U N I T I I I : T H E S E L F F R O M V A R I O U S P E R S P E C T I V E S

MODULE 6
U N PAC K I N G T H E S E L F:
PHYSICAL SELF
1. BODY AND SELF-ESTEEM
CONNECTION
2 . C U LT U R A L C O N C E P T S A N D
S TA N DA R D S O F B E AU T Y
3. PHYSICAL SELF VS INNER SELF
“MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL,
W H O ’ S T H E FA I R E ST O F T H E M A L L ? ”
 A M I B E AU T I F U L ?
DO PEOPLE FIND ME
AT T R A C T I V E ?
W H AT C A N I D O T O
E N H A N C E M Y F E AT U R E S ?
PHYSICAL SELF

• Refers to the body

• The part of us that can be directly seen and observed
by everyone.
• All of us have their own physical appearances or
physical characteristics.
BIOLOGICAL BLUEPRINT
• Underneath the skin is a dynamic system that cannot be seen by the
naked eye which includes the biological and chemical processes that
contribute to one’s physical features.

• HEREDITY- sum of all biological processes by which

particular characteristics are transmitted from parents to
their offspring
BODY
IMAGE
how and what you think and feel about your body. It
includes the picture of your body that you have in
your mind, which might or might not match your
body’s actual shape and size.
A POSITIVE
O R H E A LT H Y B O D Y
IMAGE IS FEELING
H A P PY A N D S AT I S F I E D
W I T H Y O U R B O D Y, A S
WELL AS BEING
C O M F O R TA B L E W I T H
AND ACCEPTING THE
W AY YO U LO O K .
A N E G AT I V E
O R U N H E A LT H Y
BODY IMAGE IS
FEELING UNHAPPY
W I T H T H E W AY YO U
LOOK. PEOPLE WHO
FEEL LIKE THIS
OFTEN WANT TO
CHANGE THEIR BODY
SIZE OR SHAPE.
BODY IMAGE IS BOTH INTERNAL
AND EXTERNAL
• INTERNAL (PERSONAL) • EXTERNAL (SOCIETAL)
• how we perceive our bodies • view of others about our physical
visually appearance which include strangers,
• how we feel about our physical our families, close friends
appearance • standards of beauty dictated by
• how we think and talk to culture and media
ourselves about our bodies
• our sense of how other people
view our bodies
VIEW OF OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT
OUR PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
• We learn from other people, particularly those closest to us
about the things that are considered important.
• Friendships and families are particularly important in body
image development because we place high value on them,
spend lots of time with them and develop shared
experiences, values, and beliefs.
STANDARDS
OF BEAUTY
- C U LT U R E
-MEDIA
C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
T H E “ G O L D E N R AT I O ”
T H E P E R F E C T FAC E
STEPHEN MARQUARDT
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
1. THE LONG-NECKED WOMEN
( M YA N M A R )
• known as the "long-neck" or "giraffe" tribe (Padaung group)
• The odd practice is a sign of beauty and wealth.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
2. WOMEN SHOWING OFF THEIR NOSE
JOBS (IRAN)
• Iran has become the rhinoplasty
capital of the world.
• Women are so proud of going
under the knife that they will
continue to wear their bandages
long after they're needed, in
order to show off their beauty.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
3. STRETCHED EARLOBE AND SHAVED
H E A D ( K E N YA & A F R I C A )
• Members of the Masai tribe in Africa are known for their
practice of wearing heavy jewelry made of stones or
elephant tusks to stretch their earlobes over time.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
4 . L I P S T R E TC H I N G ( PA R T S O F A F R I C A
& SOUTH AMERICA)
• A Mursi or Suri woman in
Ethiopia, consider a lip
plate as denoting female
maturity, signaling that
she has reached child-
bearing age.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
5 . TAT TO O S O F M A O R I W O M E N ( N E W
ZEALAND)
• Māori women in New Zealand
have traditionally adorned a tattoo
on their chin as a means to attract
a mate.

