Module 2 - Unpacking the Self (Part I): Physical and Sexual, Economic/Material,

Spiritual, and Political Self

Lesson 1: The Physical and Sexual Self
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the developmental aspect of the reproductive system;
2. Describe the erogenous zones;
3. Explain human sexual behavior
4. Characterize the diversity of sexual behavior;
5. Describe sexually transmitted diseases; and
6. Differentiate natural and artificial methods of contraception.
Time Frame: Week 5
Introduction:
It has been believed that 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
This lesson helps us better understand ourselves through a discussion of the
development of our sexual characteristics and behavior.
Activity:
Defining Beauty
Complete the sentences below.
1. For me, beauty means_____________________________________________
2. A beautiful person is _____________________________________________
3. I am beautiful because____________________________________________
4. List down names of people you know who are beautiful.

Fill out the table below by listing the common secondary sexual male and female
characteristics.

MALE SECONDARY SEXUAL FEMALE SECONDARY SEXUAL

CHARACTERISTICS CHARACTERISTICS

Analysis:
1. When do we usually observe the changes listed above for males and females?
 2. Were you able to experience the same changes? When?
3. If you were not able to experience the above listed changes, what might have
caused such difference?
4. How does the society shape the behavior of an individual?
5. Can we really change our natural or innate sexual organ and sexual responces?
Abstraction:
Factors in the Development of the Physical Self

The development of the individual is caused by two interacting forces: heredity and
environment.

Heredity (nature) is the transmission of traits or characteristics from parents to

offspring. It provides the raw materials of which the individual is made up. Through
the genes, hereditary potentials like physical, mental, social, emotional, and moral
traits are passed down to generations. Environment (nurture) is the sum total of the
forces or experiences that a person undergoes from conception to old age. It also
includes family, friends, school, nutrition, and other agencies one is in contact with.

The Beginning of Life

Life begins at fertilization. Fertilization refers to the meeting of the female sex cell
and the male sex cell. These sex cells are developed in the reproductive organs called
gonads. The male sex cells called spermatozoa (singular: spermatozoon) are produced
in the male gonads called testes. On the other hand, the female sex cells called ova are
produced in the female gonads known as ovaries. The fertilized egg cell known as
zygote contains all the hereditary potentials from the parents. This zygote goes to the
uterus and continues to grow during the gestation period of about 280 days or 36
weeks or 9 calendar months. Each parent contributes one sex chromosome to the
offspring A male parent may pass either an X or a Y Chromosome while a female
always gives the X chromosome. When an X Chromosome comes from the father and
meets the X chromosome from the mother, the resulting combination is Xx which
indicates a female offspring. However, when the father produces a Y chromosome
which pairs with the X chromosome from the mother, the resulting combination is
XY, signifying a male offspring.
Both male and female chromosomes contain several thousands of genes.
Genes are small particles in a string-like formation. They are the true carriers of
hereditary characteristics of the parents. Within the gene is a substance called
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which is the code of heredity. It contains information
and instructions about the newly created organism, and programs the traits that should
be inherited, Maturation is the unfolding of the inherent traits.
 
Stages in the Life Span
An individual undergoes definite stages of development. In each phase, the child
experiences certain developmental to prepare him/her for the next.
 https://tinyurl.com/yyr2zae8

