Understanding the Self: The Physical and Sexual Self, STIs, and Contraception

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the physical self, sexual self, sexual development, the human sexual response cycle, sexually transmitted infections, contraception methods, and body image concepts.

Sexual Self

A part of yourself where you learn and understand your sexual development and how people's sexual activity, beliefs, misconceptions, and unlimited internet access influence sexual behavior and responses, encompassing sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and values around sexuality.

Sexual Development

A lifelong process starting at the moment of conception (Tsiaras, 2006) that can be predicted as part of human development, though individuals do not necessarily share the exact same pattern of changes or pacing.

Human Sexual Response Model

A model describing the physiological responses occurring during sexual activity, primed by biological hormones such as androgens, estrogens, and progesterone.

Libido

A person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity, also known as sexual motivation.

Four Phases of Sexual Response

The regular pattern of physiological response during sexual activity consisting of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Desire Phase

The phase of the sexual response cycle where sexual urges occur in response to sexual cues or fantasies.

Arousal Stage

The stage characterized by a subjective sense of sexual pleasure and physiological signs such as penile tumescence in males and pelvic vasocongestion in females.

Penile Tumescence

The physiological sign of sexual arousal in males characterized by increased flow of blood into the penis.

Vasocongestion

The pooling of blood in the pelvic area in females during sexual arousal, which leads to vaginal lubrication and breast tumescence.

Breast Tumescence

The physiological swelling of breast tissue and erection of the nipples in females during the arousal stage.

Plateau Phase

A brief period of sustained sexual tension that occurs immediately before orgasm.

Orgasm Phase

The phase characterized in males by feelings of the inevitability of ejaculation followed by ejaculation, and in females by rhythmic contractions of the walls of the lower third of the vagina.

Resolution Phase

The phase following orgasm characterized by a decrease in physiological arousal, particularly noted in men.

Human Sexuality

A multidimensional concept that encompasses feelings, thoughts, and behaviors associated with being female or male, attractiveness, romantic love, relationships, sensual/sexual activities, and experiencing the world through the five senses.

Sensuality

Awareness and feelings regarding one's own body and other people's bodies, enabling people to feel good about physical appearance and function and enjoy bodily pleasure.

Sexual Intimacy

The ability to be emotionally close to another human being and to accept closeness in return, involving caring, loving, emotional risk-taking, and vulnerability.

Sexual Identity

A person's internal understanding of who they are sexually, including their sense of being male or female, formed by three interlocking pieces affecting self-perception.

Reproduction and Sexual Health (Dimension)

The dimension of sexuality relating to an individual's capacity to reproduce along with the behaviors and attitudes that keep sexual relationships healthy and enjoyable.

Sexualization

The aspect of sexuality where individuals behave sexually to influence, manipulate, or control others; known as the shadowy side of human sexuality spanning from flirting to criminal abuse.

Sexuality During Adolescence

The developmental period between ages $13$ and $19$ marked by puberty, increased interest in romantic and genital behaviors, emotional attachments, and partner exploration.

Lust

A relationship phase driven by sex hormones—testosterone and estrogen—which excite cravings for sexual gratification within the brain.

Attraction

The love-struck phase of romantic relationships mediated by three main neurotransmitters: adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin.

Attachment

A long-term bond helping couples advance their commitment, instigating feelings of bearing children, driven primarily by oxytocin and vasopressin.

Adrenaline (in Attraction)

A neurotransmitter activating the stress response in the initial stages of falling in love, elevating cortisol levels and causing racing heartbeat, sweating, and dry mouth upon contact.

Dopamine (in Attraction)

A neurotransmitter that triggers an intense rush of pleasure, resulting in increased energy, reduced need for food or sleep, and focused attention on the partner as noted by Helen Fisher.

Serotonin (in Attraction)

A key chemical in attraction that explains why a new romantic interest repeatedly intrudes upon thoughts during the love-struck stage.

Oxytocin

Often called 'The Cuddle Hormone,' it is released during orgasm and childbirth, facilitating parent-infant bonding, milk let-down reflex, and deepening couple attachment.

Vasopressin

A hormone identified alongside oxytocin as playing a key role in mediating long-term romantic attachment and pair bonding.

Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy

The specific anatomical parts and biological mechanisms forming the reproductive system, crucial for understanding puberty, menstruation, erections, wet dreams, and reproduction.

Puberty

The biological and emotional transition during adolescence marked by reproductive maturation and the appearance of secondary sex characteristics, conferring reproductive ability.

Climacteric and Menopause

Midlife physiological and psychological transitions in sexual and reproductive functioning, culminating in menopause when menstruation permanently stops in women.

Sexual Orientation

The direction of an individual's romantic and sexual attraction toward the opposite sex (heterosexual), same sex (homosexual), or both sexes (bisexual).

Gender Identity

An individual's personal, internal sense of being male, female, or another gender, which may or may not align with biological sex.

