the same changes? When?
3. If you were not able to experience the above listed changes, what might have
caused such difference?
4. How does the society shape the sexual behavior of an individual?
5. Can we really change our natural or innate sexual organ and sexual response?
36 ACTIVITY 3.3

Are you in favor of legalizing marriage among homosexuals and transgenders?

Why? Discuss your answer comprehensively.