Sexual Self Chapter II: Lesson 2

Study Notes

Discuss the developmental aspects of the reproductive system.
Describe erogenous zones, which are sensitive areas of the body linked to sexual arousal.
Explain human sexual behavior, including solitary and sociosexual actions.
Characterize the diversity of sexual behavior across different individuals.
Identify sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their implications.
Differentiate between natural and artificial contraception methods.

Adolescence begins with rapid physical changes and maturation of the reproductive system.
Development of primary and secondary sex characteristics occurs during this period.

Primary Sex Characteristics: Present at birth, these are the physical attributes directly related to reproduction.
Secondary Sex Characteristics: Develop during puberty, differing between women and men.
- Women: Enlargement of breasts, hips widening, menstrual cycle, growth of buttocks, and pubic hair.
- Men: Testicular growth, sperm production, facial and body hair, and deepening of voice.

Hormones are natural substances produced by the body that influence growth and development.
Key hormones include testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Abnormal hormonal patterns during embryo development can lead to various reproductive organ anomalies.
Pseudo hermaphrodite: Individuals with mismatched reproductive structures and gonads.
Hermaphrodite: Individuals possessing both ovarian and testicular tissues.
Cryptorchidism: Condition where male testes fail to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum.
Phimosis: Narrowing of the male foreskin and misplaced urethral openings.

Women: Untreated vaginal infections may lead to sterility; common inflammatory conditions include vaginitis.
Men: Prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, and orchiditis are prevalent inflammatory conditions.
Neoplasm: Abnormal tissue growth indicative of cancer, e.g., breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

Menopause marks the end of menstruation and childbearing capability in females, unlike males who retain reproductive ability indefinitely.

Erogenous zones are body parts sensitive to stimulation, increasing sexual arousal when touched.
Common erogenous zones include the mouth, breasts, genitals, and anus, varying significantly between individuals.

Solitary Behavior: Self-gratification involving self-stimulation leading to sexual arousal and climax, usually private.
Sociosexual Behavior: Sexual activities between individuals, including heterosexual and homosexual interactions.

Petting: Kissing and touching each other sexually prior to coitus.
Coitus: The act of insertion of the male reproductive organ into the female reproductive organ.

Excitement Phase: Abrupt pleasure with increased pulse rate, female organ contractions, and male ejaculation; duration is brief.
Plateau Phase: Brief duration phase leading to potential orgasm.
Sexual Climax: Involves increased pulse, blood pressure, skin temperature, genital fluid secretion, and muscular expansion.