Gender Roles

Socially prescribed expectations, behaviors, and cultural standards deemed appropriate for males and females.

Consent

A voluntary, ongoing, uncoerced agreement given by an individual possessing the capacity to decide and communicate boundaries freely, which can be withdrawn at any time.

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual interaction or contact between an older or more powerful individual and a child or minor, typically perpetrated by someone known to the victim.

Incest

A sexual relationship between two persons whose blood or familial relationship legally or culturally prohibits marriage.

Rape

Non-consensual sexual intercourse or intimate contact forced via physical violence, coercion, psychological threats, or when a partner lacks capacity to consent.

Sexual Manipulation

Using sexual behaviors, withholding affection, or leveraging sex indirectly to control, exploit, or gain advantage over someone.

Sexual Harassment

Persistent, unwelcome sexual advances, verbal commentary, physical conduct, or demands for sexual favors exchanged for academic or workplace benefits.

Partner or Domestic Violence

Physical or sexual abuse perpetrated against a current or former romantic partner or spouse.

Gender Discrimination

The unequal treatment, prejudice, or denial of rights directed toward an individual based purely on their gender.

Harmful Practices

Traditional or modern cultural procedures that undermine bodily integrity, sexual well-being, or safe sexual expression.

Male Reproductive System Anatomy

The anatomical structures of male reproduction, including the testis, epididymis, ductus deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate, bulbourethral gland, and penis.

Female Reproductive System Anatomy

The anatomical structures of female reproduction, including the ovary, uterine tube, uterus, cervix, vagina, clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora.

Human Sexual Response Cycle Diagram

The cyclical model displaying the progression through desire, arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution phases during sexual interaction.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections transmitted through vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, or intimate genital skin contact, previously termed venereal diseases (VD).

Evolution of STI Terminology

The linguistic transition from 'venereal disease' (VD) to 'sexually transmitted disease' (STD) to 'sexually transmitted infection' (STI), recognizing that pathogens can be transmitted without overt symptoms.

Hepatitis B

A viral infection spread through blood, body fluids, sex, needles, or at birth that attacks the liver; preventable by vaccine and managed with antivirals but without a cure.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

A viral infection presenting typically as cold sores or 'fever blisters' around the mouth and lips, though genital blisters can also occur.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)

A highly contagious viral infection that causes painful, fluid-filled, crusted blisters on the genitals, anus, buttocks, or thighs, managed with antivirals but incurable.

Syphilis

A bacterial STI beginning with a firm, round, painless sore (chancre) that, if untreated, can progress to rashes on palms and soles and eventual heart, nerve, brain, or liver damage.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial STI colloquially called 'The Clap' that causes burning urination and discharge and can cause infertility if left untreated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea Symptoms in Men

Burning sensations during urination, penile discharge, and painful or swollen testicles.

Gonorrhea Symptoms in Women

Increased vaginal discharge, painful pelvic cramping, and bleeding between periods, frequently mistaken for urinary or vaginal tract infections.

Crabs (Pubic Lice)

A parasitic insect infestation of the pubic hair causing intense itching, diagnosed by finding crawling lice or nits, and treated with over-the-counter pediculicide lotions.

Genital Warts (HPV)

Flesh-colored, pinkish, raised or flat, cauliflower-like growths caused by Human Papillomavirus strains transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, linked to cervical and anal cancers.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A retrovirus that infects immune cells, progressively depleting body defenses; preventable and manageable with medication, but currently incurable.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

The advanced syndrome resulting from untreated HIV infection, defined by severe immune system breakdown and vulnerability to life-threatening opportunistic infections.

Transmission Routes of HIV/AIDS

Specific transmission pathways: exposure to infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids), IV drug use (needle sharing), unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral), and mother-to-child during birth or pregnancy.

Misconceptions of HIV/AIDS Transmission

Everyday casual contacts that cannot transmit HIV, including sharing utensils, drinking fountains, toilet seats, hugging, shaking hands, dry kissing, bed linens, or coughing.

Contraception

Deliberate biological, chemical, mechanical, or behavioral measures used to prevent pregnancy and conception.

Natural Birth Control

Behavioral pregnancy prevention strategies requiring discipline, partner cooperation, and tracking of bodily cues without pharmaceutical or physical barrier devices.

Natural Birth Control Examples

Methods including complete abstinence, withdrawal (coitus interruptus), fertility awareness-based methods (calendar/mucus/temperature), outercourse, and continuous lactational amenorrhea.

Artificial Birth Control

Device-based, surgical, or hormonal methods engineered to prevent fertilization, ovulation, or implantation.

Artificial Birth Control Examples

Male/female condoms, oral contraceptive pills, implants, IUDs, patches, injections, spermicides, cervical caps, diaphragms, today sponges, and surgical sterilizations.

