1 Module 2 | Unpacking the Self: The Many Sides of Me

Introduction

This module was written and designed to explore the various aspects that make up the self
such as physical, sexual, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual. All of these aspects are equally important in
understanding the self. The physical self requires the study of physical development that happens in each
stages of life including the genetic and environmental factors that influence its development. The lesson on
sexual self-outlines the maturation process of the reproductive system, sexual orientation, and the methods
of contraception. In any social interaction, emotions may arise that could either be positive or negative. One
should learn how to manage these feelings to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. Another
goal in this module is to help you examine the effects of social factors on individual behavior, attitude,
perception and motives. As an intellectual being confronted with everyday choices one must exercise
decision-making skills without compromising his/her moral standards will also be tackled. And lastly, this
module will present a lesson on the spiritual aspect and the role of individual spirituality in understanding of
self.

Module Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. explore the different aspects of self and identity;
2. demonstrate critical and reflective thought in integrating the various aspects of self and identity;
3. identity the different forces and institutions that impact the development of various aspects of self and
identity; and
4. demonstrate one’s self against the different aspects of self that are discussed in class.

Lesson 2: Sexual Self: Understanding My Sexuality and Romantic Relationships

LESSON LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this lesson, you should be able to:

1. explain the development of sex characteristics and the human reproductive system;
2. distinguish between attraction, infatuation and love;
3. explain sexual orientation;
4. identify the causes and consequences of sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy;
and
5. reflect on the importance of contraception and the Reproductive Health Law.
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PRE-ASSESSMENT
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with correct answer.
a. In women, the __________________ produce estrogen and progesterone.
b. The most common sexual orientation is _________________.
c. __________________ may be the same sex they are born with (male, female)
d. ____________________ refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy.
e. The ____________________ is responsible for the production of sperm cells and male sex
hormones.
f. _______________________ are attracted to and interested in relationship with people of the
same sex.
g. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases are contracted
primarily through _____________________.
h. The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for __________________.
i. ___________________________ are physical characteristics present at birth which are
directly involved in reproduction.
j. Secondary characteristics develop during the onset of ______________.

LESSON MAP

The map above shows how an

individual’s sexual self develops starting from puberty when the reproductive system of both men and women
undergo changes and being aware of one’s sexual orientation leading to feelings of attraction, infatuation and
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love. And because teens are inflamed with passion due to hormonal changes one may want to engaged into
premarital sex that have resulted to early pregnancy and STIs. Thus, the government has issued the RH Law
which provides proper information on the different contraception and sex education including to the curious
adolescents.

CORE CONTENTS

ENGAGE: How ready are you?

Activity 1: Draw me gently

Instruction: Draw and label the organs of the male and female Reproductive System and write a brief
function of each part.
Female Reproductive System
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Male Reproductive System

EXPLORE: Discovering New Concepts

Development of Sex Characteristics

Primary sex characteristics- are physical characteristics present at birth. These are the characteristics that
distinguish male from female. In female, these characteristics include the vagina, uterus, and ovaries. While
in male, include the penis, testes or testicles, scrotum and prostate gland.
Secondary sex characteristics- develop during the onset of puberty. For women examples are
enlargement of the breasts and onset of menstruation. While in male, deepening of voice and sperm
production.
Reproductive system- is the system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function.
Gender Identity- means a person’s internal sense of whether they’re male or female, both, or neither. May
be the same as the sex they were assigned at birth (cisgender) or not (transgender) and also they may
identify as agender, which means they don’t identify with a gender at all.
Sexual Orientation- refers to a person’s sexual identity anchored on what gender they are attracted to.
a. Heterosexuality- one is sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex (ex. a man being attracted
to a man). This is the most common sexual orientation.
b. Homosexuality- one who is sexually attracted to the same sex (ex. a girl being attracted to a girl)
• Gays- homosexual males
• Lesbians- homosexual females
c. Bisexuality- one is attracted to both opposite and same sex.
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❖ Theories of the origins of sexual orientation look at both the biological makeup of the individual and the
environmental influences on his or her orientation (Ranthus, 2017)
❖ Some explanations for homosexuality and bisexuality are biological in nature, suggesting that genetic
factors such a hormones and certain neural systems may also play a role in sexual orientation but not
conclusive.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Early Pregnancy

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)-are contracted
primarily through sexual contact via vaginal, oral or anal sex. Some affect the sex organs themselves while
others have broader and more life-threatening effects. Bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics, but
those caused by viruses are more difficult to treat and are often incurable such as HIV/AIDS. The following
are the common types of STDs/STIs:
1. Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV)- is a virus that
attacks the body’s immune
system. If HIV is not treated, it
can lead to AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome).
➢ There is currently NO
effective cure. Once
people get HIV, they have
it for life.
➢ But with proper medical
care, HIV can be
controlled. People with
HIV who get effective
treatment can live long,
healthy lives and protect
their partners.
➢ Infections are caused by
direct contact with body fluids such as through blood transfusion, breast feeding, and sex.

*The figure shows symptoms of HIV/AIDS

2. Gonorrhea- caused by gonococcal bacteria which
attack the lining of the mucous membrane such as the mouth,
throat, vagina, urethra. In men experience white to yellowish
to green discharge. Penicillin or other antibiotics can treat it.
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3. Syphilis- can be asymptotic (no

visible
4. symptoms) in the early stage; it
infects the genital areas and other
parts of the body including the brain
and can cause paralysis or even
death when left untreated.

