CHAPTER 2: BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE ON GENDER AND SEXUALITY

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION

Definition of terms:
❖ Human reproductive system- organ system by which humans
reproduce and bear live offspring.
❖ Reproduction- the process of producing offspring.
❖ Genitals- external sex organs
❖ Primary sex characteristics – sex characteristics that are present at
birth.
❖ Secondary sex characteristics- sex characteristics that emerge during
puberty.
❖ Gonads – reproductive organs of humans.
❖ Puberty - is a phase of rapid growth, at the end of which the body
reaches reproductive maturity
THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE
The female sexual anatomy is designed for the production and fertilization of
the ovum, as well as carrying and delivering infant offspring. Puberty signals
the final development of primary and accessory organs that support
reproduction.
A. The female external genitalia consist of the following:
• Labia majora – outer lips surrounding all the other structures.
• Prepuce – clitoral hood (foreskin above and covering clitoris);
• Clitoris – glans (head), shaft, and crura (root), sensitive to stimulation;
• Labia minora – inner lips surrounding the vestibule where sweat and oil
glands, extensive blood vessels and nerve endings are located;
• Urethral opening – end of the tube connecting to the bladder and used
for urination;
•Vaginal opening – also called introitus;
• Mons pubis - located over the pubic bone and the pubic symphysis joint.
It also contains glands that begin secreting pheromones. These are
substances involved in sexual attraction.

B. The female internal reproductive structures:

• Vagina – collapsible canal extending from the vaginal opening back and
upward into the body to the cervix and uterus.
• Cervix – small end of the uterus to which the vagina leads. It is the
opening in
cervix leading to the interior of the uterus;
• Uterus – womb, an organ within the pelvic zone where the fetus is carried;
• Fallopian tubes – carry egg cells from ovaries to the uterus, this is where
fertilization occurs; and
• Ovaries – produce estrogen and progesterone.
Puberty
The menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in females. The first
episode occurs between 11 to 15 years of age referred to as menarche.
Female secondary sexual characteristics emerge after puberty:
1. Widening of hips and pelvis – accommodates giving birth, but also
results in
a downward shift in center of gravity.
2. Enlargement of breasts – the glandular tissue of the breasts responds
to sex
hormones. It also produces milk toward the end of pregnancy and after
childbirth
in response to hormone levels.
More female characteristics:
• Generally shorter than men;
• Greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men;
• Two X chromosomes reduce expression of many sex-linked conditions;
Lower mortality rate at every age and longer projected lifespan than men.
THE BIOLOGICAL MALE
The male sexual anatomy is designed for the production and delivery of
sperm for fertilization of the female’s ovum. Puberty signals the final
development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction.
A. The male external genitalia consist of the following structures:
• Prepuce – foreskin covering head of penis, removed in male circumcision;
Penis glans (head), shaft, and root.
• Corona – rim of glans where it arises from the shaft;
• Frenulum – a thin strip of skin connecting the glans and shaft on
the underside of the penis;
• Scrotum – the sac that encloses the two compartments housing the
testes;
• Urethral opening – found on the head of penis and used for urination and
semen delivery by which male ejaculates;
Perineum – area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus.

B. The male internal reproductive organs:

• Testes – produce androgen, particularly large quantities of testosterone;
also produce sperm cells in unlimited quantity over the entire course of the
lifespan.
• Testicle - They are two oval-shaped organs located inside the scrotum. It
produces testosterone and makes sperm.
• Vas deferens – travels from the testicle toward the urethra carrying
sperm;
• Seminal vesicles – two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose
sugar,
comprising some 70% of semen volume.
• Prostate – gland producing alkaline that accounts for about 30% of semen
volume.
• Urethra – tube within the penis that carries sperm and semen the rest of
the way to the opening of the penis.
More Male Characteristics:
• Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water;
• Proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood
fluid volume;
• Exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier body and
facial hair, but also increased frequency and degree of baldness;
• Single X chromosome resulting in sex-linked conditions such as
colorblindness and hemophilia.

