MODULE 3

GE 101
UNDERSTADING THE SELF

CHAPTER 2
UNPACKING THE SELF

Lesson 1: The Physical and Sexual Self

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. discuss the developmental aspect of the reproductive system;
2. describe the erogenous zones
3. explain human sexual behavior;
4. characterize the diversity of sexual behavior;
5. describe sexually transmitted diseases and
6. differentiate natural and artificial methods of contraception
INTRODUCTION
It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of humans define the (female or male) and their secondary sexual
characteristics. From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic makeup. It influences the way we treat ourselves and others.
However, there are individuals who do not accept their innate sexual characteristics and they tend to change their sexual organs
through medications and surgery. Aside from our genes, our society or the external environment helps shape our selves. This lesson
helps us better understand ourselves through a discussion on the development of our sexual characteristics and behavior.
ABSTRACTION
Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form
until about the eighth week of embryonic development. During the early stages of human development, the embryonic reproductive
structures of males and females are alike and are said to be in the indifferent stage. When the primary reproductive structures are
formed, development of the accessory structures and external genitalia begins. The formation of male or female structures depends
on the presence of testosterone Usually, once formed, the embryonic testes release testosterone, and the formation of the duct
system and external genitalia follows. In the case of female embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the development of the female
ducts and external genitalia since testosterone hormone is not produced.
Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the embryo results in strange abnormalities. For
instance, a genetic male develops the female accessory structures and external genitalia if the embryonic testes fail to produce
testosterone. On the other hand, if a genetic female is exposed to testosterone (as in the case of a mother with androgen-producing
tumor of her adrenal gland), the embryo has ovaries but may develop male accessory ducts and glands, as well as a male
reproductive organ and an empty scrotum. As a result, pseudohermaphrodites are formed who are individuals having accessory
reproductive structures that do not "match” their gonads while true hermaphrodites are individuals who possess both ovarian and
testicular tissues but this condition is rare in nature. Nowadays, many pseudohermaphrodites undergo sex change operations to
have their outer selves (external genitalia) fit with their inner selves (gonads).

A critical event for the development of reproductive organs takes place about one month before birth wherein the male
testes formed in the abdominal cavity at approximately the same location as the female ovaries, descend to enter the scrotum. If
this normal event fails, it may lead to cryptorchidism. This condition usually occurs in young males and causes sterility (which is also
a risk factor for cancer of the testes) that is why surgery is usually performed during childhood to solve this problem.
Moreover, abnormal separation of chromosomes during meiosis can lead to congenital defects of the reproductive system.
For instance, males who possess extra female sex chromosome have the normal male accessory structures, but atrophy (to shrink)
of their testes causes them to be sterile. Other abnormalities result when a child has only one sex chromosome. An XO female
appears normal but lacks ovaries. Yo males die during development. Other much less serious conditions also affect males primarily
such as phimosis, which is due to a narrowing of the foreskin of the male reproductive structure and misplaced urethral openings.
Puberty is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and 15 years old, when the reproductive organs grow to their
adult size and become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen in
females). After this time, reproductive capability continues until old age in males and menopause in females.
The changes that occur during puberty is similar in sequence in all individuals but the age which they occur differs among
individuals. In males, as they reach the age of 13, puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the reproductive organs
followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and face. The reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until
sexual maturation marked by the presence of mature semen in the testes.
In females, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 signals their puberty stage. Menarche is the first
menstrual period of females which happens two years after the start of puberty. Hormones play an important role in the regulation
of ovulation and fertility of females.
Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System
Infections are the most common problems associated with the reproductive system in adults. Vaginal infections are more
common in young and elderly women and in those whose resistance to diseases is low. The usual infections include those caused by
Escherichia coli which spread through the digestive tract; the sexually transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and
herpes virus; and yeast (a type of fungus). Vaginal infections that are left untreated may spread throughout the female reproductive
tract and may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility. Problems that involve painful or abnormal menses may also be due to
infection or hormone imbalance. In males, the most common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis, urethritis, and epididymitis, all
of which may follow sexual contacts in which sexually transmitted disease (STD) microorganisms are transmitted. Orchiditis, or
inflammation of the testes, is rather uncommon but is serious because it can cause sterility. Orchiditis most commonly follows
mumps in an adult male.
Neoplasms are a major threat to reproductive organs. Tumors of the breast and cervix are the most common reproductive
cancers in adult females, and prostate cancer (a common sequel to prostatic hypertrophy) is a widespread problem in adult males.
Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their late 20s. A natural decrease in ovarian function
usually follows characterized by reduced estrogen production that causes irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual periods.
Consequently, ovulation and menses stop entirely, ending childbearing ability. This event is called as menopause, which occurs when
females no longer experience menstruation.
The production of estrogen may still continue after menopause but the ovaries finally stop functioning as endocrine organs.
The reproductive organs and breasts begin to atrophy or shrink if estrogen is no longer released from the body. The vagina becomes
dry that causes intercourse to become painful (particularly if frequent), and vaginal infections become increasingly common. Other
consequences of estrogen deficiency may also be observed including irritability and other mood changes (depression in some);
intense vasodilation of the skin's blood vessels, which causes uncomfortable sweat-drenching "hot flashes"; gradual thinning of the
skin and loss of bone mass; and slowly rising blood cholesterol levels, which place postmenopausal women at risk for cardiovascular
disorders. Some physicians prescribe low-dose estrogen-progestin preparations to help women through this usually difficult period
and to prevent skeletal and cardiovascular complications.
There is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men show a steady decline in testosterone secretion, their
reproductive capability seems unending. Healthy men are still able to father offspring well into their 80s and beyond.

Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when touched in a
sexual manner. Some of the commonly known erogenous zones are the mouth, breasts, genitals, and anus. Erogenous zones may
vary from one person to another. Some people may enjoy being touched in a certain area more than the other areas. Other common
areas of the body that can be aroused easily may include the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.

Human Sexual Behavior

Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity-solitary, between two persons, or in a group—that induces sexual arousal
(Gebhard, P.H. 2017). There are two major factors that determine human sexual behavior: the inherited sexual response patterns
that have evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that become part of each individual's genetic inheritance, and the
degree of restraint or other types of influence exerted on the individual by society in the expression of his sexuality.

Types of Behavior
The various types of human sexual behavior are usually classified according to the gender and number of participants.
There is solitary behavior involving only one individual, and there is sociosexual behavior involving more than one person.
Sociosexual behavior is generally divided into heterosexual behavior (male with female) and homosexual behavior (male with male
or female with female). If three or more individuals are involved, it is, possible to have heterosexual and homosexual activity
simultaneously (Gebhard, P.H. 2017).
1. Solitary Behavior
Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax. Usually,
most self-gratification takes place in private as an end in itself, but can also be done in a sociosexual relationship.
Self-gratification, generally beginning at or before puberty, is very common among young males, but
becomes less frequent or is abandoned when sociosexual activity is available. Consequently, self-gratification is
most frequent among the unmarried. There are more males who perform acts of self-gratification than females.
The frequency greatly varies among individuals and it usually decreases as soon as they develop sociosexual
relationships.
Majority of males and females have fantasies of some sociosexual activity while they gratify themselves.
The fantasy frequently involves idealized sexual partners and activities that the individual has not experienced and
even might avoid in real life.
Nowadays, humans are frequently being exposed to sexual stimuli especially from advertising and social
media. Some adolescents become aggressive when they respond to such stimuli. The rate of teenage pregnancy is
increasing in our time. The challenge is to develop self – control in order to balance suppression and free
expression. Adolescence need to control their sexual response in order to prevent premarital sex and acquire
sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Sociosexual Behavior
Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that occurs between only one male
and one female. It usually begins in childhood and may be motivated by curiosity, such as showing or
examining genitalia. There is varying degree of sexual impulse and responsivene among children. Physical
contact involving necking or petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning process and eventually
of courtship and the selection of a marriage partner.
 Petting differs from hugging, kissing, and generalized caresses of the clothed body to practice involving
stimulation of the genitals. Petting may be done as an expression of affection and a source of pleasure,
preliminary to coitus. Petting has been regarded by others as a near-universal human experience and is
important not only in selecting the partner but as a way of learning how to interact with another person
sexually.
Coitus. the insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female reproductive organ, is viewed by
society quite differently depending upon the marital status of the individuals. Majority of human societies
allow premarital coitus, at least under certain circumstances. In modern Western society, premarital
coitus is more likely to be tolerated but not encouraged if the individuals intend marriage. Moreover, in
most societies. Marital coitus is considered as an obligation. Extramarital coitus involving wives is
generally condemned and, if permitted, is allowed only under exceptional condition or with specific
persons. Societies are becoming more considerate towards male than female who engage in extramarital
coitus. This double standard of morality is also evident in premarital life. Postmarital coitus (i.e., coitus by
separated, divorced or widowed is almost always ignored. There is a difficulty in enforcing abstinence
among sexually experienced and usually older people for societies that try to confine coitus in married
couples.
A behavior may be interpreted by society or the individual as erotic fi.e., capable of engendering sexual
response) depending on the context in which the behavior occurs. For instance, a kiss may be interpreted
as a gesture of expression or intimacy between couples while others may interpret is as a form of respect
or reverence, like when kissing the hand of an elder or someone in authority. Examination and touching
someone's genitalia is not interpreted as a sexual act especially when done for medical purposes.
Consequently, the apparent motivation of the behavior greatly determines its interpretation.

