GE1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Philosophical- rooted from the question/s about our existence.

Sociological- rooted from the formation of the self as a result of different

factors in the society.

Anthropological- rooted from cultural background of individuals.

Psychological- rooted from the cognitive construct, as well as effective and

behavioral manifestations of the self.

PHILOSOPHY

DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHERS’ BELIEF IN THE “SELF”

Socrates
The self
- Is an immortal soul which exists over time.
- Is the source of all knowledge.
- Is made up of the body and the soul.

 He believed in “dualism”.
PHYSICAL REALM- constant change (body) imperfect, transient,
changeable

IDEAL REALM- remains existent over time (soul) eternal, unchanging

Plato
The self
- Is divided into three distinct elements (Tripartite Soul).

Appetite- basic biological needs such as hunger thirst and sexual desire,
including sexual needs, comfort and pleasure.
 Spirit/Passion- basic emotions such as love, ambition, aggression, anger,
honour and power.

Reason- the mind or consciousness, which enables individuals to think deeply,

make wise decisions, and achieve true understanding of eternal truth.

St. Agustine
The self
- Is made up of two components. The body and soul, which when united
together will complete an individual.
 He was responsible for synthesizing Platonic views and Christianity
 He believed that immaterial reality is separate from the physical reality.
That the soul is dominant over the body. And that the soul is immortal.

SOCRATES, PLATO, AND ST. AUGUSTINE believed that the body is only a temporary
cage which serves as the facilitator for the true essence of the soul.

Rene Descartes
The self
- Is a thinking being, capable of rational inquiry.
- Is different from the body in essence
 He believed in the power of cognition. His famous philosophy “Cogito
ergo sum” or “I think therefore I am”, argued about the existence of the
existence of the human person, mainly the self, who is asking.

The Thinking Self- immaterial; immortal; conscious

The Physical Body- material; mortal; non-thinking

John Locke
The Self
- Is the conscious thinking thing
- Is the same thing in different times and different places.
- Is one’s consciousness, memories
 He believded in Empiricism- an idea that all knowledge is derived from
experiences.

David Hume
The Self
- Is non-existent. Rather it is just a bundle of sense experience or perceptions.
 According to Hume, the self is integrated in interpreting the data
perceived by the senses.
  He believed in impressions, which are the basic sensations of our
experiences, lively and vivid; Ideas, which are copies of impressions and
are less lively and vivid.

Immanuel Kant
The Self
- The power of the mind to be receptive and spontaneous. It is further
characterized into three cognition facets:
SENSIBILITY
UNDERSTANDING
REASON
 Kant believed that the power of rational mind leads to consciousness.
 Kant argued that we construct the self, through the eperiences we
encounter, by perception. These experiences are made up of bits and
pieces and are organized meaningfully.

Sigmund Freud
The Self
- Is multilayered

A) ID- Pleasure and Instinctual Principle

- Entirely unconscious. Functions greatly for self-preservation and
achievement of desires. Present at birth.

B) EGO- Reality Principle

- Spans in the conscious, preconscious and unconscious. Keeps the balance
between ID and SUPEREGO. Functions in accordance to reason, which is
affected by the external world. Develops at 6-8 months.

C) SUPEREGO- Moral Principle

- Present in the conscious and partly unconscious. Works to achieve the ideal
self.

FREUD’S CONCEPTION OF THE HUMAN PSYCHE

Gilbert Ryle
The Self
- Is the reflection of one’s behavior
- Is better understood as pattern of behavior;
 He believed that the body executes what the mind wills. A direct path,
rather than separated entities. The workings of the mind is not
independent from the workings of the body.
 He further believed in CARTESIAN theory, which posits the idea that
mental acts determine physical acts.
Paul Churchland
The Self
- Is the workings of the brain
- Is determine greatly by the physiological state of the mind.
 Churchland was a Neurophilospher. He believed that the brain affects
the mental as well as the emotional states of the person (and vice versa).

