Understanding Sexuality: Education and Choices

• Sexuality includes gender identity, sexual orientation, emotions, values, and relationships
• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexuality as expressed through thoughts, desires, and behaviors
• Sexuality is shaped by family, culture, and society
• Talking about sexuality helps young people gain information about sexual health, relationships, and personal boundaries
• Lack of knowledge about sexuality may lead to unintended pregnancies, STIs, or unhealthy relationships
• Sex education helps individuals make informed and responsible decisions while promoting respect, safety, and self-awareness
• Sexuality is shaped by education, religion, culture, media, politics, history, and economic conditions
• In the Philippines, discussing sexuality is often taboo leading to misinformation and difficulty in making safe decisions
• Talking about sexuality in schools provides accurate, science-based information for responsible choices

Talking About Sexuality In Schools Facilitates

• Protection from STIs and unintended pregnancies
• Understanding the importance of consent and respect
• Breaking stigmas and misconceptions
• Preventing sexual violence
• Learning about sexuality can happen through parents, communities, online resources, and self-education
• Normalizing discussions promotes a safer and more informed society
• Sex refers to biological characteristics like genitalia, chromosomes, and hormones
• Gender is a social and cultural concept involving roles, behaviors, and identities
• Gender identity may or may not align with biological sex

Sexual Health

• Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as experiencing sexuality safely, without discrimination, violence, or coercion
• This requires comprehensive information, awareness of risks, access to healthcare, and a supportive environment

Positive Sexual Health Outcomes Require

• Accurate information
• Awareness of risks
• Access to healthcare
• Supportive environment
• Education enables people to make responsible choices, build healthy relationships, and contribute to a more informed society
• Puberty involves physical and emotional changes and proper knowledge can make it less challenging

Key Facts About Puberty

• Puberty is a phase of hormonal and physical changes leading to sexual maturity
• Girls typically enter puberty one to two years earlier than boys
• Everyone experiences puberty at their own pace, influenced by genetics, nutrition, stress, and health

Puberty In Girls

• Breast development begins around ages 8 to 13
• Pubic and underarm hair start growing
• First menstrual period (menarche) typically occurs between ages 10 to 16
• Body shape changes, with hips becoming more defined
• A noticeable growth spurt happens

Puberty In Boys

• Growth of the scrotum and testes starts around ages 10 to 13
• Penis lengthens, typically following testicular growth
• Pubic, underarm, and facial hair begin to appear
• Voice deepens due to the growth of the larynx
• A significant growth spurt occurs, usually between ages 12 to 16
• Brain undergoes structural and functional development during puberty

Emotional And Cognitive Development During Puberty

• Emotions often take over before rational decision-making fully develops
• Teenagers may act impulsively, struggle with mood swings, or have difficulty managing stress
• Support is needed for teenagers as they navigate feelings
• Small decisions can feel overwhelming, potentially leading to isolation, confusion, or frustration
• Unresolved emotions can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety
• Emotional immaturity combined with pressure can lead to harmful paths
• Adolescent pregnancy is a consequence of inadequate sex education

Statistics For Teenage Pregnancy In The Philippines

• In 2020, there were 2,113 pregnancies recorded for girls aged 10-14
• In 2021, the number of pregnancies rose to 2,354
• In 2022, the number of pregnancies declined to 2,299
• Lack of sex education contributes to poor decisions and unintended pregnancies
• Sex education prepares young people to make informed decisions about their health, emotions, and relationships
• Erogenous zones are areas of the body highly sensitive to touch, creating pleasure and arousal
• Common erogenous zones include mouth/lips, nape/back of the neck, and inner thighs
• Gender-specific erogenous zones for men include the penis and scrotum
• Gender-specific erogenous zones for women include the clitoris and pubic hairline
• Individual sensitivity varies, making communication with partners important
• Emotional and psychological factors also influence pleasure

Circumcision

• Practiced across cultures and religions
• Male circumcision dates back to 2300 BC
• It is a rite of passage into adulthood in many societies

Health Benefits Of Male Circumcision

• Easier genital hygiene
• Lower risk of STDs
• Reduced HPV transmission
• Possible protection against prostate cancer
• It is a personal choice, not mandatory in some societies

Key Facts About Female Genital Cutting (FGC)

• It offers no health benefits, is widely condemned, and involves the removal of female genitalia
• It can lead to severe pain and infection
• It can cause complications during childbirth
• It can cause loss of sexual function
• It can cause lifelong trauma
• It violates human rights
• Education and awareness can help challenge harmful traditions and promote informed decisions

Sexual Violence

• Refers to any unwanted sexual act that is forced, coerced, or non-consensual
• This includes harassment, abuse, rape, and trafficking

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2012), sexual violence includes

• Any sexual act attempted without consent
• Unwanted sexual comments or advances
• Acts of coercion, intimidation, or manipulation

Statistics For Sexual Violence In The Philippines:

• 1 in 20 women aged 15-49 has experienced sexual violence
• 1 in 4 children experiences sexual violence
• Teenagers aged 13-17 are most vulnerable
• 7 in 10 perpetrators are male

