UNIVERSITY OF CALOOCAN CITY

Biglang Awa St., Corner Catleya St., EDSA, Caloocan City

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

GENDER AND SOCIETY

SUBJECT CODE: GEE 001
TOPIC OR LESSON 2: WHAT CONSTITUTES SEX
WEEK: 3
SUB-TOPIC/S: a. Primary characteristics
*Intersexes
b. Secondary characteristics
c. Reproductive roles
d. Reproductive responsibilities
*Safe sex practices

OVERVIEW OF THE TOPIC

This session commences our formal discussion on the study of sex, sexuality, and
gender. To understand our gender and our role in the society, we must first
understand what our sex and sexuality are. Most of the time, the concept of
sexuality and gender are very much interchanged. However, when we study the
core concepts that define our sex, we begin to shed light on the foundations of
our gender.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The following outputs are to be expected at the end of this session:

 Students’ active participation during class
 Comprehensive insights about what constitutes sex

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

1. Discuss the context of sex, sexuality, and gender following the Philippine social
norms
2. Reinforce erroneous acts that shows disrespect towards the different sexualities
and genders

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 ENGAGE

Students will read and share their answers to Asynchronous Activity no. 1
wherein they were asked to examine themselves and list their personal
characteristics that they think would define their sex.

EXPLORE

Note down given examples by fellow classmates. Highlight examples pertaining

to:
a. Reproductive organs
b. Hormones
c. Body structures
d. Reproductive roles

EXPLAIN

Sex
 the biological dimension of your gender and sexuality
 may also be referred to as: biological sex or physical sex
 biological/ physical sex is determined by the individual's genitalia or
genitals

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  genitals are organs responsible for reproduction
 pertains to an individual's biological anatomy and physiology
Anatomy- study of body's structure
Physiology- study of body's function
 is determined by your genitals from the moment of your conception

Primary Characteristics
Male
 male reproductive system
 sperm cell
 XY chromosome
 high level of testosterone
Testosterone- responsible
for male's muscle growth,
libido, bone density, growth
of bodily hair

Primary Characteristics
Female
 female reproductive system
 egg cell
 XX chromosome
 high level of estrogen and progesterone
Estrogen- responsible for female's bodily
growth: breast, ovulation, muscles, bone density
Progesterone- responsible for increase in
follicles of the uterine lining for conception

Intersex
 also called as Hermaphroditism
 a condition in which there is a discrepancy
between the external and internal
sexual and genital organs

See: "What It's Like to be Intersex" by As/Is (2015). Retrieved from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAUDKEI4QKI&ab_channel=As%2FIs

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Secondary characteristics
characteristics that emerged after puberty
 broadening of the
shoulders
 hips are more slender
 deeper chest cavity
 height generally taller
than women
 usually has greater
proportion of body
weight muscles
 prominent Adam’s apple
 heavier bone density

Reproductive Roles
biological functions of the human male and female in terms of reproduction

 producing and secreting

male hormones
 producing sperm
(Spermatogenesis)
 transporting sperm
 to copulate
Copulation- process of
inserting the penis in
the vagina
 ejaculating sperm into the
female reproductive tract

Fertilization
 is the union of a human egg and sperm
 it is when a sperm infuses with an egg cell
 the result of this union is a fertilized egg
or a zygote cell initiating pre-natal development
 it is both the male and the female's
reproductive role to fertilize

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Reproductive Health
refers to a person's state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive
system and its functions and processes in all stages of life

Reproductive responsibilities
refers to a person's actions and behaviors towards achieving complete physical,
mental, and social wellbeing relating to the reproductive system and its functions and
processes in all stages of life
Sexual hygiene
branch of hygiene concerned with sex and sexual behavior as they relate to individual
and community wellbeing

Examples of physical reproductive responsibilities

an individual's responsibility concerning his/her physical sexual attributes

1. GOOD GROOMING
 washing the body, especially the reproductive organs to avoid unwanted odors
 trimming of the pubic hair
(it is advisable to only trim the pubic hair and not entirely shave to have
protection from friction during sexual intercourse)

2. URINARY HYGIENE
 washing or wiping of the genitals after urinating
for males, be sure not to leave any trace of urine on the penis and scrotum to
avoid excessive moisture or unwanted odor
for females, wash or wipe the labias down to the anus after urinating. ensure that
the external genitalia are free of urine traces and other bodily fluids to avoid high
level of acidity that may cause irritation of the genitals

