CHAPTER II -

UNPACKING THE
SELF
LESSON 1: PHYSICAL AND
SEXUAL SELF
Introduction
It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of humans define sex
(female-XX or male-XY) and their secondary sexual characteristics.
From childhood, we are controlled by or genetic make up. 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 help
shapes ourselves.
 Abstraction

Gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testis or

ovary) begin to form until about the 8th week embryonic
development.
When the primary reproductive structures are formed,
development of the accessory structures and external genitalia
begins.
Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone
production in the embryo results in strange abnormalities.
True Pseudohermaphrodites
hermaphrodites -formed if individuals having
-individuals who possess both
accessory reproductive structures
ovarian and testicular tissues but this
that do not much their gonads.
condition is rare in nature.
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 also a risk
factor for cancer of the testes) that is why surgery is usually performed during
childhood to solve this problem.
Males who possess extra female sex chromosome have the normal 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 lucks ovaries. YO male dies during development.
Other much less serious conditions also affect males primarily such as PHIMOSIS,
which is due to narrowing of the foreskin of the male reproductive structure and
misplace urethral opening.
 Puberty
the period of life, generally between ages of 10-15 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
for females). After this time, reproductive capability
continues until old age in males and menopause in females.
 Puberty
In males, as they reach the age of 13, puberty is
characterize by the increase in 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
the first menstrual period of females which happens
two years after the start if puberty. Hormones play
an important role in regulation of ovulation and
fertility of females.
 DISEASES ASSOCIATED
WITH THE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 more common in
young and elderly
women and in those
whose resistance to
diseases is low.
If untreated, it may cause
pelvic inflammatory disease
and sterility. Problems that
involve painful or abnormal
menses may also be due to
infection or hormone
imbalance.
Vaginal Infections
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).
Orchiditis, or Male inflammatory
inflammation of testes, is
rather uncommon but is
conditions
serious because it can
cause sterility.
In males, the most common
inflammatory conditions are
prostatitis, urethritis, and
epididymitis, all of which
may follow sexual contacts
in which sexually
transmitted diseases (STD)
microorganisms are
transmitted.
 Menopause
Most women hit the highest point in their reproductive
abilities in their late 20s.
Menopause occurs when females no longer experience
menstruation and when women are at postmenopausal
stage, they are at risk for cardiovascular disorders.
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
It refers 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.
Other common areas of the body that can be aroused
easily may include the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.
Vasocongestion is the swelling of bodily tissues
caused by increased vascular blood flow and a
localized increase in blood pressure.
Human Sexual Behaviour
is defined as any activity- solitary or
sociosexual that induces sexual arousal.
 Solitary Behavior

involving only one individual.

Self-gratification by means of self-stimulation
that leads to sexual arousal generally, sexual
climax. It generally begins at or before puberty,
is very common among young males, but becomes
less frequent or is abandoned when sociosexual
activity is available.
 Solitary Behavior
It is most frequent among the unmarried. There
are more males who perform acts of self-
gratification than females.
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.
 Sociosexual Behavior

involves two persons or group

performing sexual activity.
The heterosexual behavior is the
greatest amount of sociosexual
behavior that occurs between only one
male and one female.
Sociosexual Behavior

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.
Sociosexual Behavior
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.
 COITUS

Coitus refers to the insertion of the male reproductive structure into

the female reproductive organ, is viewed by the society quite
differently depending upon the marital status of the individuals.

Majority of human societies allow pre-marital 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.
 Marital Coitus

“marriage” is usually regarded as an obligation

in most societies and much acceptable.
 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 persons.
 Extra- marital
Coitus
occurs when a married person engages in
sexual activity with someone other than his or
her spouse, involving wives is generally
condemned and, if permitted, is allowed only
under exceptional conditions or with specified
persons.