5. Chlamydia- is caused by the bacterium

chlamydia trachomatis.
➢ In men, it can cause swollen
testicles and a burning sensation during urination.
➢ It can cause sterility among women if
left untreated because it damages the uterus,
ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

6. Genital Herpes- can cause itching and

tingling sensations, abscesses, and
blisters in the genital area. There is cure
for herpes.

7. Genital warts
➢ are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) &
women with HPV are prone to cervical cancer.

Methods of Contraception and the Reproductive

Health Law
Premarital sex- sexual activity practiced by people before they get married. It can refer to more than one
occasion of sexual activity or more than one sex partner.
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❖ Social attitudes to premarital sex have changed over time, as has the prevalence of premarital sex in
various societies. Social attitudes to premarital sex can include issues such as virginity, sexual
morality, extramarital unplanned pregnancy, and legitimacy besides other issues.
❖ Alarmed by the rising cases of HIV/AIDS and early pregnancy cases among the Filipinos, some
government officials are calling for stronger programs of sex education that include information about
the different forms of contraception.

Contraception- refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy.

Methods of Contraception:

1. Condoms- A condom is a thin, fitted tube that a man wears over his penis during sex or a woman inserts
into her vagina before sex. Condoms can help prevent pregnancies and STDs. They create a barrier that
keeps semen and other body fluids out of the vagina, rectum, or mouth. You might hear a condom called
a rubber or the barrier method.
2. Intrauterine Device (IUD)- "IUD" stands for "intrauterine device." Shaped like a "T" and a bit bigger than
a quarter, an IUD fits inside your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching and
fertilizing eggs.
3. Birth Control Injection- The birth control shot (sometimes called Depo-Provera, the Depo shot, or
DMPA) contains the hormone progestin. Progestin stops you from getting pregnant by
preventing ovulation. When there’s no egg in the tube, pregnancy can’t happen. It also works by
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making cervical mucus thicker. When the mucus on the cervix is thicker, the sperm can’t get through.
And when the sperm and the egg can’t get together, pregnancy can’t happen.
4. Oral Contraceptive Pills- contains a small amount of man-made estrogen and progestin hormones.
These hormones work to inhibit the body's natural cycle of hormones to prevent pregnancy.
➢ Pregnancy is prevented by a combination of factors:
• The hormonal contraceptive usually stops the body from ovulating.
• Hormonal contraceptives also change the cervical mucus to make it difficult for the sperm
to go through the cervix and find an egg.
• Hormonal contraceptives can also prevent pregnancy by changing the lining of the womb
so it's unlikely the fertilized egg will be implanted.
5. Calendar method- The rhythm method, also called the calendar method or the calendar rhythm
method, is a form of natural family planning.
➢ To use the rhythm method, you track your menstrual history to predict when you'll ovulate.
This helps you determine when you're most likely to conceive.
6. Cervical Mucus method- also called the Billings Ovulation Method, is a type of natural family
planning also known as fertility awareness-based methods.
➢ The cervical mucus method is based on careful observation of mucus patterns during the
course of your menstrual cycle. Before ovulation, cervical secretions change — creating an
environment that helps sperm travel through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes to the egg.
By recognizing the changing characteristics of your cervical mucus, you can predict when
you'll ovulate, which can help you determine when you're most likely to become pregnant.

❖ Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012- also known as Reproductive
Health Law or RH Law, guarantees universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control,
sexual education, and maternal care.
➢ Provides for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs, especially since
number of HIV cases among the youth is rising.
➢ Aims to keep couples and women especially, wee-informed about available family planning
methods that can freely use depending on their needs and beliefs.
➢ Also aims to promote awareness among the youth on sexuality and reproductive health
through proper sex education.

EXPLAIN: Looking into thy womb

Activity 2: Is this love or what?

INSTRUCTION: Watch the short animated video entitled “Is it Love or Infatuation” at jw.org or use the
link: https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&prefer=content&applanguage=E&locale=en&item=docid-
502016211_1_VIDEO&docid=1011214 then differentiate attraction, infatuation and real love by filling out the
table below.
9 Module 2 | Unpacking the Self: The Many Sides of Me

ATTRACTION INFATUATION REAL LOVE

TOPIC SUMMARY
In the module, you have learned that…..
• Understanding and experiencing the self includes a discussion of the biological factors of sexual
behaviors that includes the reproductive system and the sex characteristics that differentiate between
man and woman.
• The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function.
• It affects not only how individuals view themselves but also their sexuality and sexual relationships.
• During adolescence, most young people become involved in dating and courtship.
• Through romantic relationships, sexual behaviors such as early pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections among youth are major problems in the Philippines.
• The Reproductive Health Law recommended a number of strategies to prevent these.

• REFERENCES
Books:
• Brawner, D.G., Arcega, A.F. (2018). Understanding the Self. C&E Publishing, Inc. 839 EDSA, South
Triangle, Quezon City.

• Go-Monilla, M.J.A., Ramirez, N.C. (2018). Understanding the Self. C&E Publishing. Quezon City.

From the Web:

• About AIDS (July 14, 2020). Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral
Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved at
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html. Retrieved on 9 September 2020.
• Birth Control Pills (2020). WebMD. Retrieved at https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-
control-pills. Retrieved on 9 September 2020.
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• Rhythm method for natural family planning (2020). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved at
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhythm-method/about/pac-20390918. Retrieved on 9
September 2020.

• Cervical mucus method for natural family planning (2020). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved at
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/about/pac-20393452. Retrieved
on 9 September 2020.
• Dr. Johnson, T. (May 2019). Birth Control and The IUD (Intrauterine Device). WebMD. Retrieved at
https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/iud-intrauterine-device. Retrieved on 9 September 2020.