The Sexual Self

Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads (reproductive glands that
produce the gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form until about the eighth week of
embryonic development. 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. When the primary reproductive structures are formed,
development of the accessory structures and external genitalia 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. 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.
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, pseudohermaphmdites
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).
 By Baresg25(Own Work) [CC BY-SA 4.0(https://creativecommons,org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By BruceBlaus (Own Work)[CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/liceses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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, 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.
Moreover. 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. Other much less serious conditions also affect
males primarily such as phimosis, which is due to a narrowing of the foreskin of the
male reproductive structure and misplaced urethral openings.  
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.  The changes that occur during puberty is similar in
sequence 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
Infections are the most common problems associated with the reproductive
system in adults. Vaginal infections are more 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. Orchiditis most commonly follows mumps in an adult male.
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) is 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.
Consequently, ovulation and menses stop entirely, ending Childbearing ability. This
event is called as menopause, which occurs when females no longer experience
menstruation.
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 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 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.
Human Sexual Behavior
Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity—solitary, between two
persons, or in a group—that induces sexual arousal (Gebhard, P.H. 2017). There are
two major factors that determine human sexual behavior: the inherited sexual
response patterns that have evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that
become part of each individual's genetic inheritance, and 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
Sociosexual behavior is generally divided into heterosexual behavior (male with
female) and homosexual behavior (male with male or female with female). If three or
more individuals are involved, it is, possible to have heterosexual and homosexual
activity simultaneously (Gebhard, P.H. 2017).
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. Consequently, self-gratification is most frequent among the
unmarried. 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 females have fantasies of some sociosexual activity while
they gratify themselves. The fantasy frequently involves idealized sexual partners and
activities that the individual has not experienced and even might avoid in real life.
Nowadays, humans are frequently being exposed to sexual stimuli especially from
advertising and social media. Some adolescents become aggressive when they
respond to such stimuli. The rate of teenage pregnancy is increasing in our time. The
challenge is to develop self-control in order to balance suppression and free
expression. Adolescents need to control their sexual response in order to prevent
premarital sex and acquire sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual 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 genitalia. 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. Petting has been regarded by others as a
near-universal human experience and is important not only 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. In modern Western society, premarital coitus is more
likely to be tolerated but not encouraged if the individuals intend marriage. Moreover,
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 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 all distensible body parts
(particularly noticeable in the male reproductive structure and female breasts),
more rapid breathing, the secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a
general increase in muscle tension. These symptoms of arousal eventually
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.
3. Sexual climax — it is 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 the
male. It is also characterized by involuntary vocalizations. Sexual climax may
last for a few seconds (normally not over ten), 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, but
continued stimulation can produce additional orgasms in females. Females are
physically capable of repeated orgasms without the intervening "rest period"
required by males.
Nervous System Factors
 The entire nervous system plays a significant role during sexual response. The
autonomic system is involved in controlling the involuntary responses. In the presence
of a stimulus capable enough of initiating a sexual response, the efferent cerebrospinal
nerves transmit the sensory messages to the brain. The brain
will interpret the sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate and
appropriate response of the body. After interpretation and integration of sensory input,
the efferent cerebrospinal nerves receive commands from the brain and
send them to the muscles; and the spinal cord serves as a great transmission cable.
The muscles contract in response to the signal coming from the motor nerve fibers
while glands secrete their respective products. Hence, sexual response is dependent on
the activity of the nervous system.
 
The 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.
Sex hormones can intensify the mounting behavior of individuals. Normally,
one response pattern is dominant and the other latent can still be initiated when
suitable circumstances occur. The degree to which such innate patterning exists in
humans is still unknown.
Apart from brain-controlled sexual responses, there is some reflex (i.e., not
brain-controlled) sexual response. This reflex 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. Fear of being impotent frequently causes
impotence, and, in many cases, the afflicted male is simply caught up in a self-
perpetuating problem that can be solved only by achieving a successful act of coitus.
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, which 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.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted from an
infected person to an uninfected person through sexual contact. STDs can be caused
by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Examples include gonorrhea, genital herpes, human
papillomavirus infection, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), chlamydia, and syphilis (National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Health of the
United States 2017).
  STDs are a significant global health priority because of their overwhelming
impact on women and infants and their inter-relationships with HIV and AIDS. STDs
and HIV are associated with biological interactions because both infections may occur
in the same populations. Infection with certain STDs can increase the risk of getting
and transmitting HIV as well as modify the way the disease develops. Moreover,
STDs can lead to long-term health problems, usually in women and infants. Among
the health complications that arise from STDs are pelvic inflammatory
disease, infertility, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, and perinatal or
congenital infections in infants born to infected mothers. One of the leading STDs
worldwide is AIDS, which is caused by HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The
virus attacks the immune system making the individual more prone to infections and
other diseases. The virus usually targets the T-cells (CD4 cells) of the immune
system, which serve as the regulators of the immune system. The virus survives
throughout the body but may be transmitted via body fluids such as blood, semen,
vaginal fluids and breast milk. AIDS occurs in the advanced stage of HIV infection.
  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
In 2016, a total of 1 ,598,354 cases of Chlamydia Trachomatis infection were reported
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)' making it the most common
notifiable condition in the United States. This case count corresponds to a rate of
497.3 cases per 100,000 population, an increase of 4.7% compared with the rate in
2015. During 2015 to 2016' rates of reported chlamydia increased in all regions of the
United states.

