PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL SELF

 Marieb, E.N (2001) explains that the gonads (reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testes or ovary) begin to form
until about the eight week of embryonic development.
 During the early stages of human development, the embryonic reproductive structures of males and females are alike.
 When the primary reproductive structures are formed, development of the accessory structures and external genitalia begins.

 Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the embryo results in strange abnormalities.
 Pseudohermaphrodites - formed who are individuals having accessory reproductive structures that do not match their
gonads. Nowadays, many pseudohermaphrodites undergo sex change operations to have their outer selves (external
genitalia) fit with their inner selves (gonads).
 Hermaphrodites – are individuals who possess both ovarian and testicular tissues but this condition is rare in nature.
Puberty
 It is the period of life, generally between the ages of 10 and 15 years old, when the reproductive organs grow to their adult
size and become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen in
females).
 After this time, reproductive capability continues until old age in males and menopause in females.
 In males, as they reach the age of 13, puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the reproductive organs followed
by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and face. The reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until
sexual maturation marked by the presence of mature semen in the testes.
 In females, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 signals their puberty stage.
 Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which happens 2 years after the start of puberty.
Erogenous zones
 Refer to parts of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when touched in a sexual manner.
 Some of the commonly known erogenous zones are: the mouth, breasts, genitals, anus, neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.
Human sexual behavior
 This behavior is defined as any activity – solitary, between two persons, or in a group – that induces sexual arousal (Gebhard,
P.H. 2017).
 There are two factors that determine human sexual behavior:
1. The inherited sexual response patterns that have evolved as a means of ensuring reproduction and that become part of each
individual's genetic inheritance.
2. The degree of restraint or other types of influence exerted on the individual by society in the expression of his sexuality.
Types of Human sexual behavior
1. Solitary behavior
 Involving only one individual.
 Self-gratification which means self-stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax.
 Self-gratification is very common among young males, but becomes less frequent or is abandoned when sociosexual activity
is available.
 It is more frequent among unmarried individuals.
 There are more males who perform this act than female.
 The fantasy frequently involves idealized sexual partners and activities that the individual has not experienced and even might
avoid in real life.
2. Sociosexual behavior
 Heterosexual behavior is the greatest amount of sociosexual behavior that occurs between only one male and one female.
Physical contact involving necking or petting is considered as an ingredient of the learning process and eventually of courtship
and the selection of marriage partner.
 Petting may be done as an expression of affection and a source of pleasure, preliminary to coitus.
  Coitus – the insertion of the male reproductive organ into the female reproductive organ.
 Coitus is viewed by society quite differently depending upon the marital status of the individuals.
 In modern Western society, premarital coitus is more likely to be tolerated but not encouraged if the individuals intend
marriage.
 In most societies, marital coitus is considered as an obligation.

 A behavior may be interpreted by society or the individual as erotic depending on the context in which behavior occurs.
EXAMPLE:
 For instance, a kiss may be interpreted as a gesture of expression or intimacy between couples while others may interpret it
as a form of respect.
 Examination and touching someone’s genitalia is not interpreted as a sexual act especially when done for medical purposes.
PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE
Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual activity is continued.
 Excitement Phase - it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure.
 Plateau Phase – it is generally of brief duration. If simulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.
 Sexual Climax – it is marked by a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, a rapid increase in pulse rate and blood pressure.
Sexual climax may last for a few seconds after which the individual enters the next phase.
 Resolution Phase – the last stage that refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiologic state.
COMMON SEXUAL CONCERNS
 Concerns around sexual desire
 Concerns around levels of sexual desire are common and may be about too much, too little or none at all. Remember we are
all different and these differences should be valued, honored and acceptable. There is no one-way of being.
 Asexuality
 Broadly speaking people who identify as asexual, experience none or little sexual attraction to others and this position is
considered to be a sexual orientation. They still form intimate emotional attachments and may at times be sexual, but these
attachments are not centered on sexual arousal and attraction.
 Loss of Desire
 Loss of desire can either be partial, or total. Partial loss of desire means that while you may have stopped initiating sexual
contact with your partner, you will respond to their approaches. Loss of desire can also be contextual i.e. you may lose desire
for one partner, but have desire for another. Total loss of desire means that you don’t want to have sexual contact at all.
 There are many reasons why lack of sexual desire occurs:
 Life events such as bereavement, pressure at work and day-to-day stresses may mean that sex becomes of secondary
importance.
 A difficult childbirth may also cause loss of desire, and new mums may be so overwhelmed by caring for a new baby that they
lose themselves for a while.
 Loss of desire is also a well-known side effect of some medications, such as anti-depressants, and depressive illnesses.
Sometimes losing interest in sex can be a response to dissatisfaction, disappointment, anger or unhappiness in your
relationship as a couple as a result of communication difficulties.
 High desire
 If you feel that you have too much desire you may want to consider if the concern is because that is what you personally feel,
or whether others have expressed that to you as a judgement. Having a lot of sex and high desire is not itself a problem and
indeed can be positive for an individual. However, when it starts having a detrimental effect on other aspect of your life and
makes it difficult to engage in and form the type of relationships that you want, then you may have a problem. See the below
section on sexual compulsive behaviour.
 Uncomfortable sexual desire.
 Some times we may have sexual desires that we are uncomfortable with, maybe because they are unusual, seem whacky or
even scary. Sexual fantasies are very common and diverse; we may even be aroused by fantasy that in the cold light of day
we would not want to be part of. It is important to bear in mind that a fantasy is what it says; it is not reality or an action.
 If the desire is something you want to act on with others then you will need to consider if is it is a consensual act i.e. that
consent is freely given by all involved
 If acting out desires involves coercion, breaking the law or is non-consensual then it is not acceptable to act your fantasy out.