Module 6

THE SEXUAL SELF

Introduction

This part tackles one of the most crucial aspects of human

development, the sexual self. It highlights biological and environmental
factors that shape sexual development. It is also characterized as persons’
evaluation of his or her own sexual feelings or actions. It also perceives in
viewing ourselves.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

1. identify the development of Secondary sex characteristics and the
human reproductive system; and differentiate secondary sex
characteristics in male and female and the Identify Human Sexual
response;
2. understand the basic biology of sexual behavior and the Chemistry
of lust, love and attachment;
3. know the diversity of sexual behavior solitary, heterosexual,
homosexual and bisexual, transsexual; and
4. determine Sexually Transmitted diseases(STDs) and methods of
contraception (natural and artificial).

Learning Content

Development of Secondary Sex Characteristics and the Human

Reproductive System

Sexual differentiation begins during gestation, when the gonads are

formed. The general structure and shape of the body and face, as well as sex
hormone levels, are similar in preadolescent boys and girls. As puberty
begins and sex hormone levels rise, differences appear, though some
changes are similar in males and females. Male levels of testosterone
directly induce the growth of the genitals, and indirectly (via
dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) the prostate. Estradiol and other hormones
cause breasts to develop in females. However, fetal or neonatal androgens
may modulate later breast development by reducing the capacity of breast
tissue to respond to later estrogen.

Underarm hair and pubic hair are usually considered secondary sex
characteristics, but may also be considered non-secondary sex
characteristics because they are features of both sexes following puberty.

Puberty is the stage of development at which individuals become

sexually mature. Though the outcomes of puberty for boys and girls are very
different, the hormonal control of the process is very similar. In addition,
though the timing of these events varies between individuals, the sequence
of changes that occur is predictable for male and female adolescents. As
shown in the image below, a concerted release of hormones from the
hypothalamus (GnRH), the anterior pituitary (LH and FSH), and the gonads
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(either testosterone or estrogen) is responsible for the maturation of the
reproductive systems and the development of secondary sex
characteristics, which are physical changes that serve auxiliary roles in
reproduction.

Figure 1. During puberty, the release of LH and FSH from the anterior
pituitary stimulates the gonads to produce sex hormones in both male and
female adolescents.

Signs of Puberty

Different sex steroid hormone concentrations between the sexes also

contribute to the development and function of secondary sexual
characteristics. Examples of secondary sexual characteristics are listed in
Table 1.

Table 1. Development of the Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Male Female
Increased larynx size and deepening of Deposition of fat, predominantly
the voice in breasts and hips
Increased muscular development Breast development
Growth of facial, axillary, and pubic Broadening of the pelvis and
hair, and increased growth of body growth of axillary and pubic hair
hair

As a girl reaches puberty, typically the first change that is visible is

the development of the breast tissue. This is followed by the growth of
axillary and pubic hair. A growth spurt normally starts at approximately age
9 to 11, and may last two years or more. During this time, a girl’s height can

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increase 3 inches a year. The next step in puberty is menarche, the start of
menstruation.
In boys, the growth of the testes is typically the first physical sign of
the beginning of puberty, which is followed by growth and pigmentation of
the scrotum and growth of the penis. The next step is the growth of hair,
including armpit, pubic, chest, and facial hair. Testosterone stimulates the
growth of the larynx and thickening and lengthening of the vocal folds,
which causes the voice to drop in pitch. The first fertile ejaculations typically
appear at approximately 15 years of age, but this age can vary widely across
individual boys. Unlike the early growth spurt observed in females, the male
growth spurt occurs toward the end of puberty, at approximately age 11 to
13, and a boy’s height can increase as much as 4 inches a year. In some
males, pubertal development can continue through the early 20s.

Human Reproductive System

An organ system by which humans reproduce and bear live offspring.