Rates of chlamydia are highest among adolescent and young adult females, the
population targeted for routine chlamydia screening. Among young women attending
family planning clinics participating in a sentinel surveillance program who were
tested for chlamydia, 9.2% of 15 to 19 years old and 8.0% of 20 to 24 years old were
positive. Rates of reported cases among men are generally lower than rates among
women.

2. Gonorrhea

By CDC/ Joe Millar [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

In 2016, 468,514 gonorrhea cases were reported for a rate of 145.8 cases per 100,000
population, an increase of 18.5% from 2015. During 2015 to 2016, the rate of reported
gonorrhea increased 22.2% among men and 13.8% among women. The magnitude of
the increase among men suggests either increased transmission or increased case
ascertainment (e.g., through increased extra-genital screening) among MSM (men
who have sex with men) or both. The concurrent increases among cases reported
among women suggest parallel increases in heterosexual transmission, increased
screening among women, or both. In 2016, the rate of reported cases of gonorrhea
remained highest among African Americans (481.2 cases per 100,000 population) and
among American Indians/Alaska Natives (242.9 cases per 100,000 population).
During 2012 to 2016, rates increased among all racial and ethnic groups.
Antimicrobial resistance remains an important consideration in the treatment of
gonorrhea.
3. Syphilis
In 2016, 27,814 Primary and Secondary (P&S) syphilis cases were reported,
representing a national rate of 8.7 cases per 100,000 population and a 17.6% increase
from 2015. From 2015 to 2016, the syphilis rate increased among both men and
women in every region of the country. overall, the rate increased 14.7% among men
and 35.7% among women. During 2012 to 2016, P&S syphilis rates were consistently
highest among persons aged 20 to 29 years old, but rates increased in every 5-year age
group among those aged 15 to 64 years. In 2016, rates were highest among African
Americans (23.3 per 100,000 population) and Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific
Islanders (13.9 per 100,000 population); however, rates increased among all racial and
ethnic groups in 2012 to 2016.
4. Chancroid
Chancroid is caused by infection with the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi.
Clinical manifestations include genital ulcers and inguinal lymphadenopathy or
buboes. Reported cases of chancroid declined steadily between 1987 and 2001.
Since then, the number of reported cases has fluctuated somewhat, while still
appearing to decline overall. In 2016, a total of 7 cases of chancroid were reported
in the United States.
5. Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted
infection in the United States. Over 40 distinct HPV types can infect the genital tract;
although most infections are asymptomatic and appear to resolve spontaneously
within a few years, the prevalence of. genital infection with any HPV type was 42.5%
among United States adults aged 18 to 59 years during 2013 to 2014. Persistent
infection with some HPV types can cause cancer and genital warts. HPV types 16 and
18 account for approximately 66% of cervical cancers in the United States, and
approximately 25% of low-grade and 50% of high-grade cervical intraepithelial
lesions, or dysplasia. HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of
genital warts.

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6. Herpes Simplex Virus

.
 

Yale Rosen/Wikimedia Commons/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most prevalent of sexually transmitted
infections. Although most infections are subclinical, clinical manifestations are
characterized by recurrent, painful genital and/or anal lesions. Most genital HSV
infections in the United States are caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2), while HSV type 1
(HSV-I) infections are typically orolabial and acquired during childhood
7. Trichomonas Vaginalis

