1

Lesson 4. The Sexual Self

“Human sexuality is not always about being labeled. It's about having a human
moment, an emotion.” -- Cheo Hodari Coker

The sexual self will be discussed in this Vocabulary

lesson, which will cover one of the most
important parts of human growth. We will
attempt to discuss sexuality from an intellectual
and scientific point of view pertinent to
knowing who we are. This will allow us to better
understand how to care for and protect
 Biological sex – it is comprised of things like genitals,
chromosomes, hormones, body hair, and more.
 Erogenous zones – any area that can produce sexual arousal
when stimulated.
 Gender expression – the ways a person presents gender
through actions, clothing, demeanor, and more. Your outward-
facing self and how that’s interpreted by others based on

ourselves and the people we love. gender norms

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
 Gender identity – the psychological sense of self, who a
person is, based on how much the person aligns (or doesn’t
align) with what the person understands to be the options for
gender.
 Refractory period – is a period after orgasm in which a

• Demonstrate understanding of the person’s body no longer responds to sexual stimuli.

nature, concept, and meaning of sexual  Sexuality – a person's identity in relation to the gender or
self-concept; genders to which they are typically attracted; sexual orientation

• Explain sexual orientation and identity;  Sex education – is high-quality teaching and learning about a
and broad variety of topics related to sex and sexuality.

• Reflect on the importance of  Sexual Orientation – determined by the people who appeal to
contraception. someone on all levels—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Getting Started:

The sexual self is an essential component of one's identity, comprising not just the
biological but also the physical, emotional, and social spheres. Body changes and the
development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence would eventually
trigger physiological responses, reading to beliefs and behavior associated with sex. While it is

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 2

initially rooted in the distinguishing physical attributes found in men (penis) and women
(vagina), these changes would eventually cause adolescent boys and girls to behave in ways
that are associated with sex.

The time of adolescence is often characterized by the highest levels of sexual interest,
with adolescents engaging in sexual behavior as a direct result of the interaction of several
biological and sociocultural factors. In addition, the gender identity that a teenager develops
throughout this period is largely influenced by it. Therefore, to make responsible decisions
involving oneself, one must be aware of one's sexuality and thoughts and behaviors towards
sexuality.

Our sexuality is an integral element of our identities. Regardless of whether we feel at

ease discussing it, it is unquestionably a facet of ourselves that the sooner we begin to properly
educate ourselves, the better we can grasp who we are and whom we have the potential to
become.

Defining Sexuality

Our sexuality is commonly defined as “the ways people experience and express
themselves as sexual beings” (King, 2014). However, the WHO (World Health Organization)
provides a working definition of the term “sexuality” that encompasses or specifies much
more. According to WHO, sexuality is a central aspect of being a human throughout life,
encompassing:

♪ sex ♪ pleasure ♪ eroticism ♪ reproduction

♪ intimacy ♪ sexual orientation ♪ gender identities and roles

Sexuality is experienced and expressed in:

⸙ thoughts ⸙ fantasies ⸙ desires ⸙ beliefs ⸙ attitudes

⸙ values ⸙ behaviors ⸙ practices ⸙ roles ⸙ relationships

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 3

While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always
experienced or expressed. Our view of sexuality is heavily affected by different factors such
as: ⸎ education ⸎ economics ⸎ history ⸎ culture

⸎ occupation ⸎ law ⸎ media ⸎ religion

⸎ income ⸎ politics ⸎ society

It helps to explain a lot if we acknowledge that our perspectives about sexuality have
been shaped by a variety of influences ever since we were little. It appears inappropriate or
taboo in Philippine society to inquire about or acknowledge one's lack of knowledge
regarding matters pertaining to sexuality. This appears to be the case based on the few data
that have been gathered at the national level on sexual health, as well as sexual practices
and behaviors according to Sexual Health.

The problem of ignorance needs to be solved by appropriate education. Although our

country does not currently provide sex education classes, this does not indicate that there are
no opportunities for students to gain new knowledge. If more Filipinos would continue to learn
about appropriate sex, the more that we will have a favorable attitude toward this element,
and it may be indirectly passed on to young children through the teaching of basic hygiene.
The goal of sex education is not to increase sexual activity but rather to improve sexual health
and protect students from being sexually abused.

