THE SEXUAL SELF

  • Definition of Sexual Self-Conception:

    • "Sex is something you do. Sexuality is something you are." - Anna Freud

    • Sexual self-concept refers to the totality of one's self as a sexual being, encompassing positive and negative concepts and feelings.

  • Dimensions of Sexual Self-Concept: This will be described according to three main theorists' dimensions:

    1. Sexual Self-Esteem: Refers to the overall sense of self-worth related to sexuality.

    2. Sexual Depression: Encompasses feelings of sadness or inadequacy concerning sexual identity and experiences.

    3. Sexual Preoccupation: Involves an obsession or excessive focus on sexual thoughts and activities.

  • Attachment Style's Influence:

    • Attachment style moderates the sense of self, expectations, and strategies in relationships. It influences the types of relationships pursued, behavior within them, and satisfaction derived from sexual experiences.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Evaluate your sexual self:

    • Examine differences in primary and secondary sexual characteristics as compared to those of the opposite sex.

    • Identify male and female reproductive system parts/organs.

    • Recognize erogenous zones in the body.

    • Understand brain control over sexual arousal.

    • Develop ways to manage sexual energies appropriately.

    • Classify yourself among different types of sexual behaviors.

  2. Characterize the Four Phases of the Sexual Response Cycle.

  3. Enumerate the pros and cons of premarital sex.

  4. Illustrate Romantic Love:

    • Distinguish between lust, attraction, and attachment through examples.

  5. Produce Informational Materials:

    • Create a brochure on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and methods of contraception and family planning.

GROUP ACTIVITIES: DO THIS!

  • Activity 1:

    1. Divide class into two groups (Male & Female Body).

    2. Each group draws an image of the assigned sex showing primary and secondary sex characteristics.

    3. Presentation of output followed by class discussions (5-10 minutes each).

  • Activity 2:

    1. Create a Venn Diagram comparing Male and Female Primary and Secondary Sexual Characteristics.

DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS

Transition from Childhood to Adulthood

  • Physical changes during puberty include: Primary Sexual Characteristics and Secondary Sexual Characteristics.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

  • Definition: Physical characteristics directly involved in reproduction, e.g., sex organs.

  • Broad category includes any gland, organ, or part necessary for reproduction (Study.com).

  • Main changes occur during puberty:

    • Male sex organs:

    • Includes scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles, urethra, and penis.

    • Testes growth: approximately 10% mature size at age of 14, fully developed by age 20-21.

    • Penis growth: increase in length first, followed by circumference.

    • Nocturnal emissions: Spontaneous orgasms during sleep (wet dreams) start when reproductive organs functional. Occur during sexual dreams, full bladder, or constipation.

    • Female sex organs:

    • Includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vaginal canal, Bartholin’s and Skenes glands, vagina, clitoris, clitoral hood.

    • Uterus growth: 5.3 grams at age 11-12; grows to 43 grams by age 16.

    • Menarche: First menstrual flow, sign of sexual maturation, occurs approximately every 28 days until menopause (late 40s/early 50s).

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

  • Definition: Physical features not directly involved in reproduction yet important for mate attraction (e.g., human breasts).

  • Changes triggered by hormones secreted through the hypothalamus:

    • Boy’s Characteristics:

    • Hair: Pubic hair, facial and body hair become coarser, darker; appears after testes grow.

    • Skin: Coarser, less transparent, acne may occur due to gland activity.

    • Muscles: Increased size and strength around puberty.

    • Voice: Changes following pubic hair appearance; huskiness and depth increase.

    • Girl’s Characteristics:

    • Hair: Pubic hair and axillary hair appear, facial hair begins post-menarche.

    • Skin: Thickening and attractively sallow.

    • Breasts: Begin developing shortly after hip widening, prominent growth.

    • Muscles: Increased strength and size, more noticeable towards end of puberty.

EROGENOUS ZONES OF THE HUMAN BODY

  • Definition: Sensitive areas that cause sexual arousal when stimulated (Merriam-Webster).

Important Erogenous Zones in Females

  1. Clitoris: Highly sensitive; pressure/vibration leads to orgasm.

  2. Vagina: Home of the "G-spot"; deep stimulation yields intense orgasms.

  3. Cervix: Responds to pressure; light touch elicits sensation too.

  4. Mouth/Lips: Significant for relationship-building and intimacy, not just arousal.

  5. Neck: Very sensitive; light touch elicits arousal.

  6. Breasts/Nipples: Highly sensitive; stimulation can elicit pleasure.

  7. Ears: Sensitive area due to numerous nerve endings.

Important Erogenous Zones in Males

  1. Penis: Highly sensitive; major contributor to sexual satisfaction.

  2. Mouth/Lips: Also significant for intimacy; kissing releases hormones.

  3. Scrotum: Extremely sensitive area due to extensive nerve presence.

  4. Neck: Not as prominent for arousal but still significant.

  5. Nipples: Have nerve endings and can elicit sensations.

  6. Perineum: Area sensitive to touch, contributing to pleasure sensation.

  7. Ears: High sensitivity, facilitating orgasmic response.

UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE

  • Human Sexual Response: Engagement or reaction to perceived sexual stimuli; signifying normalcy or asexuality.

  • Libido: A person’s overall sexual desire, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors (Wikipedia).

