MODULE 1: KNOWING THE SELF

Lesson 3A: THE SEXUAL SELF

INTRODUCTION:
We are inherently sexual being. Our bodies are the expression of our sexuality.
Sexuality encompasses our sexual experiences, relationship, pregnancy, and risk for
sexually transmitted disease. Educating the young generation on sexuality is pre
requisite in understanding and managing one’s own sexual health.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, the students would be able
to…

1. Discuss the reproductive system, the primary and secondary sex

characteristics.
2. Explain the different sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention.
3. Understand gender and
sexuality orientation.

A. THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:

The purpose of the organs of the male

reproductive system is to perform the following
functions:

1. produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the

male reproductive cells) and protective fluid
(semen)
2. To discharge sperm within the female
reproductive tract during sex
3. To produce and secrete male sex hormones
responsible for maintaining the male
reproductive system

Unlike the female reproductive system, most of

the male reproductive system is located outside
of the body. These external structures include
 the penis, scrotum, and testicles.

MODULE 1: KNOWING THE SELF

Lesson 3A: THE SEXUAL SELF
PENIS: This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root, which
attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which is the cone-shaped
part at the end of the penis. The glans, also called the head of the penis, is covered with a loose
layer of skin called foreskin. This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision.
The opening of the urethra, the tube that transports semen and urine, is at the tip of the penis.
The glans of the penis also contains a number of sensitive nerve endings.

The body of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of three circular shaped chambers.
These chambers are made up of special, sponge-like tissue. This tissue contains thousands of
large spaces that fill with blood when the man is sexually aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it
becomes rigid and erect, which allows for penetration during sexual intercourse. The skin of the
penis is loose and elastic to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection.
Semen, which contains sperm (reproductive cells), is expelled (ejaculated) through the end of
the penis when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). When the penis is erect, the flow of
urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.

SCROTUM: This is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the penis. It
contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood vessels. The
scrotum acts as a "climate control system" for the testes. For normal sperm development, the
testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than body temperature. Special muscles in the
wall of the scrotum allow it to contract and relax, moving the testicles closer to the body for
warmth or farther away from the body to cool the temperature.

TESTICLES (testes): These are oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in the
scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most men have two
testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and
for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled masses of tubes called seminiferous tubules.
These tubes are responsible for producing sperm cells.

B. THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:

The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the
female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes. The system is designed
to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm,
normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the
walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy. If fertilization and/or implantation
does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine
lining). In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain
the reproductive cycle.
MODULE 1: KNOWING THE SELF
Lesson 3A: THE SEXUAL SELF

The female reproductive anatomy includes parts inside and outside the body.

The function of the

external female reproductive
structures (the genitals) is
twofold: To enable sperm to
enter the body and to protect
the internal genital organs
from infectious organisms.
The main external structures
of the female reproductive
system include:

LABIA MAJORA: The labia majora enclose and protect the other external reproductive
organs. Literally translated as "large lips," the labia majora are relatively large and fleshy, and
are comparable to the scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and oil-secreting
glands. After puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.

LABIA MINORA: Literally translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very small or
up to 2 inches wide. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the
vagina (the canal that joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra
(the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).

BARTHOLIN’S GLANDS: These glands are located beside the vaginal opening and
produce a fluid (mucus) secretion.

CLITORIS: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is
comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce,
which is similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive
to stimulation and can become erect.

MODULE 1: KNOWING THE SELF

Lesson 3A: THE SEXUAL SELF
C. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS:

The primary sex characteristics are present at birth and during puberty the
secondary sex characteristics will appear. The secondary sex characteristics release
hormones at the onset of puberty. In teenage years, the male body becomes more
muscular while female’s hips become wider than their shoulder, and breasts develop.

The first changes in a boy are the growth of his testicles and growth of pubic hair.
Their chest becomes larger, hair grows in the armpits, muscles grow in the arms, and
legs and shoulders become larger, and stronger. In some men, hair also grows on the
chest, but generally, Asian men are less hairy and less muscular than Caucasian men,
and those from Africa have coarser body hair. Facial hair, which usually grows first
above the lips and later on grows on the cheeks, may grow into a moustache and beard
unless the boy shaves regularly. The larynx (voice box) becomes larger as well, resulting
in a deeper voice.

While for girls, the physical change that occurs include the growth of pubic hair,
followed by underarm hair. The breast starts to develop, with the areola around the nipple
becomes darker. Menstrual cycle begins though it may still be irregular, with some
monthly cycles occurring without ovulation. Generally, the boys gain more height and
weight than girls during puberty stage.

D. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT:

Sexual development plays a fundamental role in determining the physical

attributes of body, the structure of brain, the behavioral tendencies, and self-concept. It is
typically associated with the teenage years. Adolescence is a transitional stage of
physical, emotional, and cognitive human development occurring before the onset of
puberty and ending by adulthood. Sexuality, the expression of interest, orientation, and
preference, is a normal part of adolescence. Adolescent sexuality encompasses multiple
 factors, such as developing intimate partnerships, gender identity, sexual orientation,
religion, and culture.

Early adolescents experiences physical changes, and concerned about body

image and privacy. Early adolescents may begin to explore with their sexuality,
particularly with sexual fantasy and masturbation. Masturbation begins during this period
and may be accompanied by guilt.

The full establishment of secondary sexual characteristics and growth

deceleration marked the middle adolescence. Adolescents in this stage are extremely
concerned with appearance of one’s body and place more importance to their peer
group. There is now more emphasis on physical contact and sexual experimentation is
common.

The transition to adult roles in relationships, school, and works marks the late
adolescence stage. Most teens during this stage tend to focus on autonomy, future
oriented, and more insightful. They are secure with their body image and gender role.

MODULE 1: KNOWING THE SELF

Lesson 3A: THE SEXUAL SELF

E. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES:

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES are most often but not exclusively spread by sexual
intercourse. HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, some forms of hepatitis,
syphilis, and trichomoniasis are STDs.

STDs used to be called venereal diseases or VD. They are among the most common
contagious diseases. STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, such as
HIV, cannot be cured and can be deadly. By learning more about STDs, you can learn ways to
protect yourself.

You can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also be infected with trichomoniasis
through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats, although
it is more commonly spread by sexual contact. You are at high risk if:

• You have more than one sex partner

• You have sex with someone who has had many partners
• You don't use a condom when having sex
• You share needles when injecting intravenous drugs
• You trade sex for money or drugs

HIV and herpes are chronic conditions that can be managed but not cured. Hepatitis B also
may become chronic but can be managed. You may not realize you have certain STDs until you
have damage to your reproductive organs (rendering you infertile), your vision, your heart, or
other organs. Having an STD may weaken the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to
other infections. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of gonorrhea and chlamydia
that can leave women unable to have children. It can even kill you. If you pass an STD to your
newborn child, the baby may suffer permanent harm or death.
1. CHLAMYDIA.
2. GENITAL HERPES.
3. GONORRHEA.
4. CHANCROID.
5. PUBIC LICE.
6. HIV
7. HPV
8. GENITAL WART.
9. SYPHILLIS.
10. TRICHOMONIASIS.

STDs can be prevented. Use of condoms during sex is one of the safest ways, though
few steps to avoid STDs include abstinence, monogamy, vaccinations, regular check-up,
avoiding drugs and minimizing alcohol, and most importantly, EDUCATION.