Sexual Identity and Gender Orientation

It is only normal for us to anticipate that people will hold their own opinions, convictions,
and preferences, just as we will always hold our own. The ability to appreciate differences
may be helpful in communication that is both successful and ethical, relational, and
professional.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 4

The Genderbread Person

Above is a Genderbread Person which has a total of four components. To begin, the
first three categories are all associated with gender, whilst the fourth category is associated
with sexuality. People tend to assume that someone has to be on either the left or the right
half of all the continuums above. This happens whenever topics about gender are mentioned,
and it's one of the most common issues that come up. Gender identity, gender expression,
biological sex, and sexual orientation are independent of one another, yet they are not
connected.

Gender Identity: Who You Think You Are

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 5

Your internal thoughts about yourself are the most important factor in determining your
gender identity. It all boils down to how you personally make sense of the chemical that makes
up your body (e.g., hormone levels).

Do you believe that you more closely identify with the societal role of "woman" or "man"?
or do you find that neither of these descriptions especially applies to you? That is, do you find
yourself somewhere in the middle of the two? Or do you regard your gender to exist in a
category that is wholly distinct from the others? The answer is on your perception of your
gender.

It is generally agreed upon that our gender identities begin to take shape around the
age of three, and that once these identities have been established, it is quite challenging to
alter them. The formation of an individual's identity is influenced not only by biological sex but
also by hormones and the surrounding environment.

When a person is given a gender based on their sex at birth, even when that gender
does not fit with how they come to identify, there is a good chance that problems may occur.
We'll have more to say about that at a later time.

Types of Gender Identities

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 6

Biological Sex: The Equipment Under the Hood

The term "biological sex" refers to the organs, hormones, and chromosomes that can be
objectively measured in a person's body. To be female necessitates the presence of a vagina,
ovaries, two copies of the X chromosome, a predominance of estrogen, and the capacity to
bear children in the abdominal region. Being male necessitates the presence of testicles, a
penis, an XY chromosomal arrangement, a predominance of testosterone, and the ability to
place a child into the abdominal region of a female. Being intersex can mean having any
combination of the characteristics that I just outlined.

For instance, a person can be born with the outward characteristics of a man (penis,
scrotum, etc.), but really have a fully working female reproductive system on the interior of
their body. There are a variety of ways in which intersex can manifest itself that explain the
incidence of intersex births.

Sexual Orientation: Who You Are Attracted To

Your sexual orientation is determined by the people who appeal to you on all levels—
physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are considered straight if you are a man and you
have a preference for the company of women. A man is said to be bisexual if he has feelings

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 7

of attraction toward both other men and women. And if you're a man and you have feelings
for other men, that makes you queer.

It is interesting to note that Dr. Alfred Kinsey's groundbreaking study, which was carried
out in the middle of the 20th century, discovered that the majority of people are neither
completely straight nor homosexual or lesbian. The majority of people who identify as straight
are actually somewhere between 1 and 3 on the scale, and the majority of people who
identify as lesbian or gay are 3-5, which means that the majority of us are a little bit bisexual.

Types of Sexual Orientation

Gender Expression: How You Demonstrate Who You Are

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 8

The concept of gender expression refers to how an individual intentionally or

unintentionally communicates their gender by how they act, dress, conduct, and interact with
others. The way in which other people perceive your gender, based on the norms of gender
roles in society, determines how your gender is expressed (e.g., men wear pants, women wear
dresses).

Gender expression is something that frequently shifts from one day to the next, from one
clothing to the next, and from one occasion or environment to the next. It is important to
consider whether or not the manner in which you express yourself conforms to conventional
norms of gendered expression. Along the same lines as one's gender identification, there is a
great deal of leeway in this regard. It is possible that, during the course of the week, you will
move around on this spectrum without giving it any conscious thought.

Understanding Human Sexual Response

Media show numerous concepts about sex, lust, and desire, which could be explicitly
or implicitly embedded in ads, magazines, movies, TV shows, radio programs, games, etc. Sex

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 9

is also at time called love-making giving premium to the act being based on and done out of
love. And ideally, “falling in love is stronger than the sex drive.”

According to Fisher, we are drawn to certain people not only for cultural reasons, such
as socioeconomics, intelligence, and values, but also for biological reasons. Furthermore, she
asserted that there are three stages of falling in love.

