Sexual-Self

Sexual Self: Physical Development

Introduction

  • Understanding the sexual self is not solely based on biological processes but is fundamentally linked to sustaining intimate and gratifying relationships.

Learning Objectives

  • Sexual Characteristics and Human Reproductive System: Understand development, erogenous zones, and human sexual response.

  • Attraction and Attachment: Comprehend the notions of attraction, love, and attachment.

  • Gender and Sexual Orientation: Explore gender, sex, sexual orientation, causes and impacts of sexually transmitted infections, early pregnancy, and the importance of contraception and reproductive health laws.

Physical Development

  • Adolescence Changes: Marks the onset of rapid physical changes, focusing on:

    • Maturation of the reproductive system.

    • Development of sex characteristics.

Sex Characteristics

Primary Sex Characteristics

  • Present at birth.

    • Women: Vagina, uterus, ovaries.

    • Men: Penis, testes, scrotum, prostate gland.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

  • Develop during puberty:

    • Women: Enlarged breasts, menstrual cycle onset, wider hips, increased body hair.

    • Men: Testicular growth, sperm production, facial and body hair, deeper voice.

Hormones

  • Definition: Natural substances affecting growth and development.

  • Key Hormones:

    • Testosterone: Stimulates the development of sex characteristics and sex drive in men; remains constant after puberty.

    • Estrogen: Promotes female reproductive capacity and secondary sex characteristics; produced in cycles by ovaries.

    • Progesterone: Alongside estrogen, regulates menstrual cycles and fertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • Overview: A common hormonal disorder in women impacting reproductive health.

    • Symptoms include irregular periods, excess male hormones, and fluid-filled ovarian follicles.

Erogenous Zones

  • Definition: Areas that produce sexual pleasure when stimulated, including:

    • Genitals, mouth, breasts, ears, and anus.

    • Notably, the entire body can serve as an erogenous zone.

Sexual Arousal and Stimulation

  • Types of Stimulation:

    • Masturbation and self-stimulation.

    • Kissing, cuddling, and touching of erogenous zones.

  • In human behavior, cognitive factors are influential in arousal, distinguishing humans from other species where hormonal changes play a more significant role.

Sexual Response Cycle

Phases of the Cycle

  • Arousal Phase: Initial sexual desire.

  • Excitement Phase: Physiological responses (increased pulse, breathing, skin flush) can last from one minute to several hours.

  • Plateau Phase: Continued physiological changes with heightened sensations.

  • Orgasmic Phase: Release of semen and intense muscular contractions; differs in experience between genders.

  • Resolution Phase: Body returns to a resting state; physiological changes revert to baseline.

Overview of Phases

  • Phases are characterized by increasing sexual tension, excitement, climax, and relaxation following orgasm.

References

  • Understanding the Self by Ma. Joycelyn A. Go-Monilla, Normaliza C. Ramirez, C & E Publishing, Inc., 2018.