Module 6

THE SEXUAL SELF

Introduction

This part tackles one of the most crucial aspects of human development, the
sexual self. It highlights biological and environmental factors that shape sexual
development. It is also characterized as persons’ evaluation of his or her own sexual
feelings or actions. It also perceives in viewing ourselves.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

1. identify the development of Secondary sex characteristics and the human
reproductive system; and differentiate secondary sex characteristics in male
and female and the Identify Human Sexual response;
2. understand the basic biology of sexual behavior and the Chemistry of lust, love
and attachment;
3. know the diversity of sexual behavior solitary, heterosexual, homosexual and
bisexual, transsexual; and
4. determine Sexually Transmitted diseases(STDs) and methods of contraception
(natural and artificial).

Learning Content

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics and the Human

Reproductive System

Sexual differentiation begins during gestation, when the gonads are formed. The
general structure and shape of the body and face, as well as sex hormone levels, are
similar in preadolescent boys and girls. As puberty begins and sex hormone levels rise,
differences appear, though some changes are similar in males and females. Male levels of
testosterone directly induce the growth of the genitals, and indirectly (via
dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) the prostate. Estradiol and other hormones cause breasts to
develop in females. However, fetal or neonatal androgens may modulate later breast
development by reducing the capacity of breast tissue to respond to later estrogen.

Underarm hair and pubic hair are usually considered secondary sex
characteristics, but may also be considered non-secondary sex characteristics because
they are features of both sexes following puberty.

Puberty is the stage of development at which individuals become sexually

mature. Though the outcomes of puberty for boys and girls are very different, the
hormonal control of the process is very similar. In addition, though the timing of these
events varies between individuals, the sequence of changes that occur is predictable for
male and female adolescents. As shown in the image below, a concerted release of
hormones from the hypothalamus (GnRH), the anterior pituitary (LH and FSH), and the
gonads (either testosterone or estrogen) is responsible for the maturation of the
reproductive systems and the development of secondary sex characteristics, which
are physical changes that serve auxiliary roles in reproduction.
Figure 1. During puberty, the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary
stimulates the gonads to produce sex hormones in both male and female adolescents.

Signs of Puberty

Different sex steroid hormone concentrations between the sexes also contribute to the
development and function of secondary sexual characteristics. Examples of secondary
sexual characteristics are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Development of the Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Male Female
Increased larynx size and deepening of the Deposition of fat, predominantly in
voice breasts and hips
Increased muscular development Breast development
Growth of facial, axillary, and pubic hair, and Broadening of the pelvis and growth of
increased growth of body hair axillary and pubic hair

As a girl reaches puberty, typically the first change that is visible is the
development of the breast tissue. This is followed by the growth of axillary and pubic
hair. A growth spurt normally starts at approximately age 9 to 11, and may last two years
or more. During this time, a girl’s height can increase 3 inches a year. The next step in
puberty is menarche, the start of menstruation.
In boys, the growth of the testes is typically the first physical sign of the beginning
of puberty, which is followed by growth and pigmentation of the scrotum and growth of
the penis. The next step is the growth of hair, including armpit, pubic, chest, and facial
hair. Testosterone stimulates the growth of the larynx and thickening and lengthening of
the vocal folds, which causes the voice to drop in pitch. The first fertile ejaculations
typically appear at approximately 15 years of age, but this age can vary widely across
individual boys. Unlike the early growth spurt observed in females, the male growth
spurt occurs toward the end of puberty, at approximately age 11 to 13, and a boy’s height
can increase as much as 4 inches a year. In some males, pubertal development can
continue through the early 20s.

Human Reproductive System

An organ system by which humans reproduce and bear live offspring. Provided all
organs are present, normally constructed, and functioning properly, the essential
features of human reproduction are (1) liberation of an ovum, or egg, at a specific time in
the reproductive cycle, (2) internal fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa, or sperm
cells, (3) transport of the fertilized ovum to the uterus, or womb, (4) implantation of the
blastocyst, the early embryo developed from the fertilized ovum, in the wall of the
uterus, (5) formation of a placenta and maintenance of the unborn child during the
entire period of gestation, (6) birth of the child and expulsion of the placenta, and (7)
suckling and care of the child, with an eventual return of the maternal organs to virtually

their original state.

