UNPACKING

THE SELF
The Physical and Sexual Self
 Learning Objectives

Discuss how culture shapes the notion of beauty

and how it affects the self
Discuss the developmental aspect of the
reproductive system
Explain human sexual behavior
Characterize the diversity of sexual behavior
Describe sexually transmitted diseases
Differentiate natural and artificial method of
contraception
 Physical Aspect of Self

The physical self refers to the body.

It is the tangible aspect of the person that can be
directly observed and examined.
Our face represents most of our physical body
 Impact of Culture on Beauty and
Body Image
Usually, only the physical features such as the face
and body figure are considered as bases for
beauty.
The appearance of a person can be an asset or a
liability.
Present culture prescribes that being beautiful is a
necessity and an obligation in order to be loved
and liked.
 Will There be Beauty If There is No Sight?
Beauty is contextualized into two categories:
One that is seen by the eye
One that is felt by the heart
 Achieving Physical Well-Being

Eat healthy foods

Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Follow proper hygiene
Engage in daily exercise
Take vitamins and drink fruit juices
Avoid stress
Spend less time in front of computers and gadgets
 Sexual Aspect of the Self

Talking about sex should be deemed

normal for there is a need for people to
learn more about their sexuality.
Male Reproductive System
Female Reproductive Organ
During the early stages of human development,
the embryonic reproductive structures of males
and females are alike and are said to be in the
indifferent stage.
The formation of male or female structures
depends on the presence of testosterone.
Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex
hormone production in the embryo results in
strange abnormalities.
Pseudohermaphrodites
True Hermaphrodites
 Puberty

Secondary sex characteristics develop during

adolescence.
Puberty is a period of life, generally between the
ages of 10 to 15 years old, when the reproductive
organs grow to their adult size and become
functional under the influence of gonadal
hormones.
 Erogenous Zones

An erogenous zone is a part of the body that is

highly sensitive and the stimulation of which leads
to sexual responses.
The stimulation of an individual’s erogenous zone is
considered an act of physical intimacy.
 Understanding the Chemistry of Lust,
Attraction and Attachment
Lust (libido or sex drive) is characterized by the
desire for sexual gratification which is inherited to
every living organism.
For humans, this is associated with the sex
hormones.
Attraction (passionate or obsessive love,
infatuation) is characterized by the intense
attention given to a desired partner.
Adrenaline is released by the body for fight or flight
responses.
Dopamine ignites an intense rush of pleasure when
released.
Serotonin is attributed to “falling in love”.
Attachment (companionate love) is characterized
by the desire of couples to stay together.
This phase also includes behaviors anchored on
long-term companionship.
Oxytocin (cuddle hormone) is released during
orgasm.
Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is released after
sexual intercourse.
 The Diversity of Human Sexual Behavior

Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity-

solitary, between two persons, or in a group- that
induces sexual arousal.
Two major factors that determine human sexual
behavior:
Inherited sexual response pattern
Other type of influence exerted by society
 Types of Behavior

Solitary Behavior
Self- gratification means self-stimulation that leads to
sexual arousal and sexual climax
Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is a sociosexual behavior that
occurs between only one male and one female.
Coitus is the insertion of the male reproductive structure
into the female reproductive organ
Premarital coitus
Marital coitus
Extramarital coitus
Postmarital coitus
Homosexual behavior occurs between male and
male or female and female.
If three or more individuals are involved, it is
possible to have heterosexual and homosexual
activity simultaneously.
 Physiology of Human Sexual Response

Excitement Phase
The body gets ready for sexual activity.
Increased in pulse rate, blood pressure, muscle
tension and breathing.
Plateau Phase
Intensified breathing, high blood pressure and faster
heart rate may be experienced.
If stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.
Sexual Climax (Orgasm)
It is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure,
spasms of the pelvic muscles.
Intensified feelings during plateau phase.
Resolution Phase
The return to the normal or subnormal physiologic
state.
 Nervous System Factors

The entire nervous system plays a significant role

during sexual response.
Stimulus- efferent cerebrospinal nerves-(sensory
msgs)- brain- efferent cerebrospinal nerves-muscles
through the spinal cord
Hyphotalamus and the limbic system are believed
to be responsible for regulating the sexual
response.
Aside from brain-controlled sexual responses, there
is some reflex sexual response
 Sexual Problems
Maybe classified as physiological, psychological and
social in origin
Physiological- vaginal infections, retroverted uteri,
prostitis, urethritis, orchiditis, adrenal tumors, diabetes,
cardiovascular problems
Premature emission of semen, erectile impotence,
ejaculatory impotence, vaginismus
 Sexual Problems

Infections are the most common problems

associated with the reproductive system in adults.
Orchiditis, inflammation of testes
Epididymitis
Most women hit the highest point of their
reproductive abilities in their late 20s
Reduced estrogen production causes irregular
ovulation and shorter menstrual periods.
 Sexual Problems

Production of estrogen may still continue after

menopause but the ovaries finally stop functioning
as endocrine organs. If no longer released breast
begin to shrink, vagina becomes dry, mood
changes, hot flashes
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)

Origin: Unspecified
Transmission: Through vaginal, oral and anal
intercourse
Sensation: Burning sensation when peeing
Swollen tentacles or labia
Bleeding in-between periods
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrheae)

Origin: Bacteria
Transmission: Through semen or vaginal fluid
Direct contact
Sensation: Vaginal discharge of yellowish thick fluid
Irritation or discharge from the anus
Itching private parts
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Syphilis (Treponema pollidum)

