Chapter 2 Unpacking the Self

Lesson 1: The Physical and Sexual Self

Marieb, E. N. (2001) explains that the Gonads (reproductive glands that produce the
gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form until the eight weeks of embryonic development. During
the early stages of human development. During the early stages of human development, the
embryonic reproductive structures of males and females are alike and said to be in the
indifferent stage. When the primary reproductive structures are formed, development of the
accessory structures and external genitalia begins. The formation of male or female structures
depends on the presence of testosterone. Usually, once formed, the embryonic testes release
testosterone, and the formation of the duct system and external genitalia follows.
Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the embryo
results in strange abnormalities. For instance, a genetic male develops the female accessory
structures and external genitalia if the embryonic testes fail to produce testosterone. On the
other hand, if a genetic female is exposed to testosterone (as in the case of a mother with
androgen-producing tumor of her adrenal gland), the embryo has ovaries but may develop male
accessory ducts and glands, as well as a male reproductive organ and an empty scrotum. As a
result, pseudohermaphrodites are formed who are individuals having accessory reproductive
structures that do not “match” their gonads while true hermaphrodites are individuals who
possess both ovarian and testicular tissues but the condition is rare in nature. Nowadays, many
pseudohermaphrodites undergo sex change operations to have their outer selves (external
genitalia) fit with their inner selves (gonads).
A critical event for the development of reproductive organs takes place about one
month before birth wherein the male testes formed in the abdominal cavity at approximately
the same location as the female ovaries, descend to enter the scrotum. If this normal event
fails, it may lead to cryptorchidism-This condition usually occurs in young males and causes
sterility (which is also a risk factor for cancer of the testes) that is why surgery is usually
performed during childhood to solve this problem.
Puberty is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and 15 years old, when
the 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. After this
time, reproductive capability continues until old age in males and menopause in females.
Infections are he most common problems associated with the reproductive system in
adults. Vaginal infections are common in young and elderly women and in those whose
resistance to diseases is low. The usual infections include those caused by Escherichia coli which
spread through the digestive tract; the sexually transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis,
gonorrhea, and herpes virus; and yeast (a type of fungus). Vaginal infections that are left
untreated may spread throughout the female reproductive tract and may cause pelvic
inflammatory disease and sterility. Problems that involve painful or abnormal menses may also
be due to infection or hormone imbalance. In males the most common inflammatory conditions
are prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, all of which may follow sexual contacts in which
sexually transmitted disease (STD) microorganisms are transmitted. Orchiditis, or inflammation
of the testes, is rather uncommon but is serious because it can cause sterility.
Neoplasms are a major threat to reproductive organs. Tumors of the breast and cervix
are the most common reproductive cancers in adult females, and prostate cancer (a common
sequel to prostatic hypertrophy)
Erogenous Zones refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase
sexual arousal when in a sexual manner. Some of the commonly known erogenous zones are
the: mouth, breasts, anus and genitals.
Human Sexual Behavior is defined as any activity -solitary, between two persons, or in
group-that induces sexual arousal (Gebhard, PH. 2017).
There are two major factors that determine human sexual behavior:
1. The Inherited sexual response patterns that have evolved as a means of ensuring
reproduction and that become 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 sexuality.
Types of Sexual Behavior
1. Solitary Behavior
Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and
generally, sexual climax.
2. Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that occurs
between one male and one female.
Physiology of Human Sexual Response
Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is
continued.
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 the distensible body parts.
2. Plateau phase. It is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm
usually occurs.
3. Sexual Climax. It is marked by feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a 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.
4. Resolution Phase. It is the last state that refers to the return to a normal or
subnormal physiologic state.
Aside from HIV and AIDS, there are other sexually transmitted diseases in humans. The
following list of diseases is based on Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2016 of the U.S
Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

1. Chlamydia 6. Herpes Simplex Virus

2. Gonorrhea 7. Trichomonas Vaginalis
3. Syphilis
4. Chancroid
5. Human Papillomavirus

Natural and Artificial Methods of Contraception

Natural Methods. The natural family planning methods do not involve any chemical or foreign
body introduction into human body.

Types of natural Method

a. Abstinence. This natural method involves refraining from sexual intercourse and is the
most effective natural birth control method with ideally 0% fail rate.
b. Calendar Method. This method is also called as the rhythm method. It entails
withholding from coitus during the days that the woman is fertile.
c. Basal Body Temperature (BBT). Indicates the woman’s temperature at rest.
d. Cervical Mucus Method. The change in the cervical mucus during ovulation is the basis
for this method.
e. Symptothermal Method. It is basically a combination of the BBT method and the
cervical mucus method.
f. Ovulation Detection Method. Used of Ovulation detection kit to track ovulation.
g. Coitus Interruptus. It is one of the oldest methods that prevents conception.

Artificial Method
a. Oral contraceptives
b. Transdermal patch
c. Vaginal ring
d. Subdermal Implants
e. Hormonal Injections
f. Intrauterine Device
g. Chemical Barriers
h. Diaphragm
i. Cervical Cap
j. Male Condoms
k. Female Condoms
l. Surgical Methods