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Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted protozoal infection

associated with adverse health outcomes such as preterm birth and symptomatic
vaginitis. It is not a nationally reportable condition, and trend data are limited to
estimates of initial physician office visits for this condition. Visits appear to be fairly
stable since the 1990s; the number of initial visits for Trichomonas vaginalis infection
in 2015 was 139,000.
Natural and Artificial Methods of Contraception
Natural Method
The natural family planning methods do not involve any chemical or foreign
body introduction into the human body. People who are very conscious of their
religious beliefs are more inclined to use the natural way of birth control and others
follow such natural methods because they are more cost-effective (www
nurseslabs.com 2016).
a. Abstinence This natural method involves refraining from sexual intercourse and is
the most effective natural birth control method with ideally 0% fail rate. It is
considered to be the most effective way to avoid STIs (Sexually Transmitted
Infections). However, most people find it difficult to comply with abstinence, so only
a few use this method.
b. Calendar Method

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This method is also called as the rhythm method. It entails withholding from coitus
during the days that the woman is fertile According to the menstrual cycle, the woman
is likely to conceive three or four days before and three or four days after ovulation.
The woman needs to record her menstrual cycle for six months in order to calculate
the woman's safe days to prevent conception.
c. Basal Body Temperature
The basal body temperature (BBT) indicates the woman's temperature at rest. Before
the day of ovulation and during ovulation, BBT falls at 0.50F; it increases to a full
degree because of progesterone and maintains its level throughout the menstrual
cycle. This serves as the basis for the method. The woman must record her
temperature every morning before any activity. A slight decrease in the basal body
temperature followed by a gradual increase in the basal body temperature can be a
sign that a woman has ovulated.
d. Cervical Mucus Method
The change in the cervical mucus during ovulation is the basis for this method.
During ovulation, the cervical mucus is copious, thin, and watery. It also exhibits the
property of spinnbarkeit, wherein it can be stretched up until at least 1 inch and is
slippery. The woman is said to be fertile as long as the cervical mucus is copious and
watery. Therefore, she must avoid coitus during those days to prevent conception.
e. Symptothermal Method
The symptothermal method is basically a combination of the BBT method and the
cervical mucus method. The woman records her temperature every morning and also
takes note of changes in her cervical mucus. She should abstain from coitus three days
after a rise in her temperature or on the fourth day after the peak of a mucus change.
f. Ovulation Detection

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The ovulation detection method uses an over-the-counter kit that requires the urine
sample of the woman. The kit can predict ovulation through the surge of luteinizing
hormone (LH) that happens 12 to 24 hours before ovulation.
g. Coitus Interruptus
Coltus Interruptus is one of the oldest methods that prevents conception. A couple still
goes on with coitus, but the man withdraws the moment he ejaculates to emit the
spermatozoa outside of the female reproductive organ. A disadvantage of this method
is the pre-ejaculation fluid that contains a few spermatozoa that may cause
fertilization.
Artificial Methods
a. Oral Contraceptives

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Also known as the pill, oral contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and
progesterone. Estrogen suppresses the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and LH to
prevent ovulation. 'Moreover, progesterone decreases the permeability of the cervical
mucus to limit the sperm's access to the ova. It is suggested that the woman takes the
first pill on the first Sunday after the beginning of a menstrual flow, or as soon as it is
prescribed by the doctor.
b. Transdermal Patch

Image Credit: Daniel Houghton/Shutterstock.com

The transdermal patch contains both estrogen and progesterone. The woman should
apply one patch every week for three weeks on the following areas: upper outer arm,
upper torso, abdomen, or buttocks. At the fourth week, no patch is applied because the
menstrual flow would then occur. The area where the patch is applied should be clean
dry, and free of irritation.
c. The vaginal Ring

Vaginal Ring ring releases

combination of estrogen and
progesterone and it surrounds the
cervix. This silicon ring is inserted
into the female reproductive organ
and remains there for three weeks
and then removed on the fourth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginal_ring
week, as menstrual flow would occur. The woman becomes fertile as soon as the ring
is removed.
 d. Subdermal Implants

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etonogestrel_birth_control_implant
Subdermal implants are two rod-like implants inserted under
the skin of the female during her menses or on the seventh day of
her menstruation to make sure that she will not get pregnant. The
implants are made with etonogestrel, desogestrel, and progestin and can be helpful for
three to five years.

e. Hormonal Injections

https://tinyurl.com/n89j9k7

A hormonal injection contains medroxyprogesterone, a progesterone, and is usually

given once every 12 weeks
intramuscularly. The injection causes changes in the endometrium and cervical mucus
and can help prevent ovulation.