Origin: Bacteria
Transmission: Direct contact with syphilis sore
Sensation: Appearance of painless sores, rashes, hair
loss
Chronic, nervous system illnesses
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Scabies
Origin: Sarcoptes scabiel
Transmission: Direct sexual contact
Sensation: Itchiness and red spots which may lead to
more complications
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Origin: Virus
Transmission: close contact, Direct sexual contact
Sensation: growing of genital warts
scratchy or itchy feeling in your vulvar area
foul smell
pain during intercourse
laryngeal papillomatosis
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chancroid
Origin: bacteria (Haemophilus ducreyi)
Transmission: skin-to-skin contact with open sores
pus-like fluid from the ulcer is moved to
other parts of the body or to another person
Sensation: genital ulcers
inguinal lymphadenopathy (buboes)
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Herpes Simplex Virus

Origin: virus
Transmission: oral secretions or sores on the skin
(kissing or sharing of things)
*sexual contact
Sensation: genital pain, dysuria, cervicitis, buboes
recurrent, painful genital and/or anal
lesions
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Trichomonas Vaginalis
Origin: protozoan parasite
Transmission: oral secretions or sores on the skin
(kissing or sharing of things)
*sexual contact
Sensation: vaginal discharge, spotting, swelling
frequent urge to urinate
pain during urination or sexual intercourse
 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

HIV and AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and

Auto Immunodefiency Syndrome)
Origin: Non-human primates
Transmission: Direct sexual contact, Blood transfusion
Sensation: Feverish, achy and sick
 Natural Methods of
Contraception

The natural family planning methods do

not involve any chemical or foreign body
introduction into the human body.
Abstinence

Involves refraining from sexual

intercourse and is the most effective
natural birth control method with
ideally 0% fail rate.
Most effective way to avoid STIs.
Calendar Method (Rhythm method)

Withholding from coitus during fertile

days for women.
According to the menstrual cycle, the
woman is likely to conceive 3 to 4 days
before/ after ovulation.
Recording of the cycle for 6 months is
necessary to calculate the woman’s safe
days.
 Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Indicates the woman’s temperature at rest.

0.5’F- before and during the ovulation
The woman must record her temperature
every morning before any activity.
A slight decrease in the basal body
temperature followed by the gradual increase
in the BBT can be a sign that a woman has
ovulated
Cervical Mucus Method

The change in the cervical mucus during

ovulation is the basis for this method.
During ovulation- copious, thin, watery, exhibits
the property of spinnbarkeit, it can stretch up
until at least 1 inch and is slippery.
Symptothermal Method

Combination of BBT and cervical mucus

method.
Abstain from coitus 3 days after the rise in
her temperature or 4th day after the peak
of a mucus change.
Ovulation Detection

Uses over-the-counter kit that requires the

urine sample of a woman.
Predict ovulation through Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) that surges usually 12-24
hours before ovulation
Coitus Interruptus

A couple goes on with coitus but the man

withdraws the moment he ejaculates to
emit sperms outside the female
reproductive organ.
Pre-ejaculation fluid may possible contain
few sperms that may cause fertilization.
Artificial Methods
Oral Contraceptives

Pills
Contains synthetic estrogen and
progesterone that inhibits Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and LH
(Luteinizing Hormone).
Transdermal Patch

Contains both estrogen and

progesterone
The woman should apply one patch
every week for 3 weeks (upper outer
arm, upper torso, abdomen or buttocks)
4th week should be the menstruation
Vaginal ring

Releases Estrogen and Progesterone

Surrounds the cervix for 3 weeks and
should be removed on the 4th week.
Made of Silicon
Subdermal Implants

Two rod-like implants inserted under the skin of

the females during their menses to make sure
they will not get pregnant.
Made with etonogestrel, desogestrel, progestin
Can be helpful for 3 to 5 years.
Hormonal Injections

Contains medroxyprogesterone and is

usually given once every 12 weeks
intramuscularly.
Causes changes in the endometrium and
cervical mucus and help prevent
ovulation.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Small T-shaped object containing

progesterone inserted in the uterus.
The device can be effective for 5 to
7 years.
Chemical Barriers

Spermicides, vaginal gels and creams,

and glycerin films.
Lowers the pH level of the female
reproductive organ so it will not become
conducive for the sperm.
These cannot prevent STIs
Diaphragm

Circular, rubber disk that fit the cervix and

should be place before coitus
Should be fitted only by a physician and
should remain in place for 6 hours after
coitus
Cervical Cap

Made of soft rubber and fitted on the

rim of the cervix.
Shaped like thimble with a thin rim
and could stay in a place for not
more than 48 hours.
Male Condoms

Latex or synthetic rubber sheath

It can prevent STIs
Ideal fail rate of 2% but with a typical fail
rate of 15%
Female Condoms

Latex rubber sheath pre- lubricated

with spermicide.
Usually bound by two rings inserted
against the vaginal opening and the
cervix
Surgical Methods

Vasectomy
A small incision in each side of the
scrotum to tie/cauterize/cut/plug the
vas deferens to block the passage of
the sperm.
Sperm could remain viable in the vas
deferens for 6 months
Tubal Ligation
Performed after menstruation and
before ovulation
Cut/cauterize/block the fallopian tube
to inhibit the passage of both the sperm
and the ova.