CHAPTER II UNPACKING THE SELF

Lesson 1: The Physical and Sexual Self

INTRODUCTION
It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of human define the sex (female or male) and their
secondary sexual characteristics. From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic makeup. It influences
the way we treat ourselves and others. However, there are individuals who do not accept their innate
sexual characteristics and they tend to change their sexual organs through medications and surgery.
Aside from our genes, our society or the external environment helps shape ourselves.

Puberty is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and 15 years old reproductive organs
grow to their adult size and become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones
(testosterone in males and estrogen in females).

In males, as they reach the age of 13, puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the
reproductive organs followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and face. The
reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation marked by the presence of
mature semen in the testes.

In females, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 signals their puberty stage.

Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which happens two years after the start of puberty.

Hormones play an important role in the regulation of ovulation and fertility of females.

Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System

Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and those whose resistance to
diseases is low.

Escherichia coli which spread through the digestive tract; the sexually transmitted microorganism such
as syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes virus; and yeast.

In males, prostatitis, urethritis and epididymitis, all of which may follow sexual contacts in which sexually
transmitted disease (STD) microorganisms are transmitted Orchiditis.

Neoplasms are a major threat to reproductive organs.

Tumors of the breast and cervix are the most common reproductive cancer in adult females and
prostate cancer is a widespread problem in adult males.
Most women hit the highest of their reproductive abilities in their late 20's. A natural decrease in
ovarian function usually follows, characterized by reduced estrogen production that causes irregular
ovulation and shorter menstrual periods.

Menopause occurs when females no longer experience menstruation.

Erogenous Zones refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal
when touched in a sexual manner

Some of the commonly known erogenous zones are the mouth, breast, genitals and anus.

Other common areas of the body that can be aroused easily may include the neck, thighs, abdomen and
feet.

Human Sexual Behavior is defined as any activity solitary, between two persons or in a group that
induces sexual arousal. two major factors:

1.) The inherited sexual response pattern-evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that became
part of each individual's genetic inheritance.

2.) The degree of restraint or other types of influence exerted on the individual by society in the
expression of his sexuality.

Types of Behavior
1.) Solitary Behavior Involving only one individual. Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to
sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax. Self-gratification, generally beginning at or before puberty, is
very common among young males.

The fantasy frequently involves idealized sexual partners and activities that the individual has not
experienced and even might avoid in real life

2.) Sociosexual Behavior heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that
occurs between only one male and one female.

Physical contact involving necking or petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning process.

Pitting differs from hugging, kissing and generalized caresses of the clothed body to practice involving
stimulation of the genitals and leading into coitus.

Coitus, the insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female reproductive organ

Physiology of Human Sexual Response

it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden rise in blood supply to the surface of the
body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing and swelling of all distensible body parts, more
rapid breathing, the secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion and a general increase in muscle
tension.

Plateau phase

It is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.

Sexual climax

It is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a rapid increase in pulse rate and blood pressure
and spasm of the pelvic muscle causing contractions of the female reproductive organ and ejaculation
by the male.

Resolution phase

It is the last stage that refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiologic state. Males and
females are similar in their response sequence. Whereas males return to normal even if stimulation
continues, but continued stimulation can produce additional orgasms in females. Females are physically
capable of repeated orgasms without the intervening "rest period" required by males.

Nervous System Factors

The brain will interpret the sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate and appropriate
response of the body.

The hypothalamus and the limbic system are the parts of the brain believed to be responsible for
regulating the sexual response, but there is no specialized "sex center" that has been located in the
human brain.

Sexual Problems may be classified as physiological, psychological, and social in origin. Any given
problem may involve all three categories.

Physiological problems are the least among the three categories. Only a small number of people suffer
from diseases that are due to abnormal development of the genitalia or that part of the
neurophysiology controlling sexual response comprise by far the largest category. They are usually
caused by induced inhibitions, maladapted attitudes, ignorance, and sexual myths held by society
Premature emission of semen is a common problem, especially for young males. Sometimes this is not
the consequence of any psychological problem but the natural result of excessive tension in a male who
has been sexually deprived.

Erectile impotence is almost always of psychological origin in males under 40; in older males, physical
causes are more often involved

Ejaculatory impotence, which results from the inability to ejaculate in coitus, is uncommon and is
usually of psychogenic origin.

Vaginismus is a strong spasm of the pelvic musculature constricting the female reproductive organ so
that penetration is painful or impossible.

It can be due to anti-sexual conditioning or psychological trauma that serves as an unconscious defense
against coitus.