Chapter 6: The Self in western and Oriental Thought

Are we all different and independent, or are all people part of one whole?

In this lesson, we'll examine what Eastern philosophy and religion, including Hinduism
and Buddhism, believe about the self. Are all ready my bebe eagles?

The Nature of the Self

Norah has been watching the news and the way everyone is at each other's throats, and
though it's painful and sad to watch, she also thinks it's inevitable. After all, people are
all independent and very different from one another.

Her friend Charlie isn't so sure though. He believes that everyone is connected to each
other and to the world. To Charlie, we are all one, so no one should be fighting.

Norah and Charlie are thinking about the nature of the self. When philosophers talk
about the nature of the self, what they are really asking is: Are we separate from each
other and from the universe?

In Western philosophy, people tend to think like Norah: people are separate and
unique from each other. What one person does or experiences is completely
independent of other people and the world at large.

However,

 In Eastern philosophy, the self is often treated as an illusion. That is, the idea that
people are separate entities from each other and the world is not considered a reality in
Eastern thought. 

To Charlie, Eastern thought seems pretty clear, but Norah's still confused about it. How
can the self be an illusion? Does that mean she doesn't exist? To help Norah understand
better, let's look at two major religious traditions in Asia - Hinduism and Buddhism -
and how they view the self.

HINDUISM

Norah has heard of Hinduism, a major religion with many branches common in south
Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka. But, she's not sure what Hindus believe, or what
their beliefs have to do with the self.
 

There are many different branches of Hinduism with varying beliefs, sort of like there are
many different branches of Christianity. But in all the branches of Hinduism, there are
two important concepts that will help Norah understand the Hindu view of the self: the
Brahman and the Atman.

The Brahman is essentially the sacred, the god spirit or the universe. In contrast,
the Atman is the human soul, or the self. So when Norah thinks about her soul as a
separate entity from others, she's thinking of her Atman.

Unlike Norah's belief that the soul is separate, Hinduism teaches that the Atman is
essentially part of the Brahman, or universe. To help Norah understand, Charlie tells her
to think about a single drop of water in a cloud way up in the sky. It comes down with
other drops in the form of rain and makes its way to a river where it blends with other
drops. Eventually, this single drop of water flows out to the ocean where it is
indistinguishable from other drops. Finally, it evaporates and makes its way to the
atmosphere, where it becomes part of a cloud again.

To the Hindus, this drop of water is the Atman, and the cycle that it goes through is kind
of like reincarnation, or the belief that people die and are reborn over and over again.
Each time a person dies and is reborn, it comes closer to the Brahman. Eventually, the
person will complete the cycle of reincarnation when they have developed enough.
When this happens, they stop being reborn and are fully reunited with the Brahman. It's
like the drop of water stopped collecting in a cloud, raining down and evaporating and
instead simply dissolved into everything: the air, the earth, and the water.

So, what does this have to do with the self? Norah's already figured out that Hindus
think very differently about the self than she does: they think in terms of centuries and
lifetimes, whereas she thinks about herself in terms of who she is today and tomorrow.
In Hinduism, the self, or the Atman, is just part of a larger whole, the Brahman, which
encompasses everything. The self, or the Atman, is tied to everything, or as one sacred
Hindu text says it, ''Thou are thou.''

BUDDHISM

Norah is starting to understand a little bit how the self can be thought of as part of the
universe. But there's still a self, right?
Charlie doesn't believe in the Atman; he doesn't believe that there's such a thing as a
self at all. That's because he's a Buddhist. Buddhism is a common Eastern religion and
philosophy where the self is often thought of as an illusion. Buddhism- No Self. Our life
is determined by the law of "cause and effect ".ie. our life is determined by our actions.
Everything is an illusion.

Advaita Vedanta-There is an eternal ultimate reality without any attributes which we

may call universal Self. We are that! Everything else is an illusion including our universe.

Saivaism- We are Self.. But we can't exist independent of the ultimate reality,the
universal Self. Both are eternal, the difference is in degree. . Everything that exists is the
manifested expression of the universal Self but not of permanent existence.

The Law of "cause and effect "influence our life.

Concept of rebirth and karma is accepted by all eastern religions.

CONFUCIANISM (Subdued self)

"The identity and self-concept of an individual is interwoven with the identity and status
of his/her community or culture, sharing its prides as well as its failures." Self-Cultivation
is the ultimate purpose of life.

TAOISM "Selflessness"

"The self is not just an extension of the family or the community; it is part of the
universe, one of the forms and manifestations of the Tao.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

"The focus is always looking towards the self"

Differences Eastern and western

The Western civilization is more individualistic, trying to find the meaning of life here
and now with self at the center as it is already given and part of the divine.

The Eastern philosophy is drawn much more into groups or society or people’s actions
and thoughts as one in order to find meaning in life as they try to get rid of the false
“me” concept and find meaning in discovering the true “me” in relation to everything
around them, or as part of a bigger scheme.
Lesson 1: individualistic vs. collective self

INDIVIDUALIST

The individual identifies primarily with self, with the needs of the individual being
satisfied before those of the group. Looking after and taking care of oneself, being self-
sufficient, guarantees the well-being of the group. Independence and self-reliance are
greatly stressed and valued. In general, people tend to distance themselves
psychologically and emotionally from each other. One may choose to join groups, but
group membership is not essential to one’s identity or success. Individualist
characteristics are often associated with men and people in urban settings.

