THE SEXUAL SELF

ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY AND HUMAN REPRODUCTION

The age of adolescence is usually the time an individual becomes aware of their sexual self.
During this period, the physical and physiological characteristics of the body start to develop,
affecting the emotional and mental aspects of a person. Exploring and awakening the
consciousness and awareness of one's sexuality will lead to a better understanding of themselves
as a whole.

At this age, the secondary sex characteristics, or the features or changes that appear during
puberty, start to affect an individual. A person's sexual desire may heighten as a result of the
body adjusting to allow sexual reproduction to occur.
The human reproductive system is composed of organs that work together to be able to produce
an offspring. Male and female substances such as fluids, hormones, and pheromones contribute
to the process of human reproduction.
These processes that contribute to the conception of an individual's sexual self are influenced by
one's upbringing, social environment, and expectations. However, developing this aspect of the
self involves educating oneself, recognizing one's identity, and conducting self-evaluations.
Having awareness of one's sexual self can be a means to identify their sexual behavior.
THE EROGENOUS ZONES
The human body has various erogenous zones that are highly sensitive to stimulation which
generate sexual responses such as sexual fantasies, arousal, or orgasms. The sensitivity of these
areas is determined by the concentration of nerve endings. There are two classifications of
erogenous zones, namely nonspecific and specific zones.
Nonspecific zones include the neck, arms, and chest, which, if stimulated, heighten sensual
response. Specific zones, on the other hand, include the lips and genitalia, which evoke intense
sexual response upon stimulation. The stimulation of one's erogenous zones is considered part of
physical intimacy; however, this action is highly dependent on the sexual desires of an
individual.
PHASES OF HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE
Human sexual response refers to the physical and emotional changes that take place during
various sexual activities. An individual who performs sexual activities, especially masturbation
and sexual intercourse, goes through four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Knowing one's reactions to such phases will help them understand their sexual-self better. This
can also improve relationships in terms of sexuality and sexual activity.
THE CHEMISTRY OF LUST, LOVE, AND ATTACHMENT
According to Katherine Wu (2017), love can be categorized into three: lust, attraction, and
attachment.
First, lust is driven by sexual gratification which is associated with the need of living beings to
reproduce. The hypothalamus stimulates the generation of testosterone and estrogen to increase
libido to reproduce.
Second, attraction affects the brain's control over the "reward" behavior, which could be the
reason why beginnings of relationships can become thrilling. Dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine are the chemicals released during attraction which affects a person's mood and
appetite, making them feel energized and euphoric.
Lastly, attachment involves the desire for bonding or friendship, intimacy, and social cordiality,
which is intensified by oxytocin and vasopressin.
PHASES OF HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE
Human sexual response refers to the physical and emotional changes that take place during
various sexual activities. An individual who performs sexual activities, especially masturbation
and sexual intercourse, goes through four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Knowing one's reactions to such phases will help them understand their sexual-self better. This
can also improve relationships in terms of sexuality and sexual activity.
Four Phases of Sexual Response
Excitement - Initial stage of arousal; heart rate increases, blood flow to genitals rises, and
physical signs of arousal appear.
Plateau Phase - Arousal intensifies and stabilizes; breathing quickens, muscle tension increases,
and sensitivity heightens.
Orgasm Phase - Peak of sexual pleasure; involves rhythmic muscle contractions and intense
release of sexual tension.
Resolution Phase - Body gradually returns to its normal state; muscles relax, heart rate slows,
and a sense of calm or satisfaction may follow.
THE CHEMISTRY OF LUST, LOVE, AND ATTACHMENT
According to Katherine Wu (2017), love can be categorized into three: lust, attraction, and
attachment.
First, lust is driven by sexual gratification which is associated with the need of living beings to
reproduce. The hypothalamus stimulates the generation of testosterone and estrogen to increase
libido to reproduce.
Second, attraction affects the brain's control over the "reward" behavior, which could be the
reason why beginnings of relationships can become thrilling. Dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine (NOR-eh-pih-NEH-frin) are the chemicals released during attraction which
affects a person's mood and appetite, making them feel energized and euphoric.
Lastly, attachment involves the desire for bonding or friendship, intimacy, and social cordiality,
which is intensified by oxytocin and vasopressin (VAY-zoh-PRESS-in).
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND ORIENTATION
Human beings are diverse in terms of the concept, choices, and acts related to sexual behavior.
Part of people's sexual behavior is their sexual orientation, which is defined as the enduring
pattern of romantic or sexual attraction, or both, to people of the opposite and/or same sex. It also
includes a psychological component such as the pattern of a person's erotic desires and a
behavioral component that pertains to the sex of one's partner. There are various types of sexual
orientation that people use to identify with. Asexuality refers to the absence of sexual attraction
to other people. Heterosexuality refers to the preference for the opposite sex. Homosexuality is
the preference for the same sex. Bisexuality refers to the preference for both sexes.
Psychologically, the origins of sexual attraction can be traced from one's childhood to their
adolescent years.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Sexually transmitted diseases are infections passed from one person to another through sexual
contact. The transmission can occur through vaginal, anal, or oral sex; unsterilized needles or
syringes; childbirth; breastfeeding; and blood transfusions. The human genitalia is vulnerable to
bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more because of its moist and warm environment. The following are
the three of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the Philippines:
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus is a virus that thrives in moist skin and areas such as the throat, cervix,
anus, and mouth. There are over 100 types of HPV strains, 40 of which affect the genital area,
mouth, and throat. HPV causes a growth abnormality in cells within the cervix, which may lead
to genital warts and cancer. HPV is an asymptomatic disease that results in its prevalence
because those infected are unaware of having and transmitting it, most commonly, through
vaginal or anal sex.

