Evanjo S.

Nuqui Understanding the self

BSBA 1-F December 7, 2021
ASSIGNMENT: THE SEXUAL SELF

1.- Development of sex characteristics

Puberty is the period of life when the reproductive organs grow to their adult size
and become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones
[testosterone in male and estrogen in female] and generally between the age of 10-15
years old.
At the age of 13, male 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.
For the female, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 as a
sign of 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.
- Human reproductive system
The formation of male or female structures depends on the presence of
testosterone (A substance called hormone that occurs naturally in men and male animals).
The embryonic testes release testosterone once formed and the formation of the duct
system and external genitalia follows. The same with female embryos that form ovaries,
it will cause the development of the female ducts and external genitalia since
testosterone hormone is not produce.
Pseudo hermaphrodites are formed who is an individual having accessory
reproductive structures that do not “match” their gonads while true Hermaphrodites are
individuals who possess both ovarian and testicular tissues but this condition is rare in
nature. Nowadays, many pseudo hermaphrodites undergo sex change operation to have
their outer selves fit with their inner serves (gonads).

2. Sexual arousal and erogenous zones.

It refers to part of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual
arousal when touched in a sexual manner. Examples: mouth, breast, genitals, anus.
However, erogenous zones may vary from one person to another. Some people may
desire and enjoy being touched in certain area more than the other area, like, neck, thighs,
abdomen and feet.
3. The phases of sexual response

1. Excitement phase = 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 particularly noticeable in the male and
female reproductive system, rapid breathing, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal
expansion, and a general increase in muscle tension.
2. Plateau phase = it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm
usually occurs.
3. Sexual climax = a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, and rapid increase in pulse rate
and blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the female
reproductive organ and ejaculation by the male that last only for few seconds normally
not over ten.
4. Resolution phase = it refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiological state.
Whereas males return to normal even if stimulation continues, but continued stimulations
can produce additional orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of repeated
orgasms without the intervening “rest period” required by males.

4. - Sexually transmitted infections

Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and those
whose resistance to diseases is low, like, Escherichia coli which spread through the
digestive tract, the sexually transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea and
herpes virus and yeast fungus. Pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility are also the effect
of vaginal infections.
For males, the most common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis, urethritis,
and epididymitis, STD, Orchiditis.

- Early Pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a
female under the age of 20, according to the WHO, but others say it is under the age of
18 or 17. Pregnancy can occur with sexual intercourse after the start of ovulation, which
can be before the first menstrual period (menarche) but usually occurs after the onset of
periods. In well-nourished girls, the first period usually takes place around the age of 12
or 13
5. - Reproductive Health Law.

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, known as the
RH Law, is a groundbreaking law that guarantees universal and free access to nearly all
modern contraceptives for all citizens, including impoverished communities, at
government health centers.

- Methods of contraception
Natural methods are the following: Artificial methods are the following:
1. Abstinence 1. Contraceptive
2. Calendar method 2. Transdermal patch
3. Basal body temperature Prep 3. Vaginal ring
4. Cervical mucus method 4. Subdermal implants
5. Symptothermal method 5. Hormonal injections
6. Ovulation detection 6. Intrauterine device
7. Coitus interruptus 7. Chemical barriers
8. Diaphragm
9. Cervical cap
10. Male condoms
11. Female condoms
12. Surgical methods (vasectomy and
ligation)