In-Depth Notes on Sexual Self and Related Concepts

Understanding Sexual Self

• Biological Factors
  • Sexual behaviors influenced by reproductive system and sex characteristics.
  • Reproductive system: organs designed for reproduction and sexual function.
  • Affects self-perception and sexual relationships.

Adolescence and Sexual Behaviors

• Dating and Romantic Relationships
  • Adolescence marked by dating, courtship, and developing sexual behaviors.
  • Risk factors: pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • High rates of early pregnancy and STIs among youth in the Philippines.

Physical Changes in Adolescence

• Reproductive System Development
  • Maturation of reproductive system during puberty.
  • Primary Sex Characteristics:
  • Present at birth:
    • Females: vagina, uterus, ovaries.
    • Males: penis, testes, scrotum, prostate gland.
  • Secondary Sex Characteristics: Develop during puberty.

Hormonal Influences

• Male Gonads
  • Produce testosterone, influencing sexual organ development and sex drive.
• Female Ovaries
  • Produce estrogen (promotes reproductive capacity) and progesterone (prepares uterus for pregnancy).
  • Hormone production follows a 28-day cycle, peaking during ovulation.

Female Reproductive System

• Components:
  • Clitoris, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries.
  • Clitoris: erectile tissue, sensitive to sexual arousal.
  • Uterus: where embryo grows; cervix links uterus and vagina.
  • Fallopian tubes transport fertilized eggs to uterus.
  • Pregnancy lasts approximately 260 days from fertilization to birth.

Male Reproductive System

• Components:
  • Penis (urination and sperm delivery), testes (sperm and hormone production), scrotum (holds testes).
  • Vas deferens (sperm transport), epididymis (sperm storage), prostate gland and seminal vesicles (produce semen).
  • Ejaculation: releases 300-500 million sperm cells.
  • Sperm can live up to 48 hours inside the uterus.

Sexual Arousal

• Erogenous Zones:
  • Highly sensitive areas of body that trigger sexual responses: genitals, mouth, breasts, ears, anus.
  • Masturbation: self-stimulation providing sexual pleasure and insight into sexual desire.
  • Cognitive factors influence arousal; fantasies can enhance sexual desire.

Gender Differences in Sexual Desires

• Men may have more frequent sexual fantasies, while women value emotional closeness.
• Sexual arousal potential is equal across genders; women are equally responsive.

Sexual-Response Cycle

• Phases by Masters and Johnson:
  1. Excitement Phase:
  • Physical arousal begins (pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing increase).
  1. Plateau Phase:
  • Intensification of physical changes, preparation for orgasm.
  1. Orgasm Phase:
  • Contractions lead to ejaculation in men; women can experience multiple orgasms.
  1. Resolution Phase:
  • Body returns to baseline; changes reverse.

Patterns of Attraction

• Romantic Relationships:
  • Initial attraction influenced by social norms, physical attractiveness, and interpersonal exchanges.
• Components of Love (Sternberg):
  • Intimacy, passion, commitment form the basis for different types of love.

Types of Love

• Robert Sternberg's Triangle:
  • Consummate Love: Intimacy + Passion + Commitment.
  • Companionate Love: Intimacy + Commitment.
  • Infatuation: Passion alone.
  • Fatuous Love: Passion + Commitment.
  • Empty Love: Commitment only.

Biological Influences on Love

• Helen Fisher’s Ingredients:
  • Lust (sexual gratification), attraction (sexual attraction), attachment (intimacy).
• John Bowlby:
  • Early attachment affects future relationships, including romantic ones.

Sexual Orientation

• Defines identification based on gender attraction.
• Types:
  • Heterosexuality: Attraction to opposite sex.
  • Homosexuality: attraction to same sex (gays, lesbians).
  • Bisexuality: attraction to both sexes.

Theories of Sexual Orientation

• Explore biological (genetic, hormonal) and environmental factors.
• Biological studies are inconclusive; learning and reinforcement may shape orientation.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Transmitted through sexual contact; various STIs have different impacts.
  • HIV/AIDS: Severe immune system attack via bodily fluids.
  • Gonorrhea: Caused by bacteria; affects mucous membranes, treated with antibiotics.
  • Syphilis: Can cause severe health issues if untreated.
  • Chlamydia: Can lead to sterility when untreated in women.
  • Genital Herpes: Causes no cure; symptoms include blisters.
  • Genital Warts: Caused by HPV; can lead to cervical cancer.
• Safe Sex Practices: Essential to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancy.

Teenage Pregnancy Concerns

• High rates in the Philippines; creates health risks for young mothers and babies.
• Calls for better sex education and contraception awareness due to rising cases.

Contraception Methods

• Various methods available, including:
  • Barrier Methods: Condoms; prevent pregnancy and some STIs.
  • IUDs: Prevent pregnancy through uterine insertion.
  • Hormonal Methods: Birth control pills, injectables.
  • Natural Methods: Calendar and cervical mucus methods to track fertility.

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act

• Ensures access to contraception, sexual education, and maternal care.
• Focuses on preventative care for STIs and informed choices in family planning.

Conclusion

• Love is a personal and intimate gift, requiring personal investment in relationships (James E. Sullivan).

References:

• Atkinson et al. (2009)
• Peplau (2003)
• Rathus (2017)
• Santrock (2002)