Sexual Self

Sexual Characteristics

  • Primary Sex Characteristics:

    • Present at birth.

      • Females: Vagina, uterus, ovaries.

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

  • Secondary Sex Characteristics:

    • Develop during puberty.

    • Females: Breast enlargement, menstrual cycle, hip widening, buttocks enlargement, pubic hair growth.

    • Males: Testicular growth, sperm production, facial and body hair, deepening voice.

Role of Hormones in Sexual Development

  • Key Hormones:

    1. Testosterone

    2. Estrogen

    3. Progesterone

  • Hormones influence development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.

  • Women’s hormonal production follows a 28-day cycle, peaking during ovulation when an egg is released.

Erogenous Zones and Human Sexual Response

  • Erogenous Zones: Areas of the body that provide pleasure (e.g., genitals, breasts, mouth).

  • Human sexual arousal may arise from stimulating these zones; however, cognitive and cultural factors also play a pivotal role.

Sexual Arousal and Response Cycle

  • Masters and Johnson's Phases of Sexual Response:

    1. Excitement Phase: Initial arousal, increased heart rate, blood flow to genitals.

    2. Plateau Phase: Continued arousal, physical changes such as increased blood flow and sensitivity.

    3. Orgasmic Phase: Muscle contractions leading to ejaculation in males; pelvic contractions in females can lead to multiple orgasms.

    4. Resolution Phase: Body returns to normal state post-orgasm.

Attraction, Love, and Attachment

  • Attraction:

    • Influenced by social norms and physical attractiveness.

  • Components of Love (Sternberg):

    1. Intimacy

    2. Passion

    3. Commitment

  • Attachment: Considered affectionate or companionate love, crucial for developing romantic relationships during adolescence.

Sexual Orientation

  • Definitions:

    • Heterosexual: Attraction to opposite sex.

    • Homosexual: Attraction to same sex (Men: gay, Women: lesbian).

    • Bisexual: Attraction to both sexes.

    • Transgender: Identifying with a gender different from biological sex.

    • Transsexual: Surgical alteration of genitals to match gender identity.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  • Overview:

    • STIs are illnesses transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, anal).

    • Types include HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis.

    • Risks are present for sexually active individuals; safe sex practices are vital to mitigate risks.

Contraception and Reproductive Health

  • Contraceptive Methods:

    • Range from condoms (which also prevent STIs) to hormonal methods like birth control pills and IUDs.

  • Reproductive Health Law (RH Law):

    • Aims to educate couples, particularly women, about available family planning methods and promote adolescent health education.