Male secondary sexual characteristics that emerge after puberty:

• No monthly cycle
• Elongation of vocal cords (lower voice)
• Broader shoulders
• Deeper chest cavity
THE PROCESS OF REPRODUCTION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
differentiate the female and the male reproductive systems;
Understand the basis for physiological processes in females and males
DEFINITION OF TERMS
REPRODUCTION - The process of producing offspring.
HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - Organ system by which humans
reproduce and bear live offspring.
GENITALS - External sex organs.
PRIMARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS - Sex characteristics that are present at
birth
SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS - Sex characteristics that emerge
during puberty
GONADS - reproductive organs of human
FEMALE GONADS – ovaries (female)
MALE GONADS – testis (male)
What are other Male Characteristics?
- Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water;
- Proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood
fluid volume;
- Exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier body and
facial hair, but also increased frequency and degree of baldness;
The Process of Reproduction
How does one ovulate?
The menstrual cycle is the monthly ovulation cycle that leads to
menstruation (loss of blood and tissues lining the uterus) in the absence of
pregnancy.
What can be done to prevent teenage pregnancy?
CONDOM
How it Works
Rolled over the penis
Effectiveness
80-85%
Benefits
Low cost, easily accessible, and reduces risk of STDs/STIs
IMPLANT
How it Works
Continuous release of hormones
Effectiveness
99%
Benefits
Continuous birth control for five years
CALENDAR METHOD
How it Works
Allows the woman to keep track of “safe” days for sex.
Effectiveness
85% but in reality about 60%
Benefits
No cost and under the control of the woman
SURGICAL STERILIZATION
How it Works
Passageway for the sperm or the egg is surgically tied
Effectiveness
100%, but exceptions have been known to take place
Benefits
Highly effective, permanent, and onetime expense
PILLS
How it Works
Alters natural ovulation cycle
Effectiveness
Theoretically 99-100%, but women have conceived on the “pill”
Benefits
Low cost, easily available, and controlled by the woman
WITHDRAWAL
How it Works
Prevents the semen from going into the vagina
Effectiveness
85% but in reality, about 70%
Benefits
No cost under the control of the man and woman involved
IUD
How it Works
Inserted inside the uterus by a Doctor
Effectiveness
95-98%
Benefits
Long-lasting and relatively inexpensive

SEXUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Definition of terms:
❖ Health – a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
❖ Hygiene – refers to the behavior that can improve cleanliness and lead to
good health, such as frequent handwashing, face washing, and bathing with
soap and water.
❖ Sexual Health – refers to a state of physical, emotional, mental, and
social well-being in relation to sexuality.
❖ Reproductive Health – refers to the state of complete physical, mental,
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity in all
matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and
processes at all stages of life.
As we reach puberty, there are bodily changes that we can observe which at
times the source of our anxiety. Hence, we need to put personal hygiene and
healthy habits as our life skills.
1. Oily Hair
• When the sebaceous glands produce extra oil, it can make your hair look
too shiny, oily, and greasy. Solution: Washing your hair, every day or every
other day can help control oily hair.
2. Sweat and Body Odor
• Sweat glands perspire or secrete more sweat and other chemicals during
puberty, which causes a stronger smelling odor.
Solution:
✓ To bathe or shower every day using a mild soap and warm water.
✓ Wearing clean clothes, socks, and underwear each day
✓ Use deodorant or deodorant with antiperspirant for smelly underarms.
3. Body Hair
• There are hormones in our body that cause hair growth
Solution:
✓ Start shaving some places where body hair grows
4. Dental Hygiene
Solution:
✓ Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can
help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Healthcare Check for the Female:

1. Self-breast exam – should be done a week after the last day of your
menstrual period, when your breasts are not tender and swollen.
2. Keeping the external female genitalia clean:
✓ Use soap and water to wash the external genitalia and your underarms
every day, especially during menstruation.
✓ Use either a disposable pad made of cotton, which has a nylon base, or a
clean piece of cotton cloth to absorb blood during menstruation.
✓ Wash only the external genitalia. Do not try to clean the inside part of the
vagina.
✓ While washing, wash starting from the vagina towards the anus. Do not
wash from the anus towards the vagina. This will allow the germs to enter
the inner genitalia easily and cause infection.
✓ Be aware of abnormal fluid from your vagina. If you observe any changes
in the vaginal fluid – a change in color or odor, please visit a health
professional.
3.Healthcare Check for the Male:
1. Keeping the external male genitalia clean:
✓ Wash the external genitalia at least daily with soap and water, as you
wash the rest of the body.
✓ Boys who are not circumcised need to pull back the foreskin and gently
wash underneath it with clean water.
✓ Be aware of any abnormal fluids coming from your penis. If you see any
abnormal fluid or wound, please visit a health professional.

RISKY BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENTS

Definition of terms:
❖ Risk – the probability that a hazard in the environment can negatively
affect the
individual.
❖ Risk-taking – a behavior of doing something regardless of potential loss.

Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent development. It is defined as

participation in potentially health-compromising activities with little
understanding of, or in spite of an understanding of, the possible negative
consequences. Adolescents experiment with new behaviors as they explore
their emerging identity and independence. During this period, adolescents
may begin to explore alternative health behaviors including smoking,
drinking alcohol, drug use, sexual intimacy, and violence.

The Department of Health, in its Adolescent and Youth Health Policy (2000),
has identified the following health risks: substance use, premarital sex, early
childbearing, abortion, HIV/AIDS, violence, accidents, malnutrition, and
mental health.

TROUBLE SIGN among TEENS:

• Sexual promiscuity;
• Regular use of drugs and alcohol;
• Repeated violation of the law or school regulation;
• Running away more than once in three months;
• Skipping school more than once in three months;
• Aggressive outburst/impulsiveness
• Dark drawings or writings;
• Deterioration in hygiene;
• Oppositional behavior;
• Refusal to work/non-compliance;
 Chronic lateness;
• Falling asleep in class;
• Changes in physical appearance; and
• Excessive daydreaming.