Maurice Merleau-Ponty
The Self
- is defined through perception and generally through experiences
 Merleau-Ponty believed that the consciousness, body and perception
are intertwined.
 He said that “you first need to have a physical body and brain before
you can create an ‘essence’ that is You”.
 He further believed that the self and reality construct each other. – reality
which is experienced through the body by perception.

Essence – the element of being; substance as pertained to by existence; significant

feature invariably descriptive of the true nature of a thing.

Soul – Immortal; it contains reason, consciousness.

Body- temporary cage for the soul, but as important as the soul.

Experiences – are foundations of knowledge.

Perception – knowledge gained from the senses.

THE SELF IN PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE IS SEEN THROUGH ITS

COMPONENTS, AND ACQUISITION/ DEVELOPMENT.
Empiricism relies with the experiences as building blocks of the self.

Rationalism posits the idea that reason and mental perception are the basis of
knowledge and self.

SOCIOLOGY

Pre-Modern Society- centers on survival; family, traditions and cultures.

Modern Society- centers on individual/choices. Instability with the cultures and

traditions

Key Characteristics of Modernity

 Industrialism- social relations implied in the extensive use of material
power and machinery in production.
 Capitalism- production system involving both product market and labor
power.
 Institution of surveillance- massive extent of power by institutions.
 Dynamism- change and progresss; presents a society full of
responsibilities.

George Simmel (Social Groups and Social Network)

Social Group-any group comprised of two or more individuals who are;

Interacting with one another
Share similar characteristics
Identify themselves as part of the group

Social Netwrork- ties or connections that link you and your social group
KINDS:
Organic Group- traditional in nature; societal rules/norms are
highly encouraged
Rational Group- considered to be modern; formed through
shared self-interest, goals, and free-will

George Herbert Mead’s (The Social Self)

Development of self through social interaction development:

Language- any symbol, sound, gesture, expression that convey a message
across individuals.
 Play- individuals role play to assume the perspective of others. They integrate
and internalize the sense of empathy.
Game- takes into account, social rules along with other perspectives.

SELF- is an active process not a mere reflection of societal influence.

ME I
Represent the objectivity of the person. Represents the subjectivity of the person

This is a product of the social interaction. It is spontaneous and expresses impulse

and drives.

Learned behaviors, thoughts, and Enables a person to express

expectations. individualism. The I understands when to
bend rules in certain situations.

ANTHROPOLOGY
- concerned with the study of the human condition in its cultural aspect with
reference to the past and the present.

ME and My CULTURE
 Explicit Self- aspect of the self that you are completely aware of.
 Implicit Self- aspect of the self that is not immediately available to the
consciousness.

THE SELF IS ILLUSORY- people construct a series of self-representations that are

based on selected cultural concepts or persons and selected chains of personal
memories.

INDEPENDENT CONSTRUCT- characteristic of individualistic culture; emphasizing on

the connection between an individual to other people.

Culture can affect how much individual views:

A) Relationship- how someone may view and maintain a relationship.

B) Personality Traits- how someone value traits as humility, resilience,
politeness, self-esteem and others.
C) Achievement- how someone define success
D) Emotional Expression- how someone is affected by emotions; and
how someone may express one self.
PSYCHOLOGY

Psychological View of the Self

Self- is what makes someone an individual
Self-concept- it is a knowledge representation that contains knowledge about us,
including our beliefs about our personality traits, physical characteristics, abilities,
values, goals and roles as well as the knowledge that we exist as individuals.

Cognition- The ability that we have to assimilate and process the information that we
receive from different sources (perceptions, experience, beliefs, etc.)

Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

SENORI-MOTOR STAGE
SCHEMA- building blocks of knowledge. Mental organization that
individuals use to understand their environment and designate action.

PREOPERATIONAL STAGE- child uses symbols and language, including letters and
numbers in forming schemes. Conservation marks the end of preoperational stage.