3. DENTAL HYGIENE
 brushing ofthe teeth and gargling of mouth wash is important because the
mouth may be use for sexual intercourse arousal
 it is not advisable to conduct oral stimulation when lesions are present on the lips,
gums, and other parts of the mouth. this is to avoid transfer of sexually
transmitted infections in the mouth

4. WASHING OF THE GENITALS

 it is important to wash the genitals before sexual intercourse to get rid of
unwanted body odors,
moisture, and other bodily obstructions
 after sexual intercourse, genitals must be thoroughly washed and dried to get rid
of excess moisture and unwanted bodily fluids

5. WASHING OF SEX TOYS AND OTHER DEVICES USED FOR SEXUAL STIMULATION
 thoroughly wash sex toys and other devices that may be used for sexual
stimulation to avoid viruses and bacteria that may harm the reproductive system

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  store sex toys in clean and secured containers to avoid exposure to unhealthy
threats
 avoid using devices that have malfunctioned or those that may have broken
parts to avoid unwanted injuries during sexual intercourse
 use water-based lubricants to ease the functions of sexual devices
 properly sterilize the sexual devices with antibacterial soap when it was stored for
prolonged time

6. GETTING PHYSICAL CHECK-UPS

 consult physicians for bodily problems concerning your sex and sexual functions
during sexual intercourse (ex: pain in the genitals during sexual intercourse)
 consult physicians for examining STI symptoms (sexually transmitted infections) ,
HIV symptoms (human immunodeficiency virus), urinary tract infections, an even
cancers in the reproductive organs

7. MEDICATIONS
 some side effects during medication may hamper sexual arousal or may even
cause sexual dysfunction.
 it is important to inform your partner about certain medications you are taking
most especially if it may involve sexual and/or reproductive functions

8. HORMONAL IMBALANCES
 happens when there is too much or too little presence of a hormone in the body
 this affects sex drives, libido, and arousal necessary for sexual functions

9. UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE
 smoking, staying-up late, unhealthy diet, and substance abuse may result to
sexual complications

Examples of mental reproductive responsibilities

an individual's responsibility concerning his/her mental sexual attributes

1. SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
 In males, the most common are:
erectile dysfunction-inability of the penis (phallus)to stiffen during sexual
intercourse
premature ejaculation- ejaculation happens too soon before partner's climax
delayed ejaculation- inability of the male reproductive system to ejaculate
sperm cells
 In females, the most common are:
inability to achieve orgasm
inadequate vaginal lubrication
pain in the genitals during intercourse

2. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
 mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and stress may affect an individual's
mental functions during sexual intercourse

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3. SEX NEGATIVITY
 the belief that sex and sexuality are inherently harmful, immoral, and dangerous
 Examples of sex negativity:
Treating sexually transmitted infections as embarrassing or shameful
Holding victims of sexual violence and exploitation responsible for harm others
have inflicted upon them.
Assuming that the root of sexual promiscuity is a lack of self-respect or self
esteem.
Slut-shaming.
Heterocentrism (bias in favor of opposite-sex relationships) and heteronormativity
(belief that heterosexuality is the “normal” orientation)
Ciscentrism(bias in favor of cisgender people)and cisnormativity (belief that cis is
the normal gender identity).
Sex education that only focuses on the risks of sex
Sex education that doesn’t include talk of sexual pleasure
Condemning sex acts that don’t appeal to us personally

4. STIGMA ON CONSULTING WITH A SEXOLOGIST

 Sexology- is the interdisciplinary scientific study of human sexuality, including
sexual behaviors, interests and function
 Sexologist- is a trained professional who specializes in human sexuality
 The stigma that when a couple consults with a sexologist means "they have a
sexual problem" hinders them to properly achieve sexual mental health

5. LACK OF SEXUAL SELF-AWARENESS

 Sexual self-awareness- is the understanding of one's self in terms of sexual desires,
thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
 Examining one's sexual self-awareness includes these questions:
Why am I having sex?
What turns me on?
How did I learn about sex?

