GE 1 Understanding The Self MODULE 7
GE 1 Understanding The Self MODULE 7
GE 1 Understanding The Self MODULE 7
7
CHAPTER II: UNPACKING THE SELF
A. THE SEXUAL SELF
Talking about sex should not be considered as a taboo, but instead be deemed normal for there is a need for
people to learn more about their sexuality. Too many young people receive confusing and conflicting
information about relationships and sex, as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. This has led
to an increasing demand from young people for reliable information, which prepares them for a safe,
productive and fulfilling life. Sexuality education responds to this demand, empowering young people to make
informed decisions about relationships and sexuality and navigate a world where gender-based violence,
gender inequality, early and unintended pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) still
pose serious risks to their health and well-being. Equally, a lack of high-quality, age- and developmentally-
appropriate sexuality and relationship education may leave children and young people vulnerable to harmful
sexual behaviors and sexual exploitation.
Sexuality is an essential component of healthy development for young people. U.S. Surgeon General David
Satcher echoed these sentiments, stating that, ‘‘sexuality is an integral part of human life,’’ and ‘‘sexual health
is inextricably bound to both physical and mental health.’’
Females
In females, breasts are a manifestation of higher levels of estrogen; estrogen also widens the pelvis and
increases the amount of body fat in hips, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Estrogen also induces growth of
the uterus, proliferation of the endometrium, and menstruation.[4] Female secondary sex characteristics
include:
Enlargement of breasts and erection of nipples.
Growth of body hair, most prominently underarm and pubic hair
Widening of hips; lower waist to hip ratio than adult males.
Elbows that hyperextend 5–8° more than male adults.
Upper arms approximately 2 cm longer, on average, for a given height.
Labia minora, the inner lips of the vulva, may grow more prominent and undergo changes in color with
the increased stimulation related to higher levels of estrogen.
Males
The increased secretion of testosterone from the testes during puberty causes the male secondary sexual
characteristics to be manifested. In males, testosterone directly increases size and mass of muscles, vocal
cords, and bones, deepening the voice, and changing the shape of the face and skeleton. Converted
into dihydrotestosterone in the skin, it accelerates growth of androgen-responsive facial and body hair but
may slow and eventually stop the growth of head hair. Taller stature is largely a result of later puberty. Male
secondary sex characteristics include:
Growth of body hair, including underarm, abdominal, chest hair and pubic hair.
Growth of facial hair.
Enlargement of larynx (Adam's apple) and deepening of voice.
Increased stature; adult males are taller than adult females, on average.
Heavier skull and bone structure.
Increased muscle mass and strength.
Broadening of shoulders and chest; shoulders wider than hips.
Increased secretions of oil and sweat glands.
Parts :
Scrotum– A small muscular sac-like organ which
is located below and behind the penis. It consists
of the testes and is mainly involved in maintaining
the temperature required for the of sperm
production.
Human Reproduction
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, with the cycle’s first day considered to be the first day of
menstruation. During the first 14 days of the cycle, an egg matures in a woman’s ovaries. This maturation process is
stimulated by a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The ‘coat’ around the maturing egg produces
another hormone, estrogen, which makes the lining of the uterus prepare for pregnancy. The uterus grows a
nutrient-rich and secure bedding for the egg to settle into after fertilization. Around day 14 of the cycle, the egg is
ready for release and emerges from the ovary. This release is triggered by an increase in another hormone called
luteinizing hormone (LH). After release, the egg has about a 12-24 hour window where it can be fertilized by a
sperm. Sperm may survive in a woman’s genital tract and be capable of fertilizing an egg for up to three days after
intercourse. Fertilization happens high up in the fallopian tube. If a sperm penetrates the egg, an embryo will begin
to form. This happens through cell division: one cell becomes two, which become four, which become eight, and so
forth. After about seven days, the embryo reaches the uterus and embeds itself in the lining of the uterus. Cells
surrounding the embryo make the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which signals the woman’s body
that pregnancy has occurred and the menstrual cycle stops until after delivery. If conception does not occur the
uterine lining will be shed and the cycle will begin again.
1. Excitement Phase
General characteristics of the excitement phase, which can last from a few minutes to several hours,
include the following:
Muscle tension increases.
Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated.
Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and back).
Nipples become hardened or erect.
Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman's clitoris and labia minora (inner
lips), and erection of the man's penis.
Vaginal lubrication begins.
The woman's breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.
The man's testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a lubricating liquid.
2. Plateau Phase
General characteristics of the plateau phase, which extends to the brink of orgasm, include the following:
The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.