CONCRETE OPREATIONAL STAGE

Conservation- the ability of the child to understand that the change in form
of a substance does not equal to change in its volume or content.
Classification- it is the ability to identify the properties of categories, to
relate categories or classes to one another and to use categorical information to solve
problems.

FORMAL OPERATIONAL STAGE- as an individual demonstrates the ability to think

abstractly, which goes beyond what is seen as concrete.

CONSTRUCTIVISM- a learning theory where people construct their own

understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting
on those experiences.

Dr. Susan Harter’s Development of Self Control

 Early Childhood- the self is concrete, observable characteristics such as

physical attributes, material possessions, behavior, preferences.
 Middle to Later Childhood- the self is described in trait like
constructs(honesty, friendly, shy etc.)
 Adolescence- emergence of more abstract self-definitions
 Emerging Adults- emphasis on the self as “possible” to “realistic”
William James
The self has two elements;
1) I-self – subjective self which is aware of its action.
a) A sense of being the agent initiator of behavior
b) Sense of being unique
c) A sense of continuity
d) A sense of awareness

2) ME-self- “object” aspect of the self. This could be defined based on verifiable
observations or experiences.
a) Material- physical appearance and extensions
b) Social- social skills and intrapersonal relationships
c) Spiritual- personality, character, values
Carl Rogers
Ideal self- include notions influenced by parents, values/behaviors/traits that you
admire in others.
Real self- the person you actually are.how you think, feel and act at person.

Eric Berne’s transactional analysis

The three Ego State
1) Parent Ego State
2) Adult Ego State
3) Child Ego state

THE SELF IN ORIENTAL/EASTERN THOUGHT

The Self According to Buddhism
-The basic concepts in Buddhism that can explain the nature of man and its purpose
can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
-These major teachings of Buddha tell us that self needs not to focus on pleasures,
but instead live a contemplative life.

Four Noble Truths:

1. Life is suffering- Life includes plain, getting old, disease and ultimately death.
We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness, fear, embarrassment,
disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is
realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad.
Instead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly
happy.
2. Suffering is causes by craving and aversion- We will suffer if we expect other
people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get
something we wanted. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee
 happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify
your wanting. Wanting deprives us contentment and happiness.
3. Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained- True happiness
and contentment are possible. If we give up useless craving and learn to live each
day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become
happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help other. This is Nirvana.
4. The Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to end of the suffering- In
summary, the Noble 8-fold path is being moral, focusing the mind on being fully
aware of our thoughts and actions and developing wisdom by understanding the
Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.

The Self According to Confucianism

 Confucianism is a way of life taught by Confucius (Kong Fuzi) in China in the 6th-
5th century BCE and the rituals and traditions associated with him.
 It concerns itself primarily with ethical principles and does not address many
traditional religious beliefs.
 To Confucius, life is not a delusion, a curse and misery as assumed by Buddha.
But, it is a living reality, a blessing, a natural priceless right and opportunity to be
with your fellows to work together for your common good and finally attain your
destiny: happiness.
 Man’s perfection and happiness is realized and achieved in social life.
 He was more concerned with the reconciliation of conflicts and advocated
harmony among men in society.
 The social order envisioned by Confucius is patterned after the natural order of
things in the universe and the moral order reflected and exemplified in the life of
the moral man.

PHYSICAL SELF
- is the concrete or tangible aspect of the person which is primarily
observed and examined through the body.
- is the initial source of sensation and thus is necessary for the origin and
maintenance of personality (William James).
- is the ground plan of all the experiences (Erik Erickson)
- is the core of the human experience (Sigmund Freud)
- is the center of the human experience (Maurice Merleau- Ponty)

THE BODY is the vehicle for our expression in the world; it is the only fix-point of self-
identity (Ulrich Beck & Anthony Giddens)
The Impact of culture and society on body image

Physical appearance is dealt with utmost importance. As society and culture differ so
are the standards that define beauty.

