The Sexual Self

What I Need to Know

1. Explain one’s understanding of sexuality.
2. Discuss the Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics
3. Describe erogenous zones.
4. Explain human sexual behavior.
5. Describe sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
6. Differentiate natural and artificial methods of contraception/family planning.

What’s In
In this digital era, topics and content about sex may be extensive since it could be
explicitly or implicitly embedded in ads, magazines, movies, social media platforms, TV shows,
radio programs, games, etc. but it does not mean that people are well educated about it. In
this module, we will try to deal with sexuality from an academic and scientific perspective
relevant to understanding who we are so we may know better how to take care and protect our
self and even those we love.

What’s New

Activity 1. Case Analysis

Miyo, a call center agent for 8 years, has been active in expressing himself sexually. His
engagement in sexual activities is a way for him to get rid of his feeling of boredom with his
work. The monotony he experiences in his job made him suffer from burn out as well as loss of
motivation. His appearance also shows and reflects his feelings about his job and his life. He is
haggard, pale and shabby. This is prompted Miyo to engage in promiscuity to get hold of his life
and zest to his everyday routine.

Questions:
1. How does sexuality impact one’s image and self-esteem? Explain the same in the case of
Miyo.
2. Do you think being sexually active helps you reduce stress? If yes, why and in what way
does it help? If not, why not and how would you refrain from your sexual desire?

What Is It

The Sexual Self

Sex as we commonly know is necessary for human to procreate. But sex goes beyond
the instinct to procreate. It is also part of what makes a person human. Understanding the
sexuality of a person aside from its other components (physical, moral, emotional) is also
essential to explain the nature of the self. Sexual identity determines the sexual concept of the
individual. Our sexuality is part of who we are. Whether we feel comfortable talking about it or
not, it is unquestionably a component of our self that the earlier we properly learn about, the
better we can understand who we are and who we can become. Sexual self forms part of the
building of self-concept, attachment, intimacy and sexual satisfaction played essential roles in
formation of self.

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics

Puberty by definition is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is
a natural process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for
boys. Every human being undergoes puberty. Puberty brings about physical changes as a result
of sexual maturity through the signals sent by the brain to the sex glands. The release of sex
hormones such as the testosterone for the male and progesterone and estrogen for the
females allows remarkable physiological changes. Puberty is not a one size fits all experience. It
affects boys and girls differently. It could manifest in varying rates and specific ages since every
individual develops and reacts in different ways due to factors like stress, weight, nutrition,
hormonal activity, and inherent characteristics.
Secondary sexual characteristics are those sexually dimorphic characteristics that are
not directly involved in reproduction. It manifests in the stage of puberty. Girls usually begin to
show physical changes at puberty between the ages of 9-13 which is earlier than boys. These
physical changes are caused by the female sex hormone and estrogen. Many girls are fully
developed at age 16 while others continue to develop until the age of 18. For girls, secondary
sex characteristics include appearance of body hair in the genital area, under the arms, and on
the legs, rounded/wider hips, a decreased ability to generate muscle mass at a fast rate,
increase in height, decreased upper body strength, development of breasts, ability to nurse
children, vaginal discharge and later a menstrual cycle, development of acne, sweating under
the armpits and increased body odor and increased body fat composition. Boys usually begin to
show the physical changes at puberty between the ages 11-14, which is slightly later than the
girls. The male hormone testosterone and other hormones cause the puberty changes. For
boys, secondary characteristics include appearance of facial, chest and pubic hair, increased
body hair, pelvic build (lack of rounded hips), upper body muscular build, enlargement of
testicles and scrotum, penis grows in length and width, ability to procreate, experiencing wet
dreams and involuntary erections, changes in voice, breast development, and the ability to
generate muscle mass at a faster rate than the female. 
As the secondary sex characteristics manifest in the stage of puberty, there is
concurrent development happening in the brain. Emotions increase that makes the transition
to adulthood and sexual maturity more challenging. Many who are not oriented on the drastic
transformations and temporary emotional takeover during this stage of development
experience anxieties and other negative feelings that sometimes lead to depression. So it is very
important that adults should properly guided and educate their youngsters during this crucial
period of one’s development.

Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones are areas of the body sensitive to sexual stimulation. Awareness of the
sexuality stimulating zones of both sexes seems to be interesting or awkward when discussed in
class but this is definitely relevant and beneficial not only for sexual excitement but also for
protection against many forms of sexual violence. When the erogenous zones are touched,
there is an expected automatic sensation since these areas have large concentrations of nerve
endings that can provide pleasurable sensations when stimulated. Remember that the quality
of the sensation depends on who and how the zones are being touched.
Erogenous zones are maybe primary erogenous zones and secondary erogenous zones.
Primary zones pertain to areas that contain thick concentration of nerve endings. For boys,
these zones are the mouth/lips, back and nape of neck, ears, nipples, pubic hairline, scrotum,
penis, perineum and inner thigh. For girls, these are their mouth/lips, back and nape of neck,
ears, nipples, breasts, lower back, vagina, clitoris and inner thigh. Secondary erogenous zones
include all others part of the body that produce erotic sensations when touched in a context of
sexual intimacies.

Understanding Human Sexual Response

All species are biologically sexually aroused. Once one decides to engage in sexual
intimacy, there is a sexual response pattern that will occur. It refers to the physical and
emotional responses one experiences during sexual activity. As the male becomes sexually
mature, its testes start to secret androgens, a male hormone which produces secondary sex
characteristics, which increased the sex drives for the boys. The production of this hormone is
constant making men capable of sexual activities with no reference to the biological cycle.
Women have different patterns. When they reach puberty their ovaries start to produce female
hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Unlike for men, these hormones are not constantly
produced but instead they follow a cycle. The highest of the female production is at ovulation
when a ripe egg cell is released from the ovaries making a chance for fertilization by a sperm.
Women are receptive to sex throughout their cycles. However, it may not just be the sexual
hormones that arouse people other things like smells, objects, sights, etc. may lead also to
sexual excitement. It is said that, in each person, the kinds of stimuli that produce sexual
arousal are unique.
There are several models for sexual response cycles but the most common is the linear
models by Master and Johnson with four (4) phases-the excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution. The excitement phase involves arousal in preparation for sexual activity like the
erection of penis and vaginal lubrication. This phase can last for a few minutes to an hour. The
plateau phase is the body’s preparation for orgasm where the maximum level of sexual arousal
is attained as the penis and clitoris swell with blood. The orgasm phase is the peak of sexual
excitement where the vagina’s muscle contract and the penis expels the semen producing
intense pleasure for both. The resolution phase is the last stage of sexual arousal in which the
body returns to normal state. The genitals return to their normal unaroused size and shape, the
blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are back to normal.

Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Sexuality is an important part of who we are as human being. Beyond the ability to
procreate, human sexuality also defines how we see ourselves and how we physically relate to
others.  Sexual orientation is our sexual preferences towards males, females, or both. Sexual
orientation is usually divided into the following categories: homosexual (gay/lesbian), those
sexually attracted to members of the same sex; bisexual, those sexually attracted to people of
both sexes; heterosexual (straight), those sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex;
pansexual/omnisexual, those that can be sexually attracted to any sex or gender identity; and
asexual, those that are not sexually attracted to any sex or gender.
Most of us already have awareness of the existence of diverse sexual behaviors due to a
person’s sexual preference. We may not be able to fully understand but we have to give
respect. Majority of the scientists today agree that sexual orientation (including homosexuality
and bisexuality) is the result of a combination of environmental, emotional, hormonal, and
biological factors. In other words, there are many factors that contribute to the sexual
orientation of a person, and the factors may be different for different people.
Gender identity refers to One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of
both or neither and how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. The
gender identity of a person can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. The T
in the acronym LGBT which stands for transgender pertains to gender identity. Like sexual
orientation, there are several types of gender identity. Some of them are the following:
agender, people who do not identify with any gender; androgynous, people who neither
distinguishably masculine nor feminine; bigender, people whose gender identity encompasses
both man and woman; cisgender, someone whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned
to them at birth; transgender, gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at
birth; genderqueer, their gender identity is neither male nor female, is between or beyond
genders, or is some combination of genders; non-binary, someone who does not identify as a
man or a woman, or solely as one of those two genders; and gender fluid, someone who may
fluctuate between genders or express multiple genders at the same time.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Expressing one’s human sexuality is a natural process. Sex is in fact a basic human need.
However, the unmonitored expression of this drive can result to the consequences that can
further destroy the life and dignity of every human person with the possible proliferation of
sexually transmitted infections due to promiscuity. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are
communicable diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, yeast and parasites that may be
transmitted from one partner to another either through sexual activity or unhygienic practices.
Some of them can be cure by antibiotics and medications but those STIs caused by viruses has
not found any cure yet. The following are common sexually transmitted infections that have
afflicted people regardless of their socio-economic status, skin color and creed: chlamydia, HPV
(human papillomavirus), syphilis, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), gonorrhea, pubic lice
(crabs), Hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, herpes, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma
inguinale, molluscum contagiosum and scabies.
Avoiding unregulated sexual contact and preventing the practice of promiscuity is the
best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Magalona, et al (2018) presented the
following practices and habits if one is sexually active to avoid STIs: 1) Keep a monogamous
relationship 2) Practice abstinence 3)Be committed 4) Use caution 5) Undergo regular medical
checkups and 5) Be knowledgeable about the causes, effects and preventions of STIs.

