UTS - Chapter 2, Lesson 1
UTS - Chapter 2, Lesson 1
UTS - Chapter 2, Lesson 1
The gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form
until about the eighth week of embryonic development.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.The
embryonic testes release testosterone, and the formation of the duct system and external
genitalia follows.
Female embryos that form ovaries will cause the development of the female ducts and
external genitalia since testosterone hormone is not produced.
Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the embryo results in
strange abnormalities:
Pseudohermaphrodites - formed who are individuals having accessory reproductive
structures that do not ―match‖ their gonads;
Hermaphrodites - individuals who possess both ovarian and testicular tissues but this
condition is rare in nature.
Puberty is the period of life 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).
Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which happens two years after the start of
puberty.
DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
In Females
Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and in those whose
resistance to diseases is low.
Vaginal infections that are left untreated may spread throughout the female reproductive
tract and may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility.
Escherichia coli which spread through the digestive tract; the sexually transmitted
microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes virus; and yeast (a type of
fungus)
Painful or abnormal menses may also be due to infection or hormone imbalance.
Tumors of the breast and cervix are the most common reproductive cancers in adult
females.
In Males:
Common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, all of
which may follow sexual contacts in which sexually transmitted infection(STI)
microorganisms are transmitted.
Orchiditis, or inflammation of the testes, can cause sterility and most commonly follows
mumps in an adult male.
Prostate cancer (a common sequel to prostatic hypertrophy) is a widespread problem in
adult males.
Although aging men show a steady decline in testosterone secretion, their reproductive
capability seems unending.
Erogenous Zones
They refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when
touched in a sexual manner.
1. Solitary Behavior
Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and generally, sexual
climax; most self-gratification takes place in private as an end in itself.
Self-gratification is most frequent among the unmarried; there are more males who
perform acts of self-gratification than females.
It becomes less frequent or is abandoned when sociosexual activity is available.
2. SociosexualBehavior
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.
Physical contact involving necking or petting is considered as an ingredient of the
learning process.
Petting differs from hugging, kissing, and generalized caresses of the clothed body to
practice involving stimulation of the genitals.
Coitus, the insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female reproductive
organ, is viewed by society quite differently depending upon the marital status of the
individuals.
1. Excitement phase. There is increase in pulse and blood pressure, and skin temperature.
Flushing and swelling of all distensible body parts are also experienced. 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. Sexual climax. It is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure.
4. Resolution phase. It is the last stage that refers to the return to a normal or subnormal
physiologic state.
SEXUAL PROBLEMS
Physiological problems. Diseases that are due to abnormal development of the genitalia
or that part of the neurophysiology controlling sexual response;
Psychological problems. Caused by socially induced inhibitions, maladaptive attitudes,
ignorance, and sexual myths held by society;
Premature emission of semen is a common problem, especially for young males;
Erectile impotence is almost always of psychological origin in males under 40; in older
males, physical causes are more often involved;
Ejaculatory impotence, which results from the inability to ejaculate in coitus, is
uncommon and is usually of psychogenic origin.
Vaginismus is a strong spasm of the pelvic musculature constricting the female
reproductive organ so that penetration is painful or impossible.
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Syphilis
4. Chancroid
5. Human Papillomavirus
6. Herpes Simplex Virus
7. TrichomonasVaginalis
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.
1. Abstinence
Involves refraining from sexual intercourse and is the most effective natural birth
control method with ideally 0% fail rate.
2. Calendar Method
Also called the rhythm method.
Entails withholding from coitus during the days that the woman is fertile.
Artificial Methods
1. Oral Contraceptives
Also known as pill
Contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone.
2. Transdermal Patch
The woman should apply one patch every week for three weeks on the following
areas: upper outer arm, upper torso, abdomen, or buttocks.
3. Vaginal Ring
This silicon ring is inserted into the female reproductive organ and remains there for
three weeks and then removed on the fourth week, as menstrual flow would occur.
5. Hormonal Injections
Contains medroxyprogesterone, a progesterone, and is usually given once every
twelve weeks intramuscularly.
7. Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers such as spermicides, viginal gels abd creams, and glycerine films
are used to cause the death of sperms before they can enter the cervix.
8. Diaphragm
A circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix and should be placed before coitus.
9. Cervical Cap
Made of soft rubber and fitted on the rim of the cervix.
Tubal ligation- 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.
Reference:
Book:
Alata, E.J., Caslib, B.N.,Jr., Serafica, J.P., Pawilen, R.A.(2018).Understanding the Self(First Edition).Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store, Inc