Physical and Sexual Self
Practices to Keep Ourselves Physically Fit, Youthful and Naturally Glowing:
1. Improve sleeping habit
2. Observe correct eating habit
3. Do regular exercise
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
5. Practice right hygiene
6. Feel confident
Developmental Aspects of the Reproductive System
Although the sex of an individual is determined at the time of fertilization (males have X and Y sex
chromosomes and females have XX), the gonads do not begin to form until about the eighth week of
embryonic development
Prior to this time, the embryonic reproductive structures of males and females are identical and are said
to be in the indifferent stage.
Any interference with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the embryo pattern of sex
hormone production in the embryo results in bizarre abnormalities.
Pseudohermaphroditism
- a condition in which the individual has a single chromosomal and gonadal sex but
combined features of both sexes in the external genitalia, causing doubt as to the true sex
Female pseudohermaphroditism
- an individual with ovaries but with secondary sexual characteristics or external
genitalia resembling those of a male
Male pseudohermaphroditism
- individuals whose gonads are testes but whose secondary sexual characteristics or
external genitalia resemble those of a female
The male testes, formed in the abdominal cavity at approximately the same location as the female
ovaries, descend to enter the scrotum about
1 month before birth
Cryptorchidism (or undescended testes)
- a condition seen in newborns when one or both of the male testes have not
passed down into the scrotal sac (www.stanfordchildrens.org)
The reproductive system organs do not function until puberty.
Puberty is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and 15 years.
Gonadal hormones
a) testosterone in males
b) estrogen in females
Puberty represents the earliest period of reproductive system activity.
FEMALE MALE
Growth spurt Growth of testes / Testicular enlargement
Increase in the transverse diameter of the pelvis Growth of facial, axillary and pubic hair
Breast development (Thelarche) Voice changes / Booming of voice
Growth of pubic and axillary hair Penile growth
Vaginal Secretions / Menstrual bleeding (Menarche) Increase in height /
Spermatogenesis
The events of puberty occur in the same sequence in all individuals, but the age at which they occur
varies widely.
Most women reach peak reproductive abilities in their late
20s
Natural decrease in ovarian function
Estrogen production declines
Ovulation becomes irregular
Menstrual periods become scanty and shorter in length
Menopause
Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System
Gonorrhea Breast tumor
Syphilis Tumor of the cervix
Herpes Simplex Virus Prostate cancer
Urethritis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Prostatitis Human Papilloma Virus
Epididymitis Chancroid
Chlamydia Trichomonas Vaginalis
Erogenous Zones
- parts of the body that are chiefly sensitive and cause increased sexual arousal when
touched in sexual manner
Human Sexual Behavior
Human sexual behavior is any activity – solitary, between two persons, or in a group – that induces
sexual arousal (Gebhard P.H. 2017).
Main Factors that determine human sexual behavior:
A. Inherited sexual response patterns
- have evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that are a part of each
individual’s genetic inheritance
B. Degree of restraint
- exerted on the individual by society in the expression of his sexuality
Types of Behavior
A. Solitary behavior
Self-gratification is self-stimulation with the intention of causing sexual arousal
and, generally, sexual climax.
B. Sociosexual behavior
- heterosexual behavior between only one male and one female
COITUS
– insertion of the male reproductive organ into the female reproductive organ
Premarital Coitus
Marital Coitus
Extramarital Coitus
Postmarital Coitus
Physiology of Human Sexual Response
The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional changes that occur as
a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in sexually stimulating activities,
including intercourse and masturbation.
Phases:
Phase 1: Excitement
General characteristics which can last from a few minutes to several hours:
• Muscle tension increases
• Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated
• Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and back)
• Nipples become hardened or erect
• Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman's clitoris and
labia minora (inner lips), and erection of the man's penis
• Vaginal lubrication begins
• The woman's breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell
• The man's testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a lubricating liquid
Phase 2: Plateau
General characteristics which extends to the brink of orgasm:
• The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified
• The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal walls turn a dark
purple
• The woman's clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to touch) and retracts under
the clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from the penis
• The man's testicles are withdrawn up into the scrotum
• Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase
• Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands
• Muscle tension increases
Phase 3: Orgasm
The orgasm is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and
generally lasts only a few seconds.
General characteristics:
• Involuntary muscle contractions begin
• Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake
of oxygen
• Muscles in the feet spasm
• There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension
• In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes rhythmic contractions.
• In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis result in the ejaculation of
semen
• A rash, or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body
Phase 4: Resolution
• body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning, and swelled and erect body parts return
to their previous size and color
Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase with further sexual stimulation and
may experience multiple orgasms.
Men need recovery time after orgasm, called a refractory period, during which they cannot reach
orgasm again.
The duration of the refractory period varies among men and usually lengthens with advancing age.
(https://www.medicinenet.com/sexual_response_cycle_phases_of_sexual_response/article.htm#phase
_4_resolution)