• The sacred tradition is known as Ta

Moko.

• Each moko is different and

includes ancestral tribal
information specific to the wearer.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
6 . W O M E N W I T H PA L E S K I N ( A S I A N
COUNTRIES)
• Women in many Asian
countries abhor the sun
because pale skin is a
sign of beauty and
desirability.
• Pale skin depicts the life
of luxury and wealth.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
7. KAJAL UNDERLINING THE EYES
(MIDDLE EAST)
• In the Middle East beauty is not something that reveals, but something that
is kept secret from the human eye, enhancing mystery and a specific charm.
 C U LT U R A L S TA N D A R D S O F B E A U T Y
8. WOMEN WITH FULLER FIGURES
( M A U R I TA N I A )
• In the African country of
Mauritania, drought and famine
is common, so being overweight
has traditionally been a sign of
prosperity.
• A heavier woman has been so
desirable that girls as young as 7
were sent to fat farms to put on
weight.
 HOW PEOPLE DEFINE BEAUTY

➢ journalist Esther Honig used the online marketplace

Fiverr to send out a photo of herself to graphic
designers in more than 20 countries.
➢Their task: to edit the photo to make Honig look
"beautiful" — however the designer defined the
term.
 S TA N DA R D S O F B E A U T Y A C C O R D I N G
TO MEDIA

• As long as the fashion industry is the one

dictating what is supposed to be “beautiful”,
be it for men or women, adolescents will
never be comfortable and please with their
bodies.
• The media can cause body dissatisfaction,
low self-esteem, and disordered eating. This
is most applicable especially to young girls.
 2015 STUDY BY
LAURA ROMO
• Focus group with Mexican
American adolescent
females to discuss their views
on body image and the
media. Most of the girls said
they were aware that being
thin is the standard of beauty
as shown by white women in
movies, television shows,
advertisements, and so forth.
 THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO GIVE BIGGER
VA LU E TO T H E I R FAC E S , A P P E A R A N C E A N D
S H A P E O F T H E B O D Y. M O S T E S P E C I A L LY
ADOLESCENTS.
 PUBERTY
• The process when the body starts to mature
• Adolescents experience puberty at the same
time they experience transition from childhood
to adulthood.
R E S E A R C H I N D I CAT E S T H AT G O O D
LOOKS DO NOT BOOST TEEN
CONFIDENCE
• It's widely believed that beauty and self-esteem go
together, but this may not actually be the case for
teens, according to a study published in The Journal
of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.
T H E R E A R E O N LY F E W P E O P L E W H O
BECOME HAPPY WITH THE SHAPE OF
T H E I R B O D Y.
• A healthy body image is
important. When you feel
good about your body, you
are more likely to have good
self-esteem and mental
health as well as a balanced
attitude to eating and physical
activity.
HOW CAN WE BUILD A STRONG
AND POSITIVE BODY IMAGE?
1. APPRECIATE ALL THAT
YOUR BODY CAN DO.
2. KEEP A LIST OF WHAT YOU
LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF.
3. REMIND YOURSELF THAT
“TRUE BEAUTY” IS NOT
SIMPLY SKIN-DEEP.
4. LOOK AT YOURSELF AS A
WHOLE PERSON.
5. SURROUND YOURSELF
WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE.
6. SHUT DOWN THOSE
VOICES IN YOUR HEAD
THAT TELL YOU YOUR BODY
IS NOT “RIGHT”
7. WEAR CLOTHES THAT ARE
COMFORTABLE AND MAKE
YOU FEEL GOOD.
8. BECOME A CRITICAL VIEWER OF SOCIAL AND MEDIA
MESSAGES.
9. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF.
10. USE THE TIME AND ENERGY THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE SPENT
WORRYING ABOUT FOOD, CALORIES, AND YOUR WEIGHT TO
DO SOMETHING TO HELP OTHERS.
WHERE DOES BEAUTY LIE?