The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a dark purple.
The woman's clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and retracts under the
clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis.
The man's testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum.
Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase.
Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands.
Muscle tension increases.
3. Orgasm Phase
The orgasm is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and generally lasts
only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the following:
Involuntary muscle contractions begin.
Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen.
Muscles in the feet spasm.
There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic contractions.
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.
4. Resolution Phase
During resolution, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning, and swelled and erect body
parts return to their previous size and color. This phase is marked by a general sense of well-being,
enhanced intimacy and, often, fatigue. Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase
with further sexual stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms. Men need recovery time after
orgasm, called a refractory period, during which they cannot reach orgasm again. The duration of the
refractory period varies among men and usually lengthens with advancing age.
When we talk about sexual and gender diversity, it’s important to understand these terms:
Sex: Categories (male, female) to which people are typically assigned at birth based on physical
characteristics (e.g. genitals). Some people may be assigned intersex, when their reproductive,
sexual or genetic biology doesn’t fit the traditional definitions of male or female.
Sexual Orientation: A person’s emotional and sexual attraction to others. It can change and may or
may not be the same as a person’s sexual behavior.
Gender/Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of identity as female, male, both or neither,
regardless of their sex.
Gender Expression: How a person expresses their gender. This can include how they look, the
name they choose, the pronoun they use (e.g., he, she) and their social behavior.
Each person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are
a part of who they are. When talking about these topics, it is common to see the
acronym SOGIE, which stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and (Gender)
Expression.
The acronyms LGBTQ2S+, LGBTQ*, LGBTQ +, GLBT, LGBTTQ and
LGBTQ2 refer to the spectrum of sexual and gender identities that are not cisgender
and heterosexual. They include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit,
queer, questioning, intersex and asexual. The asterisk (*) or plus sign (+) shows
there are other identities included that aren’t in the acronym. These acronyms mean the same as ‘sexual and
gender minorities.
Gay - A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the same gender.
Gender dysphoria - Clinically significant distress caused when a person's assigned birth gender is not
the same as the one with which they identify. According to the American Psychiatric Association's
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the term - which replaces Gender Identity
Disorder - "is intended to better characterize the experiences of affected children, adolescents, and
adults."
Gender-fluid | According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a person who does not identify with a single
fixed gender; of or relating to a person having or expressing a fluid or unfixed gender identity.
Gender non-conforming | A broad term referring to people who do not behave in a way that conforms
to the traditional expectations of their gender, or whose gender expression does not fit neatly into a
category.
Genderqueer | Genderqueer people typically reject notions of static categories of gender and embrace
a fluidity of gender identity and often, though not always, sexual orientation. People who identify as
"genderqueer" may see themselves as being both male and female, neither male nor female or as
falling completely outside these categories.
Gender transition | The process by which some people strive to more closely align their internal
knowledge of gender with its outward appearance. Some people socially transition, whereby they might
begin dressing, using names and pronouns and/or be socially recognized as another gender. Others
undergo physical transitions in which they modify their bodies through medical interventions.
Homophobia | The fear and hatred of or discomfort with people who are attracted to members of the
same sex.
Intersex | An umbrella term used to describe a wide range of natural bodily variations. In some cases,
these traits are visible at birth, and in others, they are not apparent until puberty. Some chromosomal
variations of this type may not be physically apparent at all.
Lesbian | A woman who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
Living openly | A state in which LGBTQ people are comfortably out about their sexual orientation or
gender identity – where and when it feels appropriate to them.
Non-binary | An adjective describing a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman.
Non-binary people may identify as being both a man and a woman, somewhere in between, or as
falling completely outside these categories. While many also identify as transgender, not all non-binary
people do.
Outing | Exposing someone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identity to others without their
permission. Outing someone can have serious repercussions on employment, economic stability,
personal safety or religious or family situations.
Pansexual | Describes someone who has the potential for emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to
people of any gender though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree.
Queer | A term people often use to express fluid identities and orientations. Often used interchangeably
with "LGBTQ."
Questioning | A term used to describe people who are in the process of exploring their sexual
orientation or gender identity.
Sex assigned at birth | The sex (male or female) given to a child at birth, most often based on the
child's external anatomy. This is also referred to as "assigned sex at birth."
Transgender | An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from
cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply
any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian,
bisexual, etc.
Transphobia | The fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, transgender people.