Physiology of Human Sexual Response

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is continued.
1. Excitement phase - it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden rise in blood supply to the
surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing, and swelling of all distensible body parts
(particularly noticeable in the male reproductive structure and female breasts), more rapid breathing, the
secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a general increase in muscle tension. These symptoms of
arousal eventually increase to a near maximal physiological level that leads to the next stage.
2. Plateau phase - it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.
3. Sexual climax - it is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a rapid increase in pulse rate and blood
pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the female reproductive organ and
ejaculation by the male. It is also characterized by involuntary vocalizations. Sexual climax may last for a few
seconds (normally not over ten), after which the individual enters the resolution phase.
4. Resolution phase - it is the last stage that refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiologic state.
Males and females are similar in their response sequence. Whereas males return to normal even if stimulation
continues, but continued stimulation can produce additional orgasms in females. Females are physically
capable of repeated orgasms without the intervening "rest period" required by males.

Nervous System Factors

The entire nervous system plays a significant role during sexual response. The autonomic system is involved in controlling
the involuntary responses. In the presence of a stimulus capable enough of initiating a sexual response, the efferent cerebrospinal
nerves transmit the sensory messages to the brain. The brain will interpret the sensory message and dictate what will be the
immediate and appropriate response of the body. After interpretation and integration of sensory input, the efferent cerebrospinal
nerves receive commands from the brain and send them to the muscles; and the spinal cord serves as a great transmission cable.
The muscles contract in response to the signal coming from the motor nerve fibers while glands secrete their respective products.
Hence, sexual response is dependent on the activity of the nervous system.
The hypothalamus and the limbic system are the parts of the brain believed to be responsible for regulating the sexual
response, but there is no specialized "sex center" that has been located in the human brain. Animal experiments show that each
individual has coded in its brain two sexual response patterns, one for mounting (masculine) behavior and one for mounted
(feminine) behavior. Sex hormones can intensify the mounting behavior of individuals. Normally, one response pattern is dominant
and the other latent can still be initiated when suitable circumstances occur. The degree to which such innate patterning exists in
humans is still unknown.
Apart from brain-controlled sexual responses, there is some reflex (i.e., not brain-controlled) sexual response. This reflex is
mediated by the lower spinal cord and leads to erection and ejaculation for male, vaginal discharges and lubrication for female when
the genital and perineal areas are stimulated. But still, the brain can overrule and suppress such reflex activity-as it does when an
individual decides that a sexual response is socially inappropriate.

