Physical and Sexual Self Part 1 PDF

CHAPTER II - UNPACKING THE SELF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL SELF Introduction It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of humans define sex (female-XX or male-XY) and their secondary sexual characteristics. From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic make up. It influences the way we...

CHAPTER II - UNPACKING THE SELF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL SELF Introduction It has been believed that the sex chromosomes of humans define sex (female-XX or male-XY) and their secondary sexual characteristics. From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic make up. It influences the way we treat ourselves and others. However, there are individuals who do not accept their innate sexual characteristics and they tend to change their sexual organs through medications and surgery. Aside from our genes, our society or the external environment help shapes ourselves.  Abstraction Gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form until about the 8th week embryonic development. When the primary reproductive structures are formed, development of the accessory structures and external genitalia begins. Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the embryo results in strange abnormalities. True Pseudohermaphrodites hermaphrodites -formed if individuals having -individuals who possess both accessory reproductive structures ovarian and testicular tissues but this that do not much their gonads. condition is rare in nature.  A critical event for the development of reproductive organs takes place about one month before birth wherein the male testes formed in the abdominal cavity at approximately the same location as the female ovaries, descend to enter the scrotum. If this normal event fails, it may lead to cryptorchidism. This condition usually occurs in young males and causes sterility (which also a risk factor for cancer of the testes) that is why surgery is usually performed during childhood to solve this problem.  Males who possess extra female sex chromosome have the normal accessory structures, but atrophy (to shrink) of their testes causes them to be sterile. Other abnormalities result when a child has only one sex chromosome. An XO female appears normal but lucks ovaries. YO male dies during development. Other much less serious conditions also affect males primarily such as PHIMOSIS, which is due to narrowing of the foreskin of the male reproductive structure and misplace urethral opening.  Puberty the period of life, generally between ages of 10-15 years old, when the reproductive organs grow to their adult size and become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen for females). After this time, reproductive capability continues until old age in males and menopause in females.  Puberty In males, as they reach the age of 13, puberty is characterize by the increase in size of the reproductive organs followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and face. The reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation marked by the presence of mature semen in the testes. In females, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 signals their puberty stage.  Menarche the first menstrual period of females which happens two years after the start if puberty. Hormones play an important role in regulation of ovulation and fertility of females.  DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Vaginal Infections Male inflammatory conditions  Menopause Most women hit the highest point in their reproductive abilities in their late 20s. Menopause occurs when females no longer experience menstruation and when women are at postmenopausal stage, they are at risk for cardiovascular disorders. There is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men show a steady decline in testosterone secretion, their reproductive capability seems unending. Healthy men are still able to father offspring well into their 80s and beyond.  Erogenous Zones It refers to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when touched in a sexual manner. Some of the commonly known erogenous zones are the mouth, breasts, genitals, and anus. Other common areas of the body that can be aroused easily may include the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet. Vasocongestion is the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased vascular blood flow and a localized increase in blood pressure. Human Sexual Behaviour is defined as any activity- solitary or sociosexual that induces sexual arousal.  Solitary Behavior involving only one individual. Self-gratification by means of self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal generally, sexual climax. It generally begins at or before puberty, is very common among young males, but becomes less frequent or is abandoned when sociosexual activity is available.  Solitary Behavior It is most frequent among the unmarried. There are more males who perform acts of self- gratification than females. Majority of males and females have fantasies of some sociosexual activity while they gratify themselves. The fantasy frequently involves idealized sexual partners and activities that the individual has not experienced and even might avoid in real life.  Sociosexual Behavior involves two persons or group performing sexual activity. The heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that occurs between only one male and one female. Sociosexual Behavior Physical contact involving necking or petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning process and eventually of courtship and the selection of a marriage partner. Sociosexual Behavior Petting differs from hugging, kissing, and generalized caresses of the clothed body to practice involving stimulation of the genitals. Petting may be done as an expression of affection and a source of pleasure, preliminary to COITUS.  COITUS Coitus refers to the insertion of the male reproductive structure into the female reproductive organ, is viewed by the society quite differently depending upon the marital status of the individuals. Majority of human societies allow pre-marital coitus, at least under certain circumstances. In modern Western society, premarital coitus is more likely to be tolerated but not encouraged if the individuals intend marriage.  Marital Coitus “marriage” is usually regarded as an obligation in most societies and much acceptable.  Post- marital Coitus (i.e. coitus by separated, divorced or widowed persons) is almost always ignored. There is a difficulty in enforcing abstinence among sexually experienced persons.  Extra- marital Coitus occurs when a married person engages in sexual activity with someone other than his or her spouse, involving wives is generally condemned and, if permitted, is allowed only under exceptional conditions or with specified persons.