HARMFUL PRACTICES
Common drugs abused by young people and their effects:
1. Marijuana (also known as Cannabis, Grass, Joint, Split, Hashish, Pot,
Weed).
Usually people smoke the leaves but the leaves and the stem can be made
into tea, or even cookies. The effects vary. Some people become relaxed and
happy while others feel panic or fear.
Effects:
• Marijuana causes an increase in heart rate and dilation of certain blood
vessels in the eyes, which creates the characteristics of blood-shot eyes.
• Chronic bronchial irritation
• Impairment of long-term memory
• Gum disease
• Increased risk of cancers of the mouth, jaw, tongue and lungs;
• Impairment of the immune system
• Decreased testosterone levels
• Decreased sperm counts
• Increased sperm abnormalities
• Impaired fetal growth and development among pregnant women users
2. Mairungi (also known as Khat, Qat, and Mirraa)
A stimulant leaf that is chewed in much of East Africa. Chewing Mairungi can
help someone feel more awake, confident, and energetic and can reduce
hunger.
Effects:
• Sleeplessness
• Anxiety
• Aggressive behavior
• Hallucinations
• Unable to get an erection for male users
3. Alcohol
This is the most common drug and is used worldwide. At first, alcohol causes
relaxation and people feel less self-conscious. However, with more alcohol,
people get drunk; reaction time slows down, and thinking straight becomes
difficult.
Effects:
• Slurred speech
• Aggressive behavior that leads to fights, rape, or other kinds of violence
 Vomiting
• Unconsciousness
• dying
• unsafe sex
• impaired ability to make healthy and safe decisions
4. Cigarettes (tobacco, cigars) Reasons why people start smoking:
• Peer influence
• Seductive advertisements
• Influence by older role models like siblings or celebrities
Effects:
• Death
• Addiction
• Lung cancer
• Emphysema
• Bronchial disorder
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Respiratory illness in children
5. Cocaine (also known as Crack, Coke, C, Charlie, Nose candy, Toot,
Bazooka, Big C, Cake, Lady, Stardust, Coco, Flake, Mister Coffee)
It is often called the “champagne of drugs” because of its high cost. It
makes one feel like his/her body is going fast, His/her heart races, and the
“highs” and “lows” are sudden. Crack is a much stronger form of cocaine. It
comes in a white powdered form and looks like hard white rocks. It can be
smoked or injected.
Effects:
• High body temperature
• Fast heartbeat
• Increased breathing rate
• Make you feel overconfident
• Make you more alert with extra energy
 Convulsions
• Seizures
• Strokes
• Cerebral hemorrhage
• Heart failure
• Destroys nose tissues
• Reportorial problems
• Weight loss
6. Heroin (also known as Hammer, Horse, H, Junk, Nod, Smack, Skag, White,
Beige, White lady, White stuff, Joy powder boy, Hairy, Harry, Joy powder)
This is a drug obtained from morphine and comes from the opium poppy
plant. It slows down the user’s body and mind. A very strong painkiller and
the most dangerous if mixed with other drugs. It can be injected, snorted,
smoked, or inhaled. Inhaling the Heroin is often called “chasing the
dragon.”
Effects:
• Extremely powerful rush and a high that usually last between four to
six hours.
• Feeling of well-being
• Relief from pain
• Fast physical and psychological dependence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Loss of balance
• Loss of concentration
• Loss of appetite
• Overdose results to death
• Increased possibility of contracting AIDS and HIV
• Unsafe sex
7. Amphetamines (also known as Speed, Ice, Browns, Footballs, Hearts,
Oranges, Wakeups, Black beauties, Crystal meth, Crack meth, Cat, Jeff amp,
Dexies, Rippers, Bennies, Browns, Greenies, Pep pills)
Amphetamines are stimulants that affect a person’s system by speeding up
the activity of the brain and giving energy. It can be swallowed, snorted,
injected, or smoked. It’s a synthetic drug or man-made).
Effects:
• Increase heart rate
• Faster breathing
• Increase blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Increased sweating
• More confident and alert
• Extra energy
• Reduce appetite
• Sleeping difficulty
• Talkativeness
• Anxiousness
• Irritable
• Panic attacks
• Strong psychological dependence
8. Ecstasy (also known as Adam, Essence, MDM, MDMA, XTC, Eve, MDE,
MDEA)
Ecstasy is a stimulant, in the form of a tablet. It speeds up the user's
system by increasing his/her physical and emotional energy. It is a
synthetic drug (or man-made). These pills can come in many different colors.
Some ecstasy tablets have pictures on them, such as doves, rabbits, or
champagne bottles. It is usually swallowed.
Effects:
• Feeling happy, warm, loving and more energetic
• Feel emotionally close to others
• Might say or do things that he/she usually would not
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rise in blood pressure and heart rate
• Possible death due to overheating of the body
• Dehydration or loss of water in the body
 Feelings of depression and tiredness are common after stopping the
drug
• Brain and liver damage
9. Inhalants and solvents
These are chemicals that can be inhaled, such as glue, gasoline, aerosol
sprays, lighter fluids, etc. These are not drugs as such and are in fact,
legally available in shops. However, they are abused widely, particularly
among street youth. This is used by soaking a rag in an inhalant; placing the
rag in a bag or sack and then placing the bag over the face, and inhaling the
vapors.
Effects:
• Gives the user a “high” feeling for a very brief period of time
• Feeling numb
• Dizzy
• Confused
• Drowsy
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Damages lungs, kidney and liver
• Suffocation, convulsions and comas
Tips to avoid illegal-Drug use:
✓ You do not need to take drugs to be liked by other people.
✓ You do not need to take drugs to feel brave or courageous.
✓ You do not need drugs to cope with sorrow or disappointments.
✓ You have, inside you, the strength and inner resources to deal
with any situation and any problem.