Provided all organs are present, normally constructed, and functioning
properly, the essential features of human reproduction are (1) liberation of
an ovum, or egg, at a specific time in the reproductive cycle, (2) internal
fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa, or sperm cells, (3) transport of the
fertilized ovum to the uterus, or womb, (4) implantation of the blastocyst,
the early embryo developed from the fertilized ovum, in the wall of the
uterus, (5) formation of a placenta and maintenance of the unborn child
during the entire period of gestation, (6) birth of the child and expulsion of

the placenta, and (7) suckling and care of the child, with an eventual return
of the maternal organs to virtually their original state.

Figure 2. Organs and structures of the male and female reproductive

systems.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc

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 The Human Sexual Response Cycle

It is a four-stage model of physiological responses to sexual stimulation,

which, in order of their occurrence, are the excitement-, plateau-, orgasmic-,
and resolution phases. This physiological response model was first
formulated by William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, in their 1966
book Human Sexual Response. Since then, other human sexual response
models have been formulated.

1 Excitement phase

The excitement phase (also known as the arousal phase or initial

excitement phase) is the first stage of the human sexual response
cycle, which occurs as a result of physical or mental erotic stimuli,
such as kissing, making out, or viewing erotic images, that leads to
sexual arousal. During this stage, the body prepares for sexual
intercourse, initially leading to the plateau phase. [1] There is wide
socio-cultural variation regarding preferences for the length of
foreplay and the stimulation methods used. [3] Physical and emotional
interaction and stimulation of the erogenous zones during foreplay
usually establishes at least some initial arousal.

2 Plateau phase

The plateau phase is the period of sexual excitement prior to orgasm.

The phase is characterized by an increased circulation and heart rate
in both sexes, increased sexual pleasure with increased stimulation
and further increased muscle tension. Also, respiration continues at an
elevated level.[1] Both men and women may also begin to vocalize
involuntarily at this stage. Prolonged time in the plateau phase
without progression to the orgasmic phase may result in sexual
frustration.

3 Orgasm phase

Orgasm is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response

cycle and is experienced by both males and females. It is accompanied
by quick cycles of muscle contraction in the lower pelvic muscles,
which surround both the anus and the primary sexual organs. Women
also experience uterine and vaginal contractions. Orgasms are often
associated with other involuntary actions, including vocalizations and
muscular spasms in other areas of the body and a generally euphoric
sensation. Heart rate is increased even further

4 Resolution phase

The resolution phase occurs after exteb and allows the muscles to
relax, blood pressure to drop and the body to slow down from its
excited state.[1] The refractory period, which is part of the resolution
phase, is the time frame in which usually a man is unable to orgasm
again, though women can also experience a refractory period.

Understanding “The Chemistry of Love: lust, attraction, and

attachment ”

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 THE SCIENCE OF LOVE
Research has shown that all of these crazy, haywire feelings and
physical reactions are, in fact, led by the brain and the chemicals released
as a result of attraction and desire. Experts believe that three
neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that transmit impulses (i.e.
messages) between nerve cells) play a significant role during the initial
stages of love.
According to a team of scientists led by Dr. Helen Fisher at Rutgers,
romantic love can be broken down into three categories: lust, attraction, and
attachment. Each category is characterized by its own set of hormones
stemming from the brain (Table 1).

Figure 3. : Love can be distilled into three categories: lust, attraction, and
attachment. Though there are overlaps and subtleties to each, each type is
characterized by its own set of hormones. Testosterone and estrogen drive
lust; dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin create attraction; and
oxytocin and vasopressin mediate attachment.

Lust – Testosterone and Estrogen

The first stage of romantic love, lust is defined as having an intense sexual
desire towards someone, therefore, lust is driven by having a desire to
achieve sexual gratification. This is based on an evolutionary need to
reproduce, something that is common among all living species. It is through
reproduction that we are able to pass on our genes and this aids in
contributing to the continuation of our species.

The hypothalamus of your brain plays a major role in lust as it stimulates the
production of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. It is a common
misconception that these hormones should be labelled as female and male
respectively, as these play a role in both women and men’s physiology and
sexuality.