• These sex hormones, present in males and females, motivate individuals to find a mate - the main
hormones responsible for "sex drive". Indeed, experiments have shown that altering levels of these
hormones has implications upon sexual desire.
LUST

• This "infatuation" stage is driven mainly by dopamine and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), coupled
with a decrease in serotonin levels. This cocktail of chemicals causes increased alertness and
arousal of the body when somebody is attracted to another, inducing a feel-good reward pathway
ATTRACTION associated with the person - increasing the desire to spend more time with them.

• Long term attachment between two people involves the hormones oxytocin (known as the "love
hormone" or "cuddle chemical") and vasopressin. Concentrations of these in the body increase
following orgasm in both men and women - the release of these hormones is believed to be
ATTACHMENT important factor in long term attraction and love.

Chemicals in the Brain On Love

It is typically called the “female” hormone, which is key to developing sexual functions and
Estrogen characteristics in women during adolescence.
Testosterone is the “male” hormone, the most significant hormone to male sexual development
Testosterone and function.
This hormone triggers euphoria and feelings of bliss, increased energy, lack of sleep or appetite,
Norepinephrine and focused attention on your new relationship.
the happy hormone is released in our brains when we feel good. It govern our emotional responses
Dopamine and our ability to express pleasure.
Phenylethylamine is responsible for the butterflies in the stomach we feel when we are around our lovers.
also known as the love hormone, is a neurotransmitter associated with empathy, trust, sex, and
Oxytocin relationship building. Increased levels of oxytocin are released during cuddling and orgasm.
After the initial stages of passion and lust are completed, we may begin to experience symptoms
Vasopressin of falling out of love. This occurs due to an antidiuretic hormone called vasopressin.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 10

Erogenous Zones

An erogenous zone is any area that can produce sexual arousal when stimulated. One
theory behind these sensitive areas is that they have nerve endings and receptors that are
more attuned to light touch or gentle tickling (Turnbull, 2014). Also, everyone is different, and
some people may find that they get more pleasure from a tickle or light touch, whereas others
are more sensitive to vibration or pressure (Cordeau, 2014).

These hot spots vary by person—what may feel amazing for one person may be
unpleasant for another. That’s why communication is key. Speak with your partner or partners
about what you each enjoy and make space for sharing while you’re in the thick of it—you
may learn something new about each other and yourself in the process.

Now that you know what erogenous zones are, you may wonder where to find them.
These sensitive areas can be divided into genital vs. extragenital erogenous zones.
Extragenital erogenous zones are parts of the body that elicit a sexual response outside of the
penis and vulva area. While erogenous zones can differ from person to person, the above
are the most common erogenous zones in men and women.

Erogenous Zones in MEN Erogenous Zones in WOMEN

Being aware of the erogenous or sexually stimulating zones shared by both sexes might
be seen as either intriguing or embarrassing when brought up in a classroom setting or during

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 11

a casual chat. But this is undeniably pertinent and helpful, especially during sexual arousal, for
the purpose of preparation for sexual encounters, and it is important to remember this.

The ability to engage in sexual fantasies is proof that erogenous zones may exist
everywhere, including in the mind. The most popular sexual fantasies include daydreaming
about having intercourse with another person, but there are a wide variety of other possibilities
as well.

The Sexual Response Cycle

A person's physical and psychological reactions in response to sexual stimulation are

referred to as the sexual response cycle. The four phases of the cycle describe what happens
to the body during solitary sexual activity as well as partnered sexual activity.

The individual will have a unique experience of each of the four phases since no two
persons will react in the same way. This topic examines the phases of the sexual response cycle
and how a person might achieve sexual pleasure throughout the cycle.

Phase 1: Excitement. Sexual excitement, also called arousal, is the first phase of the sexual
response cycle. This phase happens in response to thoughts, sensations, or events that make
a person feel aroused. Examples of things that can trigger the excitement phase include
viewing pornography, having sexual fantasies, or kissing.

Phase 2: Plateau. If a person continues to receive sexual stimulation after the excitement
phase, they move into the second stage: plateau. In the plateau phase, the responses
initiated during the excitement phase intensify. Blood flow, heart rate, muscle tension,
breathing rate, and sensitivity continue to increase.

People with a penis may release some pre-seminal fluid, also known as pre-ejaculate or
pre-cum, or experience further drawing in of the scrotal sack to the body. The plateau phase
ends when the third stage, orgasm, begins.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 12

Phase 3: Orgasm. The orgasm phase happens when a person is at the peak of sexual
excitement. It is also known as a “climax.” This phase happens when a person continues to
receive sexual stimulation after the plateau phase. Stimulation that may cause an orgasm
includes touching the genitals, breasts, nipples, and other body parts.

