“The essence of love is the gift of myself. No other gift, no other service can substitute for myself.

Love is a
very personal, intimate gift. Some part of myself must be given or my act is not an act of love at all. “- James
E. Sullivan

This quote is emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of love. It suggests that true love involves giving
a part of yourself, making it a unique and irreplaceable gift. It's not just about material gifts or services; it's
about sharing a genuine and personal connection with someone. Love, in this context, is seen as a deeply
meaningful and selfless act that goes beyond external gestures.

Understanding and experiencing the self includes a discussion of the biological factors of sexual behaviors that
includes the reproductive system and the sex characteristics that differentiate between man and woman. The
reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function. It affects not only how
individuals view themselves but also their sexuality and sexual relationships. During adolescence, most young people
become involved in dating and courtship. Through romantic relationships, sexual behaviors are developed. Risk
factors for sexual behaviors such as early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are discussed in this chapter.
Early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among youth are major problems in the Philippines. In this
chapter, a number of strategies are recommended to prevent these

DEVELOPMENT OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS AND THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The beginning of adolescence is marked by rapid physical changes, including the maturation of the reproductive
system and the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics. Primary sex characteristics are physical
characteristics present at birth. These are the characteristics that distinguish male from female. In females, these
characteristics include the vagina, uterus, and ovaries. In males, the primary sex characteristics include the penis,
testes or testicles, scrotum, and prostate gland.

Secondary sex characteristics develop during the onset of puberty. For women, the earliest evidences of puberty are
enlargement of the breasts, onset of menstruation, widening of the hips, enlargement of buttocks, and growth of pubic
hair. Onset of menstruation varies among countries but usually occurs at around 10 to 12 years of age. Testicular
growth, sperm production, appearance of facial, pubic, and other body hair, and deepening of voice are some of the
first signs of puberty in men.

Primary sex characteristics develop as the embryo grows in the womb as a result of the chromosomes contained
within the embryonic cells as well as hormonal influences. At about 5 weeks of pregnancy, two organs, called the
gonads, form in the embryo. In men, the gonads release testosterone that causes the male's sex organs to develop.
During puberty, testosterone and other androgens stimulate the development of primary and secondary sex
characteristics and also increase one's sex drive. In women, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone as well
as small amount of testosterone. Estrogen promotes female reproductive capacity and secondary sex characteristics.
Progesterone stimulates growth of the female reproductive organs and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Unlike men,
however, female sex hormones are not produced consistently. Their production follows a cyclical pattern, on an
approximately 28-day monthly cycle. The greatest production occurs during the ovulation period, when an egg is
released from the ovaries. Ovulation period can occur 14 days after the beginning of the menstrual period.
 The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function. The female
reproductive system is composed of the clitoris, the vagina, the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the two ovaries. The
clitoris which is made of erectile tissue swells with blood and hardens when a woman is sexually aroused. The Vagina
is a muscular tube that serves as the receptacle for the penis and carrier of the sperm to the uterus. It is also the birth
canal where the fetus passes out of a mother's body. The two ovaries produce, store, and release the egg cell during
ovulation. The uterus is a hollow organ where the fertilized embryo grows to become a fetus. The lower part of the
uterus is called the cervix, a passageway between the uterus and the vagina that expands during childbirth. The
fallopian tubes carry the fertilized egg from the ovary to the uterus: Pregnancy starts from fertilization and end at birth,
for an approximate duration of 260 days.

Female Reproductive System

On the other hand, the male reproductive system includes the penis, the testes, the scrotum, the prostate gland, the
seminal vesicles, the vas deferens, and the epididymis. The penis is the organ through which males urinate and
deliver the sperm cells into the vagina during sexual intercourse. It is made up of sensitive tissues and nerve endings.
When a man is sexually aroused, it becomes erect and allows for penetration. Before reaching the penis, sperm cells
travel through the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. The testes or testicles located in a loose pouch-like sac of skin
called the scrotum are responsible for the production of sperm cells and male sex hormones. The vas deferens
transports the sperm-containing fluid called semen. The epididymis is a set of coiled ducts connected to the vas
deferens where the sperm cells are stored. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles produce semen and nourish the
sperm cells. Ejaculation is the release of sperm cell from the penis. Each ejaculation approximately contains 300 to
500 million sperm cells. Sperm cells can live up to 48 hours inside the uterus.

