Lesson 2: The Sexual Self

The Se//xual Self

• How a person understands, expresses, and experiences sexuality.

• Includes identity, values, and boundaries.

Sex

• Biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women and that constitutes the sex categories of male and female.

• Sometimes referred to as assigned sex at birth as it is endowed by nature.

Gender Role

• A person’s societal role as male or female

Gender Identity

• Their internal perception of themselves.

• Internal awareness of where the individual belongs in the gender spectrum.

Sexual Orientation

• The direction of one’s sexual and romantic interest

• Categories used to describe this are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.

Gender Roles

• Social and cultural expections on how people should behave according to gender 🍅🍅🍅

• Shape the attitudes, behaviors, and responsibilities given to men and women.

Gender Stereotyping

• Preconceived notion of someone based on their gender, which often leads to prejudice.

• Unfairly affects how you perceive and interact with people.

Sexism

• Prejudice or discrimination based on one’s sex or gender

• Can affect anyone, but it primarily affects women 🍅🍅🍅

• Linked to Gender Roles and Stereotypes

• May include the belief that one sex or gender is superior to another 🍅🍅🍅

SOGIE Bill

• Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and (Gender) Expression

• Refers to characteristics common to ALL human beings.

Conception/Fertilization

• Our biological sex is determined at the very moment of conception

• XY (Male, Sperm carries X/Y) and XX (Female, Egg carries X)

Embryonic Development

• At the earliest stage, male and female embryos look the same

• Indifferent Gonads: can develop into testes or ovaries

Sex Differentiation

• If an embryo has Y chromosome, a special gene called SRY (Sexdeterming Region Y) activates.

• Triggers development of testes, which produces an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

• Guides the development of male reproductive organs

• Otherwise, it creates ovaries, and female reproductive organs form.

Secondary Development

• By the end of the first trimester, sex organs become distinguishable.

• Hormonal influences continue shaping body differences.

Fertilization Process

1. Sperm meets the egg and fertilizes in the fallopian tube

2. The fertilized organism, now called a zygote, begins its journey to the uterus

3. The zygote attaches to the uterus lining, signaling the start of pregnancy

Puberty

• Developmental stage where children’s bodies mature into adult bodies capable of reproduction.

FEMALE

• Breast development

• Widening hips

• Fat distribution (in da booty)

• Menstruation

MALE

• Facial and body hair.

• Deepening of the voice

• Increased muscle mass

• Adam's apple

• Visible protrusion of the larynx in the neck

SHARED

• Acne

• Growth Spurts

• Pubic and Underarm Hair

Human Reproductive System

• Consists of organs and structures capable of producing, transporting, an nurturing reproductive cells

• Enables fertilization by bringing sperm and egg cells, supporting development of new life

Male Reproductive System

• Produces and delivers sperms

• Produces the hormone Testosterone that controls the development of male characteristics

Testicles/Testes

• Two oval-shaped organs located in a pouch of skin called the Scrotum

• Produces sperm and releases testosterone

• Helps with puberty changes

• Located outside the body because of the need to be slightly cooler to produce healthy sperm

Scrotum

• Holds and protects the testes

• Has muscles that tightens or loosens to control the temperature of the testes

• Can shrink or loosen to keep them at perfect temperature 

Epididymis

• Sits on top of the testes

• Where sperms finish growing and start swimming

• Process can take a few days

• They are stored here until we are needed

Vas Deferens

• Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra 

• Sperm travel through here and mix with other fluids to produce ejaculation

Prostate Gland

• Glands that add important fluids to make semen

• Produces sugary fluid that gives energy to sperm

• Adds fluid that protects sperm and helps them move

Urethra

• Tube that runs through the penis and carries urine and semen 

• NEVER at the same time

• A valve closes so that one fluid can pass

Penis

• Delivers the semen to female reproductive system

• Becomes firm during an erection in order to enter the female body during intercourse

• Also the passageway for pee

Caring for Male Reprod. System

• Wearing comfortable clothing (especially down there)

• Practicing good hygiene 

• Protecting the groin

• Visiting the doctor if something doesn't feel right

Female Reproductive System

• Produces egg cells (ova), support fertilization, and provide the right environment for a developing baby.

• Plays a role in puberty, menstrual, and pregnancy.

Ovaries

• A female has two of these

• Responsible for producing egg cells

• Releasing hormones like progesterone and estrogen

• Hormones that help control menstrual cycle and prepares body for pregnancy

Uterus

• Hollow organ where an egg csn become a baby

• Zygote sticks to uterus lining, signaling start of pregnancy 

• Thickens but if no egg, it sheds and becomes menstruation

Menstrual Cycle

• Monthly process that prepares body for pregnancy

• Shedding of lining tissues through vagina

• Usually lasts 3-7 days

Cervix

• lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina

• opens slightly during period

• widens/dilates during delivery so that baby can pass through

• helps keep bacteria and infections from entering the uterus

Vagina

• where menstrual blood exits

• where sperm enters

• the birth canal during childbirth

• flexible and lines with tissue that can stretch and return to its original shape

Caring for Female Reprod. System

• Regularly washing genital area

• Changing sanitary products

• Eating healthy food

• Staying physically active

• Getting enough sleep

• Regular check-ups

Hormones and Puberty

The body begins to change due to hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. These hormones cause physical changes. Hormones also help regulate these changes (ex. menstruation, deepening of voice) and prepare the body for reproduction.