During the orgasm phase, a person with a penis may also experience contraction of
the penile muscles and ejaculation, which is the release of semen from the urethra.

A person with a vagina may experience contraction of the pelvic muscles and a release
of muscle tension.

Phase 4: Resolution. The resolution phase returns the body to its pre-aroused state. In this
phase, a person “recovers” from sexual intercourse and orgasm. A person’s heartbeat and
breathing slow down, blood pressure and muscle tension return to normal, and the genitals
become smaller and less engorged. A person may feel satisfied and tired.

After orgasm, a person enters the refractory period. The refractory period is a period
after orgasm in which a person’s body no longer responds to sexual stimuli.

In people with a penis, the penis becomes flaccid, and the person no longer responds
to stimulation.

Sexual Violence

Though far from being a pleasant topic, we all need to be aware of the importance of
how to take care of ourselves and protect ourselves, our loved ones, and young children from
the reality that we are still working on eradicating sexual violence.

WHO defined Sexual Violence as any sexual act, attempt to obtain sexual act,
unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a
person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim,
in any settings, including but not limited to home and work.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 13

Forms of Sexual Violence

In our own ways, we can prevent sexual violence, one little step at a time. Be aware.
Be vigilant, not paranoid. Educate others on how they can protect themselves. Increase
media literacy. Filter what ideas you expose yourself to. Talk to people who can help and
report to concerned government agencies.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

An STI is an infection that’s passed on by sexual contact. STI has replaced the term STD
(sexually transmitted disease). There are many people with STIs who have no symptoms,
therefore, STI is a more accurate term. Engaging in sexual contact, either vaginal, oral, or
anal, can give temporary intense pleasure, but a possibility of transmitting “more than 30

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 14

different bacteria, viruses, and parasites” that may result in a lifetime of sexually transmitted
infections.

In our country, the Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health showed that 41 is
the new average case per day from January to July 2022, higher than the 33 cases a day over
the same period in 2021. The bureau also reported that in July 2022, a total of 1,346 confirmed
HIV-positive individuals were reported with:

1. NCR with most cases which is 382;

2. CALABARZON with 265 cases; and

3. Central Luzon with 143 cases.

Health officials report 95 percent of the new cases or 1,273 were male while 73 were
female. Of the total reported cases, 1,307 or 97 percent were transmitted through sexual
contact — 913 of them involving male-to-male sex, 242 through sex with male and female
while 84 cases were male to female sex. 318 deaths have been reported in 2022 to date.

The Philippines has reported 103,112 total cases in the country since January 1984.
Prevention is always better than cure. With HIV and AIDS, prevention is unquestionably better
since until now there is still no cure.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 15

Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria. While most people don’t have symptoms, it can
cause discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus or cause pain during sex or in the lower
abdomen. Gonorrhea can also infect the throat, anus, pelvic organs, and eyes. It can lead
to pelvic inflammatory disease, testicle infections, and infertility if not treated. Gonorrhea is
treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. While most people don’t have symptoms, it
can cause symptoms such as pain when a person urinates (pees), pain during sex, or anal
discharge. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis (also called ‘trich’) is caused by a parasite. Not everyone has
symptoms. The symptoms can include pain when urinating (peeing), discharge from the penis
or vagina, itching in the penis or vagina, and pain during sex. Trichomoniasis is treated with
antibiotics.

HIV. HIV is caused by a virus. HIV can be passed on through sexual contact, sharing needles,
or contact with body fluids. HIV attacks the immune system; the body can’t fight infection or
disease. If it’s not treated, someone with HIV can develop AIDS. While there’s no cure,
treatments can help people live long and healthy lives.

Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a virus that causes liver infection. The virus can be passed on through
sexual contact, sharing needles, or contact with blood. Some people with hepatitis B have no
symptoms, while others may be very tired, have a mild fever or muscle aches. It can lead to
serious liver disease, liver cancer and death. Hepatitis B can be prevented by getting
immunized.

Genital Herpes. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It may cause blisters
in the genitals, rectum or mouth. Because it’s caused by a virus, genital herpes can’t be cured.
There is a medicine that can help control it so that the outbreaks aren’t as serious or as often.

