DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF TARLAC

Capas, Tarlac
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
A.Y. 2020-2021, FIRST SEMESTER
OBE FACULTY-DESIGNED MODULE

I. Subject: GE-1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

II. Learning Outcomes:
III. Topic: Module 7: Sexual Self
- explain the development of sex characteristics and the human reproductive system;
- distinguish between attraction, love, and attachment
- explain sexual orientation
- identify the cause and consequences of sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy
and;
- reflect on the importance of contraception and Reproductive Health Law

IV. Days of Learning Sessions: 1.5 hours - online and 1.5 hours - modular including
assessment of students’ work
V. Expected Outcomes:
- the students will be able to gain knowledge regarding health sex
-the student will be able to distinguish the difference between attraction, love and attachment
-the students will be able to understand the proper use of artificial and natural contraceptives.

VI. Delivery: Lesson Starter:

The essence of love is the gift of myself. No other gift, no other service can substitute for myself.
Love is a very personal, intimate gift. Some part of myself must be given or my act is not an act
of love at all. - James E. Sullivan

1. Motivation Phase
1.1. Pre - assessment Activity (Collaboration)
Try to reflect and answer the following questions:
How does one ovulate?
How does pregnancy occur?
What can be done to prevent teenage pregnancy?
What are the health effects of early pregnancy in the growing adolescent?

2. Presentation Phase: The 3-A Approach

2.1. ANALYSIS (Communication)
. Name three menstruation-related problems that is experienced by the female teen.
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Share the changes you experienced during puberty
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How did you adapt to these changes?

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2.2. ABSTRACTION (Critical Thinking):

Understanding and experiencing the self includes a discussion of the biological factors of
sexual behaviors that includes the reproductive system and the sex characteristics that
differentiate between man and woman. The reproductive system is a system of sex organs
designed for reproduction and sexual function. It affects not only how individuals view
themselves but also their sexuality and sexual relationships. During adolescence, most young
people become involved in dating and courtship. Through romantic relationships, sexual
behaviors are developed. Risk factors for sexual behaviors such as early pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections are discussed in this chapter. Early pregnancy and sexually
transmitted infections among youth are major problems in the Philippines. In this chapter, a
number of strategies are recommended to prevent these.

DEVELOPMENT OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS AND THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM
The beginning of adolescence is marked by rapid physical changes, including the
maturation of the reproductive system and the development of primary and secondary sex
characteristics. Primary sex characteristics are physical characteristics present at birth.
These are the characteristics that distinguish male from female. In females, these
characteristics include the vagina, uterus, and ovaries. In males, the primary sex characteristics
include the penis, testes or testicles, scrotum, and prostate gland. puberty. For women, the
earliest evidences of puberty are enlargement of the breasts, onset of menstruation, widening of
the hips, enlargement of buttocks, and growth of pubic hair. Onset of menstruation varies
among countries but usually occurs at around 10 to 12 years of age. Testicular growth, sperm
production, appearance of facial, pubic, and other body hair, and deepening of voice are some
of the first signs of puberty in men.
Primary sex characteristics develop as the embryo grows in the womb as a result of the
chromosomes contained within the embryonic cells as well as hormonal influences. At about 5
weeks of pregnancy, two organs, called the gonads, form in the embryo. In men, the gonads
release testosterone that causes the male's sex organs to develop. During puberty, testosterone
and other androgens stimulate the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics
and also increase one's sex drive. In women, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone
as well as small amount of testosterone. Estrogen promotes female reproductive capacity and
secondary sex characteristics. Progesterone stimulates growth of the female reproductive
organs and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Unlike men, however, female sex hormones are
not produced consistently. Their production follows a cyclical pattern, on an approximately 28-
day monthly cycle. The greatest production occurs during the ovulation period, when an egg is
released from the ovaries. Ovulation period can occur 14 days after the beginning of the
menstrual period. The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction
and sexual function. The female reproductive system is composed of the clitoris, the vagina, the
uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the two ovaries. The clitoris which is made of erectile tissue
Swells with blood and hardens when a woman is sexually aroused. The vagina is a muscular
tube that serves as the receptacle for the penis carrier of the sperm to the uterus. It is also the
birth canal where the fetus passes out of a mother's body. The two ovaries produce, store, and
release the egg cell during ovulation. The uterus is a hollow organ where the fertilized embryo
grows to become a fetus. The lower part of the uterus is called the cervix, a passageway
between the the vagina that expands during childbirth. The fallopian tubes carry the fertilized
egg from the ovary to the uterus. Pregnancy starts from fertilization and end at birth, for an
approximate duration of 260 days

