The Sexual Self

• The reproductive system is a system of sex organs designed for reproduction and sexual function, affecting not only how individuals view themselves but also their sexuality and sexual relationships.
• Primary sex characteristics are physical characteristics present at birth that distinguish male from female.
• In females, primary sex characteristics include the vagina, uterus, and ovaries.
• In males, primary sex characteristics include the penis, testes or testicles, scrotum, and prostate gland.
• 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 increase one’s sex drive.
• In women, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone as well as a 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, female sex hormones are not produced consistently, following a cyclical pattern, on an approximately 28-day monthly cycle.
• The greatest production of female sex hormones 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.
• Secondary sex characteristics develop during the onset of puberty.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV infection are caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
• Homosexual people are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: Females who are attracted to other females are lesbian; males who are attracted to other males are often known as gay.
• Sexual orientation is the emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction that a person feels toward another person.
• LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning.
• Contraception refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy: Condoms, Intrauterine device (IUD), Birth control injectables, Oral contraceptive pills, and Withdrawal method.
• Heterosexual people are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: Heterosexual males are attracted to females, and heterosexual females are attracted to males.
• There are several types of sexual orientation: Heterosexual, Homosexual, Bisexual, Asexual, and LGBTQ.
• Asexual people may not be interested in sex, but they still feel emotionally close to other people.
• The Reproductive Health 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.
• The Reproductive Health 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.
• Bisexual people are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.
• 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.
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person during sexual contact.
• Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of STIs and STDs and should practice safe sex.
• The Reproductive Health Law aims to promote awareness among adolescents and youth on sexuality and reproductive health through proper sex education.
• The Reproductive Health Law guarantees universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.
• 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.
• 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.
• As adolescents grow and mature, they make new patterns of relationships and commitments with other people.
• Puberty is an important stage in sexual development, 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.
• Physical attractiveness refers to the degree to which a person's physical traits are regarded as aesthetically pleasing or beautiful.
• Attachment is characterized by feelings of calm, security, social comfort, and emotional union.
• Attachment is self-centered, meaning based on fulfilling your need.
• Love is a feeling directed toward the “other” and not the self.