Syphilis. Syphilis is caused by bacteria. Not everyone will have symptoms. The average time
between infection and symptoms is 21 days if they do. Early symptoms may include painless

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 16

sores in the genitals, mouth, and rectum, or a painless rash on the palms of the hands, soles of
the feet, or the whole body. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.

Genital Warts or Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV). It causes skin growths on or around the genitals or anus. Some people
have only a few warts, while others have many. HPV can be prevented by getting immunized.

Family Planning

Family planning programs intend to provide accessible information on sexual and

reproductive health for people to choose from depending on their needs and preferences.
Contraception is focused on ways to prevent pregnancy in line with the family planning
program.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 17

The Department of Health (DOH) has four principles in implementing the family program
which adolescents and older can relate with, either as a child or soon to be parent.

1. Responsible parenthood – determine the desired number of children they might have and
when they might have them. Responsible parenting is the proper upbringing and education
of children.

2. Respect for life - The 1987 Constitution states that the government protects the sanctity of
life. Abortion is NOT a family planning method.

3. Birth Spacing refers to interval between pregnancies which is ideally 3 years.

4. Informed Choice is upholding and ensuring the rights of couples to determine the number
and spacing of their children according to their life’s aspirations and reminding couples that
planning size of their families has a direct bearing on the quality of their children’s and their
own lives.

To aid in family planning program are a range of natural and artificial types of
contraception to choose from. However, ABSTINENCE, or not engaging in any form of sex, a
natural method, is the most effective means of contraception since time immemorial.

Birth Control

Using more than one birth control method (dual protection)—such as the birth control
pill and condoms — protects best against pregnancy and STIs. There are many choices for
birth control, including abstinence. You need to choose what’s best for you.

Some birth control methods are harder to use or take more getting used to (e.g.,
diaphragm). Birth control has to be used correctly and consistently to prevent pregnancy and
STIs.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 18

Types of Birth Control

There are many types of birth control. Some will be more suited to you than others.
Understanding what each type is and how they work will help you make your own decision
about what will work best for you.

Abstinence. Abstinence means different things to different people. It may mean making the
choice not to have any sexual contact including:

 self-touch (masturbation)
 vaginal sex (penis to the vagina)
 anal sex (penis to anus)
 oral sex (mouth to penis or mouth to the vagina)
 hand sex (hand to genitals)

For some people, abstinence may include certain types of sexual contact. Abstinence
prevents pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. If a
person chooses not to partake in any of the sexual activities listed above, it means they’re
protected from STIs, pregnancy, and HIV and don’t need to use birth control.

Condom (External/Male). A condom is a thin covering that fits over a hard (erect) penis. It
decreases the risk of pregnancy by stopping sperm from getting to and entering the egg. It
also decreases the risk of STIs and HIV by stopping semen, vaginal fluid, or blood from passing
between partners. Most condoms are latex, but there are non-latex ones.

Vaginal (Internal) Condom. A vaginal condom is a soft, plastic (non-latex) sleeve with 2 flexible
rings, one on each end. The closed inner ring goes inside the vagina to cover the opening of
the uterus. The outer ring stays outside the vagina to cover the genitals. It decreases the risk
of pregnancy by stopping the sperm from getting to or entering the egg.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 19

Intrauterine device (IUD). An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, soft, T-shaped device with a
nylon string attached to it. A healthcare provider has to put it in. There are 2 types of IUDs
(copper and hormonal). Hormonal IUDs are also called intrauterine systems (IUS). They work in
different ways. Depending on the type of IUD, it can help prevent pregnancy for 3 to 10 years.

Birth Control Pill (‘The Pill’). The pill is taken every day to prevent pregnancy. It contains
hormones (estrogen and progestin) that are like the hormones females produce. They stop
the ovaries from releasing an egg.

Birth Control Patch (‘The Patch’). The birth control patch is a thin, light brown patch that you
wear on your skin. It has to be changed once a week. The sticky part contains hormones
(estrogen and progestin) that are like the hormones females produce. These hormones are
absorbed through the skin. They stop the ovaries from releasing an egg.

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring (NuvaRing®). The vaginal contraceptive ring is a soft, 5.5 cm,
clear, plastic (non-latex) ring that a person puts in their vagina once a month. It contains
hormones (estrogen and progestin) that are like the hormones females produce. They stop
the ovaries from releasing an egg.