Sexual Problems
Sexual problems may be classified as physiological, psychological, and social in origin. Any given problem may involve all
three categories.
Physiological problems are the least among the three categories. Only a small number of people suffer from diseases that
are due to abnormal development of the genitalia or that part of the neurophysiology controlling sexual response. Some common
physiologic conditions that can disturb sexual response include vaginal infections, retroverted uteri, prostatitis, adrenal tumors,
diabetes, senile changes of the vagina, and cardiovascular problems. Fortunately, the majority of physiological sexual problems can
be resolved through medication or surgery while problems of the nervous system that can affect sexual response are more difficult
to treat.
Psychological problems comprise by far the largest category. They are usually caused by socially induced inhibitions,
maladaptive attitudes, ignorance, and sexual myths held by society. An example of the latter is the belief that good, mature sex must
involve rapid erection, prolonged coitus, and simultaneous orgasm. Magazines, marriage books, and general sexual folklore often
strengthen these demanding ideals, which are not always achieved; therefore, can give rise to feelings of inadequacy anxiety and
guilt. Such resulting negative emotions can definitely affect the behavior of an individual.
Premature emission of semen is a common problem, especially for young males. Sometimes this is not the consequence of
any psychological problem but the natural result of excessive tension in a male who has been sexually deprived. Erectile impotence
is almost always of psychological origin in males under 40; in older males, physical causes are more often involved. Fear of being
impotent frequently causes impotence, and, in many cases, the afflicted male is simply caught up in a self-perpetuating problem that
can be solved only by achieving a successful act of coitus. In other cases, the impotence may be the result of disinterest in the sexual
partner, fatigue, and distraction because of nonsexual worries, intoxication, or other causes—such occasional impotency is common
and requires no therapy.
Ejaculatory impotence, which results from the inability to ejaculate in coitus, is uncommon and is usually of psychogenic
origin. It appears to be associated with ideas of contamination or with memories of traumatic experiences. Occasional ejaculatory
inability can be possibly expected in older men or in any male who has exceeded his sexual capacity. Vaginismus is a strong spasm of
the pelvic musculature constricting the female reproductive organ so that penetration is painful or impossible. It can be due to anti-
sexual conditioning or psychological trauma that serves as an unconscious defense against coitus. It can be treated by psychotherapy
and by gradually dilating the female reproductive organ with increasingly large cylinders.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person through
sexual contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Examples include gonormed, geral herpes, human
papillomavirus infection, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), chlamydia, and
syphilis (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Health of the United States 2017).
STDs are a significant global health priority because of their overwhelming impact on women and infants and their inter-
relationships with HIV and AIDS. STDs and HIV are associated with biological interactions because both infections may occur in the
same populations. Infection with certain STDs can increase the risk of getting and transmitting HIV as well as modify the way the
disease develops. Moreover, STDs can lead to long-term health problems, usually in women and infants. Among the health
complications that arise from STDs are pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, and
perinatal or congenital infections in infants born to infected mothers. One of the leading STDs worldwide is AIDS, which is caused by
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus attacks the immune system making the individual more prone to infections and
other diseases. The virus usually targets the T-cells (CD4 cells) of the immune system, which serve as the regulators of the immune
system. The virus survives throughout the body but may be transmitted via body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and
breast milk. AIDS occurs in the advanced stage of HIV infection.
Aside from HIV and AIDS, there are other sexually transmitted diseases in humans. The following list of diseases is based on
Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2016 of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
1. Chlamydia
In 2016, a total of 1,598,354 cases of Chlamydia Trachomatis infection were reported to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).. making it the most common notifiable condition in the United States.
This case count corresponds to a rate of 497.3 cases per 100,000 population. an increase of 4.7% compared
with the rate in 2015. During 2015 to 2016. rates of reported chlamydia increased in all regions of the United
States.
Rates of chlamydia are highest among adolescent and young adult females, the population targeted for
routine chlamydia screening. Among young women attending family planning clinics participating in a sentinel
surveillance program who were tested for chlamydia, 9.2% of 15 to 19 years old and 8.0% of 20 to 24 years old
were positive. Rates of reported cases among men are generally lower than rates among women.
2. Gonorrhea