 COLLECTIVIST

One’s identity is, in large part, a function of one’s membership and role in a group, e.g.,
the family or work team. The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of
the individual, so that by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects
oneself. Harmony and the interdependence of group members are stressed and valued.
Group members are relatively close psychologically and emotionally, but distant toward
no group members. Collectivist characteristics are often associated with women and
people in rural settings.  

 Individualism stresses individual goals and the rights of the individual

person.  Collectivism  focuses on group goals, what is best for the collective group, and
personal relationships.

An  individualist  is motivated by personal rewards and benefits. Individualist persons set
personal goals and objectives based on self.

LESSON 7: PHYSICAL SELF

Physical Self refers to the body, this marvellous container and complex, finely tuned,
machine with which we interface with our environment and fellow beings. The Physical
Self is the concrete dimension, the tangible aspect of the person that can be directly
observed and examined.

 William James considered body as initial source of sensation and necessary for the
origin and maintenance of personality. However, James considered body as passive to
the mind. So then, body is an expressive tool of indwelling consciousness and good
physical health. It is an element of spiritual hygiene of supreme significance.
Abraham Maslow and Carl rogers, the two most prominent figures of the Humanist
tradition, have not discussed (chat this code if you read this you have 5 points for me)

in detail the role of the body in the process of self-actualization. According to maslow;s
Hierchy of theory, once the physiological needs of a person are met, the individual is
more concerned with the higher order needs. 

 Eric Erikson, Experience is anchored in the ground-plan f body. According to him the
role of the bodily organs is especially important in early development stages of a
person’s life. Later in life, the development of physical as well as intellectual skills helps
determine whether an individual will achieve a sense of competency and ability to
choose demanding roles in a complex society.

The self as impacted by the body

Body image is mental and emotional: it’s both the mental picture that you have of your
body and the way you feel about your body when you look in a mirror.

Healthy body image is more than simply tolerating what you look like or “not disliking”
yourself. A healthy body image means that you truly accept and like the way you look
right now, and aren’t trying to change your body to fit the way you think you should
look. It means recognizing the individual qualities and strengths that make you feel
good about yourself beyond weight, shape or appearance, and resisting the pressure to
strive for the myth of the “perfect” body that you see in the media, online, in your
communities.

Self-esteem is how you value and respect yourself as a person—it is the opinion that
you have of yourself inside and out. Self-esteem impacts how you take care of yourself,
emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Self-esteem is about your whole self, not just
your body.
When you have good self-esteem, you value yourself, and you know that you deserve
good care and respect—from yourself and from others. You can appreciate and
celebrate your strengths and your abilities, and you don’t put yourself down if you make
a mistake. Good self-esteem means that you still feel like you’re good enough even
when you’re dealing with difficult feelings or situations.

Why do body image and self-esteem matter?

Body image and self-esteem directly influence each other—and your feelings, thoughts,
and behaviours. If you don’t like your body (or a part of your body), it’s hard to feel
good about your whole self. The reverse is also true: if you don’t value yourself, it’s hard
to notice the good things and give your body the respect it deserves.

Below, see how good body image and self-esteem positively impact mental health:

These are just a few examples. As you can see, good body image, self-esteem, and
mental health are not about making yourself feel happy all the time. They are really
about respecting yourself and others, thinking realistically, and taking action to cope
with problems or difficulties in healthy ways.

Below, see how poor body image and self-esteem negatively impact mental health:
As you can see, the problem with negative thinking and feelings is that once people
start to focus on shortcomings or problems in one area or one situation, it becomes very
easy to only see problems in many other areas or situations. Negative thinking has a
way of leading to more negative thinking.

The Impact of Culture on body image and self- esteem.

The importance of beauty in Society shapes us in many ways, possibly more than we
realise – from our interactions, to our personal development through to others’
perception of our bodies as a reflection of self worth.

We are social beings. Genetically we rely on one another for the survival of humanity.
That primal connection makes our interactions physiologically and psychologically
important. So it’s not surprising that how society perceives us affects us on many levels.

And it’s partly how society perceives our bodies that is of concern; we’re talking body
image. So what does that involve?

Body image is both internal (personal) and external (society) 

This includes:

How we perceive our bodies visually?

How we feel about our physical appearance?

How we think and talk to ourselves about our bodies?

Our sense of how other people view our bodies ?

How we look has possibly never held as much societal importance or reflected so
significantly on our perceived self worth.?

The media in particular, has increasingly become a platform that reinforces cultural
beliefs and projects strong views on how we should look, that we as individuals often
unknowingly or knowingly validate and perpetuate.

The more we look at perfect images of others and then look to find those same
idealised characteristics in ourselves and don’t find them, the worse we feel about
ourselves.

It’s a cycle that breeds discontent.

With such strong societal scrutiny it’s easy to see how the focus on how we look can
slide into the dark side – negative body image. Developing mindfulness can nourish
the best of who we are.

TODAY’S EMBEDDED IDEALS – THE PHYSICAL

Life today sees image upon image of fashionably clad women, perfect skin, tiny waists,
ample breasts, fashionably protruding behinds (of Kardashian and Beyonce fame) all
with a weight of no greater than 59kg.

They are unrealistic images of beauty, genetically impossible for many of us to emulate.
The same thing applies to the 6-pack or ripped abs shoved in the face of men via
famous sportsmen and male fitness models, which for many is impossible to achieve
without illegal steroids.

Yet we are told that these unattainable bodies are normal, desirable, and achievable.
When we don’t measure up we develop a strong sense of dissatisfaction and the way
that manifests can be ugly.