6. SEXUAL TRAUMAS
 any sexual act that is imposed on another person without their consent
 sexual traumas may lead to inability to achieve sexual arousal, inability to
function during sexual intercourse, depressions, flashbacks, and even PTSD
(posttraumatic stress disorder)

Examples of social reproductive responsibilities

1. SEXUAL STIGMAS
 a form of social stigma against people who are perceived to be non-
heterosexual because of their beliefs, identities or behaviors
Types:
 enacted sexual stigma- involves an act of discrimination or violence towards
members of a sexual minority group (ex: hate crimes against homosexuals)

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  felt sexual stigma- type of stigma is most likely to affect behavior because of the
wide range of individuals that may be influenced by it (ex: belief that people
who engage in BDSM practices lack sexual intimacy)
 internalized sexual stigma- stigmatized individual begins to believe the negative
views held against them, and begin to conform to common stereotypes (ex: a
woman stopped wearing chokers as a fashion accessory because it is attributed
to 19th century fashion for prostitutes)

2. SEXUAL COERCION
 unwanted sexual activity that happens when you are pressured, tricked,
threatened, or forced in a non-physical way
 Examples:
Wearing you down by asking for sex again and again or making you feel
bad, guilty, or obligated
Making you feel like it’s too late to say no
Telling you that not having sex will hurt your relationship
Lying or threatening to spread rumors about you
Making promises to reward you for sex
Threatening your children or other family members
Threatening your job, home, or school career
Threatening to reveal your sexual orientation publicly or to family or friends

3. LACK OF SEXUAL INTIMACY

 When people fail to engage in sensual or sexual activities

4. LACK OF SEXUAL CONSENT

 consent to engage in sexual activity
 there should be a clear agreement between sexual partners on what sexual
activities they are comfortable to engage in; either even for mere arousal or for
sexual intercourse activities
 Affirmative consent ("yes means yes") is when both parties agree to sexual
conduct, either through clear, verbal communication or nonverbal cues or
gestures.

5. SEXUAL DESIRE DISCREPANCY

 the difference between one's desired frequency of sexual intercourse and the
actual frequency of sexual intercourse within a relationship
 due to its adverse effects on an individual's sexual satisfaction, it has been shown
to negatively affect a relationship overall

Safe sex
 practice of making informed decisions and safe sex practices with your sexual
partner
 involves respecting your partner, having open communication about all forms of
sexual activity, as well as taking precautions against sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), HIV, and unplanned pregnancy.

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Safer sex
 Process of engaging in sexual activities with your partner which involves: good
communication, mutual respect, time, support, equality and fairness, honesty,
and trust.
 Components:
Understanding your choice to be sexually active
Being informed on sexuality, sexual health, and the components of a
healthy relationship
Having the ability to communicate with your partner, which includes
receiving consent every time you engage in sexual activity with
your partner
Taking extra precautions to protect yourself and your partner from STIs,
HIV, and unplanned pregnancy

ELABORATE

For further discussion:

1. What is the difference of primary sexual characteristics versus secondary
sexual characteristics?
2. Should intersexes undergo normalizing surgeries?
3. What is the key to achieve safer sex?

EVALUATE

Answer the following questions comprehensively.

A. If fertilization is both the male and the female's responsibility, whose
responsibility is it to buy condoms for sexual intercourse? The male or the female?
B. Who or what influences your reproductive responsibilities?
C. What help can you extend to a friend who is experiencing a sexual trauma?

HOMEWORK
Asynchronous Activity no.2 in preparation for next module's topic (psychosocial
dimensions of sexuality), students will be asked to
1) evaluate themselves based on their sexual self-awareness;
2) personal ways of
being intimate in romantic relationships;
3) personal ways of socializing with other people; and
4) personal purpose and meaning in life

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 REFERENCES

Peralta, Botor & Laude (2019). A Course Module for Gender and Society: A Human
Ecological Approach. Philippines: Rex Bookstore. (p. 2, 26, 29, & 40)

ADDITIONAL
MATERIALS

See: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/couples-vol10/sex-intimacy-and-mental-well-being
See: https://www.doconline.com/what-we-treat/sexual-problems
See: https://theconversation.com/happy-endings-the-ins-and-outs-of-clinical-sexology-36820
See: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2018/03/intersex-people-wished-everyone-knew/
See: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/loving-bravely/202001/great-sex-begins-sexual-self-
awareness .
See: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381273/
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_consent

PREPARED BY:

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