Testosterone is known to increase libido in both genders. In women, the

effects of testosterone may be less significant than in men due to the
presence of higher levels of estrogen. However, estrogen promotes the
function of two hormones, testosterone, which increases sex drive, and
oxytocin, commonly referred to as ‘the love hormone’ which is released
during physical contact and sexual climax. It is little wonder then that

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women report being more sexually aroused during the ovulation stage of
their menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are at their peak.

Lust then leads to the next stage of love, which is attraction.

● Attraction – Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin
Attraction, although regarded as a distinct category in the stages of love, is
closely related to lust and while one can be linked to the other and vice
versa, they can also be mutually exclusive (i.e. one can occur without the
other). Attraction is associated with the ‘reward’ pathways in the brain
that influence our behavior.

The ‘reward’ pathway is connected to parts of your thpuber that

control memory and behavior and begin in the ventral tegmental area (VTA)
and prefrontal cortex, this is where neurons release dopamine to induce
feelings of pleasure when we do something that feels good to us. The VTA
forms an important part of your brain’s reward circuit which is considered
to be a primitive, evolutionary neural network. Some of the structures that
make up this reward network or circuit include the hippocampus, amygdala
and the prefrontal cortex, all of which are stimulated by pleasure-
inducing behaviors such as food consumption, sex and even gambling or
drug use.
Dopamine, which is produced by your hypothalamus, is released
during the stage of attraction, specifically when we spend time with
someone we are attracted to or when we engage in sexual intercourse with
them. Dopamine is a natural stimulant that fills you with emotions of
ecstasy, this is often why the way falling in love feels is regarded as the
natural equivalent to the high experienced from taking an illicit drug.
Dopamine is also involved in focus and attention, which explains why you
cannot get that one special person out of your head and when you are with
them as, during this stage, you are ‘hyper-focused’ on their presence and
the way they make you feel.
Another hormone that is released during the stage of attraction is
norepinephrine. Norepinephrine, also referred to as noradrenaline, may
sound familiar to you, this is because it plays an important role in our ‘fight
or flight’ response to stressful situations and keeps us alert. When it comes
to love, the combination of dopamine and norepinephrine allows us to feel
energetic, euphoric and even giddy. These hormones may also lead to
insomnia and a decreased appetite. Basically, these are why you can be so
attracted to someone that you can’t sleep or eat.
Serotonin is the final hormone associated with attraction. This hormone is a
vital neurotransmitter that aids in the regulation of social behaviour, mood,
memory, appetite, digestion and sexual desire. Interestingly, it is believed
that serotonin levels begin to decline during the attraction phase. Cortisol
(also known as the stress hormone) levels increase during the initial stage of
falling in love, which allows for our bodies to deal with the ‘crisis’ or
‘stressful situation’ that romantic love is perceived by the body to be on a
physiological level. As chemicals flood the reward centre of the brain, our
hearts race, palms sweat, cheeks flush and we are overwhelmed with
emotions of anxiety and passion.
● Attachment – Oxytocin and Vasopressin
The final stage of falling in love is attachment, this is the predominant
factor in defining the success of long-term relationships. Although the
previous stages of lust and attraction are seen as exclusive to a more
romantically euphoric stage of falling in love, the attachment stage refers to
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a more meaningful bond developing between two people, moving a romantic
relationship to an advanced level of falling in love wholeheartedly. The two
main hormones involved in the stage of attachment include oxytocin, as
well as vasopressin.
Oxytocin is referred to as ‘the love hormone’ or ‘the cuddle hormone’ is
also produced by the hypothalamus and is released in substantial amounts
during sexual intercourse and is stimulated through skin-to-skin contact.
Interestingly, oxytocin is also released during childbirth and breastfeeding.
It may seem like the same hormone is responsible for a strange combination
of activities, however, what all of these have in common is a form of bonding
and attachment. Therefore, oxytocin, or OT, plays an important role in
forging bonds representative of the depth of love and attachment to a
partner as it heightens the feelings of calmness, security and contentment
that are so often linked to bonding with a mate2.
The second hormone involved in the phase of attachment is one that is
released in large quantities directly after having sex. The pituitary gland in
both men and women release vasopressin. Experts believe that vasopressin
plays a role in social interactions between humans and encourages pair-
bonding (monogamous, long-term relationships). Researchers have also
noted that this hormone may in actual fact, have a taming effect on more
promiscuous people, thus, when this hormone is increased after sex with
someone that you are in love with, this may affect your brain by triggering
your neural reward system which stimulates feelings of happiness,
encouraging you to want to stay with that person as a result.
These two hormones provide us with an explanation as to why
euphoric love will begin to fade as attachment and long-term love grow