Tier 1 Contraceptive Effectiveness ($99\%$)

Contraceptive options with the highest efficacy rate ($99\%$), comprising contraceptive implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), vasectomy, and tubal ligation.

Tier 2 Contraceptive Effectiveness ($97\%$)

The contraceptive method category documented with approximately $97\%$ effectiveness, represented by the birth control injection (shot).

Tier 3 Contraceptive Effectiveness ($92\text{--}95\%$)

Hormonal methods offering between $92\%$ and $95\%$ typical effectiveness, including oral contraceptive pills and the vaginal ring.

Tier 4 Contraceptive Effectiveness ($84\text{--}89\%$)

Barrier and sponge methods providing typical protection ranging from $84\%$ to $89\%$, including male condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.

Abstinence

Voluntarily refraining from all sexual intercourse, serving as the only $100\%$ effective method for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Masturbation

The act of self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual pleasure or orgasm.

Fantasy

Sexually arousing mental thoughts, erotic dreams, or imagined scenarios that do not necessarily reflect desires acted upon in waking life.

Pre-natal Care

Scheduled medical check-ups provided by healthcare professionals during pregnancy to assess and safeguard the health of both the pregnant individual and developing fetus.

Breast Self-Exam

A monthly manual assessment routine where individuals feel their breast tissue to detect abnormalities, changes in texture, or lumps early.

Testicular Self-Exam

A monthly tactile examination where men inspect their testicles in a prescribed manner to detect painless lumps, swelling, or changes.

Infertility

The biological inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term following regular, unprotected intercourse over an extended duration.

Sexual Dysfunction

A recurrent psychological or physiological disturbance preventing an individual from participating in or enjoying sexual activity, including desire disorders, erectile difficulties, or anorgasmia.

Physical Self

The dimension of the self associated with the body and bodily experience, including appearance, health, sensations, abilities, movement, and the meanings attached to them.

Body Image (Physical Self Definition)

A person's subjective experience and mental representation of their body, including perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their physical form.

Self-Concept

The comprehensive way an individual perceives, describes, and understands who they are, spanning physical, psychological, social, and role-related attributes.

Self-Esteem

The overarching evaluative regard a person holds toward themselves, representing how positively or negatively they judge their worth and capabilities.

Appearance Ideal

A culturally and socially constructed benchmark dictating how a human body or aesthetic appearance is expected to look within a particular era.

Social Comparison

The psychological process wherein individuals appraise their own personal standing, characteristics, or attractiveness relative to other people.

Perceptual Component of Body Image

The aspect of body image reflecting how accurately or subjectively a person visually perceives the size, shape, and physical appearance of their own body.

Cognitive Component of Body Image

The specific thoughts, mental evaluations, and belief structures an individual maintains regarding their physical form.

Affective Component of Body Image

The emotional responses, such as pride, contentment, shame, or anxiety, connected to one's body and physical appearance.

Behavioral Component of Body Image

Actions motivated by bodily perceptions, such as clothing selection, grooming, body checking, mirror avoidance, or exercise regimens.

Psychological Self

The dimension of selfhood comprising internal thoughts, personality attributes, beliefs, emotional experiences, and personal goals.

Social Self

The dimension of selfhood forged through interpersonal roles, relationships, group affiliations, external feedback, and societal expectations.

Cultural Context (Dimensions of the Self)

The system of shared beliefs, values, customs, symbols, and communal expectations that influences how individuals interpret bodily traits and selfhood.

Appearance and Identity

Using aesthetic grooming, clothing, and styling to express personality and group ties, while recognizing personal identity cannot be reduced solely to outward appearance.

Function, Ability, and Participation

The dimension of the physical self concerning strength, mobility, physical skills, and bodily capacities that enable participation in life activities.

Health, Energy, and Bodily Experience

The continuous internal feedback—such as vitality, pain, fatigue, and physical well-being—that directly alters mood, concentration, and daily functioning.

Development and Bodily Change

Transitions across the lifespan—including puberty, pregnancy, aging, and injury—that necessitate physical adaptation and recalibration of self-understanding.

Culture and the Body

The cultural delivery of standards of beauty, health, and gender appropriateness, which vary widely across historical epochs and societies rather than being universal.

Commercial Interests (Appearance Messages)

Corporate and market mechanisms that commodify beauty by falsely tethering personal confidence, success, and belonging to purchased beauty products and procedures.

Body Dissatisfaction

A chronic negative evaluation of one's physical form arising from a perceived discrepancy between one's current body and an internalized cultural ideal.

Body Respect

The practice of honoring and caring for the body's functional needs and well-being regardless of whether it matches an idealized aesthetic standard.

Possible Pathway of Body Image Influence

The non-deterministic sequence tracking appearance ideals: Cultural message $\rightarrow$ Internalization $\rightarrow$ Comparison $\rightarrow$ Body appraisal $\rightarrow$ Self-evaluation $\rightarrow$ Behavior.