MODULE 6 SEXUAL SELF

MODULE 6

SEXUAL SELF

The Socio-Biological Aspects of the Self - a vital aspect of one’s identity is the sexual self, encompassing the biological, physical, emotional, and social domains.

It is initially rooted in the distinguishing physical attributes found in men (penis) and women (vagina).

During this stage, SEXUAL CURIOSITY is often at its peak, with adolescents engaging in sexual activity as influenced by biological and socio-cultural factors. Further, the GENDER ORIENTATION of the adolescent may manifest at this stage.

THE BIOLOGY OF SEX

At birth, the SEXUAL GENITALS is a biological feature that distinguishes males from females. Moreover, during puberty, observable changes in the human body also known as secondary sexual characteristics begin.

CIRCUMCISSION - Rite of Passage among Filipino Males

MENSTRUATION – onset of adolescence among females

Aside from observable developments in males and females, the release of hormones (TESTOSTERONE for males and ESTROGEN for females) triggers physiological changes in the reproductive system. Thus, at this stage, males and females start to become capable of PROCREATION: males start producing sperm while females begin producing eggs.

SEXUAL URGES DURING PUBERTY

When physiological changes are triggered within the adolescent’s reproductive system he or she is likely to experience sexual urges, become more sensitive to sexual stimuli, and feel sexual arousal. Arousal may be exhibited through PENILE ERECTION in men and VAGINAL LUBRICATION or wetness in women. If sexual arousal is satisfied through sexual intercourse, ORGASM would be reached.

Humans are likely to engage in sexual activities to satisfy sexual urges. However, the kind of sexual activities they engage may vary. Medical professionals have cited the health benefits of masturbation, including stress relief, better sleep, improve self-esteem and enhance body image. Further, masturbation is better alternative to sexual intercourse, which may result in pregnancy and acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL CHOICE

Sexual intercourse, also known as COPULATION, is the reproductive act in which the male organ (penis) enters the female reproductive tract (vagina). Adolescent couples who engage in sexual intercourse are usually overwhelmed by the sensations they feel during the act.

In addition, most teenagers who have sex with their partners often rationalize the act by claiming that they “love each other” and are “ready to be committed to each other” . However, if the woman is fertile during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is likely to occur and it lasts approximately nine months before the birth of the child.

Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of impulsive and careless sexual intercourse is the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While most of them can be treated and cured, STDs may have long-term consequences to one’s health. These diseases are passed through the exchange of body fluids or genital contact. Among the common STDs are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and genital warts. Symptoms include burning sensation during urination, warts and sores in the genital and mouth areas, pus, abnormal and smelly discharge, genital irritation and painful bowel movements.

Treatment may entail medication and in some cases, surgery. However, there are cases when these diseases may affect one’s reproductive functions and worse may lead to death.

HIV/AIDS

The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is the ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) caused by the HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV).

Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS, which compromises the immune system and puts the person at risk of illness and death. Once the illness has progressed, the infected person may develop fever, rashes, and sores. In its final stage, a person with AIDS may suffer from a variety of illnesses, including pneumonia and cancer.

HOW DOES ONE ACQUIRE A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE?

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Unprotected sex with multiple partners.

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Irresponsible sexual behavior

ADOLESCENTS AND SEXUAL RESPONSIBILITY

A person should be aware of his or her sexuality and sexual attributes in order to make responsible decisions. Adolescents need to realize the importance of having informed choices. Engaging in sexual activities may result in consequences that adolescents may not be ready for: pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

RESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR ENTAILS THE FOLLOWING:

RESPECT FOR ONE’S BODY - It means taking care of one’s body and avoiding activities that undermine one’s worth and respect.

BEING GUIDED BY ONE’S PERSONAL BELIEFS AND CORE VALUES - Everyone, especially an adolescent, should always be grounded by his or her personal principles and self-worth.

MATURITY IN THOUGHTS AND DEEDS - It refers to being objective, rational and calm instead of being swept by one’s emotions.

BEING FUTURE-ORIENTED - Instead of focusing on the present, a person should always weigh his or her present actions with possible consequences in the future. Sexual pleasure might be overwhelming at the moment but always focus on what it will entail in the future.

SEXUAL IDENTITY AND GENDER ROLES

SEX and GENDER

At birth, one’s sexuality depends on his or her physical features and genitals. BIOLOGICAL SEX is one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent on physical features. On the other hand, GENDER is an identity that is learned and embraced by the individual.

One’s sex (e.g. male, female, intersex, etc.) is usually assigned at birth based on one’s physical biology. One’s gender (e.g. male, female, genderqueer, etc.) is one’s internal sense of self and identity. One’s gender expression (e.g. masculine, feminine, androgynous, etc.) is how one embodies gender attributes, presentations, roles, and more.

GENDER AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT

As a social construct, gender comprises the socially created ROLES, PERSONALITY TRAITS, ATTITUDES, BEHAVIORS and VALUES attributed to men and women. It also includes the relative power and influence of each, indicating that GENDER IS RELATIONAL and refers not simply to men or women but to the relationship between them. Thus, gender is anchored on societal beliefs and norms.

GENDER ROLES

- refer to societal expectations of how men and women should act.

Traditional View on Gender Roles of Men and Women

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MEN are assumed to be strong and dominant

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WOMEN are perceived to be submissive and demure.

Aside from the problems with these assumptions, gender and biological sex are not always the same. A person may have been born a man but assumes womanly traits while woman may behave like a man.

Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie one’s concept of self.

A person expresses his or her sexuality through individuality; one’s belief and behavioral lifestyle are based on his or her own sexual identity are deemed to be social constructs, it is important to highlight one’s self-expression and moreover, become responsible in doing so. This responsibility also applies to expressing one’s beliefs about sex, gender, and behavior. It should be noted that one’s behavior in various situations entails consequences. An individual needs to realize the effects of such actions and how one can regulate his or her own behavior, including his or her sexual behavior.

Gender expression is how a person outwardly shows their gender identity. It includes physical expressions such as person’s clothing, hairstyle, makeup, and social expressions such as name and pronoun choice. Some examples of gender expression are masculine, feminine, and androgynous.

Sexual Orientation-describes to whom a person is sexually attracted.

A guy who is attracted to girls is considered heterosexual while someone who is attracted to the same sex is called a homosexual