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Gender and Sexual Diversity

Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD), or simply sexual diversity,

refers to all the diversities of sex characteristics, sexual orientations and
gender identities, without the need to specify each of the identities,
behaviors, or characteristics that form this plurality.
Overview
In the Western world, generally simple classifications are used to
describe sexual orientation (heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals),
gender identity (transgender and cisgender), and related minorities
(intersex), gathered under the acronyms LGBT or LGBTI (lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender/transsexual people, and sometimes intersex
people); however, other cultures have other ways of understanding the
sex and gender systems. Over the last few decades, some sexology
theories have emerged, such as Kinsey theory and queer theory,
proposing that this classification is not enough to describe the sexual
complexity in human beings and, even, in other animal species.
For example, some people may feel an intermediate sexual
orientation between heterosexual and bisexual (heteroflexible) or
between homosexual and bisexual (homoflexible). It may vary over time,
too, or include attraction not only towards women and men, but to all the
spectrum of sexes and genders (pansexual).[9] In other words, within
bisexuality there exists a huge diversity of typologies and preferences
that vary from an exclusive heterosexuality to a complete homosexuality
(Kinsey scale).
Sexual diversity includes intersex people, those born with a variety
of intermediate features between women and men. It also includes all
transgender and transsex identities which do not frame within the binary
gender system and, like sexual orientation, may be experienced in
different degrees in between cisgender and transsexuality, such as
genderfluid people.
Lastly, sexual diversity also includes asexual people, who feel
disinterest in sexual activity; and all those who consider that their
identity cannot be defined, such as queer people.
Socially, sexual diversity is claimed as the acceptance of being
different but with equal rights, liberties, and opportunities within the
Human Rights framework. In many countries, visibility of sexual diversity
is vindicated during Pride Parades.

Sexually Transmitted Infection

STI s are diseases that are passed from one person to another. The
most common STIs are: chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas, chancroid,
genital herpes, hepatitis B and HIV infection. Some STDs, such as
syphilis and HIV can also be transmitted through exposure to
contaminated blood and from a pregnant woman to the unborn child.
Table below was presents the sexually transmitted infection

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Table 1. The Different Types, Symptoms, and Treatments of Sexually
Transmitted Infection.

Types of Diseases and Description or Curable Uncurable

Pictures Symptoms
1. Chlamydia A certain type of Antibiotics
bacteria can easily
treat
● pain or chlamydia
discomfort Fortunately,
during sex or if caught
urination early
● green or enough,
yellow syphilis is
discharge easily
from the treated with
penis or antibiotics.
vagina However,
syphilis
● pain in the lower infection in a
abdomen newborn can
be fatal.
That’s why
it’s
important
for all
pregnant
women to be
screened for
syphilis.
2. Syphilis ● The first If earlier If late
symptom to diagnose diagnosed
appear is a small treated with and treated
round sore, antibiotics
known as a
chancre. It can
develop on your
genitals, anus, or
mouth. It’s
painless but very
infectious.
Later symptoms
include: rash,
fatigue, fever.
Headaches, joint
pain

