Biomedical Perspectives in Gender and Sexuality

Biomedical Perspectives in Gender and Sexuality

• This presentation covers biomedical aspects of gender and sexuality.
• Key topics include anatomy and physiology of reproduction, the process of reproduction, sexual health and hygiene, and risky behaviors in adolescents.
• The aim is to understand the biological and physiological aspects of human sexuality, including anatomy, physiology, and health considerations.

Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

• Reproduction is the biological process of creating offspring.
• Genitals are external sex organs.
• Primary sex characteristics are present at birth.
• Secondary sex characteristics develop during puberty.
• Adolescence is a crucial period marked by rapid changes, physical changes, improved cognitive abilities, development of reproductive capacity, shaping identity, and influencing future health and social development.
• Male and female reproductive organs originate from the same basic structures in a developing fetus.
• Both male and female systems share the primary function of reproduction, men produce sperm, women produce eggs, and provide a nurturing environment for the developing baby.

Female Reproductive System

• Includes the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
• Shows anatomical structures like the mons pubis, clitoris, labia majora, labia minora, hymen, and vaginal opening.
• It describes the physiological aspects of the Female Reproductive System, especially during puberty.

Female Reproductive Physiology

• The menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in females, generally occurring between 11 to 15 years of age (menarche).
• Menstruation refers to the sloughing off of the uterine lining if conception hasn't occurred.
• It typically lasts for two to six days and follows a cycle from 24 to 42 days.
• The menstrual cycle is governed by the hypothalamus, monitoring hormone levels in the blood stream.
• The cycle includes three phases (menstrual, proliferative, and secretory).
• The phases describe different stages of the uterine lining's activity and hormone levels in relation to possible pregnancy.

Problems Associated with Menstruation

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 80-95% of women.
• Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation caused by prostaglandins causing uterine muscle contractions.
• Amenorrhea refers to the disruption or absence of menstruation.

Menopause and Its Associated Symptoms

• Menopause, typically occurring around age 45-50, is when a female stops menstruating.
• The transition, lasting 3-4 years, can include fluctuating hormone levels and associated symptoms.
• Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, fatigue, irritability, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, headaches, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with sexual arousal.

Female Secondary Characteristics

• Widening of hips and pelvis accommodates childbirth but can cause a downward shift in the center of gravity.
• Breast enlargement involves both glandular and fatty tissues.
• Breast size differences are largely due to varying amounts of fatty tissue.
• Breasts are involved in sexual arousal, and produce milk during pregnancy and after childbirth, responding to hormonal changes.

Male Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

• The male reproductive system is responsible for sperm production, male sexual development, and sexuality.
• The system includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urethra

Male Reproductive Physiology

• Sperm production (spermatogenesis) involves mitosis and meiosis.
• The testes produce testosterone, which helps sperm mature.
• The male reproductive system produces secondary sex characteristics.
• The system produces sperm for fertilization of the female reproductive egg.

Process of Reproduction

• Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
• Fertilization is when sperm meets an egg in the fallopian tube.
• Pregnancy is the process when an offspring develops within the mother's womb.

Sexual Health and Hygiene

• Comprehensive health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Hygiene routines include regular bathing, handwashing, and proper dental care. Good hygiene helps maintain health and prevents the spread of germs.
• Sexual health focuses on responsible sexual behavior, sexual pleasure, freedom from coercion.
• Reproductive health emphasizes access to healthcare, maternal and child health, and gender equality in reproductive matters.
• Hygiene routines adjust with puberty's changes, including increased oil and sweat production, and body hair growth

Risky Behaviors of Adolescence

• Risk-taking behavior involves activities potentially compromising health with limited or no understanding of consequences; activities can be harmful and dangerous.
• Examples include substance use (alcohol, tobacco, drugs), unprotected sex (STIs, HIV/AIDS), violence (fighting, illegal activities), risky driving (DUI, reckless driving) and potentially risky investments and extreme sports.

Sexual Risk Behaviors

• HIV/AIDS, STIs (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, Syphilis)
• Unintended pregnancy is a potential risk
• Abstinence is the only 100% effective method against HIV

Additional Considerations

• Culture and tradition influence adolescent behavior and can involve harmful practices that violate human and reproductive rights, mainly affecting women.