Male Reproductive System

SEXUAL AROUSAL AND EROGENOUS ZONES: WHAT TURNS PEOPLE ON

Human sexual arousal is complex. It may be produced by direct stimulation of the body's erogenous zones on the
areas of the body that provide pleasure. Erogenous zones are areas of the body which are highly sensitive and
produce sexual responses when stimulated. These include the genitals, mouth, breasts, ears, anus, and to a lesser
degree, the entire surface of the body. One of the most basic forms of sexual stimulation is masturbation or self-
stimulation that causes sexual pleasure or orgasm. It involves the rubbing or fondling of the genital areas and provides
a good index of sexual desire because it is not constrained by the availability of a partner. Other sexual activities such
as intimate kissing, cuddling, necking, petting, or touching the erogenous zones may be uniquely important to sexual
arousal.

In many species, sexual arousal is closely tied to variations in hormonal levels. In humans, however, hormones play
less of a role In one sense, the brain is where sexual desire originates and where sexual behavior is controlled
(Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith, Bem, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2009). Cognitive factors thus play an important role in sexual
arousal in humans. For instance, some individuals become sexually aroused by creating or fantasizing erotic images.
In other words, sexual fantasies play a significant role in sexual arousal (Feldman, 2010). Many believe that compared
with women, men think about sex more often because they report more frequent sex fantasies and more frequent
feelings of sexual desire. Nevertheless, women tend to place more emphasis on emotional closeness with a lover than
men do. Overall, women and men have equal potential for sexual arousal and women are no less physically
responsive than men (Peplau, 2003).
 Culture also influences the expression of sexual desire. Norms continue to shape sexual activity along socially
acceptable behavior. For instance, masturbation and premarital sex are discouraged in most cultures. Expression of
sexual desire is also influenced by sexual scripts or the stereotyped patterns of expectations on how people should
behave sexually. For example, some people believe that sex should be done only within marriage. In some cultures,
expression of sexual desire and engaging in premarital sex are taboo for women.

THE PHASES OF SEXUAL RESPONSE

William Masters and Virginia Johnson found that the biological responses of males and females to sexual stimulation
are quite They use the term sexual-response cycle to describe the changes similar. that occur in the body as men and
women become sexually aroused. They divide the sexual-response cycle into four phases: excitement, plateau,
orgasm, and resolution.

The excitement phase is the beginning of sexual arousal and can last from one minute to several hours. During this
phase, pulse rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing quickens, and the skin shows a rosy flush particularly on
the chest and breast areas. The nipples harden in both men and women. In men, the penis becomes erect, the skin of
the scrotum thickens, and the testes increase in size. In women, the clitoris swells, the lips of the vagina open and its
insides become wet in preparation for sexual intercourse.

In the plateau phase, the changes in the body continue. In men, the penis becomes more erect, the circumference of
its head increases, and few drops of fluid are released. In women, the outer part of the vagina swells with the surge of
increased amounts of blood to that area, while the clitoris retracts under the clitoral hood but remains highly sensitive.
The outer lips of the vagina become redder in color. Breathing becomes more rapid, heart rate increases, body
temperature rises, and blood pressure increases during this stage.

During the orgasmic phase, contractions of the muscles in and around the penis stimulate the release of the semen
which contains sperm cells. Men usually achieve one intense orgasm during sexual intercourse. In women, orgasm
involves the contraction of the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal walls and can happen multiple times.

In the resolution phase, the body returns to its normal state after orgasm. In men, the erection is lost, the testes
decrease in size, and the skin of the scrotum thins again. In women, the clitoris, and the vagina return to their normal
state.

ATTRACTION, LOVE, AND ATTACHMENT

As adolescents grow and mature, they make new patterns of relationships and commitments with other people.
While these new patterns of relationships may change as they mature, they could form the foundations on which
intimacy during adulthood will be established. During adolescence, dating and courtship emerge and become
increasingly important.