BEAUTY IS OUT THERE; IT IS OBJECTIVE. IT IS PRIMARY

Q U A L I T Y T H AT R E S I D E S I N T H E O B J E C T.

B E A U T Y I S N OT T H E R E , I T I S S E C O N DA R Y Q U A L I T Y T H AT
R E S I D E S I N T H E P E R C E I V E R . (J O H N LO C K E )

B E A U T Y I S N E I T H E R P R I M A R Y N O R S E C O N D A R Y; I T I S
T E R T I A R Y I N N AT U R E . I T D E P E N D S O N T H E A P P R O P R I AT E
S I T U AT I O N A L P E R S P E C T I V E .
THE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
Jhulen C. Macapinlac, RPm
REPRODUCTION

Reproduction means
being able to produce new
individuals
2 KINDS OF REPRODUCTION
GAMETES (SEX CELLS)
male gamete = sperm
female gamete = egg
THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Role of the Male Reproductive System
1. To produce sperm
2. To deliver sperm into the female body.

◦ A gonad is an organ that produces sex cell

in animals.
◦ This means they are kept at slightly lower
than body temperature (35°) which is the
ideal temperature for sperm production.
✓ The volume of
semen in a single
ejaculation may
vary from 1.5 to 6.0
ml.

✓ There are usually

between 50 to 150
million sperm per
millilitre of semen
 Summary of functions of main parts of male
reproductive system

Part Function
Testis Produces sperm and testosterone
Sperm duct Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

Produces seminal fluid which feeds the sperm and allows them
Seminal vesicles, Cowper’s gland and Prostate gland
to swim. Sperm and seminal fluid are collectively called semen.

Urethra Allows the passage of either urine or sperm.

Penis Places sperm inside the body of a female
Keeps testes at a lower temperature (35°). This is the optimum
Scrotum
temperature for Meiosis to occur.
 ◦ Testosterone is the hormone
responsible for
Male Development of male sex organs

Hormone 1.Sperm production

2.development of the secondary male
sexual characteristics
 MALE
SECONDARY
SEXUAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Structure of the female reproductive system
endometrium The Uterus
(womb)
Summary of functions of main parts of
female reproductive system

Part Function
To produce the egg (ova). To produce the hormones oestrogen and
Ovary
progesterone

Fallopian tube
Catches the egg from the ovary and transports it to uterus. Site of fertilisation.
(oviduct)

Site of implantation. Holds the developing embryo. Has a lining

Uterus (endometrium) enriched with blood vessels to nourish the embryo.
Forms the placenta.

Vagina Allows entry of sperm and exit of baby at birth.

 Female ◦ A combination of oestrogen and progesterone
hormones at puberty causes the development

Hormones of the secondary female sex characteristics:

 Days 1 – 5
1. Menstruation (period). The old lining of the uterus breaks down and leaves the
body.
2. A new egg is produced in the ovary.

Days 6 - 14

Events in the 1.

2.
The lining of the uterus builds up again in preparation for implantation.

Oestrogen also prevents the development of any more eggs.

menstrual Day 14

1. Ovulation. The release the egg into the fallopian tube.

cycle Days 14 - 28

1. The uterus lining thicken even further.

If fertilisation does not take place:

The egg that was released will die by day 16 if it is not fertilised.
The lining of the uterus breaks down again on day 28.
The menstrual cycle begins again with day 1.
 1. Barrier contraceptives
CONTRACEPTION 2. Hormonal contraceptives
3. Sterilization
 ◦ Methods that physically or chemically
block sperm from reaching an egg
AND provide a BARRIER between
Barrier direct skin to skin contact
◦ Act as a physical block between you
Contraceptives and your sexual partner
◦ Great for STD protection!
MALE CONDOMS
HOW TO USE MALE CONDOMS?
FEMALE CONDOMS
 Dental Dam
◦ Small, thin, square pieces of latex
◦ Placed on the vulva or the anus when the mouth, lips, or tongue are used to sexually arouse
a partner.
◦ Can also cut a condom open on one side
  Methods that prevent the release of an
egg (ovulation)