THE MEDIA 

The images of perfection we see in print, film and television project an unrealistic
version of reality that we are continually told is attainable – if we work out, eat less and
lather our bodies in transformative, firming and tightening creams.
The media is a powerful tool that reinforces cultural beliefs and values, and while it may
not be fully responsible for determining the standards for physical attractiveness, it
makes escaping the barrage of images and attitudes almost impossible.

PREJUDICE – SIZE

Intolerance of body diversity has a lot to do with prejudice of size and shape in our
culture. Being thin, toned and muscular has become associated with the hard-working,
successful, popular, beautiful, strong, and the disciplined.

Being fat is associated with the lazy, ugly, weak, and lacking in will-power.

With this prejudice, fat isn’t a description like tall or redhead – it’s an indication of moral
character and we are conditioned to think that fat is bad.

Those closest to us – family and friends

We learn from other people, particularly those closest to us about the things that are
considered important.

Friendships are particularly important in body image development because we place

high value on them, spend lots of time with our friends and develop shared experiences,
values and beliefs.

Classrooms, University dorms and common rooms are often filled with negative body
talk: “I wish I had her stomach” “I hate my thighs” “I feel fat.” Listening to this tends to
reinforce the need to focus on appearance and make comparisons between us and
other people’s bodies.

So how can we build a strong and positive body image? 

Positive body image involves understanding that healthy attractive bodies come in
many shapes and sizes, and that physical appearance says very little about our character
or value as a person.

How we get to this point of acceptance often depends on our individual development
and self acceptance. To get to that all important point of balance there are a few steps
we can take:
Talk back to the media. All media and messages are developed or constructed and are
not reflections of reality. So shout back. Speak our dissatisfaction with the focus on
appearance and lack of size acceptance 

De-emphasise numbers. Kilograms on a scale don’t tell us anything meaningful about

the body as a whole or our health. Eating habits and activity patterns are much more
important 

Realize that we cannot change our body type: thin, large, short or tall, we need to
appreciate the uniqueness of what we have – and work with it 

Stop comparing ourselves to others. We are unique and we can’t get a sense of our own
body’s needs and abilities by comparing it to someone else 

We need to move and enjoy our bodies not because we have to, but because it makes
us feel good. Walking, swimming, biking, dancing – there is something for everyone 

Spend time with people who have a healthy relationship with food, activity, and their
bodies 

 Each of us will have a positive body image when we have a realistic perception of our
bodies, when we enjoy, accept and celebrate how we are and let go of negative societal
or media perpetuated conditioning.

But the media and society in general, are not all bad.

As with most things, with the bad comes the potential for good and increasingly, people
the world over are waking up to the negativity and conditioning that we are bombarded
with daily.

If not for this awakening we would not have initiatives like Live Life Get Active; where
awakening ourselves to a healthy and fulfilled life is at the core of what we do.

Live Life Get Active is a social initiative built to create a fitter, healthier and happier
Australia.

We approach health and well-being from a fun and socially engaging perspective and
the importance we put on a healthy lifestyle is reflected in our pricing structure – there
is none.. 

LESSON 8: Sexual Self

Sexual self-concept refers to the totality of oneself as a sexual being, including positive
and negative concepts and feelings. According to theorists, sexual self-concept is
described well along three dimensions (Snell & Papini, 1989): sexual self-esteem,
sexual depression, and sexual preoccupation.

Development of Secondary Sex of the human reproductive system

The development of the reproductive systems begins soon after fertilization of the egg,
with primordial gonads beginning to develop approximately one month after
conception. Reproductive development continues in utero, but there is little change in
the reproductive system between infancy and puberty.

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Females are considered the “fundamental” sex—that is, without much chemical
prompting, all fertilized eggs would develop into females. To become a male, an
individual must be exposed to the cascade of factors initiated by a single gene on the
male Y chromosome. This is called the SRY (Sex-determining Region of
the Y chromosome). Because females do not have a Y chromosome, they do not have
the SRY gene. Without a functional SRY gene, an individual will be female.

In both male and female embryos, the same group of cells has the potential to develop
into either the male or female gonads; this tissue is considered bipotential.
The SRY gene actively recruits other genes that begin to develop the testes, and
suppresses genes that are important in female development. As part of this SRY-
prompted cascade, germ cells in the potential gonads differentiate into spermatogonia.
Without SRY, different genes are expressed, oogonia form, and primordial follicles
develop in the primitive ovary.

Soon after the formation of the testis, the Leydig cells begin to secrete testosterone.
Testosterone can influence tissues that are potential to become male reproductive
structures. For example, with exposure to testosterone, cells that could become either
the glans penis or the glans clitoris form the glans penis. Without testosterone, these
same cells differentiate into the clitoris.

Not all tissues in the reproductive tract are bipotential. The internal reproductive
structures (for example the uterus, uterine tubes, and part of the vagina in females; and
the epididymis, ductus deferens, and seminal vesicles in males) form from one of two
rudimentary duct systems in the embryo. For proper reproductive function in the adult,
one set of these ducts must develop properly, and the other must degrade. In males,
secretions from sustentacular cells trigger a degradation of the female duct, called
the Müllerian duct. At the same time, testosterone secretion stimulates growth of the
male tract, the Wolffian duct. Without such sustentacular cell secretion, the Müllerian
duct will develop; without testosterone, the Wolffian duct will degrade. Thus, the
developing offspring will be female. For more information and a figure of differentiation
of the gonads, seek additional content on fetal development.

Puberty is the stage of development at which individuals become sexually mature.