Subjective Interpretation of Beauty lies in the personal perspective of the human

person in regards with his orientation, values and even culture.

Objective Interpretation of Beauty on the other hand relies with the standards set by a
particular culture or society (such as demands).

Beauty as perceived by the world

 Culture plays a big role in determining the definition of beauty.
 In New Zealand, women with tattooed chins and full blue lips are considered most
beautiful.
 In China, Thailand and Japan, pale white skin is revered as a sign of affluence and
attractiveness.
 Burma and Thailand, giraffe-like necks are the ultimate sign of beauty and female
elegance.
 Scarred women are the most attractive in Ethiopa.
 Long earlobes and shaved heads make a woman very beautiful in Kenya.

The Relationship between Self-esteem and Body image

 The term self-esteem was coined by William James in 1800. James presented
self-esteem as the number of successes a person achieves in the domains of life
that are important to him or her, divided by the number of failures that occurred in
those areas.

 Self-esteem is about how you value yourself and how you feel others value you. It
is important because it can affect your mental health as well as how you behave.

 Body image is how you view your physical body, whether you feel you are
attractive, and how you feel some other people like your looks.

 If you have a positive body image, you probably like and accept yourself the way
you are, even if you do not fit the popular notion of “beautiful”or “handsome”.
SEXUAL SELF

THE NEUROSCIENCE OF PUBERTY

Puberty is the stage where adolescents reach sexual maturity and are
capable for reproduction. When your body reaches a certain age, your brain releases a
special hormone that starts the changes of puberty. When GnRH – Gonadotropin-
releasing Hormone reaches the pituitary gland , it then releases into the bloodstream
two (more) puberty hormones, (LH) luteinizing hormone and (FSH) follicle- stimulating
hormone.

For boys, both hormones travel through the blood to give the testes the
signal to begin the production of TESTOSTERONE ( the hormone responsible for
developmental changes such as regulation of fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution and
red blood cell reproduction) and sperm. Marking the start of the SPERMACHE ( the
beginning of development of sperm in boys’ testes).

For girls, both hormones travel through the bloodstream into the ovaries
and activate the ovaries to produce ESTROGEN (the hormone responsible for female
sexual and reproductive development). Activating the egg cells and marking the start of
the MENARCHE (menstrual period)

GROWTH SPURT - the sudden physical growth that adolescents experience during their
puberty stage.

 Feelings of oversensitivity
 Lack of identity formation
 Feelings of uncertainty
 Societal and external pressure
 Conflicting thoughts and emotions
 Mood swings
 Developing sexual feelings

HUMANS AS SEXUAL BEINGS- Humans are sexual beings based on our evolution. It is
embedded into our collective nature to reproduce and proliferate for the survival of our
species.

HUMAN SEXUALITY- Sexuality is much more than sexual feelings or sexual intercourse.
It is an important part f who a person is and what she/he will become. It includes all
the feelings, thoughts and behaviors associated with being female or male, being
attractive, and being in love, as well as being in relationships that include sexual
intimacy and sensual and sexual activity (which is perceived through the senses).
Basic Biology of Teen Sexual Behavior
Along with the development and maturity of adolescents’ physical aspect,
their sexual development also starts to bloom and with it are different factors pertaining
to the sexual dimension of the self.

HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE

Phase 1: Excitement

General characteristics of this phase, which can last from a few minutes to several
hours, include the following:

 Muscle tension increases.

 Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated.
 Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and back).
 Nipples become hardened or erect.
 Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman’s clitoris
and labia minora (inner lips), and erection of the man’s penis.
 Vaginal lubrication begins.
 The woman’s breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.
 The man’s testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a
lubricating liquid.

Phase 2: Plateau

General characteristics of this phase, which extends to the brink of orgasm, include the
following:

 The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.