In 2016, 468,514 gonorrhea cases were reported for a rate of 145.8 cases per 100,000 population, an
increase of 18.5% from 2015. During 2015 to 2016, the rate of reported gonorrhea increased 22.2% among
men and 13.8% among women. The magnitude of the increase among men suggests either increased
transmission or increased case ascertainment (e.g., through increased extra-genital screening) among MSM
(men who have sex with men) or both. The concurrent increases among cases reported among women
suggest parallel increases in heterosexual transmission, increased screening among women, or both. In 2016,
the rate of reported cases of gonorrhea remained highest among African Americans (481.2 cases per 100,000
population) and among American Indians/Alaska Natives (242.9 cases per 100,000 population). During 2012 to
2016, rates increased among all racial and ethnic groups. Antimicrobial resistance remains an important
consideration in the treatment of gonorrhea.
3. Syphilis
In 2016, 27,814 Primary and Secondary (P&S) syphilis cases were reported, representing a national rate of
8.7 cases per 100,000 population and a 17.6% increase from 2015. From 2015 to 2016, the P&S syphilis rate
 increased among both men and women in every region of the country; overall, the rate increased 14.7%
among men and 35.7% among women. During 2012 to 2016, P&S syphilis rates were consistently highest
among persons aged 20 to 29 years old, but rates increased in every 5-year age group among those aged 15 to
64 years. In 2016, rates were highest among African Americans (23.3 per 100,000 population) and Native
Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islanders (13.9 per 100,000 population); however, rates increased among all racial and
ethnic groups in 2012 to 2016.
4. Chancroid
Chancroid is caused by infection with the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. Clinical manifestations include
genital ulcers and inguinal lymphadenopathy or buboes. Reported cases of chancroid declined steadily
between 1987 and 2001. Since then, the number of reported cases has fluctuated somewhat, while still
appearing to decline overall. In 2016, a total of 7 cases of chancroid were reported in the United States.
5. Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Over
40 distinct HPV types can infect the genital tract; although most infections are asymptomatic and appear to
resolve spontaneously within a few years, the prevalence of genital infection with any HPV type was 42.5%
among United States adults aged 18 to 59 years during 2013 to 2014. Persistent infection with some HPV
types can cause cancer and genital warts. HPV types 16 and 18 account for approximately 66% of via
Wikimedia Commons cervical cancers in the United States, and approximately 25% of low-grade and 50% of
high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions, or dysplasia. HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately
90% of genital warts.
6. Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most prevalent of sexually transmitted infections. Although most
infections are subclinical, clinical manifestations are characterized by recurrent, painful genital and/or
anal lesions. Most genital HSV infections in the United States are caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2), while HSV
type 1 (HSV-1) infections are typically orolabial and acquired during childhood.
7. Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted protozoal infection associated with adverse
health outcomes such as preterm birth and symptomatic vaginitis. It is not a nationally reportable
condition, and trend data are limited to estimates of initial physician office visits for this condition. Visits
appear to be fairly stable since the 1990s; the number of initial visits for Trichomonas vaginalis infection in
2015 was 139,000.

Natural and Artificial Methods of Contraception

A. Natural Method
The natural family planning methods do not involve any chemical or foreign body introduction into the human
body. People who are very conscious of their religious beliefs are more inclined to use the natural way of birth control and
others follow such natural methods because they are more cost-effective (www. nurseslabs.com 2016).
a) Abstinence
This natural method involves refraining from sexual intercourse and is the most effective natural birth
control method with ideally 0% fail rate. It is considered to be the most effective way to avoid STIS
(Sexually Transmitted Infections). However, most people find it difficult to comply with abstinence, so only
a few use this method.
b) Calendar Method

This method is also called as the rhythm method. It entails withholding from coitus during the days that
the woman is fertile. According to the menstrual cycle, the woman is likely to conceive three or four days
before and three or four days after ovulation. The woman needs to record her menstrual cycle for six
months in order to calculate the woman's safe days to prevent conception.
c) Basal Body Temperature
The basal body temperature (BBT) indicates the woman's temperature at rest. Before the day of
ovulation and during ovulation, BBT falls at 0.5°F; it increases to a full degree because of progesterone
and maintains its level throughout the menstrual cycle. This serves as the basis for the method. The
woman must record her temperature every morning before any activity. A slight decrease in the basal
body temperature followed by a gradual increase in the basal body temperature can be a sign that a
woman has ovulated.
d) Cervical Mucus Method
The change in the cervical mucus during ovulation is the basis for this method. During ovulation,
the cervical mucus is copious, thin, and watery. It also exhibits the property of spinnbarkeit, wherein it can
be stretched up until at least 1 inch and is slippery. The woman is said to be fertile as long as the cervical
mucus is copious and watery. Therefore, she must avoid coitus during those days to prevent conception.
e) Symptothermal Method
 The symptothermal method is basically a combination of the BBT method and the cervical
mucus method. The woman records her temperature every morning and also takes note of changes in her
cervical mucus. She should abstain from coitus three days after a rise in her temperature or on the fourth
day after the peak of a mucus change.
f) Ovulation Detection