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3. HIV/ AIDS HIV can damage There’s no
the immune system cure for HIV
and raise the risk of yet, but
contracting other treatment
viruses or bacteria options are
and certain available to
cancers. manage it.
Symptoms : fever, Early and
chills, aches and effective
pains, swollen treatment
lymph nodes, sore can help
throat, headache people with
Nausea. HIV live as
long as those
without HIV.
4. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is If earlier
another common diagnosed
bacterial STD. It’s curable and
also known as “the treated with
clap.” antibiotics
present symptoms
may include:

● a white,
yellow, beige,
or green-
colored
discharge
from the
penis or
vagina
● pain or
discomfort
during sex or
urination
● more frequent
urination than
usual
● itching
around the
genitals
● sore throat

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5. Pubic lice “Crabs” is another Pubic lice
name for pubic lice. can be
They’re tiny insects treated with
that can take up over-the-
residence on your counter lice-
pubic hair. Like killing
head lice and body medications.
lice, they feed on
human blood.
Common symptoms
(‘crabs’) of pubic lice
include:

itching
●
around the
genitals or
anus
● small pink or
red bumps
around the
genitals or
anus
● low-grade
fever
● lack of energy
6. Trichomoniasis Also known as Trich can be
“trich.” It’s caused treated with
by a tiny protozoan antibiotics.
organism that can
be passed from one
person to another
through genital
contact.
When symptoms do
develop, they may
include:

● discharge
from the
vagina or
penis
● burning or
itching
around the
vagina or
penis
● pain or
discomfort
during

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 urination or
sex
● frequent
urination

In women, trich-
related discharge
often has an
unpleasant or
“fishy” smell.
7. Herpes Shortened name for There’s no
the herpes simplex cure for
virus. (HSV). Most herpes yet.
common symptom But
of herpes is blistery medications
sores. In the case of are available
genital herpes, to help
these sores develop control
on or around the outbreaks
genitals. In oral and alleviate
herpes, they the pain of
develop on or herpes
around the mouth. sores. The
same
medications
can also
lower your
chances of
passing
herpes to
your sexual
partner.
8. Hepatitis B It is a virus that Although
spreads through there is no
contact with body cure, there is
fluids and blood, so a vaccine to
it can be prevent
transmitted through hepatitis B
sexual intercourse. infection.
Hepatitis B
infection is also
possible through
sharing of needles,
razors, and
toothbrushes.
Nausea

● Abdominal
pain

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 ● Jaundice
(yellowing of
the skin and
whites of the
eyes)

Over time, scarring

of the liver
(cirrhosis) and liver
cancer can develop.
9. Chancroid It is more common About half
in Africa and Asia. the time
It causes painful when
lumps in the genital untreated.
area that can
progress to open
sores. Antibiotics
can cure the
infection; chancroid
is caused by
bacterial infection
with Haemophilus
ducreyi. One or
more sores or
raised bumps on
the genitals. A
narrow, red border
surrounds the
sores.
10. Scabies This parasite is not Prescription
necessarily sexually creams can
transmitted, since it cure a
can affect any area scabies
of the skin. infestation.
However, scabies is
often spread during
sexual contact.
Extreme itching
that is worse at
night. The skin
appears to have a
pimple-like rash, as
shown in the above
photo.

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL METHOD OF

CONTRACEPTION

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Table 2. Presents the Natural and Artificial Methods of
Contraception

NATURAL METHOD ARTIFICIAL METHOD

1. Calendar Method ● Also called 1. Oral ● Also known
as the Contraceptives as the pill,
rhythm oral
method, contraceptiv
this natural es contain
method of synthetic
family estrogen
planning and
involves progesteron
refraining e.
from coitus ● Estrogen
during the suppresses
days that the FSH and
the woman LH to
is fertile. suppress
● According ovulation,
to the while
menstrual progesteron
cycle, 3 or e decreases
4 days the
before and permeability
3 or 4 days of the
after cervical
ovulation, mucus to
the woman limit the
is likely to sperm’s
conceive. access to the
● The ova.
process in
calculating Side effects for
for the OCs are
woman’s nausea, weight
safe days is gain,
achieved headache,
when the breast
woman tenderness,
records her breakthrough
menstrual bleeding,
cycle for six vaginal
months. infections,
mild
hypertension,
and
depression.
2. Cervical Mucus The basis of 2. Hormonal ● A hormonal