Hormonal  Prevents a fertilized egg from

implanting in the uterus (prevents
Contraceptives pregnancy).
 NO hormonal methods reduce
chances of STD’s!
Oral Contraceptives

◦
Also called “the pill,”
◦
Some contain estrogen, progestin, or mix of other hormones depending on pill
◦
The pill is 91 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
◦
Prescribed by doctor
Birth Control Patch
 This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper
body
 The patch is 91 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy
 It releases hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream
  The birth control ring releases the hormones progestin and

Vaginal Ring estrogen

 It is 91 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy
 Ring goes inside vagina up around your cervix
Birth Control Shot

 Every 3 months (or 12 weeks), women get

shots of the hormone progestin in the
buttocks or arm from their doctor.
 It is 94 to 99 percent effective at preventing
pregnancy.
Emergency
Contraception
 Also known as the “morning after pill”
 The pills are 75 to 89 percent effective at
preventing pregnancy
 Can be taken up to 3-5days AFTER unprotected
sex (depending on brand)
 No prescription needed over age of 15
 Effectiveness decreases after 24 hours
Intrauterine Device
◦ It is placed inside the uterus by a doctor.
◦ 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
◦ Copper IUD: Can stay for up to 10 years
◦ Interferes with sperm, fertilization, and prevents
implantation

◦ Hormonal IUD: Can stay for up to 5 years

◦ It releases a small amount of hormone each day to
keep you from getting pregnant.
Sterilization
◦ Vasectomy: This operation is done
to keep a man’s sperm from going
to his penis, so his ejaculate never
has any sperm in it that can
fertilize an egg
UNDERSTAND!!
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
INFECTIONS
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS\S

• Most STIS have no

symptoms
• A person can have an
STDS and not know it
 How can someone get an STI?
• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Transmission from mother to baby during childbirth
• Skin to Skin contact
• Sharing equipment
• Exchange of bodily fluids
Bacterial
Parasitic
Viral
Bacterial STIs
Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Syphilis
Chlamydia - is a sexually transmitted infection that caused by a bacterium
called Chlamydia Trachomatis

✓ unprotected sex with an infected person

✓ Oral sex with an infected person
✓ You come into contact with an infected semen or vaginal fluid
✓ You are sharing with contaminated sex toys

COMMON SYMPTOMS
✓ Pain when passing urine
✓ Abnormal discharge
✓ Lower abdominal pain
✓ Bleeding between periods
✓ Pain or bleeding after sex
CHLAMYDIA
GONORRHEA - is a sexually transmitted infection that
caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
✓ unprotected sex with an infected person
✓ Oral sex with an infected person
✓ You come into contact with an infected semen or vaginal fluid
✓ You are sharing with contaminated sex toys

COMMON SYMPTOMS
✓ Pain when passing urine
✓ Abnormal discharge
✓ Lower abdominal pain
✓ Bleeding between periods
GONORRHEA
SYPHILIS
SYPHILIS
Parasitic STIs
Pubic lice

Scabies

Trichomoniasis
Pubic lice

◦ The lice attach their eggs to the pubic hair

and feed on human blood
◦ Adult lice lay their eggs on the hair shaft,
near the skin. These eggs are called nits.
Seven to 10 days later, the nits hatch into
nymphsand start feeding on your blood. The
lice can live without their food supply for
one to two days.
 ◦ People with pubic lice often experience itching in their
genital region or anus about five days after the initial
infestation. At night, the itching will become more
intense. Other common symptoms of pubic lice include:

PUBIC LICE • low-grade fever

• irritability
• lack of energy
• pale bluish spots near the bites
Trichomoniasis
◦ Caused by a parasite that is usually sexually
transmitted, but it can survive 24 hours on wet
towels and bathing suits
 Trichomoniasis
◦ Many women and most men with trichomoniasis have no symptoms, at least not at first. Trichomoniasis signs and
symptoms for women include:
• An often foul-smelling vaginal discharge — which might be white, gray, yellow or green
• Genital redness, burning and itching
• Pain with urination or sexual intercourse
◦ Trichomoniasis rarely causes symptoms in men. When men do have signs and symptoms, however, they might
include:
• Irritation inside the penis
• Burning with urination or after ejaculation
• Discharge from the penis
Scabies
◦ Caused by the itch mite. It burrows just under
the skin and lays eggs. The scabies mite can live
for 2-4 days away from the human body; it can
be transmitted without sexual contact.
 How to prevent parasitic STIs
Trichomoniasis
• Condoms will help prevent the spread
Pubic lice and Scabies
• Avoid sharing towels and clothing that have not been washed
• When trying on bathing suits or underwear in the store always
wear something underneath
Signs and symptoms of a parasitic STI
• Intense itchiness
• Reddish rash
• Pain during sex or urination
• Vaginal discharge

How are parasitic STIs treated?

• Shampoo – special shampoo to kill lice or scabies
• Lotion - special shampoo to kill lice or scabies
• Ointment- special shampoo to kill lice or scabies
• Antibiotic – used to treat trich
 Viral STIs
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Herpes

Hepatitis

HIV / AIDS
Human
Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Very contagious virus
• Some people never get symptoms
• HPV is spread through skin to skin contact ,
oral, anal and vaginal sex with an infected
partner
• Some types cause genital warts and other
types can cause cancer of the cervix
Treatment
• Treatments remove the warts but does not remove the
virus from the blood
• Most warts will clear over time
• There is no cure for HPV

• There is a vaccine to prevent HPV available for

students in grade 7
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)
Genital Herpes
• Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
• Spread through skin to skin contact and oral, anal and vaginal sex
• Some people with herpes never develop sores, but are still contagious and may
spread it to others without knowing
• People who have an initial outbreak can have more outbreaks throughout the rest
of their life
Remember herpes is not CURABLE. It is
TREATABLE!
GENITAL HERPES
 Hepatitis
• Hepatitis is a virus that affects your liver
• It can cause permanent liver disease and
cancer of the liver
• Hepatitis A & B can be prevented by vaccines
• There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C

Remember hepatitis is not CURABLE!

◦ Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated
food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of
parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of
transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or
blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated
equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth,
from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/what-is-hepatitis
How is Hepatitis transmitted

◦ Hepatitis A is transmitted through fecal oral route

◦ Hep B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids
◦ Hep C is transmitted mostly through blood but also through
bodily fluids
 How can someone lower their chances of
getting Hepatitis B and C?

• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B (available for students in grade 7)

• Practice safer sex
• Do not share instruments used in body-piercing, tattooing or hair
removal
• Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, razors and
needles
 HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY
VIRUS (HIV) AND ACQUIRED
IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME
(AIDS)
◦ Some people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection
(called acute HIV infection). These symptoms may last for a few days or several
weeks. Possible symptoms include
• Fever,
• Chills,
• Rash,
• Night sweats,
• Muscle aches,
• Sore throat,
• Fatigue,
• Swollen lymph nodes, and
• Mouth ulcers.
Where can someone go for STI testing and
treatment?
Family Doctor/Nurse Practitioner
Walk-In Clinic
Health Unit – STI and Birth Control clinic
What is the only 100 % effective way of preventing
STIs and pregnancy?

