The Physical and Sexual Self

Chapter II: Unpacking the Self


Introduction:
It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of
humans define the sex (female or male) and their
secondary sexual characteristics. From childhood,
we are controlled by our genetic makeup. It
influences the way we treat ourselves and others.
However, there are individuals who do not accept
their innate sexual characteristics and they tend to
change their sexual organs through medications
and surgery. Aside from our genes, our society or
the external environment helps shape our selves.
This lesson helps us better understand ourselves
through a discussion on the development of our
Activity
Defining Beauty
1. For me beauty
means________________________________________
__________________________________...
2. A beautiful person
is____________________________________________
_______________________________...
3. I am beautiful
because_______________________________________
__________________________________...
4. List down the name of people you know who are
beautiful______________________________________
______...
 Abstraction:
→ Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes) begin to form
until about the eighth week of embryonic development.
Gonads - Primary reproductive organs (testes and ovary)
Gametes- Reproductive cells (egg cells and sperm cells)
During the early stages of human development, the embryonic reproductive structures of males and females are
alike and are said to be in the indifferent stage. The formation of male or female structures depends on the
presence of testosterone.
Testosterones - a sex hormones that plays important roles in the body. An androgen (group of sex hormones)
found in both men and women.
 In men, thought to regulate sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the
production of red blood cells and sperm. Usually, once formed, the embryonic testes release testosterone, and
the formation of the duct system and external genitalia follows.
 In the case of female embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the development of the female ducts and
external genitalia since testosterone hormone is not produced.
 In females bodies, testosterone is converted into estrogen, while in men it remains mostly as testosterone.
Embryonic - being in an early stage of development
Estrogen - a steroid hormone, to regulate reproductive tract, urinary, the heart and the blood vessels, bones,
breast, skin, hair, mucous membrane, pelvic muscles, and the brain.
 Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex
hormone production in the embryo results in strange
abnormalities.
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 this 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).
 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.
 Abnormal separation of chromosomes during meiosis
can lead to congenital defects of the reproductive
system. For instance, males who possess extra female
sex chromosome have the normal male accessory
structures, but atrophy (to shrink) of their testes causes
them to be sterile. Other abnormalities result when a
child has only one sex chromosome. An XO female
appears normal but lacks ovaries. YO males die during
development.
Puberty -a period of life 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). Puberty occur in all individuals, but the age which they
occur differs among individuals.

In males, as they reach the age of 13, 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.

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

signals 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.
 Diseases Associated with the
Reproductive System
 INFECTION - the most common problems
associated with the reproductive system in adults.
Vaginal infections are the most common in young
elderly women, those whose resistance to diseases is
low.
The usual infections those caused by Escherichia coli
which spread through the digestive tract; the sexually
transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea,
herpes virus; and yeast (a type of fungal)
Vaginal infections that are left untreated may spread
throughout the female reproductive tract and may cause
pelvic inflammatory diseases and sterility. Problems that
involved painful or abnormal menses may also be due to
infection or hormone imbalances.
In males the most common inflammatory conditions are
prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, all of which may
Orchitis- or inflammation of the testes, is rather uncommon but
is serious because it can cause sterility. Orchiditis most
commonly follows mumps in an adult males.

Neoplasms - are a major threat to reproductive organs.

an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumors (noncancerous neoplasms) usually grow slowly and don't spread

Tumors - of the breast and cervix are the most common

reproductive cancers in adult females, and prostate cancer a
widespread problem in adult males.
Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their late 20s. A natural decrease
in ovarian function usually follows characterized by reduced estrogen production that causes
irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual periods.
Menopause - occurs when females no longer experience menstruation When ovulation and
menses stop entirely, ending childbearing ability.
The production of estrogen may still continue after menopause but the ovaries finally stop
functioning as endocrine organs. The reproductive organs and breasts begin to atrophy or shrink if
estrogen is no longer released from the body. The vagina becomes dry that causes intercourse to
become painful (particularly if frequent), and vaginal infections become increasingly common.
Other consequences of estrogen deficiency may also be observed including irritability and other
mood changes (depression in some); intense vasodilation of the skin's blood vessels, which causes
uncomfortable sweat-drenching "hot flashes"; gradual thinning of the skin and loss of bone mass;
and slowly rising blood cholesterol levels, which place postmenopausal women at risk for
cardiovascular disorders. Some physicians prescribe low-dose estrogen-progestin preparations to
help women through this usually difficult period and to prevent skeletal and cardiovascular
complications.
There is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men show a steady decline in
 Erogenous Zones

-refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase
sexual arousal when touched in a sexual manner. Some of the
commonly known 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 a certain area more than the
other areas. Other common areas of the body that can be aroused
easily may include the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.
 group that induces sexual arousal
defined as any activity —solitary,
There are two major factors that determine human

between two persons, or in a

sexual behavior:
Human Sexual Behavior

(Gebhard, P.H. 2017). the inherited sexual response patterns that have
evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and
that become part of each individual's genetic
inheritance.

the degree of restraint or other types of influence

exerted on the individual by society in the
expression of his sexuality.
Types of Behavior