Figure 2. Organs and structures of the male and female reproductive

systems.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc

The Human Sexual Response Cycle

It is a four-stage model of physiological responses to sexual stimulation, which, in

order of their occurrence, are the excitement-, plateau-, orgasmic-, and resolution
phases. This physiological response model was first formulated by William H. Masters
and Virginia E. Johnson, in their 1966 book Human Sexual Response. Since then, other
human sexual response models have been formulated.

1 Excitement phase

The excitement phase (also known as the arousal phase or initial excitement
phase) is the first stage of the human sexual response cycle, which occurs as a
result of physical or mental erotic stimuli, such as kissing, making out, or viewing
erotic images, that leads to sexual arousal. During this stage, the body prepares
 for sexual intercourse, initially leading to the plateau phase.[1] There is wide socio-
cultural variation regarding preferences for the length of foreplay and the
stimulation methods used.[3] Physical and emotional interaction and stimulation
of the erogenous zones during foreplay usually establishes at least some initial
arousal.

2 Plateau phase

The plateau phase is the period of sexual excitement prior to orgasm. The phase is
characterized by an increased circulation and heart rate in both sexes, increased
sexual pleasure with increased stimulation and further increased muscle tension.
Also, respiration continues at an elevated level.[1] Both men and women may also
begin to vocalize involuntarily at this stage. Prolonged time in the plateau phase
without progression to the orgasmic phase may result in sexual frustration.

3 Orgasm phase

Orgasm is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle and is
experienced by both males and females. It is accompanied by quick cycles of
muscle contraction in the lower pelvic muscles, which surround both the anus
and the primary sexual organs. Women also experience uterine and vaginal
contractions. Orgasms are often associated with other involuntary actions,
including vocalizations and muscular spasms in other areas of the body and a
generally euphoric sensation. Heart rate is increased even further

4 Resolution phase

The resolution phase occurs after orgasm and allows the muscles to relax, blood
pressure to drop and the body to slow down from its excited state. [1] The
refractory period, which is part of the resolution phase, is the time frame in which
usually a man is unable to orgasm again, though women can also experience a
refractory period.

Understanding “The Chemistry of Love: lust, attraction, and attachment ”

THE SCIENCE OF LOVE

Research has shown that all of these crazy, haywire feelings and physical
reactions are, in fact, led by the brain and the chemicals released as a result of attraction
and desire. Experts believe that three neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that
transmit impulses (i.e. messages) between nerve cells) play a significant role during the
initial stages of love.
According to a team of scientists led by Dr. Helen Fisher at Rutgers, romantic love
can be broken down into three categories: lust, attraction, and attachment. Each
category is characterized by its own set of hormones stemming from the brain (Table 1).
Figure 3. : Love can be distilled into three categories: lust, attraction, and attachment.
Though there are overlaps and subtleties to each, each type is characterized by its own
set of hormones. Testosterone and estrogen drive lust; dopamine, norepinephrine, and
serotonin create attraction; and oxytocin and vasopressin mediate attachment.

Lust – Testosterone and Estrogen

The first stage of romantic love, lust is defined as having an intense sexual desire
towards someone, therefore, lust is driven by having a desire to achieve sexual
gratification. This is based on an evolutionary need to reproduce, something that is
common among all living species. It is through reproduction that we are able to pass on
our genes and this aids in contributing to the continuation of our species.

The hypothalamus of your brain plays a major role in lust as it stimulates the production
of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. It is a common misconception that these
hormones should be labelled as female and male respectively, as these play a role in both
women and men’s physiology and sexuality.

Testosterone is known to increase libido in both genders. In women, the effects of

testosterone may be less significant than in men due to the presence of higher levels of
estrogen. However, estrogen promotes the function of two hormones, testosterone,
which increases sex drive, and oxytocin, commonly referred to as ‘the love hormone’
which is released during physical contact and sexual climax. It is little wonder then that
women report being more sexually aroused during the ovulation stage of their menstrual
cycle when estrogen levels are at their peak.

Lust then leads to the next stage of love, which is attraction.

● Attraction – Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin
Attraction, although regarded as a distinct category in the stages of love, is closely
related to lust and while one can be linked to the other and vice versa, they can also be
mutually exclusive (i.e. one can occur without the other). Attraction is associated with
the ‘reward’ pathways in the brain that influence our behavior.