Though the outcomes of puberty for boys and girls are very different, the hormonal
control of the process is very similar. In addition, though the timing of these events
varies between individuals, the sequence of changes that occur is predictable for male
and female adolescents. As shown in the image below, a concerted release of hormones
from the hypothalamus (GnRH), the anterior pituitary (LH and FSH), and the gonads
(either testosterone or estrogen) is responsible for the maturation of the reproductive
systems and the development of secondary sex characteristics, which are physical
changes that serve auxiliary roles in reproduction.

The first changes begin around the age of eight or nine when the production of LH
becomes detectable. The release of LH occurs primarily at night during sleep and
precedes the physical changes of puberty by several years. In pre-pubertal children, the
sensitivity of the negative feedback system in the hypothalamus and pituitary is very
high. This means that very low concentrations of androgens or estrogens will negatively
feed back onto the hypothalamus and pituitary, keeping the production of GnRH, LH,
and FSH low.

As individual approaches puberty, two changes in sensitivity occur. The first is a

decrease of sensitivity in the hypothalamus and pituitary to negative feedback, meaning
that it takes increasingly larger concentrations of sex steroid hormones to stop the
production of LH and FSH. The second change in sensitivity is an increase in sensitivity
of the gonads to the FSH and LH signals, meaning the gonads of adults are more
responsive to gonadotropins than are the gonads of children. As a result of these two
changes, the levels of LH and FSH slowly increase and lead to the enlargement and
maturation of the gonads, which in turn leads to secretion of higher levels of sex
hormones and the initiation of spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis.

In addition to age, multiple factors can affect the age of onset of puberty, including
genetics, environment, and psychological stress. One of the more important influences
may be nutrition; historical data demonstrate the effect of better and more consistent
nutrition on the age of menarche in girls in the United States, which decreased from an
average age of approximately 17 years of age in 1860 to the current age of
approximately 12.75 years in 1960, as it remains today. Some studies indicate a link
between puberty onset and the amount of stored fat in an individual. This effect is more
pronounced in girls, but has been documented in both sexes. Body fat, corresponding
with secretion of the hormone leptin by adipose cells, appears to have a strong role in
determining menarche. This may reflect to some extent the high metabolic costs of
gestation and lactation. In girls who are lean and highly active, such as gymnasts, there
is often a delay in the onset of puberty.

Signs of Puberty

Different sex steroid hormone concentrations between the sexes also contribute to the
development and function of secondary sexual characteristics. Examples of secondary
sexual characteristics are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Development of the Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Male Female
Increased larynx size and deepening of the voice Deposition of fat, predominantly in
Increased muscular development Breast development
Growth of facial, axillary, and pubic hair, and increased growth of Broadening of the pelvis and growt
body hair pubic hair

As a girl reaches puberty, typically the first change that is visible is the development of
the breast tissue. This is followed by the growth of axillary and pubic hair. A growth
spurt normally starts at approximately age 9 to 11, and may last two years or more.
During this time, a girl’s height can increase 3 inches a year. The next step in puberty is
menarche, the start of menstruation.

In boys, the growth of the testes is typically the first physical sign of the beginning of
puberty, which is followed by growth and pigmentation of the scrotum and growth of
the penis. The next step is the growth of hair, including armpit, pubic, chest, and facial
hair. Testosterone stimulates the growth of the larynx and thickening and lengthening of
the vocal folds, which causes the voice to drop in pitch. The first fertile ejaculations
typically appear at approximately 15 years of age, but this age can vary widely across
individual boys. Unlike the early growth spurt observed in females, the male growth
spurt occurs toward the end of puberty, at approximately age 11 to 13, and a boy’s
height can increase as much as 4 inches a year. In some males, pubertal development
can continue through the early 20s.

Chapter Review

The reproductive systems of males and females begin to develop soon after conception.
A gene on the male’s Y chromosome called SRY is critical in stimulating a cascade of
events that simultaneously stimulate testis development and repress the development
of female structures. Testosterone produced by Leydig cells in the embryonic testis
stimulates the development of male sexual organs. If testosterone is not present, female
sexual organs will develop.

Whereas the gonads and some other reproductive tissues are considered bipotential,
the tissue that forms the internal reproductive structures stems from ducts that will
develop into only male (Wolffian) or female (Müllerian) structures. To be able to
reproduce as an adult, one of these systems must develop properly and the other must
degrade.

Further development of the reproductive systems occurs at puberty. The initiation of the
changes that occur in puberty is the result of a decrease in sensitivity to negative
feedback in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and an increase in sensitivity of the
gonads to FSH and LH stimulation. These changes lead to increases in either estrogenic
or testosterone, in female and male adolescents, respectively. The increase in sex steroid
hormones leads to maturation of the gonads and other reproductive organs. The
initiation of spermatogenesis begins in boys, and girls begin ovulating and
menstruating. Increases in sex steroid hormones also lead to the development of
secondary sex characteristics such as breast development in girls and facial hair and
larynx growth in boys.

 
Discussing the Erogenous Zones

Erogenous zones may be classified by the type of sexual response that they generate.
Many people are gently aroused when their eyelids, eyebrows, temples, shoulders,
hands, arms and hair are subtly touched. Gently touching or stroking of
these zones stimulates a partner during foreplay and increases the arousal level.

Understanding the human sexual Response

What is the sexual response cycle?

The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional changes that
occur as a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in sexually stimulating
activities, including intercourse and masturbation. Knowing how your body responds
during each phase of the cycle can enhance your relationship and help you pinpoint the
cause of sexual dysfunction. It is not the only model of a sexual response cycle, but it is
the best known one.

What are the phases of the sexual response cycle?

