THE PHYSICAL AND

SEXUAL SELF
 Life begins at fertilization.
It 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 cell called
spermatozoa [sing. –zoon] are
produced in the male gonads called
testes.
OVA - female sex cells.
produced in the female gonads known ovaries.
ZYGOTE – the fertilized egg cell.
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.
Both male and female chromosomes contain several thousands of genes –
called deoxyribonucleic acid which is the code of heredity. Maturation is the
unfolding of the inherent traits.
 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

• The formation of male or female structures depends on the

presence of testosterone (A substance called hormone that
occurs naturally in men and male animals). The embryonic
testes release testosterone once formed and the formation of the
duct system and external genitalia follows. The same with
female embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the development
of the female ducts and external genitalia since testosterone
hormone is not produce.
 PSEUDO HERMAPHRODITES

 are formed who is an individual having accessory

reproductive structures that do not “match” their gonads
while truen Hermaphrodites are individuals who possess
both ovarian and testicular tissues but this condition is rare
in nature. Nowadays, many pseudo hermaphrodites
undergo sex change operation to have their outer selves fit
with their inner serves (gonads).
 HUMAN ANATOMY

Puberty - is the period of life when the reproductive

organs grow to their adult size and become functional

under the influence of rising levels of gonadal

hormones[testosterone in male and estrogen in female]

and generally between the age of 10-15 years old.

 At the age of 13, male 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.
For the female, the budding of their breasts usually
occurring at the age of 11 as a sign of 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.
 FACTORS IN 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 from parents to
offspring, it provides the raw materials of which the individual is made
up.
 Environment [nurture] is the sum total of the forces or experiences
that a person undergoes from conception to old age. It includes family,
friends, school, nutrition and other agencies one is in contact with.
 DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
• Infections are the most common problems associated with the
reproductive system in adults.
• Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women
and those whose resistance to diseases is low, like, Escherichia
coli which spread through the digestive tract, the sexually
transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea and
herpes virus and yeast fungus.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility are also the effect of
vaginal infections.
• For males, the most common inflammatory conditions are
prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, STD, Orchiditis.
• Major treat to reproductive organs are Neoplasms, tumor of
the breast and cervix cancers in adult females and prostates
cancer in adult males.
• Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive
abilities in their late 20‟s, i.e. irregular ovulation and shorter
menstrual periods – menopausal period.
• The production of estrogen may continue after menopause but the
ovaries finally stop functioning as endocrine organs. The reproductive
organ and breast begin to atrophy or shrink if estrogen is no longer
released from the body. With this case, the vaginal becomes dry that
causes intercourse to become painful if frequent and the vaginal
infections become increasingly common.
• Signs of estrogen deficiency: irritability and mood changes
[depression in some]; intense vasodilation of the skin’s blood vessels,
gradual thinning of skin and loss of bone mass, slowing rising high blood
levels etc..
• Note: there is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging
men show a steady decline in testosterone section, their reproductive
capability seems unending. Healthy men are still able to father offspring
well into their 80‟ and beyond.
 EROGENOUS ZONES

-refers to part of the body that are primarily receptive and

increase sexual arousal when touched in a sexual manner.
Examples: mouth, breast, genitals, anus
However, erogenous zones may vary from one person to
another. Some people may desire and enjoy being touched
in certain area more than the other area, like, neck,
thighs, abdomen and feet.
 HUMAN SEXUAL
BEHAVIOR
-it defined as any activity – solitary, between two
persons, or in a group – that induces/ brings sexual
arousal [Gebhard, P.H. 2017]. This behavior is classified
according to gender and number of participants.
Types of behavior: Solitary behavior [involving one
individual]; and Socio-sexual behavior [more than
one individual].
 SOLITARY BEHAVIOR
• Self – gratification [begins at or b4 puberty] means self –
stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax.
This takes place in personal and private as an end in itself, but can also
be done in a socio-sexual relationship.
• This is common for males but becomes less frequent or is abandoned
when socio-sexual activity is available.
• Therefore, self-gratification is most frequent among the unmarried.
However this self-gratification usually decreases as soon as an individual
develop socio-sexual relationship.
 SOCIO-SEXUAL
BEHAVIOR
- It is the greatest amount of socio-sexual behavior that occurs b/w only one male
and one female. This usually begins in childhood and may be motivated by
curiosity, such as showing or examining genitalia.
• Physical contact involving necking and petting is considered as an ingredient of
the learning process and eventually of courtship and selection of a marriage
partner.
• A behavior may be interpreted by society or individual as erotic depending on the
context in which the behavior occurs. Example, kissing as a gesture of intimacy
b/w
couples while other sees this as respect and reverence.
 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 and
female reproductive system, rapid breathing, secretion of genital
fluids, vaginal
2. Plateau phase - it is generally of brief duration. If
stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.
3. Sexual climax - a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure,
and 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 that
last only for few seconds normally not over ten.
4. Resolution phase - it refers to the return to a
normal or subnormal physiological state. Whereas
males return to normal even if stimulation continues, but
continued stimulations 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 nervous system plays a significant role during sexual response. The
autonomic system is involved in controlling the involuntary responses.
The efferent cerebrospinal nerves transmit the sensory messages to the
brain to create stimulus and later initiating a sexual response. The brain will
interpret the sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate and
appropriate response of the body. The muscles contract in response to the
signal coming from the motor nerve fibers while glad secretes their respective
product. So, sexual response is dependent the activity of the nervous
System.
 HYPOTHALAMUS AND LIMBIC SYSTEM