The emotional, psychological, and physical consequences for survivors of sexual violence include

• Emotional trauma
• Physical harm
• Social impact

Forms of Sexual Violence Include

• Rape
• Unwanted sexual advances or harassment
• Sexual abuse of people with disabilities and/or children
• Forced abortion
• Forced marriage or child marriage
• Acts that violate sexual integrity
• Denial of reproductive rights
• Forced prostitution and human trafficking

To Combat Sexual Violence

• Raise awareness
• Educate others
• Teach personal boundaries
• Learn the laws

Recognize Warning Signs By Looking For

• Pressure or manipulation
• Disrespect for boundaries
• Power imbalance

If Experiencing Sexual Violence, Report Cases To

• Philippine National Police (PNP)
• Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
• Local women's crisis centers and NGOs
• Safe spaces should be promoted

Sexual Violence Can Lead To Teenage Pregnancy Which Is A Societal Issue That

• Causes girls to drop out of school
• Causes teen mothers to face financial challenges and career challenges
• Costs the Philippines ₱33 billion annually

Love and lust Are 2 Powerful Emotions That

• Influence human relationships
• Serve different purposes
• Are controlled by biological and psychological processes

The Difference Between Lust And Love

• Lust is driven by sexual desire
• Love involves emotional bonding and long-term commitment

Based On Helen Fisher's Research, The 3 Stages Of Romantic Love Are

• Lust (testosterone and estrogen)
• Attraction (dopamine and norepinephrine)
• Attachment (oxytocin and vasopressin)

Strategies For Maintaining Relationship Chemistry

• Trying new things
• Demonstrating physical affection
• Demonstrating commitment

The Masters and Johnson's (1966) Model For The Sexual Response Cycle Is

• Desire
• Excitement
• Plateau
• Orgasm
• Resolution

The Kaplan’s (1979) Model Simplified The Sexual Response Cycle Into

• Desire
• Excitement
• Orgasm
• Desire is essential for a satisfying sexual experience

Media And Society Shapes

• Our understanding of love, lust, and relationships
• Being mindful of content can develop healthy attitudes about love and intimacy
• Sexual orientation is an important part of identity

Sexual Orientation

• Refers to a person's attraction to others
• Can be towards the same sex (homosexual), the opposite sex (heterosexual), both sexes (bisexual), any gender (pansexual), or no one (asexual)
• Sexual attraction can be fluid and complex

LGBT

• Lesbian: Women attracted to other women.
• Gay: Men attracted to other men.
• Bisexual: Individuals attracted to both men and women.
• Transgender: Individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth.
• Beyond LGBT, other identities exist, including pansexual, asexual, and genderqueer

Gender Identity VS Sexual Orientation

• Sexual orientation is who you are attracted to
• Gender identity is how you see yourself
• Cisgender: Gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth
• Transgender: Gender identity differs from their assigned sex
• Non-Binary/Genderqueer: Does not identify strictly as male or female

Key Facts About Transgender VS Transsexual

• Transgender individuals may or may not choose to change bodies
• Transsexual individuals transition medically or surgically

Overall Sexual Health Requires

• Education
• Awareness
• Open Communication
• Regular Health Check-ups
• Practice Safe Sex

STI's

• Infections spread through sexual contact
• Many show no symptoms
• Over 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide
• 357 million new infections of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis occur each year
• 500 million people have genital herpes
• 290 million women have an HPV infection

HIV/AIDS

• Some STIs, like HIV/AIDS, have long-term health effects and can be life-threatening if untreated
• The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing HIV/AIDS infection rates in Asia with 95,212 cases reported since 1984
• Transmission is mainly from men to men
• Prevention and awareness are crucial

General Facts About Family Planning

• Family planning (FP) and contraception are essential in promoting sexual and reproductive health
• These help individuals and families make informed decisions about pregnancy
• These help to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Importance Of Family Planning

• Prevents unintended pregnancies
• Protects health
• Reduces STIs
• Supports personal goals
• Proper consultation with healthcare professionals is important

The Department of Health (DOH) promotes four key principles in family planning which Are

• Responsible Parenthood
• Respect for Life
• Birth Spacing
• Informed Choice

Methods Of Contraception

• Artificial methods
• Natural methods

Natural Methods Of Contraception

• Abstinence is the most effective method
• Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Artificial Methods Of Contraception

• Implant is 0.2% failure rate
• IUD is 0.05% failure rate
• Injectable Contraceptives is 4% failure rate
• Contraceptive Patch is 9% failure rate
• Diaphragm is 12% failure rate
• Male Condom is 18% failure rate
• Female Condom is 21% failure rate
• Withdrawal Method is 22% failure rate
• Sponge is 12% failure rate

Factors Affecting The Use of Contraceptives

• IUDs and implants are the most effective methods
• Condoms are the only method that helps prevent STIs
• Methods like withdrawal and fertility tracking require discipline and accuracy to be effective
• National Family Planning Month (August), promotes education and awareness of reproductive health
• Contraceptive choices should be encouraged
• Unplanned pregnancies should be helped financially
• Public health should be improved