 The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls
turn a dark purple.
 The woman’s clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch)
and retracts under the clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis.
 The man’s testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum.
 Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure continue to increase.
 Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face and hands.
 Tension in the muscles increases.

Phase 3: Orgasm
This phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases
and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the
following:

 Involuntary muscle contractions begin.

 Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid
intake of oxygen.
 Muscles in the feet spasm.
 There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
 In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes
rhythmic contractions.
 In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in
the ejaculation of semen.
 A rash or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body.

Phase 4: Resolution

 During this phase, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning,
and swelled and erect body parts return to their previous size and color.
 This phase is marked by a general sense of well-being and, often, fatigue.
 Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase with further
sexual stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms.
 Men need recovery time after orgasm, called a refractory period, during which
they cannot reach orgasm again.
 The duration of the refractory period varies among men and changes with age.

SEX and the BRAIN

 The brain is responsible for translating the nerve impulses sensed by the skin
into pleasurable sensations.
 It controls the nerves and muscles used in sexual activities.
 Sexual thoughts and fantasies are theorized to lie in the cerebral cortex, the
same area used for thinking and reasoning.
 Emotions and feelings (which are important for sexual behavior) are believed to
originate in the limbic system.
 The brain releases the hormones considered as the physiological origin of sexual
desire.

LUST – a phase in the sexual behavior which is driven by sex hormones (estrogen and
testosterone)
ATTRACTION – a phase in the sexual behavior which is synonymous to falling in love.
Three neurotransmitters/ hormones are responsible for this stage: adrenaline,
dopamine and serotonin.

ATTACHMENT – the “bonding” phase in the human sexual behavior. Two hormones are
believed to work in this phase: oxytocin and vasopressin.

HORMONES: LUST; LOVE; ATTACHMENT

Dopamine- Associated with motivation and goal-directed behavior. Creates a sense of

novelty (you want to tell the world about your love.

VASOPRESSIN- involved in male arousal phase as well as attachment.

ESTROGEN , TESTOSTERONE AND PROGESTERONE- regulate motivation to engage in

sexual behavior for females; estrogen increases motivation while progesterone
decreases motivation.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)- Responsible for ovulation in females (fertility

marker).

OXYTOCIN – love hormone; involved with the desire to maintain close relationships;
released during the organism stage of sexual cycle; responsible for attraction.

SEROTONIN- People in-love has less serotonin transporter in their blood.

NOREPINEPHRINE- Responsible for over alertness as it gives surge of energy triggers

increased heart rate.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)- Responsible for testosterone production and increased

sexual motivation in men.

HUMAN SEXUALITY: A DIVERSE PERSPECTIVE

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)

Sexual Orientation – Describes to whom a person is sexually attracted. Some people

are attracted to people of a particular gender; others are attracted to people of more
than one gender. Some are not attracted to anyone.

Asexual – not sexually attracted to anyone and has no desire to act on attraction to
anyone. Does not necessarily mean sexless. Asexual people sometimes experience
affectional (romantic) attraction.
Bisexual – attracted to people of one’s own gender and people of other gender(s). Two
common misconceptions are that bisexual people are attracted to everyone and anyone,
or that they just haven’t “decided”.

Gay – generally refers to a man who is attracted to men. Sometimes refers to all people
who are attracted to people of the same sex; sometimes referred to as “homosexual”.

Lesbian – a woman who is attracted to women; may also be referred to as “gay”.

Pansexual/Fluid – attracted to people regardless of gender; may also be referred to as

“omnisexual” or “polysexual”.

Queer – umbrella term for self-identification which embraces a matrix of sexual

preferences, gender expressions and habits that are not heterosexual, heteronormative
or gender-binary majority.