- are part 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.
Sexual problems
These may be classified as physiological,
psychological and social in origin.
Physiological problems are the least among the three
categories.
Small number of people suffering from diseases due to
abnormal development of the genitalia or that part of the
neurophysiology controlling sexual response. Example:
vaginal infection, retroverted uteri, prostatitis, adrenal
tumors, diabetes, senile changes of the vagina and
cardiovascular problems.
 MEDICATION: THROUGH SURGERY

Psychological problems: usually caused by socially induced inhibitions,

maladaptive attitudes, ignorance and sexual myths held by society.
Example: mature sex must involve rapid erection, prolonged coitus and simultaneous
orgasm.
Methods: magazines, married books and general sexual folklore often strengthen
these
demanding ideals which are not always achieved; therefore, can give rise to feeling of
inadequacy anxiety and guilt. Hence, resulting negative emotions can definitely affect
the behavior of an individual.
• Premature emission of semen is a common problem for young
males. Why?
Because of the natural result of excessive tension in a male who has
been sexually
deprived.
• Erectile impotence is almost always a psychological problem in
males under 40; in other cases, the impotence may be the result
of disinterest in the sexual partner,
fatigue, and distraction because of nonsexual worries, intoxication
and other causes
• Ejaculatory impotence [inability to ejaculate in coitus] is uncommon
and usually of psychogenic origin. Why? It is due to the past traumatic
experiences. Warning! Occasional ejaculatory inability can be possibly
expected in older men or in any male who has exceeding his sexual
capacity.
• Lastly, vaginismus is a strong spasm [contraction] 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 as an unconscious defense
against coitus. Medication: through psychotherapy and by gradually
dilating/widening the female organ with increasing large cylinders.
 SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE DISEASES ARE THE
FOLLOWING:

1. Chlamydia- a very small parasitic bacterium which, like a

virus, requires the biochemical mechanisms of another cell
in order to reproduce.
2. Gonorrhea- is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
3. Syphilis- is an infection caused by bacteria. Most often, it
spreads through sexual contact.
4. Chancroid - is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection
characterized by painful sores on the genitalia.

5. Human Papillomavirus - is a viral infection that

commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths
(warts).
6. Herpes simplex virus -can cause both genital and oral herpes.

7. Trichomonas vaginalis -is an anaerobic, flagellated protozoan

parasite and the causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease.
 NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL METHODS ARE
THE FOLLOWING:
1. Abstinence - this natural method involves abstaining from
sexual intercourse and is the most effective natural birth control
method with an ideal 0% fail rate.
2. Calendar method - also called the rhythm method, this
natural method of family planning involves refraining from coitus
during the days that the woman is fertile.
3. Basal body temperature -is the woman’s temperature at rest.

4. Cervical mucus method -is the changes in the cervical mucus

during ovulation.
5. Symptothermal method- is simply a combination of the
BBT method and the cervical mucus method.
• The woman takes her temperature every morning before
getting up and also takes note of any changes in her cervical
mucus every day.
• She abstains from coitus 3 days after a rise in her temperature
or on the fourth day after the peak of a mucus change.
Symptothermal method has an ideal failure rate of 2%.
6. Ovulation Detection -detection method is an over-
the-counter kit that can predict ovulation through the
surge of luteinizing hormone that happens 12 to 24
hours before ovulation.
• The kit requires the urine specimen of the woman to
detect the LH.
• The kit is 98% to 99% accurate and is fast becoming
the method of choice by women.
7. Coitus Interruptus -this is one of the oldest methods of
contraception.
• The couple still proceeds with the coitus, but the man
withdraws the moment he ejaculates to emit the
spermatozoa outside of the vagina.
• The disadvantage of this method is the pre-ejaculation fluid
that contains a few spermatozoa that may cause
fertilization.
 ARTIFICIAL METHODS ARE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Oral Contraceptives -also known as the pill, oral

contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone.
 2.TRANSDERMAL PATCH