On the other hand, the male reproductive system includes the penis, the testes, the
scrotum, the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, the vas deferens, and the epididymis. The
penis is the organ through which males urinate and deliver the sperm cells into the vagina
during sexual intercourse. It is made up of sensitive tissues and nerve endings. When a man is
sexually aroused, it becomes erect and allows for penetration. Before reaching the penis, sperm
cells travel through the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. The testes or testicles located in a
loose pouch-like sac of skin called the scrotum are responsible for the production of sperm cells
and male sex hormones. The vas deferens transports the sperm-containing fluid called semen.
The epididymis is a set of coiled ducts connected to the vas deferens where the sperm cells are
stored. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles produce semen from the penis. Each
ejaculation approximately contains 300 to 500 million sperm cells. Sperm cells can live up to 48
hours inside the uterus.

SEXUAL AROUSAL AND EROGENOUS ZONES: WHAT TURNS PEOPLE ON

Human sexual arousal is complex. It may be produced by direct stimulation of the body's
erogenous zones on the areas of the body that provide pleasure. Erogenous zones are areas of
the body which are highly sensitive and produce sexual responses when stimulated. These
include the genitals, mouth, breasts, ears, anus, and to a lesser degree, the entire surface of the
body. One of the most basic forms of sexual stimulation is masturbation or self-stimulation that
causes Sexual pleasure or orgasm. It involves the rubbing or fondling of the genital areas and
provides a good index of sexual desire because it is not constrained by the availability of a
partner. Other sexual activities such as intimate kissing, cuddling, necking, petting, or touching
the erogenous zones may be uniquely important to sexual arousal.
In many species, sexual arousal is closely tied to variations in hormonal levels. In
humans, however, hormones play less of a role In one sense, the brain is where sexual desire
originates and where sexual behavior is controlled (Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith, Bem, & Nolen-
Hoeksema, 2009). Cognitive factors thus play an important role in sexual arousal in humans.
For instance, some individuals become sexually aroused by creating or fantasizing erotic
images. In other words, sexual fantasies play a significant role in sexual arousal (Feldman,
2010).
Many believe that compared with women, men think about sex more often because they
report more frequent sex fantasies and more frequent feelings of sexual desire. Nevertheless,
women tend to place more emphasis on emotional closeness with a lover than men do. Overall,
women and men have equal potential for sexual arousal and women are no less physically
responsive than men (Peplau, 2003). Culture also influences the expression of sexual desire.
Norms continue to shape sexual activity along socially acceptable behavior. For instance,
masturbation and premarital sex are discouraged in most cultures. Expression of sexual desire
is also influenced by sexual scripts or the stereotyped patterns of expectations on how people
should behave sexually. For example, some people believe that sex should be done only within
marriage. In some cultures, expression of sexual desire and engaging in premarital sex are
taboo for women.
THE PHASES OF SEXUAL RESPONSE
William Masters and Virginia Johnson found that the biological 2 responses of males and
females to sexual stimulation are quite similar. They use the term sexual-response cycle to
describe the changes that occur in the body as men and women become sexually aroused.
They divide the sexual-response cycle into four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution..
The excitement phase is the beginning of sexual arousal and a last from one minute to
several hours. During this phase, pulse ate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing quickens,
and the skin shows a rosy flush particularly on the chest and breast areas. The nipples harden
in both men and women. In men, the penis becomes erect, the skin of the scrotum thickens, and
the testes increase in size. In women, the clitoris swells, the lips of the vagina open and its
insides become wet in preparation for sexual intercourse. In the plateau phase, the changes in
the body continue. In men, the penis becomes more erect, the circumference of its head
increases, and few drops of fluid are released. In women, the outer part of the vagina swells
with the surge of increased amounts of blood to that area, while the clitoris retracts under the
clitoral hood but remains highly sensitive. The outer lips of the vagina become redder in color.
Breathing becomes more rapid, heart rate increases, body temperature rises, and blood
pressure increases during this stage. During the orgasmic phase, contractions of the muscles in
and around the penis stimulate the release of the semen which contains sperm cells. Men
usually achieve one intense orgasm during sexual intercourse. In women, orgasm involves the
contraction of the pelvic muscles that surround the vaginal walls and can happen multiple times.
In the resolution phase, the body returns to its normal state after orgasm. In men, the erection is
lost, the testes decrease in size, and the skin of the scrotum thins again. In women, the clitoris,
and he vagina return to their normal state.