The ‘reward’ pathway is connected to parts of your brain that control memory and
behavior and begin in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and prefrontal cortex, this is
where neurons release dopamine to induce feelings of pleasure when we do something
that feels good to us. The VTA forms an important part of your brain’s reward circuit
which is considered to be a primitive, evolutionary neural network. Some of the
structures that make up this reward network or circuit include the hippocampus,
amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, all of which are stimulated by pleasure-
inducing behaviors such as food consumption, sex and even gambling or drug use.
 Dopamine, which is produced by your hypothalamus, is released during the stage
of attraction, specifically when we spend time with someone we are attracted to or when
we engage in sexual intercourse with them. Dopamine is a natural stimulant that fills
you with emotions of ecstasy, this is often why the way falling in love feels is
regarded as the natural equivalent to the high experienced from taking an illicit drug.
Dopamine is also involved in focus and attention, which explains why you cannot get
that one special person out of your head and when you are with them as, during this
stage, you are ‘hyper-focused’ on their presence and the way they make you feel.
Another hormone that is released during the stage of attraction is norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine, also referred to as noradrenaline, may sound familiar to you, this is
because it plays an important role in our ‘fight or flight’ response to stressful
situations and keeps us alert. When it comes to love, the combination of dopamine and
norepinephrine allows us to feel energetic, euphoric and even giddy. These hormones
may also lead to insomnia and a decreased appetite. Basically, these are why you can be
so attracted to someone that you can’t sleep or eat.
Serotonin is the final hormone associated with attraction. This hormone is a vital
neurotransmitter that aids in the regulation of social behaviour, mood, memory,
appetite, digestion and sexual desire. Interestingly, it is believed that serotonin levels
begin to decline during the attraction phase. Cortisol (also known as the stress hormone)
levels increase during the initial stage of falling in love, which allows for our bodies to
deal with the ‘crisis’ or ‘stressful situation’ that romantic love is perceived by the body to
be on a physiological level. As chemicals flood the reward centre of the brain, our hearts
race, palms sweat, cheeks flush and we are overwhelmed with emotions of anxiety and
passion.
● Attachment – Oxytocin and Vasopressin
The final stage of falling in love is attachment, this is the predominant factor in
defining the success of long-term relationships. Although the previous stages of lust and
attraction are seen as exclusive to a more romantically euphoric stage of falling in love,
the attachment stage refers to a more meaningful bond developing between two people,
moving a romantic relationship to an advanced level of falling in love wholeheartedly.
The two main hormones involved in the stage of attachment include oxytocin, as well
as vasopressin.
Oxytocin is referred to as ‘the love hormone’ or ‘the cuddle hormone’ is also
produced by the hypothalamus and is released in substantial amounts during sexual
intercourse and is stimulated through skin-to-skin contact. Interestingly, oxytocin is also
released during childbirth and breastfeeding. It may seem like the same hormone is
responsible for a strange combination of activities, however, what all of these have in
common is a form of bonding and attachment. Therefore, oxytocin, or OT, plays an
important role in forging bonds representative of the depth of love and attachment to a
partner as it heightens the feelings of calmness, security and contentment that are so
often linked to bonding with a mate2.
The second hormone involved in the phase of attachment is one that is released in
large quantities directly after having sex. The pituitary gland in both men and women
release vasopressin. Experts believe that vasopressin plays a role in social interactions
between humans and encourages pair-bonding (monogamous, long-term
relationships). Researchers have also noted that this hormone may in actual fact, have a
taming effect on more promiscuous people, thus, when this hormone is increased after
sex with someone that you are in love with, this may affect your brain by triggering your
neural reward system which stimulates feelings of happiness, encouraging you to want to
stay with that person as a result.
These two hormones provide us with an explanation as to why euphoric love will
begin to fade as attachment and long-term love grow
Gender and Sexual Diversity

Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD), or simply sexual diversity, refers to