ABSTINENCE
 Sexual health and decision making

◦ Concept of consent
◦ Communication in a relationship
z

THE SEXUAL SELF

Jhulen C. Macapinlac, RPm
z
SEXUAL SELF

▪ Sexuality

▪ Sexual Response

▪ Human Reproduction

▪ Contraception

▪ Sexually Transmitted Infection

z

SEXUALITY
z
z
Sexual Orientation and Sexuality

▪ Nature – Nurture

▪ Youth try to do different experiments to find their true sexuality

▪ Sexual orientation is a term used to refer to a person's pattern of

emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of a particular
gender (male or female).
 z
Sexual Orientation is usually divided into
these categories:
• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite
sex
• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender
identity
• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people
• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to
like one gender more than the rest
• Polysexual - attracted to multiple genders, but not
all.
z
Sexual Orientation is usually divided into
these categories:

• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex

• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity
• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people
• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to like one gender
more than the rest
z
Sexual Orientation is usually divided into
these categories:

• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex

• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity
• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people
• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to like one gender
more than the rest
z
Sexual Orientation is usually divided into
these categories:

• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex

• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity
• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people
• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to like one gender
more than the rest
 z
Sexual Orientation is usually
divided into these categories:

• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex

• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity

• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people

• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to like one
gender more than the rest
 z
Sexual Orientation is usually
divided into these categories:

• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex

• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity

• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people

• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to like one
gender more than the rest
z
Sexual Orientation is usually divided into
these categories:
• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex
• Bisexual: Attracted to people of either sex
• Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex
• Pansexual: Attracted to people of any gender identity
• Asexual: Not sexually attracted to other people
• Omnisexual – Attracted to all genders but tend to like one gender
more than the rest
• Polysexual - attracted to multiple genders, but not all.
z

HOW DO PEOPLE KNOW THEIR SEXUAL

ORIENTATION?

CAN SEXUAL ORIENTATION BE

CHANGED?
z
z
z
z

SEXUAL
RESPONSE
z
 z

The Sexual
Response
Cycle
 z

FOR MEN:
EXCITATION
▪ Penile Erection
▪ Scrotal sac thickens, elevates

• FOR WOMEN:

• Vaginal lubrication
• Glans clitoris enlarges (similar to penile erection)
• Nipples erect (myotonia: muscle contraction)
• Breasts enlarge (vasocongestion)
• Inner lips of vulva swell and open, change in color
(darker)
• Upper 2/3rds of vagina balloons
• Cervix and uterus stand up: tenting effect
• Angle of cervical opening more receptive to sperm
 z

EXCITATION

• FOR BOTH SEXES:

• Sex flush (can happen later)

• Heart rate, respiration rate gradually
increase
• Generalized myotonia
z

How does an
erection occur?
z
z

EXCITATION
z
PLATEAU

Females:
▪ orgasmic
platform: outer
third of vagina
thickens, swells:
condition sine
qua non: without
it, no orgasm
▪ tenting complete
clitoris erect
z

Males:
▪ Cowper’s glands
secrete fluid through
tip of penis.
WARNING: may
contain live sperm!
▪ scrotum even higher
and testicles bigger

PLATEAU
 z

Males: Two stages:

▪ contraction of
seminal vesicles,
vas and prostate
▪ contraction of
urethra and penis:
ejaculation

ORGASM
 z

Females:
▪ contractions of orgasmic
platform
▪ contractions of uterus
▪ several orgasms
possible if stimulation
continues
▪ oxytocin

ORGASM
 z

5 TYPES OF
ORGASM
1. CLITORAL
2. VAGINAL
3. ANAL
4. COMBO
5. EROGENOUS ZONE
 z
Health Benefits Associated With Orgasm

▪ General Health
▪ An orgasm at least once or twice per week appears to strength the immune system’s ability
to resist flu and other viruses

▪ Pain Relief
▪ Some women find that an orgasm’s release of hormones and muscle contractions help
relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and raise pain tolerance in general.

▪ Better Sleep
▪ The neurotransmitter dopamine, released during orgasm, triggers a stress-reducing, sleep-
inducing response that may last up to two hours
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Health Benefits Associated With Orgasm

▪ Lower Cancer Rate

▪ Men who have more than five ejaculations per week during their 20s have a significantly
lower rate of prostate cancer later in life

▪ Mood Enhancement
▪ Orgasms increase estrogen and endorphins, which tend to improve mood and ward off
depression in women

▪ Greater Feelings of Intimacy

▪ The hormone oxytocin, which may play a role in feelings of love and intimacy, increases
fivefold at orgasm
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RESOLUTION
▪ Return to normal, muscles relax, breathing etc. back to
normal, blood back to circulation from genitals.
▪ Males
▪ refractory period

▪ Women
▪ No refractory period ever

EACH PHASE MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED IN

ORDER TO REACH THE NEXT ONE
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THEREFORE:
• Excitement. Initially being turned on.