ATTRACTION, LOVE, AND ATTACHMENT

As adolescents grow and mature, they make new patterns of relationships and
commitments with other people. While these new patterns of relationships may change as they
mature, they could form the foundations on which intimacy during adulthood will be established.
During adolescence, dating and courtship emerge and become increasingly important.
Puberty is an important stage in sexual development. It is the time when many boys and
girls first experience their first sexual attraction. Initial attraction is influenced by social norms,
physical attractiveness, and processes of interpersonal exchange (DeLamater & Myers, 2012).
Social norms influence attraction in several ways such as in determining who are appropriate as
lovers and spouses.
Physical attractiveness refers to the degree to which a person's physical traits are
regarded as aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. Social exchange theory proposes that attraction
is the result of an exchange process. People tend to view relationships as the result of the
rewards and costs they entail. As the relationship develops, the sharing of activities and
information contributes to increased attraction, liking, trust, and love. Romantic love includes a
complex combination of different emotions such as fear, anger, sexual desire, joy, and jealousy.
Some of these emotions may also be sources of suffering (Santrock, 2002).
In the context of interpersonal relationships, psychologist Robert Sternberg suggests
that there are three components of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment (Bauermeister,
Johns, Pingel, Eisenberg, Santana, & Zimmerman, 2011). The intimacy component refers to the
feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness. The passion component refers to the
drives that lead to romance, physical attraction, and sexual consummation while the
commitment component refers to the decision to love and the commitment to maintain that love.
Love is classified based on the combination of any of these components. Romantic love has
strong components of sexual attraction and infatuation, and is often experienced in the early
stage of a love relationship (Santrock, 2002).
Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist and expert in the science of human attraction,
suggests the important ingredients of romantic love: lust, attraction, and attachment. Lust is
driven by the desire for sexual gratification. Attraction is often associated with sexual attraction.
Attachment occurs when individuals desire to connect with another person intimately. It may
also be called affectionate or companionate love.
John Bowlby defines attachment as a strong affectional tie that binds a person to an
intimate companion. Bowlby maintains that the quality of early parent-child attachment has
lasting impact on the kind of relationships people have later in life, including romantic
relationships. In other words, the ability to form stable and close relationships begins at infancy,
in a child's earliest experiences with a caregiver who meets his or her needs.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Sexual orientation refers to a person's sexual identity anchored on what gender they are
attracted to. The most common sexual orientation in which one is sexually attracted to members
of the opposite sex is heterosexuality. Homosexuality, on the other hand, is the orientation of
one who is sexually attracted to the same sex. Homosexual males referred to as gays, while
homosexual females are referred to as lesbians. Bisexuality is an orientation where one is
attracted to both opposite and same sex. Theories of the origins of sexual orientation look at
both the biological makeup of the individual and the environmental influences on his or her
orientation (Rathus, 2017). Some explanations for homosexuality and bisexuality are biological
in nature, suggesting that genetic factors such as hormones and certain neural systems may
also play a role in sexual orientation. Nevertheless, research studies on the biological causes of
homosexuality and bisexuality are not conclusive. Reinforcement and observational learning
might also affect an individual's sexual orientation.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI) AND EARLY PREGNANCY

