The Physical and Sexual Self

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 rising level of

gonodal hormones (Testosterone in males and Estrogen in females). After this time,

reproductive capability continues until old age in males and menopause in females.
The changes that occur during puberty is similar in sequence in all individuals but the age

which they occur differs among individuals:

In females, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 signals their

puberty stage. Menarche is the first menstrual period which happens two years after the

start of puberty. Hormones play an important role in the regulation of ovulation and

fertility of females. Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their

late 20’s. A natural decrease in ovarian function usually follows characterized by reduced

estrogen production that causes irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual periods.

Consequently, ovulation and menses stop entirely, child bearing ability. This event is called

as menopause, which occurs when females no longer experience menstruation.

In males as they reach the age of 13, characterized by the increase in size of the

reproductive organ followed by the growth 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 matured semen in the testes. There is no counterpart for

menopause for males. Although aging men show a steady decline in testosterone

secretion, their reproductive capability seems unending. Healthy men are still able to

father offspring well into their 80s and beyond.

Erogenous Zones

Erogenous zones refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual
arousal when touched in sexual manner. Some of the commonly known as erogenous
zones are the mouth, breasts, genitals and anus. Erogenous zones may vary from one
person to another. Some people may enjoy being touched in certain areas more than the
other areas. Other common areas of the body that can be aroused easily may include the
neck, thighs, abdomen and feet.
Human Sexual Behavior

Any activity – solitary, between two persons, or in a group- that induces sexual arousal.
Types of human sexual behavior are usually classified according to the gender and number
of participants. Solitary behavior involves only one individual, and there is sociosexual
behavior involving more than one person. Sociosexual may either be heterosexual (male
with female) or homosexual (male with male or female with female).
Solitary Behavior
Self- gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and generally sexual
climax. Usually, most self-gratification takes place in private as an end in itself , but can also
be done in sociosexual relationship.
Generally beginning at or before puberty, is very common among young males, but becomes
less frequent or is abandoned when sociosexual activity is available. With the frequent
exposure to sexual stimuli especially from advertising and social advertising, some
adolescents become aggressive when they respond to such stimuli. Adolescents need to
control their sexual response in order to prevent premarital sex and acquire sexually
transmitted diseases.
Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of behavior that occurs between only one
male and one female. It usually begins in childhood and may be motivated by curiosity,
such as showing or examining the genitalia. Physical contact involving necking or petting
is considered as an ingredient of the learning process and eventually of courtship and the
selection of a marriage partner. Petting differs from hugging, kissing, and generalized
caresses of the clothed body. It may be done as an expression of affection and a source
of pleasure, preliminary to coitus. Petting has been regarded by others as a near-universal
experience and is important not in selecting the partner but as a way of learning how to
interact with another person sexually.
Coitus, the insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female reproductive
organ, is viewed by society quite differently depending upon the marital status of the
individuals. Majority of human societies allow premarital coitus, at least under certain
circumstances. It is considered as an obligation for married couple. Extramarital coitus is
generally condemned and if permitted is allowed under exceptional conditions or with
specified person. Societies are becoming more considerate towards extramarital coitus as
well as premarital life thus reflects double standard of morality. A behavior may be
interpreted by society or individual as erotic depending on the situation. For example, a
kiss may be a gesture or expression of intimacy between couples while others may see it
as a form of respect or reverence. Examination and touching of one’s genitalia is not
considered as asexual act especially when done for medical purposes.