The various types of human sexual behavior

are usually classified according to the
gender and number of participants. There is
solitary behavior involving only one
individual, and there is sociosexual behavior
involving more than one person.
 1. 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 a sociosexual
relationship.
Self-gratification, generally beginning at or before puberty, is very
common among young males, but becomes less frequent or is abandoned
when sociosexual activity is available. There are more males who
perform acts of self-gratification than females. The frequency greatly
varies among individuals and it usually decreases as soon as they
develop sociosexual relationships.
 Majority of males and Nowadays, humans are
females have fantasies frequently being exposed to
of some sociosexual sexual stimuli especially from
advertising and social media.
activity while they The rate of teenage pregnancy
gratify themselves. The is increasing in our time. The
fantasy frequently challenge is to develop self-
involves idealized control in order to balance
sexual partners and suppression and free
expression. Adolescents need
activities that the to control their sexual
individual has not response in order to prevent
experienced and even premarital sex and acquire
might avoid in real life. sexually transmitted diseases.
 2. Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that occurs between only one male and one female.
There is varying degree of sexual impulse and responsiveness among children. 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 to practice involving stimulation of
the genitals. Petting may be done as an expression of affection and a source of pleasure, preliminary to coitus, and 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.
In modern Western society, premarital coitus is more likely to be tolerated but not encouraged if the individuals intend
marriage
 In most societies, marital coitus is considered as an obligation.
 Extramarital coitus involving wives is generally condemned and, if permitted, is allowed only under exceptional
conditions or with specified persons. Societies are becoming more considerate toward males than females who engage
in extramarital coitus. This double standard of morality is also evident in premarital life.
 Postmarital coitus (i.e., coitus by separated, divorced or widowed persons) is almost always ignored. There is a
difficulty in enforcing abstinence among sexually experienced and usually older people for societies that try to confine
coitus in married couples.
A behavior may be interpreted by society or the individual
as erotic (i.e., capable of engendering sexual response)
depending on the context in which the behavior occurs. For
instance, a kiss may be interpreted as a gesture of
expression or intimacy between couples while others may
interpret is as a form of respect or reverence, like when
kissing the hand of an elder or someone in authority.
Examination and touching someone's genitalia is not
interpreted as a sexual act especially when done for medical
purposes. Consequently, the apparent motivation of the
behavior greatly determines its interpretation.
 Physiology of Human Sexual Response

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when

sexual activity is continue.
1. Excitement phase - It is caused by increased 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, more rapid
breathing, the nipples harden, the lips of the vagina open and become moist, in
men the penis harden, the secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and
general increase to a near maximal physiological level that leads to the next
stage.
2. Plateau phase - it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued,
orgasm usually occurs. For men, the circumference of its head increases outer lips
of the vagina becomes red breathing becomes more rapid and the body and the
body temperature rises.

3. Sexual climax - it is a marked by a 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 male. it
is also characterized by involuntary vocalizations. It may last for a few seconds
(normally not over 10), after which the individual enters the resolution phase.
4. Resolution phase - It is the last stage that refers
to the return to a normal or subnormal physiologic
state. Males and females are similar in their
response sequence. Whereas males return to
normal even if stimulation continues. Females are
physically capable of repeated orgasms without the
intervening “rest period” by males.
Nervous System Factors

Nervous system plays a significant role during sexual

response. It involved in controlling the involuntary
responses. In the presence of a stimulus capable enough of
initiating a sexual response, cerebrospinal nerves transmit
the sensory messages to the brain, brain will interpret the
sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate
response of the body. Sexual response is dependent on the
activity of the nervous system.
Hypothalamus and the limbic system are the parts of the brain believed to
be responsible for regulating the sexual response, but there is no
specialized "sex center" that has been located in the human brain.
Animal experiments show that each individual has coded in its brain two
sexual response patterns, one for mounting (masculine) behavior and one
for mounted (feminine) behavior.
Apart from brain-controlled sexual responses, there is not brain-
controlled sexual response reflex. This is mediated by the lower spinal
cord and leads to erection and ejaculation for male, vaginal discharges
and lubrication for female when the genital and perineal areas are
stimulated. But still, the brain can overrule and suppress such reflex
activity—as it does when an individual decides that a sexual response is
socially inappropriate.
 Sexual Problems
 Sexual problems may be classified as physiological, psychological, and
social in origin. Any given problem may involve all three categories.

Physiological problems are the least among the three categories. Only a
small number of people suffer from diseases that are due to abnormal
development of the genitalia or that part of the neurophysiology
controlling sexual response. Some common physiologic conditions that
can disturb sexual response include vaginal infections, retroverted uteri,
prostatitis, adrenal tumors, diabetes, senile changes of the vagina, and
cardiovascular problems. Fortunately, the majority of physiological
sexual problems can be resolved through medication or surgery while
problems of the nervous system that can affect sexual response are more
difficult to treat.
Psychological problems comprise by far the largest category.
They are usually caused by socially induced inhibitions,
maladaptive attitudes, ignorance, and sexual myths held by
society. An example of the latter is the belief that good, mature
sex must involve rapid erection, prolonged coitus, and
simultaneous orgasm. Magazines, marriage books, and general
sexual folklore often strengthen these demanding ideals, which
are not always achieved; therefore, can give rise to feelings of
inadequacy anxiety and guilt. Such resulting negative emotions
can definitely affect the behavior of an individual.
Premature emission - of semen is a common problem, especially for young males. Sometimes this is not the
consequence of any psychological problem but the natural result of excessive tension in a male who has been
sexually deprived. Erectile impotence is almost always of psychological origin in males under 40; in older males,
physical causes are more often involved. In other cases, the impotence may be the result of disinterest in the
sexual partner, fatigue, and distraction because of nonsexual worries, intoxication, or other causes-such
occasional impotency is common and requires no therapy.

Ejaculatory impotence - results from the inability to ejaculate in coitus, is uncommon and is
usually of psychogenic origin. It appears to be associated with ideas of contamination or with
memories of traumatic experiences. Occasional ejaculatory inability can be possibly expected
in older men or in any male who has exceeded his sexual capacity .

Vaginismus - is a strong spasm of the pelvic musculature constricting the female reproductive
organ so that penetration is painful or impossible. It can be due to anti-sexual conditioning or
psychological trauma that serves as an unconscious defense against coitus. It can be treated by
psychotherapy and by gradually dilating the female reproductive organ with increasingly large
cylinders.