- The transdermal patch has a

combination of both estrogen and
progesterone in a form of a patch.
- For three weeks, the woman
should apply one patch every
week on the following areas: upper
outer arm, upper torso, abdomen,
or buttocks.
 3. VAGINAL RING

• The vaginal ring releases a combination of

estrogen and progesterone and surrounds
the cervix.
• This silicon ring is inserted vaginally and
remains there for 3 weeks, then removed on
the fourth week as menstrual flow would
occur.
• The woman becomes fertile as soon as the
ring is removed. The vaginal ring has the
same effectivity rate as oral contraceptives.
 4. SUBDERMAL IMPLANTS

• The subdermal implants are two rod-like

implants embedded under the skin of
the woman during her menses or on the
7th day of her menstruation to make
sure that she is not pregnant.
• It contains etonogestrel, desogestrel,
and progestin.
• It is effective for 3 to 5 years.
• Subdermal implants have a fail rate of
1%.
 5. HORMONAL INJECTIONS
• A hormonal injection consists of
medroxyprogesterone, and
progesterone, and is given once
every 12 weeks intramuscularly.
• The injection inhibits ovulation
and causes changes in the
endometrium and the cervical
mucus.
 6. INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
• An IUD is a small, T-shaped object that is
inserted into the uterus via the vagina.
• It prevents fertilization by creating a local
sterile inflammatory condition to prevent
implantation.
• The IUD is fitted only by the physician
and inserted after the woman’s menstrual
flow to be sure that she is not pregnant.
 7. CHEMICAL BARRIERS

• Chemical barriers such as spermicides,

vaginal gels, creams, and glycerin films are
also used to cause the death of sperms
before they can enter the cervix and also
lower the pH level of the vagina so it will
not become conducive for the sperm.
 8. DIAPHRAGM

• A diaphragm works by inhibiting the

entrance of the sperm into the vagina.
• It is a circular, rubber disk that fits the
cervix and should be placed before coitus.
 9. CERVICAL CAP

• The cervical cap is another

barrier method that 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.
 10. MALE CONDOMS

• The male condom is a latex or • Male condoms have an

synthetic rubber sheath that is ideal fail rate of 2% and a
placed on the erect penis before
typical fail rate of 15% due
vaginal penetration to trap the
to a break in the sheath’s
sperm during ejaculation.
integrity or spilling.
• It can prevent STIs and can be
bought over the counter without
any fitting needed.
 11. FEMALE CONDOMS
• These are also latex rubber sheaths that
are specially designed for females and
prelubricated with spermicide.
• It has an inner ring that covers the cervix
and an outer, open ring that is placed
against the vaginal opening.
• These are disposable and require no
prescription.
• The fail rate of female condoms is 12% to
22%.
 12. SURGICAL METHODS (VASECTOMY
AND LIGATION)
• Males undergo vasectomy,
which is executed through a
small incision made on each
side of the scrotum.
 TUBAL LIGATION

• In women, tubal ligation is performed by occluding the

fallopian tubes through cutting, cauterizing, or blocking
to inhibit the passage of the both the sperm and the
ova.
• After menstruation and before ovulation, the procedure
is done through a small incision under the woman’s
umbilicus.
 NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL METHODS OF
CONTRACEPTION

NATURAL METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL METHODS OF

CONTRACEPTION CONTRACEPTIONS

Natural contraception methods are perhaps

the safest way of avoiding pregnancy, but
involve periodic abstinence. It requires
consistent self-control and some of the
methods have a high failure rate.
Advantages of natural contraception are:
 No need of any devices
 No costs
 No hormonal or surgical interference with
What’s the difference between natural and artificial
contraception?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a fertility awareness that allows

a couple to read and understand the body’s signs. It’s a scientific
approach that can be tailored to an individual and can be used to
both achieve and avoid pregnancy.

There are at least four enormous differences between NFP and

artificial contraception. The first is the morality of the act; the
second deals with the fact that some contraceptives work by
causing abortions; the third issue pertains to adverse side effects
caused by contraceptives; and the last issue deals with the fruits
of NFP.