all the diversities of sex characteristics, sexual orientations and gender identities,
without the need to specify each of the identities, behaviors, or characteristics that form
this plurality.
Overview
In the Western world, generally simple classifications are used to describe sexual
orientation (heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals), gender identity (transgender
and cisgender), and related minorities (intersex), gathered under the acronyms LGBT or
LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual people, and sometimes intersex
people); however, other cultures have other ways of understanding the sex and gender
systems. Over the last few decades, some sexology theories have emerged, such as
Kinsey theory and queer theory, proposing that this classification is not enough to
describe the sexual complexity in human beings and, even, in other animal species.
For example, some people may feel an intermediate sexual orientation between
heterosexual and bisexual (heteroflexible) or between homosexual and bisexual
(homoflexible). It may vary over time, too, or include attraction not only towards
women and men, but to all the spectrum of sexes and genders (pansexual).[9] In other
words, within bisexuality there exists a huge diversity of typologies and preferences that
vary from an exclusive heterosexuality to a complete homosexuality (Kinsey scale).
Sexual diversity includes intersex people, those born with a variety of
intermediate features between women and men. It also includes all transgender and
transsex identities which do not frame within the binary gender system and, like sexual
orientation, may be experienced in different degrees in between cisgender and
transsexuality, such as genderfluid people.
Lastly, sexual diversity also includes asexual people, who feel disinterest in sexual
activity; and all those who consider that their identity cannot be defined, such as queer
people.
Socially, sexual diversity is claimed as the acceptance of being different but with
equal rights, liberties, and opportunities within the Human Rights framework. In many
countries, visibility of sexual diversity is vindicated during Pride Parades.

Sexually Transmitted Infection

STI s are diseases that are passed from one person to another. The most common
STIs are: chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas, chancroid, genital herpes,
hepatitis B and HIV infection. Some STDs, such as syphilis and HIV can also be
transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood and from a pregnant woman to
the unborn child. Table below was presents the sexually transmitted infection

Table 1. The Different Types, Symptoms, and Treatments of Sexually Transmitted

Infection.

Types of Diseases and Description or Curable Uncurable

Pictures Symptoms
1. Chlamydia A certain type of Antibiotics can
bacteria easily treat
chlamydia
● pain or Fortunately, if
discomfort caught early
during sex or enough,
urination syphilis is
● green or yellow easily treated
discharge from with
the penis or antibiotics.
vagina However,
syphilis
● pain in the lower infection in a
abdomen newborn can
be fatal. That’s
why it’s
important for
all pregnant
women to be
screened for
syphilis.
2. Syphilis ● The first symptom If earlier If late
to appear is a small diagnose diagnosed and
round sore, known treated with treated
as a chancre. It can antibiotics
develop on your
genitals, anus, or
mouth. It’s painless
but very infectious.
Later symptoms
include: rash, fatigue,
fever. Headaches, joint
pain

3. HIV/ AIDS HIV can damage the There’s no cure

immune system and for HIV yet,
raise the risk of but treatment
contracting other options are
viruses or bacteria and available to
certain cancers. manage it.
Symptoms : fever, Early and
chills, aches and pains, effective
swollen lymph nodes, treatment can
sore throat, headache help people
Nausea. with HIV live
as long as
 those without
HIV.
4. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is another If earlier
common bacterial diagnosed
STD. It’s also known as curable and
“the clap.” treated with
present symptoms may antibiotics
include:

● a white, yellow,
beige, or green-
colored
discharge from
the penis or
vagina
● pain or
discomfort
during sex or
urination
● more frequent
urination than
usual
● itching around
the genitals
● sore throat

5. Pubic lice (‘crabs’) “Crabs” is another Pubic lice can

name for pubic lice. be treated with
They’re tiny insects over-the-
that can take up counter lice-
residence on your killing
pubic hair. Like head medications.
lice and body lice, they
feed on human blood.
Common symptoms of
pubic lice include:

● itching around
the genitals or
anus
● small pink or
red bumps
around the
genitals or anus
● low-grade fever
● lack of energy
6. Trichomoniasis Also known as “trich.” Trich can be
It’s caused by a tiny treated with
protozoan organism antibiotics.
that can be passed
from one person to
another through
genital contact.
When symptoms do
develop, they may
include:

● discharge from
the vagina or
penis
● burning or
itching around
the vagina or
penis
● pain or
discomfort
during
urination or sex
● frequent
urination

In women, trich-
related discharge often
has an unpleasant or
“fishy” smell.
7. Herpes Shortened name for There’s no cure
the herpes simplex for herpes yet.
virus. (HSV). Most But
common symptom of medications
herpes is blistery sores. are available to
In the case of genital help control
herpes, these sores outbreaks and
develop on or around alleviate the
the genitals. In oral pain of herpes
herpes, they develop sores. The
on or around the same
mouth. medications
can also lower
your chances
of passing
herpes to your
sexual partner.
8. Hepatitis B It is a virus that Although there
 spreads through is no cure,
contact with body there is a
fluids and blood, so it vaccine to
can be transmitted prevent
through sexual hepatitis B
intercourse. Hepatitis infection.
B infection is also
possible through
sharing of needles,
razors, and
toothbrushes. Nausea

