Sexual Self-Concept Overview

Sexual Self-Concept

• An individual's evaluation of their own sexual feelings and actions.
• Factors that contribute to the formation of sexual self-concept include biological, psychological, and social factors.

Biological Factors

• Age: As individuals age, their sexual self-concept becomes more stable.
• Gender: Women tend to experience higher levels of sexual anxiety, depression, and fear compared to men.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Individuals with STDs such as HPV, HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, and gonorrhea often experience feelings of depression and anxiety about their sexual relations.

Psychological Factors

• Body Image: Poor body image can lead to reduced confidence in engaging in intimate relationships.
• History of Sexual Abuse: Survivors of sexual abuse may experience difficulties with intimacy, and feelings of guilt, shame, frustration, sorrow, and anger.
• Mental Health: Individuals with mental health conditions like schizophrenia and depression may experience higher levels of sexual incompetence and negative emotions.

Social Factors

• Parents and Peers: Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's understanding of sexual identity and values related to sexuality. Peers also contribute significantly to the knowledge and understanding of sexuality amongst adolescents.
• Media: Media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and understanding of various topics related to sexuality, including reproduction, sexual identity, and romantic relationships.

Hormones and Sexuality

• Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, appetite, and intimacy.
• Hormones play a crucial role in influencing sexual motivation and behavior.

Key Hormones and Their Influences

• Testosterone: Produced by the testicles and adrenal glands (in smaller amounts), testosterone primarily influences sexual motivation in males.
• Estrogen: Produced by the ovaries and placenta (during pregnancy), estrogen primarily influences sexual motivation in females.
• Progesterone: Produced by the ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands, progesterone is known to decrease sexual motivation in women and is produced during pregnancy.
• Oxytocin: Released by the pituitary gland, oxytocin is associated with feelings of empathy, trust, and attachment, and is released during sexual activity, childbirth, and lactation.
• Vasopressin: Secreted by the pituitary gland, vasopressin plays a role in the erectile response in men.

Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD)

• GSD refers to the diverse range of gender identities and sexual orientations.

Key Terms

• Sex: Biological difference assigned at birth, categorized as male or female.
• Sexual Orientation: Describes who a person is attracted to sexually, including heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay or lesbian), and bisexual.
• Gender Identity: An individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may differ from their assigned sex at birth.

Importance of Contraception and Reproductive Health

• Access to contraception and reproductive health services is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health and family planning.
• Emphasis on the right to make informed decisions regarding family planning and contraceptive methods, particularly for couples, adults, women, and adolescents.
• Importance of access to quality reproductive health care services, including affordable and accessible services for all.
• The importance of truthful information and education on reproductive health.
• Prioritizing access to reproductive health services for marginalized groups, such as the poor.

Family Planning Methods

• Family planning includes techniques and methods used to plan the timing and spacing of children.
• Natural family planning methods and contraceptives play significant roles in family planning.

Natural Family Planning

• Methods use natural bodily signs and cycles to identify fertile periods.
• Techniques:
  • Calendar rhythm method: Based on tracking menstrual cycles to estimate ovulation and fertile periods.
  • Temperature method: Monitors basal body temperature, which rises slightly after ovulation.
  • Cervical mucus inspection method: Observes changes in cervical mucus consistency and characteristics to identify ovulation.
  • Combined mucus and temperature method: Uses a combination of cervical mucus inspection and temperature monitoring to identify ovulation.
  • Withdrawal method: Removing the penis before ejaculation, but this is not very reliable due to the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate fluid

Contraception

• Contraception methods aim to prevent pregnancy.
• Types of contraceptives:
  • Birth Control Pills: Prevent ovulation.
  • Depo-Provera (DMPA) Injectables: A hormonal contraceptive that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.
  • Implants: A long-acting reversible contraceptive method, inserted under the skin, that continuously releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
  • Condoms: Barrier contraceptives that help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

### Concluding Points

• It is essential to approach discussions surrounding sexuality with sensitivity and respect for cultural perspectives.
• Proper guidance is crucial to promoting healthy understanding and practices in adolescents.
• Responsible sexual behavior involves using contraception for pregnancy prevention and condoms for STI prevention.
• Accessible information about reproductive health, family planning methods, and contraceptives is paramount for making informed decisions about sexual health.

This quiz explores the various factors influencing an individual's sexual self-concept, including biological, psychological, and social aspects. Understand how age, gender, body image, and mental health contribute to one's sexual perceptions and behaviors. Dive into the complexities of sexual identity and mental well-being.