Family Planning
It is a program to regulate the number and spacing of children in a family through the
practice of contraception or other methods of birth control. Family planning and contraception
is for everyone, even for those who are still in their adolescent years. To be educated on family
planning and contraception is to be protected from sexually transmitted infections and
unwanted pregnancies. It contributes also to improved health outcomes for infants, children,
women, and families.
The programs under family planning is intended to provide accessible information on
sexual and reproductive health for people to choose from depending on their needs and
preferences. Contraception is focused on the ways to prevent pregnancy in line with the family
planning program. Part of the family planning is the application of natural and artificial types of
contraception to choose from. Not engaging in any form of sexual activities is a natural method
and the most effective means of contraception since then.
The natural ways of contraception are all about the method of planning and stopping
pregnancy through the observance of the natural sign and symptoms of the fertility and safe
periods of the menstrual cycle in women. It is also called as fertility awareness in which sexual
contact should be prevented during the fertile period to avoid pregnancy. Under this category
are the rhythm or calendar method, cervical mucus method, basal body temperature,
symptom-thermal method, abstinence, douche, withdrawal and prolong lactation or lactational
amenorrhea (LAM).
Artificial method of contraception is the use and application of
apparatus/pills/injectables/surgery to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy. Under this
category are the use of pill or oral contraceptive, the morning after pill, implants, patches,
intrauterine device (IUD), surgical method or sterilization, vasectomy, male condom or
prophylactic latex, diaphragm or cervical cap and sponge with spermicide. Remember that the
misuse or abuse of use of artificial contraceptions may lead to severe health risks.

What I Can Do

Activity 2. Infographic

From what you have learned from this module on sexual self, propose a campaign or
public service announcement or infographic that can help educate others protect themselves
from the STIs. Be as informative and creative as you can.

References:

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Basic Human Anatomy. Chapter 4. The skin, hair and nails. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/part_1/chapter_4.html#

Brawner, G. D & Arcega, A.F (2018). Understanding the Self. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.
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https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-
teeth#1

Ford, Paul (2009). Beauty in Different Culture. Retrieved July 30, 2020 from
https://www.paulford.com/advertising/beauty-in-different-cultures.

Frando, M. F & Isip, L.A (2019). Understanding the Self. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp.
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Lasco, Gideon (2017). When Plastic Surgery Goes Wrong. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
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Magalona, E. et al (2018). Understanding the Self. Manila City: Mindshapers Co,. Inc.

Palean, E. D. et al (2018). Introspection: Understanding the Self. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp.
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Paudyal, Nabin. 5 of the Most Effective Ways to Keep your Hair Healthy. Retrieved July 31, 2020
from
https://www.lifehack.org/501552/5-the-most-effective-ways-keep-your-hair-healthy

Prideaux, Sophie. Filtered Images and Unrealistic Expectations: Social Media’s link to
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Structure and Function of the Skin. Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
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