Straight – termed as heterosexuals; people who are attracted to “opposite” sex alone

Gender Identity and Expression – Ways in which a person identifies and/or expresses
their gender, including self-image, appearance, and embodiment of gender roles. One’s
sex (e.g. male, female, intersex, etc.) is usually assigned at birth based on one’s
physical biology. One’s gender (e.g. masculine, feminine, androgynous, etc.) is how one
embodies gender attributes, presentations, roles, and more.

Transsexual - Refers to individuals who have medically and legally changed their sex,
and who wish to do so; Most people feel a conflict between their gender identity and
the sex they were assigned with at birth.

Transgender - Refers to people who transgress dominant conceptions of gender;

people who have no intention in sex-reassignment but feels the same conflict between
their gender identity and the sex they were assigned with at birth.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS- Virus compromising the body’s ability to handle

and manage diseases.

 An average of 33 people were diagnosed with HIV each day during the
month of January 2018. – DOH Epidemiology Bureau. 96%(976) – males
 Sexual contact is still the predominant cause for transmission. Males who
have sex with males is at 87%. Injecting drugs has also topped the list.
Most HIV infections do not have any symptoms. A person infected with HIV
can remain healthy and symptom-free for many years. If HIV leads to AIDS,
serious symptoms can develop and can ultimately lead to death. Signs and
 symptoms may include everything from fever and rashes to lesions, soaking
night sweats and blurred vision.
 People with HIV can enjoy a long and healthy life by taking antiretroviral
treatment which is effective and available to all.
 Once a person has HIV, the earlier they are diagnosed, the sooner they can
start treatment which means they will enjoy better health in the long term.
Regular testing for HIV is important to know your status.
 HIV is found in semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids, and breast milk. HIV
can’t be transmitted through sweat, saliva or urine.
 Using external (or male) condoms or internal (or female) condoms during
sex is the best way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
 If you inject drugs, always use a clean needle and syringe, and never share
equipment.
 If you’re pregnant and living with HIV, the virus in your blood could pass
into your baby’s body, during birth or afterwards through breastfeeding

AIDS is a set of symptoms (or syndrome as opposed to a virus) caused by HIV.

 A person is said to have AIDS when their immune system is too weak
to fight off infection, and they develop certain defining symptoms and illnesses.
This is the last stage of HIV, when the infection is very advanced, and if left
untreated will lead to death.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY
 Having sex isn’t always a healthy choice. Impulsive decisions may lead to lifelong
problems; serious diseases and infertility.
 ABSTINENCE is an option. Choosing not to engage in sexual activity with another
person can be a very powerful personal choice.

Why should we implement Family Planning/ Responsible Parenthood?

It is a simple way of regulating and spacing the births of children. It is
giving birth according to the health and economic conditions of the family, giving birth
of the mother according to her right age.

For the family – to promote healthy and happy family.

For the mother – she could recover her health and strength after delivery.

For the child – a better chance of growing healthier and well cared.

THE NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING METHOD

 It is the method that uses the body’s natural physiological changes and
symptoms to identify the fertile and infertile phase of the menstrual cycle. Such
methods are also known as fertility-based awareness methods.
Types:
 Periodic abstinence (fertility awareness)method
 Use of breastfeeding or lactationalamenorrhoea method
 Coitus interruptus (withdrawal or pulling out) method

Periodic abstinence (Fertility Awareness) Method

Three common techniques used:

 Rhythm (calendar) method - the couple tracks the woman’s menstrual history
to predict she will ovulate. This helps the couple determine when they will most
likely conceive.
 Basal body temperature monitoring - a contraceptive method that relies
on monitoring a woman’s basal body temperature on a daily basis. A woman’s
body temperature changes throughout the menstrual cycle, and changes in
body temperature coincide with hormonal changes.
 Billing’s method- devised by John and Eveklyn Billings in the 1960s,
involves examining the color and viscosity of the cervical mucus to discover when
ovulation is coming.