Sexually transmitted infections (STIS) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are
contracted primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Many STIs affect the sex
organs themselves and others have broader and more life-threatening effects. Bacterial
infections are treatable with antibiotics, but those caused by viruses are more difficult to treat
and are often incurable such as HIV/AIDS.
However, even curable bacterial infections can cause serious health problems if ignored
and left untreated, and some bacterial infections are difficult to detect because some symptoms
are not immediately noticeable. STDs commonly include human immunodeficiency virus/
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital
herpes, and genital warts. HIV/AIDS infections are caused by direct contact with body fluids
such as through blood transfusion, breast feeding, and sexual intercourse. It attacks the
immune system and the infected person eventually dies.
Gonorrhea is caused by gonococcal bacteria which attack the lining of the mucous
membrane such as the mouth, throat, vagina, and urethra. Gonorrhea can be treated by
penicillin or other antibiotics.
Syphilis infects the genital areas and other parts of the body including the brain and can
cause paralysis or even death when left untreated.
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. In men, chlamydia can
cause swollen testicles and a burning sensation during urination. It can result in sterility among
women if left untreated because it damages the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Genital herpes can cause itching and tingling sensations, abscesses, and blisters in the
genital area. There is no cure for herpes.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and women with human
papillomavirus are prone to cervical cancer. Though the warts can be removed, they may recur.
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of STIs and STDs and should practice safe sex.
However, it is important to remember that not having sex can be the safest sex method to avoid
all forms of STIS and STDs as well as other problems such as early pregnancy. consequences
of high teenage pregnancy in the Philippines remain The a major concern. Early pregnancy
creates health risks among young mothers and their babies since female reproductive organs
are not yet mature during adolescence and complications may arise during pregnancy and
childbirth.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION AND THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW

Over the years, sexual activities have become less restricted. Premarital sex is now
more accepted. Over the past several decades there has been a gradual trend toward initiating
sex at an earlier age (Atkinson, Atkinson, Smith, Bem, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2009). Alarmed by
the rising cases of HIV/AIDS and early pregnancy cases among Filipinos, some government
officials are calling for stronger programs of sex education that include information about the
different forms of contraception. Contraception refers to methods that are used to prevent
pregnancy. One common method of contraception is the use of condoms which can also
prevent some STDs. Other common methods of contraception ava ble in the Philippines include
intraut ne device or IUD, a tiny device made of flexible plastic that is inserted in the uterus to
prevent pregnancy; birth control injectables that are given every three months to women; oral
contraceptive pills which are taken every day; and withdrawal method.
In the calendar method, the number of days in each menstrual cycle is recorded and the
couple avoids sex during the fertile period. On the other hand, the cervical mucus method, also
called the Billings ovulation method, is a type of natural family planning method based on
careful observation of mucus patterns during the course of the menstrual cycle. The mucus
patterns may help in determining when a woman is most likely to conceive or not. As pointed
out earlier, however, abstaining from sexual intercourse is the best method in preventing
pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections or diseases. Studies show that contraceptive use
is low particularly among sexually active adolescents.
Thus, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also known as
Reproductive Health Law or RH Law, guarantees universal access to methods of contraception,
fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. The RH Law provides for the "prevention
and treatment of HIV/ AIDS and other STIS/STDS," especially since the number of HIV cases
among the youth is rising. Further, the RH Law aims to keep couples and women especially,
well-informed about available family planning methods that they can freely use depending on
their needs and beliefs. It also aims to promote awareness among and youth on sexuality and
reproductive health through proper sex education.

2.3. APPLICATION (Creativity):

Complete the statement: Sex is totally misunderstood by most people because
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3. Assessment Phase:
3.1. Work Activities
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of contraception
Contraceptive Advantages Disadvantages

3.2. Take Home Tasks

What do you often hear about sex?
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What do you think are the ways to avoid the pressure to have sex?
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IV. Reference/s:
Alata, E., Caslib, Jr., B., Serafica, J. and Pawilen, R.A. (2018). Understanding the Self. Rex
Book Store Inc.
Brawner, D. and Arcega, A. (2018). Understanding the Self. C&E Publishing, Inc.