The sexual response cycle has four phases: desire (libido), arousal (excitement), orgasm
and resolution. Both men and women experience these phases, although the timing
usually is different. For example, it is unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm at the
same time. In addition, the intensity of the response and the time spent in each phase
varies from person to person. Many women will not go through the sexual phases in this
order. Some of these stages may be absent during some sexual encounters, or out of
sequence in others. A desire for intimacy may be a motivation for sexual activity in some
individuals. Understanding these differences may help partners better understand one
another’s bodies and responses, and enhance the sexual experience.

Several physiologic changes may occur during different stages of sexual activity.
Individuals may experience some, all, or none of these changes.

Phase 1: Desire
General characteristics of this phase, which can last from a few minutes to several hours,
include the following:

Muscle tension increases.

Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated.

Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and back).

Nipples become hardened or erect.

Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman’s clitoris and

labia minora (inner lips), and erection of the man’s penis.

Vaginal lubrication begins.

The woman’s breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.

The man’s testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a lubricating
liquid.

Phase 2: Arousal

General characteristics of this phase, which extends to the brink of orgasm, include the
following:

The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.

The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a
dark purple.

The woman’s clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and
retracts under the clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis.

The man’s testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum.

Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure continue to increase.

Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face and hands.

Tension in the muscles increases.

Phase 3: Orgasm

This phase is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and
generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this phase include the
following:

Involuntary muscle contractions begin.

Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of
oxygen.

Muscles in the feet spasm.

There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.

In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic
contractions.

In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the
ejaculation of semen.

A rash or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body.

Phase 4: Resolution

During this phase, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning, and swelled
and erect body parts return to their previous size and color. This phase is marked by a
general sense of well-being and, often, fatigue. Some women are capable of a rapid
return to the orgasm phase with further sexual stimulation and may experience multiple
orgasms. Men need recovery time after orgasm, called a refractory period, during which
they cannot reach orgasm again. The duration of the refractory period varies among
men and changes with age.
 Lesson 10: Sexually Transmitted Disease

Types of STDs

Many different types of infections can be transmitted sexually. The most common STDs
are described below.

Chlamydia

A certain type of bacteria causes chlamydia. It’s the most commonly reported STD
among Americans, note the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Trusted Source.

Many people with chlamydia have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do

develop, they often include:

ü  pain or discomfort during sex or urination

ü  green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina

ü  pain in the lower abdomen

ü  If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to:

ü  infections of the urethra, prostate gland, or testicles

ü  pelvic inflammatory disease

ü  infertility

If a pregnant woman has untreated chlamydia, she can pass it to her baby during birth.
The baby may develop:

 Pneumonia

Eye infections and  Blindness

Antibiotics can easily treat chlamydia. Read more about chlamydia, including how to
prevent, recognize, and treat it.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can be passed from one person to another
through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact. There are many different strains of the
virus. Some are more dangerous than others.

The most common symptom of HPV is warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat.

Some strains of HPV infection can lead to cancer, including:

·       Oral cancer

·       Cervical cancer

·       Vulvar cancer

·       Penile cancer
·       Rectal cancer

While most cases of HPV don’t become cancerous, some strains of the virus are more
likely to cause cancer than others. According to the National Cancer InstituteTrusted
Source, most cases of HPV-related cancer in the United States are caused by HPV 16
and HPV 18. These two strains of HPV account for 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases.

There’s no treatment for HPV. However, HPV infections often clear up on their own.
There’s also a vaccine available to protect against some of the most dangerous strains,
including HPV 16 and HPV 18.

If you contract HPV, proper testing and screenings can help your doctor assess and
manage your risk of complications. Discover the steps you can take to protect
yourself against HPV and its potential complications.

Syphilis

Syphilis is another bacterial infection. It often goes unnoticed in its early stages.

The first symptom to appear is a small round sore, known as a chancre. It can develop
on your genitals, anus, or mouth. It’s painless but very infectious.

Later symptoms of syphilis can include:

·       rash

·       fatigue

·       fever

·       headaches

·       joint pain

·       weight loss

·       hair loss

·       If left untreated, late-stage syphilis can lead to:

·       loss of vision
·       loss of hearing

·       loss of memory

·       mental illness

·       infections of the brain or spinal cord

·       heart disease

·       death

Fortunately, if caught early enough, syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. However,
syphilis infection in a newborn can be fatal. That’s why it’s important for all pregnant
women to be screened for syphilis.

The earlier syphilis is diagnosed and treated, the less damage it does. Find the
information you need to recognize syphilis and stop it in its tracks.

HIV

HIV can damage the immune system and raise the risk of contracting other viruses or
bacteria and certain cancers. If left untreated, it can lead to stage 3 HIV, known as AIDS.
But with today’s treatment, many people living with HIV don’t ever develop AIDS.

In the early or acute stages, it’s easy to mistake the symptoms of HIV with those of the
flu. For example, the early symptoms can include:

·       fever

·       chills

·       aches and pains

·       swollen lymph nodes

·       sore throat

·       headache

·       nausea
·       rashes

These initial symptoms typically clear within a month or so. From that point onward, a
person can carry HIV without developing serious or persistent symptoms for many
years. Other people may develop nonspecific symptoms, such as:

Recurrent fatigue

Fevers, headaches, stomach issues

There’s no cure for HIV yet, but treatment options are available to manage it. Early and
effective treatment can help people with HIV live as long as those without HIV.

Proper treatment can also lower your chances of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner.
In fact, treatment can potentially lower the amount of HIV in your body to undetectable
levels. At undetectable levels, HIV can’t be transmitted to other people, reports
the CDCTrusted Source.

