UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

The Physical and Sexual Self: Part 1

Lesson Overview

It’s uncomfortable talking about sex but one should know the basics to avoid
unnecessary problems in the near future. Ignorance, in context to sex, is not a bliss. So bear
with me for the next two weeks as we talk about the birds and the bees.

It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of humans define the sex (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.

Activity (ANSWERI NI)

Defining Beauty
Complete the sentences below.
1. An attractive person is ____________________________________________.
2. I am attractive because ____________________________________________.
3. List down 7 names of people you know who are attractive.

Answers:
1. Someone who is hygienic, kind and has good humor.
2. I am attractive because I have good humor, I am sensitive towards other peoples
feelings, I am unique and I am me .
3. My mama
4. My papa
5. Siblings
6. Boyfriend
7. Stephanie (cousin)
8. Roronoa Zoro
9. Nico robin ( one piece)
Definition of Terms (DILI NI ANSWERAN)

Coitus - the sexual act in which a man puts his penis into a woman's vagina.

Cryptorchidism - a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend from the
abdomen into the scrotum.

Hermaphrodites - a person or animal having both male and female sex organs or other sexual
characteristics, either abnormally or (in the case of some organisms) as the natural condition.

Heterosexual - a person sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Homosexual - a person who is sexually attracted to people of their own sex.

Hypothalamus - region of the brain lying below the thalamus and containing a control center for
many autonomic-nervous-system functions.

Limbic system - a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas
near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood. It controls the basic emotions
(fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring).

Neoplasms - an abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they
should or do not die when they should, may lead to cancer.

Pseudohermaphrodites - a condition in which the individual has a single chromosomal and

gonadal sex but combines features of both sexes in the external genitalia, causing doubt as to
the true sex.

Reflex - an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought.

Self-gratification - the indulgence or satisfaction of one's own desires, in this lesson’s context
—masturbation.
Lesson Proper

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 or 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. Adolescents 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 responsiveness 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 conditions or with specified persons.
Societies are becoming more considerate toward males than females who engage in
extramarital coitus. This double standard of morality is also evident in premarital life. Post-
marital coitus (i.e., coitus by separated, divorced or widowed persons) 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 (i.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.

References

Erogenous Zones. 2017. University of California, Santa Barbara. Accessed October 11, 2017.
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/erogenous-zones.

Gebhard, Paul Henry. 2017. Human Sexual Behavior. Accessed October 11, 2017
https://www.britannica.com/topic/human-sexual-behaviour.

Marieb, Elaine N. 2001.. Pearson Education Asia Pte. Ltd. pp 504-507.

Instructor: PRECIOUS G. DAGOC, RPm