f. Intrauterine Device

https://tinyurl.com/yyzrdw9c

An Intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped object

containing progesterone that is inserted into the uterus via the female reproductive
organ. It prevents fertilization by creating a local sterile inflammatory condition to
prevent implantation of the zygote. The IUD is fitted only by the physician and
inserted after the woman's menstrual flow. The device can be effective for five to
seven years.
 g. Chemical Barriers

Jules Selmes and Debi TreloarGetty Images

Chemical barriers such as spermicides, vaginal gels and creams
and glycerin films are used to cause the death of sperms before they can enter the
cervix and to lower the pH level of the female reproductive organ so it will not
become conducive for the sperm. On the Other hand, these chemical barriers cannot
prevent sexually transmitted infections.

h. Diaphragm

https://tinyurl.com/y4f7q56h
It is a circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix and should be placed before coitus.
Diaphragm works by inhibiting the entrance of the sperm into the female reproductive
organ and it works better when used together with a spermicide. The diaphragm
should be fitted only by the physician, and should remain in place
for six hours after coitus.

i. Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is made of soft

rubber and fitted on the rim of the
cervix. It is shaped like a thimble
with a thin rim, and could stay in
place for not more than 48 hours.
https://healthjade.com/cervical-cap/
j. Male Condoms

The male condom is a latex or

synthetic rubber sheath that is placed
on the erect male reproductive organ
before penetration into the female
reproductive organ to trap the sperm
during ejaculation. It can prevent STIs
(Sexually Transmitted Infections) and chingyunsong/Shutterstock
can be bought over-the-counter. Male
condoms have an ideal fail rate of 2%
and a typical fail rate of 15% due to a break in the sheath's integrity or spilling of
semen.

k. Female Condoms

Female condoms are made up

of latex rubber sheaths that
are pre-lubricated with spermicide, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_condom
They are usually bound by two rings. The outer ring is first inserted against the
opening of the female reproductive organ and the inner ring covers the cervix. It is
used to prevent fertilization of the egg by the sperm cells.

l. Surgical Methods

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Vasectomy https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/891679
During vasectomy, a small incision is made on each side of the scrotum. The vas
deferens is then tied, cauterized, cut, or plugged to block the passage of the sperm.
The patient is advised to use a backup contraceptive method until two negative sperm
count results are recorded because the sperm could remain viable in the vas deferens
for six months. In women, tubal ligation is performed after menstruation and before
ovulation. The procedure is done through a small incision under the woman's
umbilicus that targets the fallopian tube for cutting, cauterizing, or blocking to inhibit
the passage of both the sperm and the ova.

Application:
Construct your family tree as far back as you can, using any materials that you have.
Be creative. Indicate the physical and non-physical traits that you can identify among
the members of your family.

Creative Work: Propose a program in school or community that will raise the
awareness of the students and to help eliminate sexually transmitted diseases
especially among the youth.

Closure:
Congratulations! You have just unpacked yourself. Using your body is at your own
restriction. May you use it with your welfare in mind.
REFERENCE
Erogenous Zones. 2017. University of Califomia, Santa Barbara. Accessed October
11 , 2017. http://wnmv.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/erogenous-zones.

Brawner, Dalisay G., Arcega, Analiza F. The Beautiful Me. Understanding The Self.
Quezon City, C&E Publishing, Inc. 2018;20-21.

Gebhard, Paul Henry. 2017. Human Sexual Behavior. Accessed October 11 , 2017.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/human-sexual-behaviour.

Marieb, Elaine N. 2001. Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology 6th Ed.

Pearson Education Asia Pte. Ltd. pp 504—507.

Natural and Artificial Methods of Contraception, 2017. Accessed October 11 , 2017.

https://nurseslabs.com/family-planning-methods/.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance. 2016. U.S Department of Health and .

Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed
October 11, 2017. https://www.cdc.goWstd/stats16/CDC_2016_STDS_

Sexually Transmitted Diseases-Specific Research. 2016. US National Institute

of Health, National Institute Of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Accessed
October 11, 2017. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/std- research.