Puberty is an important stage in sexual development. It is the time when many boys and girls first experience their
first sexual attraction. Initial attraction is influenced by social norms, physical attractiveness, and processes of
interpersonal exchange (DeLamater & Myers, 2012). Social norms influence attraction in several ways such as in
determining who are appropriate as lovers and spouses. Physical attractiveness refers to the degree to which a
person's physical traits are regarded as aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. Social exchange theory proposes that
attraction is the result of an exchange process. People tend to view relationships as the result of the rewards and
costs they entail. As the relationship develops, the sharing of activities and information contributes to increased
attraction, liking, trust, and love.

Romantic love includes a complex combination of different emotions such as fear, anger, sexual desire, joy, and
jealousy. Some of these emotions may also be sources of suffering (Santrock, 2002). In the context of interpersonal
relationships, psychologist Robert Sternberg suggests that there are three components of love: intimacy, passion, and
commitment (Bauermeister, Johns, Pingel, Eisenberg, Santana, & Zimmerman, 2011). The intimacy component refers
to the feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness. The passion component refers to the drives that lead to
romance, physical attraction, and sexual consummation while the commitment component refers to the decision to
love and the commitment to maintain that love. Love is classified based on the combination of any of these
components. Romantic love has strong components of sexual attraction and infatuation, and is often experienced in
the early stage of a love relationship (Santrock, 2002).

Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and expert in the science of human attraction, suggests the important
ingredients of romantic love: lust, attraction, and attachment. Lust is driven by the desire for sexual gratification.
Attraction is often associated with sexual attraction. Attachment occurs when individuals desire to connect with
another person intimately. It may also be called affectionate or companionate love. John Bowlby defines attachment
as a strong affectional tie that binds a person to an intimate companion. Bowlby maintains that the quality of early
parent-child attachment has lasting impact on the kind of relationships people have later in life, including romantic
relationships. In other words, the ability to form stable and close relationships begins at infancy, in a child's earliest
experiences with a caregiver who meets his or her needs.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Sexual orientation refers to a person's sexual identity anchored on what gender they are attracted to. The most
common sexual orientation in which one is sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex is heterosexuality.
Homosexuality, on the other hand, is the orientation of one who is sexually attracted to the same sex. Homosexual
males are referred to as gays, while homosexual females are referred to as lesbians. Bisexuality is an orientation
where one is attracted to both opposite and same sex.

Theories of the origins of sexual orientation look at both the biological makeup of the individual and the
environmental influences on his or her orientation (Rathus, 2017). Some explanations for homosexuality and
bisexuality are biological in nature, suggesting that genetic factors such as hormones and certain neural systems may
also play a role in sexual orientation. Nevertheless, research studies on the biological causes of homosexuality and
bisexuality are not conclusive. Reinforcement and observational learning might also affect an individual's sexual
orientation.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) AND EARLY PREGNANCY

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are contracted primarily through
sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Many STIs affect the sex organs themselves while others have broader and
more life-threatening effects. Bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics, but those caused by viruses are more
difficult to treat and are often incurable such as HIV/AIDS.
 However, even curable bacterial infections can cause serious health problems if ignored and left untreated, and
some bacterial infections are difficult to detect because some symptoms are not immediately noticeable. STIs
commonly include human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gonorrhea,
syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, and genital warts.