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

Artificial Methods
a. Oral Contraceptives
Also known as the pill, oral contraceptives contain synthetic
estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen suppresses the Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and LH to prevent ovulation.
Moreover, progesterone decreases the permeability of the
cervical mucus to limit the sperm's access to the ova. It is
suggested that the woman takes the first pill on the first Sunday
after the beginning of a menstrual flow, or as soon as it is prescribed by the doctor.
b. Transdermal Patch
The transdermal patch contains both estrogen
and progesterone. The woman should apply one
patch every week for three weeks on the following
areas: upper outer arm, upper torso, abdomen, or
buttocks. At the fourth week, no patch is applied because the menstrual flow would then occur. The
area where the patch is applied should be clean, dry, and free of irritation.

c. Viginal Ring
The vaginal ring releases a combination of estrogen
and progesterone and its surrounds the cervix. This
silicon ring is inserted into the female reproductive
organ and remains there for three weeks then
removed on the fourth week, as menstrual flow
would occur. The woman becomes fertile as soon as the ring is removed.
d. Subdermal Implants
Subdemral impants are two rod – like
implants inserted under the skin of the female
during her menses or on the seventh day of her
menstruation to make sure that she will not get
pregnant. The implants are mase with
etonogestrel, desogestrel andprogestin and can be helpful for three to five years.
e. Hormonal Injection
A hormonal injection contains medroxyprogesterone, a progesterone, and is
usually given once every 12 weeks intramuscularly. The injection causes
changes in the endometrium and cervical mucus and can help prevent
ovulation.
f. Intrauterine Device
An Intrauterine Device (IUD)
is a small, T – Shaped object
containing progesterone that
is inserted into the uterus via
the female reproductive
organ. it prevents
fertilization by creating a
local sterile inflammatory condition to prevent
implantation of zygote. The IUD is fitted only by the
physician and inserted after the women’s menstrual
flow. The device can be effective for five to seven
years.
 g. Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers such as spermicides, vaginal gels and creams, and glycerin films are used to
cause the death of sperms before they can enter the cervix and to lower the pH level of the female
reproductive organ so it will not become conducive for the sperm. On the other hand, these chemical
barriers cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections
h. Diaphragm
It is a circular, rubber disk
that fits the cervix and
should be placed before
coitus. Diaphragm works
by inhibiting the entrance
of the sperm into the female reproductive organ and it works better when used together with a
spermicide. The diaphragm should be fitted only by the physician, and should remain in place for
six hours after coitus.
i. Cervical Cap
The cervical cap is made of soft rubber and fitted on the rim of
the cervix. It is shaped like a thimble with a thin rim, and could
stay in place for not more than 48 hours.
j. Male Condoms
The male condom is a latex or
synthetic rubber sheath that is
placed on the erect male
reproductive organ before
penetration into the female
reproductive organ to trap the
sperm during ejaculation. It can
prevent STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and can be bought over-the-counter. Male
condoms have an ideal fail rate of 2% and a typical fail rate of 15% due to a break in the sheath's
integrity or spilling of semen.
k. Female Condoms
Female condoms are made up of latex rubber sheaths that are
pre-lubricated with spermicide. They are usually bound by two
rings. The outer ring is first inserted against the opening of the
female reproductive organ and the inner ring covers the cervix.
It is used to prevent fertilization of the egg by the sperm cells.
l. Surgical Methods
During vasectomy,
a small incision is
made on each side
of the scrotum. The
vas deferens is then
tied, cauterized,
cut, or plugged to
block the passage
of the sperm. The
patient is advised
to use a backup
contraceptive
method until two
negative sperm count results are recorded because the sperm could remain viable in the vas
deferens for six months.
In women, tubal ligation is performed after menstruation and before ovulation. The procedure is
done through a small incision under the woman's umbilicus that targets the fallopian tube for
cutting, cauterizing, or blocking to inhibit the passage of both the sperm and the ova.

LESSON 2; TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY? THAT IS THE QUIESTION!