Without routine testing, many people with HIV don’t realize they have it. To promote
early diagnosis and treatment, the CDCTrusted Source recommends that everyone
between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested at least once. People at high risk of HIV should
be tested at least once a year, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Free and confidential testing can be found in all major cities and many public health
clinics. A government tool for finding local testing services is available here.

With recent advancements in testing and treatment, it’s possible to live a long and
healthy life with HIV. Get the facts you need to protect yourself or your partner
from HIV.

 Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD. It’s also known as “the clap. Many people
with gonorrhea develop no symptoms. But when present, symptoms may include:

ü  a white, yellow, beige, or green-colored discharge from the penis or vagina

ü  pain or discomfort during sex or urination

ü  more frequent urination than usual

ü  itching around the genitals

ü  sore throat

ü  If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to:

ü  infections of the urethra, prostate gland, or testicles

ü  pelvic inflammatory disease

ü  infertility

It’s possible for a mother to pass gonorrhea onto a newborn during childbirth. When
that happens, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems in the baby. That’s why
many doctors encourage pregnant women to get tested and treated for potential STDs.

Gonorrhea can usually be treated with antibiotics. Learn more about the symptoms,
treatment options, and long-term outlook for people with gonorrhea.

Pubic lice (‘crabs’)

“Crabs” is another name for pubic lice. They’re tiny insects that can take up residence on
your pubic hair. Like head lice and body lice, they feed on human blood.

Common symptoms of pubic lice include:

¡ itching around the genitals or anus

¡ small pink or red bumps around the genitals or anus

¡ low-grade fever

¡ lack of energy

¡ irritability

You might also be able to see the lice or their tiny white eggs around the roots of pubic
hair. A magnifying glass can help you spot them.

If left untreated, pubic lice can spread to other people through skin-to-skin contact or
shared clothing, bedding, or towels. Scratched bites can also become infected. It’s best
to treat pubic lice infestations immediately.
If you have pubic lice, you can use over-the-counter topical treatments and tweezers to
remove them from your body. It’s also important to clean your clothes, bedding, towels,
and home. Here’s more on how to get rid of pubic lice and prevent reinfection.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also known as “trich.” It’s caused by a tiny protozoan organism that
can be passed from one person to another through genital contact.

According to the CDC Trusted Source, less than one-third of people with trich develop
symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include:

discharge from the vagina or penis

burning or itching around the vagina or penis

pain or discomfort during urination or sex

Frequent urination

In women, trich-related discharge often has an unpleasant or “fishy” smell.

If left untreated, trich can lead to:

infections of the urethra

pelvic inflammatory disease

 Infertility

Trich can be treated with antibiotics. Learn how to recognize trich early to get
treatment sooner.

Herpes

Herpes is the shortened name for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main
strains of the virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both can be transmitted sexually. It’s a very
common STD. The CDC estimates more than 1 out of 6Trusted Source people ages 14
to 49 have herpes in the United States.
HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which is responsible for cold sores. However, HSV-1
can also be passed from one person’s mouth to another person’s genitals during oral
sex. When this happens, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes.

HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes.

The most common symptom of herpes is blistery sores. In the case of genital herpes,
these sores develop on or around the genitals. In oral herpes, they develop on or
around the mouth.

Herpes sores generally crust over and heal within a few weeks. The first outbreak is
usually the most painful. Outbreaks typically become less painful and frequent over
time.

If a pregnant woman has herpes, she can potentially pass it to her fetus in the womb or
to her newborn infant during childbirth. This so-called congenital herpes can be very
dangerous to newborns. That’s why it’s beneficial for pregnant women to become aware
of their HSV status.

There’s no cure for herpes yet. But medications are available to help control outbreaks
and alleviate the pain of herpes sores. The same medications can also lower your
chances of passing herpes to your sexual partner.

Effective treatment and safe sexual practices can help you lead a comfortable life with
herpes and protect others from the virus. Get the information you need to prevent,
recognize, and manage herpes.

Other, less common STDs include:

·       chancroid

·       lymphogranuloma venereum

·       granuloma inguinale

·       molluscum contagiosum

·       scabies

STDs from oral sex

Vaginal and anal sex isn’t the only way STDs are transmitted. It’s also possible to
contract or transmit an STD through oral sex. In other words, STDs can be passed from
one person’s genitals to another person’s mouth or throat and vice versa.

Oral STDs aren’t always noticeable. When they do cause symptoms, they often include a
sore throat or sores around the mouth or throat. Learn more about the potential
symptoms and treatment options for oral STDs.

Curable STDs

Many STDs are curable. For example, the following STDs can be cured with antibiotics or
other treatments:

¡ chlamydia

¡ syphilis

¡ gonorrhea

¡ crabs

¡ trichomoniasis

¡ Others can’t be cured. For example, the following STDs are currently incurable:

¡ HPV

¡ HIV

¡ herpes

Even if an STD can’t be cured, however, it can still be managed. It’s still important to get
an early diagnosis. Treatment options are often available to help alleviate symptoms and
lower your chances of transmitting the STD to someone else. Take a moment to learn
more about curable and incurable STDs.

STDs and pregnancy

It’s possible for pregnant women to transmit STDs to the fetus during pregnancy or
newborn during childbirth. In newborns, STDs can cause complications. In some cases,
they can be life-threatening.
To help prevent STDs in newborns, doctors often encourage pregnant women to be
tested and treated for potential STDs. Your doctor might recommend STD testing even
if you don’t have symptoms.

If you test positive for one or more STDs while pregnant, your doctor might prescribe
antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other treatments. In some cases, they might
encourage you to give birth via a cesarean delivery to lower the risk of transmission
during childbirth.