Role of the Brain in Sexual Response

  • Processes:

    1. Translating Nerve Impulses: Converts skin stimuli into pleasurable sensations.

    2. Controlling Reactions: Governs nerves/muscles activated during sexual activity.

    3. Hormonal Regulation: Hormones like testosterone and estrogen drive desire and response.

  • Brain Structure:

    • Weighs between 1300-1400 grams, divided into:

    1. Brain Stem: Controls primitive sexual responses.

    2. Hypothalamus: Regulates body systems and hormone release.

    3. Limbic System: Manages emotions, memory related to sexual experiences.

      • Amygdala: Associates experiences with emotions.

      • Hippocampus: Stores and retrieves specific memories of sexual experiences.

    4. Cerebral Cortex: Responsible for processing information and decision making related to sensory input.

      • Divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital, each with specific functions.

THE SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE

  • Creator: William Masters and Virginia Johnson

  • Phases:

    1. Excitement Phase: Increased physiological responses; heart rate & muscle tension rise.

    2. Plateau Phase: Preparation for orgasm; heightened heart rate, blood pressure, and tension.

    3. Orgasm Phase: Release of sexual tension; intense pleasure, physical changes (muscle contractions).

    4. Resolution Phase: Body returns to unaroused state; physiological parameters normalize.

  • Knowledge Reminder: Understanding sexual responses cultivates appreciation for sexuality and responsibility.

WAYS OF DEALING WITH SEXUAL ENERGIES

  • Definition of Sexual Energy: An influential life energy; improper control may lead to destructive paths.

Methods to Manage Sexual Energies

  1. Repression: Keeping certain unacceptable thoughts out of awareness; subconscious process.

  2. Suppression: Consciously pushing down thoughts leading to anxiety; deliberate action.

  3. Sublimation: Converting sexual urges into socially acceptable actions (e.g., sports).

  4. Genital Satisfaction: Allowing engagement in sexual activity, including premarital and marital relations.

  5. Integration: Blending sexual energies into relationships and responsibilities; understanding one's duty is crucial.

PREVENTING PREMARITAL SEX

  • Reasons to Avoid Premarital Sex: Curiosity can lead to serious consequences (e.g., pregnancies, ST Is), social stigma, and health risks.

Strategies for Prevention

  • Educating: Understand the truths of sex and consequences.

  • Empowerment: Utilize guidance from parents and schools on sexual health.

  • Awareness: Realize sexual desire can cause irreversible consequences and preserve sex for marriage as a gift.

CHEMISTRY OF LOVE

  • Concept of Love: Encompasses varying feelings, arousal, and intimacy; nature described through chemistry.

Stages of Love by Helen Fisher

  1. Lust:

    • Driven by sexual gratification needs; hormones like testosterone (males) and estrogen (females) influence urges.

  2. Attraction:

    • Romantic love characterized by pleasure and longing; chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine increase excitement.

  3. Attachment:

    • Long-term bonding mechanism involving hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin, involved in sustaining relationships.

DIVERSITY OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

  • Definition of Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD): Encompasses diverse sex characteristics, orientations, and identities.

  • Sexual Orientation Types:

    • Heterosexuals: Attracted to opposite sex.

    • Homosexuals: Attracted to same sex.

    • Bisexuals: Attracted to both genders.

  • Gender Identity Types:

    • Transgender: Identity differs from birth sex.

    • Cisgender: Identity corresponds with birth sex.

  • Kinsey Scale: Ranges from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual); allows categorization of orientations.

UNDERSTANDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

  • Definition: Infections transmitted through sexual contact; include over 25 types (WHO).

  • Distinctions:

    • STI: Infection may not show disease symptoms immediately but involves existing harmful microorganisms.

    • STD: Obvious medical problems with identifiable symptoms.

  • Health Risks: STIs untreated can lead to significant health problems (e.g., infertility, cancer).

  • Statistics: Over a million people acquire STIs daily globally; focuses on prevention is essential.

COMMON STIs

  1. Chlamydia:

    • Definition: Caused by bacterial infection; transmitted through sexual contact; requires antibiotics for treatment.

    • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

  2. Genital Warts:

    • Caused by HPV; leads to warts and possible cancers; vaccination available.

  3. Gonorrhea:

    • Bacterial infection; causes discharge and pain; also treated with antibiotics to prevent PID.

  4. Herpes:

    • Types HSV-1 and HSV-2; causes blisters; lifelong infection needing management (antivirals).

  5. HIV:

    • Causes AIDS; present in bodily fluids; requires testing among sexually active individuals.

  6. Syphilis:

    • Bacterial; involves chancre sores, rashes, and serious organ damage when untreated; treated with antibiotics.

  7. Other STDs:

    • Include Chancroid, Hepatitis, Pubic Lice, and Trichomoniasis; each defined by symptoms and treatments.

FAMILY PLANNING AND CONTRACEPTION

  • Statistics: 214 million women seek to avoid pregnancy but lack access to contraception.

  • Benefits of Family Planning:

    • Prevents unwanted pregnancies; supports women's rights; reduces maternal and infant risks; promotes healthy spacing.

  • Access to Contraception: Essential for all sexually active individuals, including adolescents; availability through trained health workers is vital.

MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS

  • Description and effectiveness of various methods (e.g., pills, IUDs, condoms), their hormonal basis and intended use:

  1. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): >99% effectiveness with proper use.

  2. Progestogen-only Pills: High effectivity, good for breastfeeding.

  3. Implants: Long-term efficacy (>99%).

  4. Injectables: Highly effective; delayed return to fertility.

  5. Emergency Contraception: Used post-unprotected sex to prevent ovulation.

  6. Natural Methods: Requires tracking fertility cues; effectiveness varies with adherence.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) RESPONSE

  • WHO actively promotes family planning through guidelines and quality standards to enhance contraceptive access globally.