● Abdominal pain
● Jaundice
(yellowing of
the skin and
whites of the
eyes)

Over time, scarring of

the liver (cirrhosis)
and liver cancer can
develop.
9. Chancroid It is more common in About half the
Africa and Asia. It time when
causes painful lumps untreated.
in the genital area that
can progress to open
sores. Antibiotics can
cure the infection;
chancroid is caused by
bacterial infection with
Haemophilus ducreyi.
One or more sores or
raised bumps on the
genitals. A narrow, red
border surrounds the
sores.
10. Scabies This parasite is not Prescription
necessarily sexually creams can
transmitted, since it cure a scabies
can affect any area of infestation.
the skin. However,
scabies is often spread
during sexual contact.
Extreme itching that is
worse at night. The
 skin appears to have a
pimple-like rash, as
shown in the above
photo.

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL METHOD OF CONTRACEPTION

Table 2. Presents the Natural and Artificial Methods of Contraception

NATURAL METHOD ARTIFICIAL METHOD

1. Calendar Method ● Also called as 1. Oral ● Also known as
the rhythm Contraceptives the pill, oral
method, this contraceptives
natural contain
method of synthetic
family estrogen and
planning progesterone.
involves ● Estrogen
refraining suppresses the
from coitus FSH and LH
during the to suppress
days that the ovulation,
woman is while
fertile. progesterone
● According to decreases the
the permeability
menstrual of the cervical
cycle, 3 or 4 mucus to limit
days before the sperm’s
and 3 or 4 access to the
days after ova.
ovulation,
the woman is Side effects for
likely to OCs are nausea,
conceive. weight gain,
● The process headache, breast
in calculating tenderness,
for the breakthrough
woman’s safe bleeding, vaginal
days is infections, mild
achieved hypertension,
when the and depression.
woman
records her
menstrual
cycle for six
 months.
2. Cervical Mucus The basis of this 2. Hormonal ● A hormonal
Method method is the Injections injection
changes in the consists of
cervical mucus medroxyproge
during sterone, a
ovulation. The progesterone,
fertile days of a and given once
woman every 12 weeks
according to this intramuscularl
method is as y.
long as the ● The injection
cervical mucus is inhibits
copious and ovulation and
watery and a day causes
after it. changes in the
Therefore, she endometrium
must avoid and the
coitus during cervical
these days. mucus.
● After
administration
the site should
not be
massaged so it
could absorb
slowly.

It has an
effectiveness
of almost
100%, making
it one of the
most popular
choices for
birth control.
3. Coitus Interruptus ● This is one of 3. Intrauterine ● An IUD is a
the oldest Device small, T-
methods of shaped object
contraception. that is inserted
The couple still into the uterus
proceeds with via the vagina.
the coitus, but ● It prevents
the man fertilization by
withdraws the creating a
moment he local sterile
ejaculates to inflammatory
emit the condition to
spermatozoa prevent
outside of the implantation.
vagina. The ● The IUD is
disadvantage fitted only by
of this method the physician
is the pre- and inserted
ejaculation after the
fluid that woman’s
contains a few menstrual
spermatozoa flow to be sure
that may cause that she is not
fertilization. pregnant.
Coitus
interruptus is The device
only 75% contains
effective progesterone
because of this. and is effective
for 5 to 7
years.
4. Lactation ● Through Male Condoms ● The male
Amenorrhea Method exclusive condom is
breastfeeding a latex or
of the infant, synthetic
the woman is rubber
able to sheath
suppress that is
ovulation placed on
through the the erect
method of penis
lactation before
amenorrhea vaginal
method. penetratio
n to trap
However, if the sperm
the infant is during
not ejaculatio
exclusively n.
breastfed, this
method would It can prevent
not be an STIs and can
effective birth be bought
control over-the-
method. counter
without any
fitting needed.
VASECTOMY ● Males undergo
vasectomy,
which is
executed
through a small
incision made
on each side of
the scrotum.

The vas deferens

is then tied,
cauterized, cut,
or plugged to
block the passage
of the sperm.
TUBAL LIGATION
● In women,
tubal ligation
is performed
by occluding
the fallopian
tubes through
cutting,
cauterizing, or
blocking to
inhibit the
passage of the
both the
sperm and the
ova.

After
menstruation
and before
ovulation, the
procedure is
done through a
small incision
under the
woman’s
umbilicus.