• Plateau. Repetitive motion that feels

pleasurable.

• Orgasm. The burst of pleasure, and release.

• Resolution. The refractory period.

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• Men:
• fastest 16-20 years, then show decline
• Middle Age:
• very noticeable, need direct stimulation
Excitation: • Old Age:
• need lots of direct stimulation
• Women:

Each phase • slower in teens, early 20s

• faster 30’s on

shows age
changes
• Men:
• capacity for longer with age
Plateau: • Women:
• same, but never a big problem
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• Men:
• intensity lessens from mid- to
late 20s
Orgasmic: • Middle Age:
• really noticeable
• ejaculate less volume, less
Each phase forceful

shows age
changes
Resolution: • Refractory period increases
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PHYSIOLOGY
OF THE
SEXUAL
RESPONSE
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HORMUNAL
INFLUENCES
ON SEX
 z

Hormonal Influences on Sex

▪ Most Studied Sex Hormone:

▪ Testosterone

▪ produced by testes, ovaries and adrenal glands

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▪ DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone):
▪ secreted by adrenal glands, weak
androgen. Most sex hormones and
pheromones derived from it.
Chemistry of ▪ Same amount for males and females in
bloodstream.
Attraction
▪ Pheromones: sexual signals for both
sexes.
▪ Oxytocin: released by the pituitary when
touching or being touched by loved ones.
▪ PEA (phenylethylamine): called “the
molecule of love”, produce euphoria,
amphetamine-like substance produced in
brain capillaries and in catecholaminergic
terminals.
 z Chemistry of Attraction

▪ Estrogen: makes women sexually attractive and receptive. Skin, lips, hair, fatty
padding (curves), breasts, hips.

▪ Testosterone: increases sex drive in both sexes, too much is counterproductive.

▪ Endorphins: produced in the brain, released in response to touch and sex, produce
positive feelings.

▪ Progesterone: testosterone antagonist, lowers sex drive (in the pill as well), mild
sedative, calming effect.
 z Chemistry of Attraction

▪ Serotonin: neurotransmitter. At low levels intensifies sex drive, at high levels decreases
it. Antidepressants elevate serotonin, decrease sex drive.

▪ Dopamine: neurotransmitter associated with all pleasures, increases sex drive, promotes
action.

▪ Prolactin: decreases sex drive, especially in men.

▪ Vasopressin: hormone produced by the pituitary, antidiuretic (water retention), increases

blood volume and blood pressure, identified as the “monogamy molecule”, modulates
testosterone, levels extremes of feelings, increases focus in lovemaking.
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FEMALE DYSFUNCTIONS:

▪ Female sexual interest / Arousal disorder- lack of, or

significantly reduced, sexual interest/arousal
SEXUAL ▪ Female Orgasmic Disorder – Marked delay in, marked
DYSFUNCTIONS infrequency of, or absence of orgasm

▪ Genito-pelvic pain/penetration Disorder – Marked

vulvovaginal or pelvic pain during vaginal intercourse or
penetration attempts.
 MALE DYSFUNCTIONS:
z

▪ Erectile Disorder – Marked difficulty in obtaining an erection

during sexual activity

▪ Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder – Persistently or

SEXUAL recurrently absent of sexual thoughts or fantasies and desire for
DYSFUNCTIONS sexual activity

▪ Premature (early) Ejaculation- a persistent or recurrent pattern

of ejaculation occurring during partnered sexual activity within
approximately 1 minute

▪ Delayed Ejaculation – Marked delay or absence of ejaculation

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