Lactation Amenorrhea Method

 Through exclusive breastfeeding, the woman is able to suppress ovulation. This
woman is called lactation amenorrhea method.
 However, if the infant were not exclusively breastfed, this method would not be an
effective birth control method.
 Generally, after three months of exclusive breastfeeding, a woman must choose
another method of contraception.

Coitus Interruptus
 This is one of the oldest methods of contraception. The couple proceeds with coitus;
however, the man must release his sperm outside of the vagina. Hence, he must
withdraw his penis the moment he ejaculates.
 This method is only 75% effective because pre-ejaculation fluid that contains a few
spermatozoa may cause fertilization.

HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION/ ARTIFICIAL FAMILY PLANNING

These are an effective family planning method that manipulates the
hormones that directly affect the normal menstrual cycle so that ovulation will not
occur.

Oral contraceptives
 It is also known as pills. Oral contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and
progesterone. Estrogen suppresses ovulation while progesterone decreases the
permeability of the cervical mucus to limit the sperm’s access to the ova.
Transdermal Contraceptive Patch
 It is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose
of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream.
 In this case, a transdermal contraceptive patch has a combination of both estrogen
and progesterone released into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
Vaginal Ring
 It is a birth control ring inserted into the vagina and slowly release
hormones throguh the vaginal wall into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
Subdermal Implants
 Involve the delivery of a steroid progestin from polymer capsules or rods placed
under the skin. The hormone diffuses out slowly at a stable rate, providing
contraceptive effectiveness for 1-5 years.
Hormonal Injections
 It is a contraceptive injection given once every three months. It typically suppresses
ovulation, keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical
mucus to keep the sperm from reaching the egg.
Intrauterine Device
 A small, T-shaped plastic device wrapped in copper or contains hormones. A doctor
inserts the IUD into the uterus. IUD prevents fertilization of the egg by damaging or
killing the sperm.
 It makes the mucus in the cervix thick and sticky, so sperm cannot get through to
the uterus. It also keeps the lining of the uterus from growing very thick making the
lining a poor place for fertilized egg to implant and grow.
Chemical Barriers
 Chemical barriers such as spermicides, vaginal gels and creams and glycerin films
are also used to cause the death of sperms before they can enter the cervix.
 It lowers the pH level of the vagina, so it will not become conducive for the sperm.
However, these chemical barriers cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Diaphragm
 It is a dome-shaped barrier methods of contraception that block sperms from
entering the uterus. It is made of latex (rubber) and formed like a shallow cup. It is
filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix.
Cervical Cap
 It is a silicone cup inserted in the vagina to cover the cervix and keep sperm out of
the uterus. Spermicide is added to the cervical cap to kill any sperm that may get
inside the protective barrier.
 However, this is not a widely used method and few health care providers
recommend this type of contraception. The most common side effect is vaginal
irritation.
Male Condoms
 It is a latex or synthetic rubber sheath placed on the erect penis before vaginal
penetration to trap the sperm during ejaculation. Condoms can prevent STDs.
Female Condoms
 It is a thin pouch inserted into the vagina before sex serving as protective barrier to
prevent pregnancy and protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
It creates a barrier that prevents bodily fluids and semen from entering the
vagina.

SURGICAL METHODS
One of the most effective birth control. This method ensures contraception is inhibited
permanently after the surgery.

Two kinds:
 Vasectomy- A surgical operation wherein the tube that carries the sperm to a man’s
penis is cut. It is a permanent male contraception method. This procedure
preserves ejaculation and does not cause impotence or erectile dysfunction since
the vasectomy does not involve anything in the production of testosterone.
 Tubal Ligation- It is a surgical procedure for female sterilization involving severing
and tying the fallopian tube. It disrupts the movement of the egg to the uterus for
fertilization and blocks the sperm from traveling up to the fallopian tubes to the egg.
It does not affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. A tubal ligation can be done at
any time; including after a normal childbirth or a C-section. It is possible to reverse
a tubal ligation, but reversal requires major surgery and is not always effective.