Birth Control Injection (Depo-Provera® or ‘the Shot’). The shot contains a hormone (progestin)
like the hormone females produce. It doesn’t contain estrogen. The hormone stops the body
from releasing an egg, makes the lining of the uterus thin, and makes cervical mucous thick.
You need a prescription for the injection. It’s given every 10-12 weeks.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 20

Vaginal Spermicides. Vaginal spermicides are put in the vagina before sex to help prevent
pregnancy. They contain an ingredient called nonoxynol-9 that kills sperm. Spermicides are
considered to be among the least effective of all birth control methods.

Diaphragm. A diaphragm is disc-shaped, made of latex or silicone, and has a flexible rim. It’s
inserted into the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and stops sperm from entering the
uterus. A diaphragm must be used with a special type of gel that kills sperm (spermicidal gel).

Fertility Awareness-Based (FAB) Methods. Fertility Awareness-Based (FAB) methods are

sometimes called natural family planning. It identifies the days of the month when the egg’s
ready to be fertilized and becoming pregnant is most likely (fertile time). This can be used to:

prevent pregnancy—don’t have vaginal intercourse or use another method of birth control
during a person’s fertile time become pregnant—have vaginal intercourse during a person’s
fertile time

Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) (used after the birth of a baby). Lactation Amenorrhea
Method (LAM) is a way for breastfeeding to temporarily help prevent pregnancy. It must be
used correctly to work. Lactation means your body is making breastmilk, and amenorrhea
means you aren’t having a monthly period. Breastfeeding hormones may stop your body from
releasing eggs. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t release an egg.

LAM only works if your:

 baby is under 6 months old and

 baby is fully breastfed (baby gets no other liquid or food, not even water) or nearly fully
breastfed (baby gets vitamins, water, or other fluids or nutrients once in a while, and
they do not disrupt the frequency of feedings) and

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 21

 period has not returned. This means you have not had vaginal bleeding for 2 or more
days in a row (not counting bleeding during the first 2 months after giving birth).

Tubal Ligation. Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control. Surgery is done to close
the fallopian tubes (the tubes that the egg travels through). This stops the egg and sperm from
meeting. You can't become pregnant if the sperm can’t reach and enter the egg.

Vasectomy. A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control. It’s a minor surgery where the
tubes (vas deferens) that carry the sperm from the testicles into the semen are partially
removed or blocked. Without sperm, a person can’t get pregnant.

Withdrawal (Pulling Out). Withdrawal is used during vaginal intercourse to reduce the risk of
pregnancy. Withdrawal is when the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation.
Ejaculation shouldn’t happen near the partner’s vagina. If semen is near the opening of the
vagina, sperm can enter the body and fertilize the egg.

Summary of the Lesson:

• Our sexuality is commonly defined as the ways people experience and express
themselves as sexual beings.
• Sexuality is a central aspect of being a human throughout life, encompassing sex,
pleasure, eroticism, reproduction, intimacy, sexual orientation, and gender identities
and roles.
• Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes,
values, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships.

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self

 22

• Our view of sexuality is heavily affected by different factors such as education,

economics, history, culture, occupation, law, media, religion, income, politics, and
society.
• The goal of sex education is not to increase sexual activity but rather to improve sexual
health and protect students from being sexually abused.
• Genderbread Person has a total of four components, including gender identity, gender
expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation, which are independent of one
another, yet they are not connected.
• An erogenous zone is any area that can produce sexual arousal when stimulated. One
theory behind these sensitive areas is that they have nerve endings and receptors that
are more attuned to light touch or gentle tickling.
• A person's physical and psychological reactions in response to sexual stimulation are
referred to as the sexual response cycle. The four phases of the cycle describe what
happens to the body during solitary sexual activity as well as partnered sexual activity,
including excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
• When it comes to love and sex, having a sexual connection is essential to the majority
of romantic relationships; yet, contrary to popular belief, it is not necessarily the most
important part.

References/Attributions:

Tomas, R. et al (2019), Understanding the Self, Mutya Publishing House, Inc.,

Go-Monilla, M. & Ramirez, N. (2018), Understanding the Self-Outcomes-Based Module, C& E

Publishing, Inc.,

Corpuz, M. et al (2018), Understanding the Self, C& E Publishing, Inc.,

Lesson04_Midterm Understanding the Self