2 . Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which affects the skin, cervix, and
genitals. Having herpes is usually a long term condition. There are two known types of herpes
which manifest through vaginal discharge, painful urination, fever, and blisters and ulcerations of
the cervix and cold sores around the mouth which are painful when they burst.

3. Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted through sexual
intercourse or pregnancy which could lead to stillbirth or birth defects. Syphilis initially does not
show any symptoms because of the incubation period of the infection taking around 9 to 90 days.
This can lead to serious health problems later on, including a higher risk of becoming HIV
positive.

METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION
One of the problems of many countries is overpopulation caused by the lack of family planning
and guidance among individuals. Sex education, especially having knowledge about
contraception, is important to control the population of certain countries. The following are the
categories of contraception, namely natural, hormonal and barrier, and surgical methods.
1 . Natural Method
Natural family planning methods exclude chemical components that may not be needed by the
human body. Most religious individuals opt for the following natural methods:
Calendar or Rhythm Method
This method involves refraining from sexual intercourse during the fertile days of a woman. The
menstrual cycle suggests that a woman is most fertile around 3 to 4 days before and after her
ovulation. The best estimation for a woman's fertile days is by considering her menstrual record
for the past six months. To know a woman's ovulation day, identify the 10th and 17th days once
menstruation occurs. The former indicates the first day of a woman's fertile period and the latter
indicates the end.
Symptothermal Method
This method makes use of a woman's basal body temperature and cervical mucus. A woman
must take her temperature every morning and record it. She must abstain from sexual intercourse
3 days after observing a rise in body temperature. The cervix and cervical mucus must also be
checked for changes. If a woman's cervix becomes soft, high, open, and wet, this indicates
ovulation. Additionally, if her cervical mucus is thin, watery, and copious, it also indicates
ovulation.
Ovulation Detection.
This method requires an ovulation kit that can be bought in a local pharmacy to predict and read
ovulation by detecting the rise of luteinizing hormone occurring 12 to 24 hours prior to
ovulation. Urine is used as a specimen to check the said hormone.

2 . Hormonal Barrier Method

Hormonal contraception is used to manipulate the production of hormones that directly impact a
woman's reproductive system and menstrual cycle in order to interrupt or hinder ovulation.
Barrier methods of contraception are designed to prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus or
egg. These methods are for single use only and should be disposed of immediately after use.
Condoms. Condoms are a barrier method of contraception and has two kinds: male and female
condoms. Male condoms are latex or rubber sheath that is placed around an erect penis before
vaginal penetration or intercourse. Female condoms, on the other hand, are pre-lubricated with
spermicide and contains two rings. When inserted inside the vagina, the inner ring should cover
the cervix and the open ring should cover the vaginal opening. Both kinds are disposable after
use and available without any prescription. The chances of a woman getting impregnated with
the use of a condom are 12% to 22%.
Oral Contraceptives
These are pills that contain synthetic hormones including estrogen and progesterone. The pill
functions in three ways to prevent pregnancy. It stops ovulation so no egg can be fertilized,
thickens cervical mucus to hinder sperm from entering the ovary, and thins the uterine lining
making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The pill should ideally be taken at
the same time each day for 21 or 28 days depending on the availability of inactive pills. The first
week does not provide protection yet for a user. After one full pack or a month of taking the pills
would be the best time to ensure their effectiveness. Oral contraceptives, because of their method
of altering hormones, have several side effects such as nausea, weight changes, headaches, breast
changes, breakthrough bleeding, vaginal infections, and depression.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
This is a T-shaped device that is implanted in the uterus in order to prevent pregnancy. There are
two types of IUD available. One is the copper IUD which releases copper to prevent sperm from
getting to the egg and the other is the hormonal IUD which releases hormones that thicken
cervical mucus and stop ovulation. The IUD is effective for around 5 to 7 years; however, a user
should have annual pelvic examinations as well as constantly check the IUD string to make sure
it is still in place.

3. Surgical Methods
Surgical methods of contraception involve undergoing an operation in order to physically alter
either male or female reproductive systems to avoid pregnancy.
Vasectomy
This method involves the tying and cauterizing, cutting, or plugging of the vas deferens of a male
to block the passage of the sperm.
Tubal Ligation
This is performed by blocking, cutting, or tying the fallopian tubes permanently to prevent
pregnancy.