INTRODUCTION
We are living in a world of sale and shopping spree.We are given a wide array of products to purchase from a simple set of
spoon and fork to owning a restaurant. Almost, everywhere, including the digital space, we can find promotions of product
purchase. Product advertisement are suggestive of making as feel better or look good. Part of us wants to have that product. What
makes us want to have those products are connected with who we are. What we want to have and already possess is related to our
self.
Belk (1988) stated that “we regard our possessions as part of our selves. We are what we have and what we possess.”
There is a direct link between self – identity with what we have and possess. Our wanting to have a possess has a connection with
another aspect of the self, the material self.

ABSTRACTION

Material Self
 A Harvard psychologist in the late nineteenth century, William James, wrote in his book, The Principles of Psychology in
1890 that understanding the self can be examined through its different components. He described these components as: (1) its
constituents; (2) the feelings and emotions they arouse-self-feelings; (3) the actions to which they prompt-self-seeking and self-
preservation. The constituents of self are composed of the material self, the social self, the spiritual self and the pure ego.
(Trentmann 2016; Green 1997).
The material self, according to James primarily is about our bodies, clothes, immediate family, and home. We are deeply
affected by these things because we have put much investment of our self to them.

The innermost part of our material self is our body. Intentionally, we are Investing in our body. We are directly attached to
this commodity that we cannot live without. We strive hard to make sure that this body functions well and good. Any allment of
disorder directly affects us. We do have certain preferential attachment or intimate closeness to certain body parts because of its
value to us.
There were people who get their certain body parts insured. Celebrities, like Mariah Carey who was reported to have placed
a huge amount for the insurance of her vocal cords and legs (Sukman 2016).
Next to our body are the clothes we use. Influenced by the “Philosophy of Dress" by Herman Lotze, James believed that
clothing is an essential part of the material self. Lotze in his book, Microcosmus, stipulates that any time we bring an object into the
surface of our body, we invest that object into the consciousness of our personal existence taking in its contours to be our own and
making it part of the self." (Watson 2014) The fabric and style of the clothes we wear bring sensations to the body to which directly
affect our attitudes and behavior. Thus, clothes are placed in the second hierarchy of material self. Clothing is a form of self-
expression. We choose and wear clothes that reflect our self (Watson 2014).
Third in the hierarchy is our immediate family. Our parents and siblings hold another great important part of our self. What
they do or become affects us. When an immediate family member dies, part of our self dies, too. When their lives are in success, we
feel their victories as if we are the one holding the trophy. In their failures, we are put to shame or guilt. When they are in
disadvantage situation, there is an urgent urge to help like a voluntary instinct of saving one's self from danger We place huge
investment in our immediate family when we see them as the nearest replica of our self.
The fourth component of material self is our home. Home is where our heart is. It is the earliest nest of our selfhood. Our
experiences inside the home were recorded and marked on particular parts and things in our home. There was an old cliché about
rooms: "if only walls can speak." The home thus is an extension of self, because in it, we can directly connect our self.
Having investment of self to things, made us attached to those things. The more investment of self-given to the particular
thing, the more we identify ourselves to it. We also tended to collect and possess properties. The collections in different degree of
investment of self, becomes part of the self. As James (1890) described self: "a man's self is the sum total of all what he CAN call his."
Possessions then become a part or an extension of the self.

We Are What We Have

Russel Belk (1988) posits that “...we regard our possessions as part of ourselves. We are what we have and what we
posses.” The identification of the self to things started in our infancy stage when we make a distinction among self and environment
and others who may desire our possessions.
As we grow older, putting importance to material possession decreases. However, material possession gains higher value in
our lifetime if we use material possession to find happiness, associate these things with significant events, accomplishments, and
people in our lives. There are even times, when material possession of a person that is closely identified to the person, gains
acknowledgment with high regard even if the person already passed away. Examples of these are the chair in the dining room on
which the person is always seated, the chair will be the constant reminder of the person seated there; a well-loved and kept vehicle
of the person, which some of the bereaved family members have a difficulty to sell or let go of because that vehicle is very much
identified with the owner who passed away; the favorite pet or book, among others that the owner placed a high value, these
favorite things are symbols of the owner.
The possessions that we dearly have tell something about who we are, our self-concept, our past, and even our future.

ACTIVITY;
1. Agree or Disagree. Are you in favor of legalizing marriage among homosexual and transgenders? Why?
2. Debit Card Challenge: a very wealthy person gave you a debit card and told you to use it as much as you want to make
yourself happy. What are you going to do with it? Make a list of what you want to have. Write as many as you want.