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Method this method is Injections injection
the changes in consists of
the cervical medroxypro
mucus during gesterone, a
ovulation. The progesteron
fertile days of e, and given
a woman once every
according to 12 weeks
this method is intramuscul
as long as the arly.
cervical ● The injection
mucus is inhibits
copious and ovulation
watery and a and causes
day after it. changes in
Therefore, she the
must avoid endometriu
coitus during m and the
these days. cervical
mucus.
● After
administrati
on the site
should not
be massaged
so it could
absorb
slowly.

It has an
effectiveness
of almost
100%,
making it
one of the
most popular
choices for
birth control.

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3. Coitus Interruptus ● This is 3. Intrauterine ●An IUD is a
one of the Device small, T-
oldest shaped
methods of object that is
contraceptio inserted into
n. The the uterus
couple still via the
proceeds vagina.
with the ● It
coitus, but prevents
the man fertilization
withdraws by creating
the moment a local
he ejaculates sterile
to emit the inflammator
spermatozoa y condition
outside of to prevent
the vagina. implantation
The .
disadvantage ● The IUD
of this is fitted only
method is by the
the pre- physician
ejaculation and inserted
fluid that after the
contains a woman’s
few menstrual
spermatozoa flow to be
that may sure that
cause she is not
fertilization. pregnant.
Coitus
interruptus The device
is only 75% contains
effective progesterone
because of and is
this. effective for
5 to 7 years.

4. Lactation ● Through Male Condoms ● The male

Amenorrhea Method exclusive condom
breastfeedin is a latex
g of the or
infant, the synthetic
woman is rubber
able to sheath
suppress that is
ovulation placed
through the on the

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 method of erect
lactation penis
amenorrhea before
method. vaginal
penetrati
However, if on to
the infant is trap the
not sperm
exclusively during
breastfed, ejaculati
this method on.
would not be
an effective It can
birth control prevent STIs
method. and can be
bought over-
the-counter
without any
fitting
needed.
VASECTOMY ● Males
undergo
vasectomy,
which is
executed
through a
small incision
made on each
side of the
TUBAL scrotum.
LIGATION
The vas
deferens is
then tied,
cauterized,
cut, or
plugged to
block the
passage of the
sperm.

● In women,
tubal
ligation is
performed
by occluding
the fallopian
tubes
through

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 cutting,
cauterizing,
or blocking
to inhibit the
passage of
the both the
sperm and
the ova.

After
menstruation
and before
ovulation, the
procedure is
done through
a small
incision under
the woman’s
umbilicus.

Matching type. Match column A to column B Write the letter of your

answer before the number.

A B
1. Increased larynx size and a. homosexual
deepening of the voice.
2. The refractory period. b. Pubic lice
3. The first stage of romantic love. c. Attachment
4. the initial stage of falling in love. d. dopamine
5. the final hormone associated with e. attraction
attraction.
6. The final stage of falling in love. f. transgender
7. describe sexual orientation. g. lust
8. Gender identity. h. chlamydia
9. pain or discomfort during sex or i. Resolution
urination. phase
10. The first symptom to appear is a j. HIV/AIDS
small round sore, known as a
chancre.
11. can damage the immune system. k. male secondary
characteristics
12. It’s also known as “the clap.” l. Intrauterine
Device
13. tiny insects that can take up m. Lactation

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 residence on pubic hair. Amenorrhea
Method
14. the woman is able to suppress n. Serotonin
ovulation through breastfeeding.
15. It prevents fertilization by o. male secondary
creating a local sterile inflammatory characteristics
condition. p. Gonorrhea

Essay:
1. Where do we get sexually transmitted Infection? How to prevent
risky sexually behavior?

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