HIV/AIDS infections are caused by direct contact with body fluids such as through blood transfusion, breast feeding,
and sexual intercourse. It attacks the immune system and the infected person eventually dies. Gonorrhea is caused
by gonococcal bacteria which attack the lining of the mucous membrane such as the mouth, throat, vagina, and
urethra. Gonorrhea can be treated by penicillin or other antibiotics. Syphilis infects the genital areas and other parts of
the body including the brain and can cause paralysis or even death when left untreated. Chlamydia is caused by the
bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. In men, chlamydia can cause swollen testicles and a burning sensation during
urination. It can result in sterility among women if left untreated because it damages the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian
tubes. Genital herpes can cause itching and tingling sensations, abscesses, and blisters in the genital area. There is
no cure for herpes. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and women with human papillomavirus are
prone to cervical cancer. Though the warts can be removed, they may recur.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of STIS and STDs and should practice safe sex. However, it is important to
remember that not having sex can be the safest sex method to avoid all forms of STIs and STDs as well as other
problems such as early pregnancy. consequences of high teenage pregnancy in the Philippines remain The a major
concern. Early pregnancy creates health risks among young mothers and their babies since female reproductive
organs are not yet mature during adolescence and complications may arise during pregnancy and childbirth.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION AND THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW

Over the years, sexual activities have become less restricted. Premarital sex is now more accepted. Over the past
several decades there has been a gradual trend toward initiating sex at an earlier stage (Atkinson, Atkinson,
Smith, Bem, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2009).Contraception refers to a method used to prevent pregnancy.

A. NATURAL METHOD OF CONTRACEPTIONS

The natural family planning methods do not include any chemical or foreign body introduction the human body

NATURAL METHODS

A. Abstinence - This natural method involves abstaining from sexual intercourse and the most effective
natural birth control method.

B. Ovulation Detection- An over the counter kit that can predict ovulation. Require the woman urine.

C. Cervical Mucus Method- The basis of this method is the changes in the cervical mucus during
ovulation. To check if the woman is ovulating, the cervical mucus must be copious, thin and watery.

D. Symptothermal Method- Combination of BBT method and cervical mucus method. The woman takes
her temperature every morning before getting up and also takes note of any changes in her cervical mucus every
day.

E. Coitus Interruptus- This is one of the oldest methods of contraception. The man withdraws the moment he emits
semen and emits it outside the female reproductive organ.
F. Calendar Method- Involves refraining from coitus during the days that the woman is fertile.

B. ARTIFICIAL METHOD OF CONTRACEPTIONS

A. Contraceptives- Also known as pill, oral contraceptives contains synthetic estrogen and progesterone. To
use the pill, it is recommended that the woman takes the first pill on the first Sunday after the beginning of a menstrual
flow.

B. Transdermal Patch- combination of both estrogen and progesterone in a form of patch. For three weeks,
the woman should apply one patch every week on the following areas: upper outer arm, upper torso,
abdomen and buttocks.

C. Vaginal Ring - a silicon ring inserted vaginally and remains there for threeweeks, then removed on the
fourth week as menstrual flow would occur.

D. Subdermal Implants- two rod-like implants embedded under the skin of the woman during her menses or on the
7th day of menstruation to make sure that she is not pregnant. It is effective for three to five years.

E. Hormonal Injections- the injection inhibits ovulation and causes changes in the endometrium and the
cervical mucus.

F. Intrauterine Device- T-shaped object that is inserted into the uterus via female reproductive organ. It is fitted only
by the physician and inserted after the woman’s menstrual flow to be sure that she is not pregnant.

G. Chemical Barriers- used to cause the death of sperms before they can enter to cervix. This barriers cannot
prevent STDs infections and can brought without prescription.

H. Diaphragm- It works by inhibiting the entrance of the sperm into the female reproductive organ. It is a circular,
rubber disk that fits the cervix and should be placed before coitus. It should be remained in place for six hours after
coitus.

I. Cervical Cap- Made up of soft rubber and fitted on the rim of the cervix. It is shape like a thimble with a thin rim and
could stay in place not morethan 48 hours.

J. Male Condoms- Synthetic rubber sheath that is placed on the erect male reproductive organ and traps the sperm
during emission of sperm. Italso prevent from acquiring of STDs.

K. Female Condoms - It has inner ring that covers the cervix and an outer. These are disposable and require no
prescription.

L. Surgical Methods

Vasectomy – applicable for male wherein, it is executed through a small incision made on each side of scrotum. The
vas deferens is then tied, cauterized cut to block the passage of sperm.

Tubal ligation – perform by occluding the fallopian tubes through cutting, cauterizing or blocking to inhibit
the passage of the both sperm and ova.