Diagnosis of STDs

In most cases, doctors can’t diagnose STDs based on symptoms alone. If your doctor or
other healthcare provider suspects you might have an STD, they’ll likely recommend
tests to check.

Depending on your sexual history, your healthcare provider might recommend STD
testing even if you don’t have symptoms. This is because STDs don’t cause noticeable
symptoms in many cases. But even symptom-free STDs can cause damage or be passed
to other people.

Healthcare providers can diagnose most STDs using a urine or blood test. They may also
take a swab of your genitals. If you’ve developed any sores, they may take swabs of
those, too.

You can get tested for STDs at your doctor’s office or a sexual health clinic.

Home testing kits are also available for some STDs, but they may not always be
reliable. Use them with caution. Check to see if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has approved the testing kit before buying it.

It’s important to know that a Pap smear isn’t an STD test. A Pap smear checks for the
presence of precancerous cells on the cervix. While it may also be combined with an
HPV test, a negative Pap smear doesn’t mean you don’t have any STDs.

If you’ve had any type of sex, it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider about STD
testing. Some people may benefit from more frequent testing than others. Find out if
you should be tested for STDs and what the tests involve.

Treatment of STDs
The recommended treatment for STDs varies, depending on what STD you have. It’s very
important that you and your sexual partner be successfully treated for STDs before
resuming sexual activity. Otherwise, you can pass an infection back and forth between
you.

Bacterial STDs

Usually, antibiotics can easily treat bacterial infections.

It’s important to take all your antibiotics as prescribed. Continue taking them even if you
feel better before you finish taking all of them. Let your doctor know if your symptoms
don’t go away or return after you’ve taken all of your prescribed medication.

Viral STDs

Antibiotics can’t treat viral STDs. While most viral infections have no cure, some can
clear on their own. And in many cases, treatment options are available to relieve
symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.

For example, medications are available to reduce the frequency and severity of herpes
outbreaks. Likewise, treatment can help stop the progression of HIV. Furthermore,
antiviral drugs can lower your risk of transmitting HIV to someone else.

Other STDs

Some STDs are caused by neither viruses nor bacteria. Instead, they’re caused by other
small organisms. Examples include:

¡ pubic lice

¡ trichomoniasis

¡ scabies

These STDs are usually treatable with oral or topical medications. Ask your doctor or
other healthcare provider for more information about your condition and treatment
options.

 
STD prevention

Avoiding sexual contact is the only foolproof way to avoid STDs. But if you do have
vaginal, anal, or oral sex, there are ways to make it safer.

When used properly, condoms provide effective protection against many STDs. For

optimal protection, it’s important to use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral
sex. Dental dams can also provide protection during oral sex.

Condoms are generally effective at preventing STDs that spread through fluids, such as
semen or blood. But they can’t fully protect against STDs that spread from skin to skin. If
your condom doesn’t cover the infected area of skin, you can still contract an STD or
pass it to your partner.

Condoms can help protect against not only STDs, but also unwanted pregnancy.

In contrast, many other types of birth control lower the risk of unwanted pregnancy but
not STDs. For example, the following forms of birth control don’t protect against STDs:

¡ birth control pills

¡ birth control shot

¡ birth control implants

¡ intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Regular STD screening is a good idea for anyone who’s sexually active. It’s particularly
important for those with a new partner or multiple partners. Early diagnosis and
treatment can help stop the spread of infections.

Before having sex with a new partner, it’s important to discuss your sexual history. Both
of you should also be screened for STDs by a healthcare professional. Since STDs often
have no symptoms, testing is the only way to know for sure if you have one.

When discussing STD test results, it’s important to ask your partner what they’ve been
tested for. Many people assume their doctors have screened them for STDs as part of
their regular care, but that’s not always true. You need to ask your doctor for specific
STD tests to ensure you take them.
If your partner tests positive for an STD, it’s important for them to follow their
healthcare provider’s recommended treatment plan. You can also ask your doctor about
strategies to protect yourself from contracting the STD from your partner. For example,
if your partner has HIV, your doctor will likely encourage you to take pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP).

If you’re eligible, you and your partner should also consider getting vaccinated for HPV
and hepatitis B.

By following these strategies and others, you can lower your chances of getting STDs
and passing them to others. Learn more about the importance of safe sex and STD
prevention.

Don’t see what you need? Read our LGBTQIA safe sex guide.

Living with STDs

If you test positive for an STD, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.

If you have one STD, it can often increase your chances of contracting another. Some
STDs can also lead to severe consequences if left untreated. In rare cases, untreated
STDs may even be fatal.

Fortunately, most STDs are highly treatable. In some cases, they can be cured entirely. In
other cases, early and effective treatment can help relieve symptoms, lower your risk of
complications, and protect sexual partners.

In addition to taking prescribed medications for STDs, your doctor may advise you to
adjust your sexual habits to help protect yourself and others. For example, they’ll likely
advise you to avoid sex altogether until your infection has been effectively treated.
When you resume sex, they’ll probably encourage you to use condoms, dental dams, or
other forms of protection.

Methods of Contraception

(Natural and artificial)]

 
Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy.

A woman can get pregnant if a man's sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova).

Contraception tries to stop this happening by:

¡ keeping the egg and sperm apart

¡ stopping egg production

¡ stopping the combined sperm and egg (fertilised egg) attaching to the lining of the
womb

¡ Contraception is free for most people in the UK. Condoms can also be bought in
pharmacies and supermarkets.

With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best

Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a form of contraception that help to protect

against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no
matter what other contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy.