More than a quarter of the world’s population is between the ages of 10 and 24, with 86% living in less
developed countries. These young people are tomorrow’s parents. The reproductive and sexual health
decisions they make today will affect the health and wellbeing of their communities and of their countries for
decades to come. In particular, two issues have a profound impact on young people’s sexual health and
reproductive lives: family planning and HIV/AIDS. Teenage girls are more likely to die from pregnancy-related
health complications than older women in their 20s. Statistics indicate that one-half of all new HIV infections
worldwide occur among young people aged 15 to 24.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a range of
signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That's why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a
partner is diagnosed. Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure, or it may take years before
you have any noticeable problems, depending on the organism.
Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include:
Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
Painful or burning urination
Discharge from the penis
Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Pain during sex
Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
Lower abdominal pain
Fever
Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by:
Bacteria (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
Parasites (trichomoniasis)
Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
Mother
Enables her to regain her health after delivery.
Gives enough time and opportunity to love and provide attention to her husband and children.
Gives more time for her family and own personal advancement.
When suffering from an illness, gives enough time for treatment and recovery.
Children
Healthy mothers produce healthy children.
Will get all the attention, security, love, and care they deserve.
Father
Lightens the burden and responsibility in supporting his family.
Enables him to give his children their basic needs (food, shelter, education, and better future).
Gives him time for his family and own personal advancement.
When suffering from an illness, gives enough time for treatment and recovery.
1. Natural Family Planning (NFP) refers to a variety of methods used to prevent or plan pregnancy, based on
identifying a woman’s fertile days. For all natural methods, abstinence or avoiding unprotected intercourse
during the fertile days is what prevents pregnancy. The effectiveness and advantages of NFP address the
needs of diverse populations with varied religious and ethical beliefs. They also provide an alternative to
women who wish to use natural methods for medical or personal reasons.
Sympto-Thermal Method
This method combines several techniques to predict ovulation. It typically includes monitoring and
charting cervical mucus and position and temperature changes on a daily basis and may include other signs of
ovulation, such as breast tenderness, back pain, abdominal pain or "heaviness," or light intermenstrual
bleeding. To use this method correctly, couples must abstain from unprotected sex from the first sign or
sensation of wet cervical mucus until the woman’s body temperature has remained elevated for three days
after peak day is observed.
Oral Contraceptives
This is a series of pills that a woman takes once each day for a month. At the
end of the month, she starts a new package of pills. The pills have hormones much
like those a woman's body makes to control her menstrual cycle. They work by
keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs or by changing the lining of the uterus or the
mucus of the cervix.
Depo-Provera:
A method of birth control given in the form of a shot. The shot gives protection
for up to 12 weeks. It does not contain estrogen so there are no side effects from that
hormone. It works by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs or by changing the
lining of the uterus or the mucus of the cervix.
Contraceptive Patch:
A method of birth control that is a small, thin and smooth patch and is put on
a woman's skin. The woman can choose where she wears the patch: the buttocks,
the shoulder, the upper arm, front or back, but not on the breasts. It releases
hormones every day for three weeks so the woman's ovaries don't produce eggs. It
can stay on the body for one week. You change it once a week and on the fourth
week, you don't wear a patch but you will still be protected. You can swim, bathe,
shower and wear it in warm humid weather.
Contraceptive Ring
A method of birth control in the form of a soft ring that fits deep inside the
vagina. It releases low-dose hormones everyday for three weeks so the woman's
ovaries don't produce eggs. It can stay in the vagina for up to three weeks and
provides protection for one month
Implanon
Implanon is a small, thin, implantable hormonal contraceptive that provides
effective protection for up to three years. Implanon must be removed by the end of
the third year and can be replaced by a new Implanon if contraceptive protection is
still needed. This contraceptive method must be inserted and removed by a trained
healthcare provider.
Diaphragm/Cervical Cap
A soft rubber barrier in a woman's vagina, used with a contraceptive cream or jelly.
The diaphragm or cervical cap is put into a woman's vagina before intercourse. It
covers the entrance to her uterus, and the cream or jelly stops the man's sperm from
moving. The diaphragm can be put in the vagina 6 hours ahead of intercourse, and
left in or 24 hours. The cervical cap can be left in her vagina for up to 48 hours.
Male Condom
It is a sheath of latex that a man can wear over his penis during intercourse.
The condom catches the semen that comes out of a man's penis before,
during and after he ejaculates. This keeps his sperm from getting into the
woman's vagina. Latex condoms also help protect against some infections,
including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Female Condom
It is a loose-fitting sheath that fits inside the woman's vagina. It catches the semen
that comes out of a man's penis when he ejaculates. It covers the cervix, the opening
to the uterus, so sperm can't get through. It also protects against some infections
including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.