With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best
Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a form of contraception that help to protect
against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no
matter what other contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD)—The LNG IUD is a small T-shaped

device like the Copper T IUD. It is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. It releases a small
amount of progestin each day to keep you from getting pregnant. The LNG IUD stays in
your uterus for up to 3 to 6 years, depending on the device. Typical use failure rate: 0.1-
0.4%.

Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)—This IUD is a small device that is shaped in the
form of a “T.” Your doctor places it inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can stay in
your uterus for up to 10 years. Typical use failure rate: 0.8%.

 Implant—The implant is a single, thin rod that is inserted under the skin of a women’s
upper arm. The rod contains a progestin that is released into the body over 3 years.
Typical use failure rate: 0.1%.
Injection or “shot”—Women get shots of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or
arm every three months from their doctor. Typical use failure rate: 4%.

Combined oral contraceptives—Also called “the pill,” combined oral contraceptives

contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is prescribed by a doctor. A pill is taken
at the same time each day. If you are older than 35 years and smoke, have a history of
blood clots or breast cancer, your doctor may advise you not to take the pill. Typical use
failure rate: 7%.
Progestin only pill—Unlike the combined pill, the progestin-only pill (sometimes called
the mini-pill) only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin.
It is prescribed by a doctor. It is taken at the same time each day. It may be a good
option for women who can’t take estrogen. Typical use failure rate: 7%.

Patch—This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (but not
on the breasts). This method is prescribed by a doctor. It releases hormones progestin
and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three
weeks. During the fourth week, you do not wear a patch, so you can have a menstrual
period. Typical use failure rate: 7%.
Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring—The ring releases the hormones progestin and
estrogen. You place the ring inside your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take
it out for the week you have your period, and then put in a new ring. Typical use failure
rate: 7%.
Diaphragm or cervical cap—Each of these barrier methods are placed inside the
vagina to cover the cervix to block sperm. The diaphragm is shaped like a shallow cup.
The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped cup. Before sexual intercourse, you insert them with
spermicide to block or kill sperm. Visit your doctor for a proper fitting because
diaphragms and cervical caps come in different sizes. Typical use failure rate for the
diaphragm: 17%.1

Sponge—The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina

where it fits over the cervix. The sponge works for up to 24 hours, and must be left in
the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, at which time it is
removed and discarded. Typical use failure rate: 14% for women who have never had a
baby and 27% for women who have had a baby.

Male condom—Worn by the man, a male condom keeps sperm from getting into a
woman’s body. Latex condoms, the most common type, help prevent pregnancy, and
HIV and other STDs, as do the newer synthetic condoms. “Natural” or “lambskin”
condoms also help prevent pregnancy, but may not provide protection against STDs,
including HIV. Typical use failure rate: 13%.1 Condoms can only be used once. You can
buy condoms, KY jelly, or water-based lubricants at a drug store. Do not use oil-based
lubricants such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly with latex condoms.
They will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
Female condom—Worn by the woman, the female condom helps keeps sperm from
getting into her body. It is packaged with a lubricant and is available at drug stores. It
can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse. Typical use failure rate:
21%,1 and also may help prevent STDs.
Spermicides—These products work by killing sperm and come in several forms—foam,
gel, cream, film, suppository, or tablet. They are placed in the vagina no more than one
hour before intercourse. You leave them in place at least six to eight hours after
intercourse. You can use a spermicide in addition to a male condom, diaphragm, or
cervical cap. They can be purchased at drug stores. Typical use failure rate: 21%.
 

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Fertility awareness-based methods—Understanding your monthly fertility

patternexternal iconexternal icon can help you plan to get pregnant or avoid getting
pregnant. Your fertility pattern is the number of days in the month when you are fertile
(able to get pregnant), days when you are infertile, and days when fertility is unlikely,
but possible. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, you have about nine or more fertile
days each month. If you do not want to get pregnant, you do not have sex on the days
you are fertile, or you use a barrier method of birth control on those days. Failure rates
vary across these methods.1-2 Range of typical use failure rates: 2-23%.

For women who have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding, the Lactational
Amenorrhea Method (LAM) can be used as birth control when three conditions are met:
1) amenorrhea (not having any menstrual periods after delivering a baby), 2) fully or
nearly fully breastfeeding, and 3) less than 6 months after delivering a baby. LAM is a
temporary method of birth control, and another birth control method must be used
when any of the three conditions are not met.

Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is NOT a regular method of birth control. Emergency
contraception can be used after no birth control was used during sex, or if the birth
control method failed, such as if a condom broke.

Copper IUD—Women can have the copper T IUD inserted within five days of
unprotected sex.

 Emergency contraceptive pills—Women can take emergency contraceptive pills up to

5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work.
There are three different types of emergency contraceptive pills available in the United
States. Some emergency contraceptive pills are available over the counter.

Female Sterilization—Tubal ligation or “tying tubes”— A woman can have her

fallopian tubes tied (or closed) so that sperm and eggs cannot meet for fertilization. The
procedure can be done in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical center. You can go
home the same day of the surgery and resume your normal activities within a few days.
This method is effective immediately. Typical use failure rate: 0.5%.

Male Sterilization–Vasectomy—This operation is done to keep a man’s sperm from

going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it that can fertilize an egg.
The procedure is typically done at an outpatient surgical center. The man can go home
the same day. Recovery time is less than one week. After the operation, a man visits his
doctor for tests to count his sperm and to make sure the sperm count has dropped to
zero; this takes about 12 weeks. Another form of birth control should be used until the
man’s sperm count has dropped to zero. Typical use failure rate: 0.15%.