MODULE 2 – PHYSICAL SELF: THE BEAUTIFUL ME
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
1. determine the condition of their physical self;
2. classify the physiological needs of the self in each stage of life;
3. identify the forces and institutions that impact the development of the various aspects of
identity and the self; and
4. explain the importance of a good health.
MODULE OUTLINE:
Factors in the Development of the Physical Self
The Beginning of Life
Stages in the Life Span
Taking Care of My Physical Self
Sexual Self
Contraception and Family Planning
Activity:
The Path Travelled by the Egg
1. The egg travels through the _____ after being released from the _____.
2. The fertilized egg contains _____ from both parents.
3. The egg is surrounded by a cloud of _____.
4. These hairs, called ____ move the egg along towards the uterus.
5. It takes the egg _____ days to travel _____ inches along the fallopian tube.
6. The egg must join with a sperm within _____ hours in order for conception to take place. If
no sperm is present, the egg _____.
When Sperm Enters the Female Body
1. Nearly _____ % of the sperm will die almost immediately after entering the woman’s body.
2. Sperm will remain viable (able to survive) only for _____ to _____ hours.
3. The sperm as one goal: __________.
4. There are many barriers (things to overcome) for a sperm to reach the egg. Some of these
include:
a. d. g.
b. e. h.
c. f.
When Sperm Enters the Fallopian Tube
1. The fallopian tube has ______ openings; one leads to the _____ and the other to the _____.
2. Of the 200 million sperms that enter, only about _____ ever reach the egg.
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3. Only _____ sperm will enter and fertilize the egg.
4. One inside the egg, the sperm undergoes a big change, it _____.
5. The genetic material is released from the _____.
6. Within _____ hours, the new cell begins to divide.
The Embryo Develops into a Fetus
Number of Weeks since Fertilization Appearance of embryo/fetus
1. It is elongated (grown long). It is barely 1/10th of an
inch long.
2. It has arm buds, and is curled. It has the beginning of
eyes.
3. The nose begins to take shape.
4. Leg buds appear. The embryo is less than ___ inch
long. It floats inside the fluid-filled amniotic sac. The
_____ is clearly visible.
5. The embryo is ¾ of an inch long. It can move its hands
and clearly defined fingers. Its _____ are visible. The
eye lenses are formed.
6. Fingers are clearly seen. The _____ of the feet are
clearly visible.
7. The embryo is 2 ½ inch long.
8. It can bring its hands together and suck its thumb.
9. Organs of senses are nearly formed.
10. It is turning inside the mother.
11. The _____ is the fetus’ link to its mother, the
source of its life.
12. All of its important features have been
developed, but it will take another _____ more
weeks before it can survive outside its mother.
Factors in the Development of the Physical Self
The development of the individual is caused by two interacting forces: heredity and
environment.
Heredity (nature) is the transmission of traits or characteristics from parents to offspring. It
provides the raw materials of which the individual is made up. Through the genes, hereditary
potentials like physical, mental, social, emotional, and moral traits are passed down to generations.
Environment (nurture) is the sum total of the forces or experiences that a person undergoes
from conception to old age. It also includes family, friends, school, nutrition, and other agencies one
is in contact with.
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The Beginning of Life
Life begins at fertilization. Fertilization refers to the meeting of the female sex cell and the
male sex cell. These sex cells are developed in the reproductive organs called gonads. The male sex
cells called spermatozoa (singular: spermatozoon) are produced in the male gonads called testes. On
the other hand, the female sex cells called ova are produced in the female gonads known as ovaries.
The fertilized egg cell known as zygote contains all the hereditary potentials from the parents. This
zygote goes to the uterus and continues to grow during the gestation period of about 280 days or 36
weeks or 9 calendar months.
Each parent contributes one sex chromosome to the offspring. A male parent may pass either
an X or a Y chromosome while a female always gives the X chromosome. When an X chromosome
comes from the father and meets the X chromosome from the mother, the resulting combination is
XX which indicates a female offspring. However, when the father produces a Y chromosome which
pairs with the X chromosome from the mother, the resulting combination is XY, signifying a male
offspring.
Both male and female chromosomes contain several thousands of genes. Genes are small
particles in a string-like formation. They are the true carriers of hereditary characteristics of the
parents. Within the gene is a substance called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which is the code of
heredity. It contains information and instructions about the newly created organism, and programs
the traits that should be inherited. Maturation is the unfolding of the inherent traits.
Stages in the Life Span
An individual undergoes definite stages of development. In each phase, the child experiences
certain developmental characteristics to prepare him/her for the next.
Stages of Human Development
Development Stage Age
Pre-natal period Conception to birth
Infancy Birth to end of the second week
Babyhood End of the second week to end of the second
year
Early childhood or preschool age Two to six years
Late childhood or elementary age Six to ten or twelve years
Puberty or preadolescence Twelve to thirteen or fourteen years
Adolescence Thirteen or fourteen to eighteen years
Early adulthood Eighteen to forty years
Middle age Forty to sixty years
Old age or senescence Sixty years to death
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Taking Care of My Physical Self
Since the self is inseparable from the body, you should take very good care of your physical
self. Whether you plan to lose, gain, or maintain weight, the most important thing to do is to keep
yourself fit. To achieve this goal, a rigid plan has to be made.
• Balanced Diet
To keep fit and healthy, one needs to have a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet
means consuming the right kind of food at the right time and in the right proportion.
One’s food intake should contain the necessary nutrients essential for growth and
survival. This practice prevents malnutrition and diseases. It is also important to keep
mealtimes pleasant and enjoyable. Thus, an individual should be encouraged and motivated
to eat more nutritious food. It should also be remembered that junk food must be avoided.
Essential Food Nutrients
Nutrient Functions Sources Amount of Serving
per Meal
Carbohydrates For supplying heat Starchy food, bread, 1 to 1 ¼ cup of rice
and energy to the rice, tubers, cereals, 1 to 2 pieces of corn
body and their products in cob
Protein For building and Legumes and by- ½ to ¾ cup
repairing broken or products; meat, fish, 2 to 3 pieces of meat
worm-out tissues poultry and by- 1 glass of milk
products; milk and
milk products
Fats For maintaining heat Margarine, nuts, oil, 1 tablespoon of
and energy for the butter, cheese, and vegetable oil and its
body by-products equivalent
Vitamins and For healthy skin and All kinds of fruits and ¾ to 1 cup of
Minerals hair, as well as for vegetables; internal vegetables
aiding the normal organs like liver, 1 slice of big fruit
functioning of the gizzard, spleen, etc. 1 piece of small fruit
body
• Water
An individual should drink at least eight glasses of water everyday. It allows the
body to function efficiently. It also washes away wastes to keep the skin clear and
healthy. With a high-protein diet, the body utilizes the water properly and avoid water
retention. Liquids such as coffee, tea, or milk should not be counted as water. Although
they contain lots of water, there is also a build up of caffeine, acid, or fat.
• Sleep
Sleep gives the bones, muscles, and the mind to recover. An individual needs
eight or more hours of sleep a day. One very important requirement for a refreshing sleep
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is a firm mattress. If one sleeps in a slumped, uncomfortable position in a mattress that is
too soft, body aches may develop. Another way to improve the bed is to raise the lower
part of the mattress so as to elevate the feet. It is an ideal position because the blood
flows back towards the heart and away from the feet.
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Sexual Self
As we come to understand the beauty of the physical self, we must learn to understand the
sexual self. It has been believed that the sex xhromosomes of humans define the sex (female or
male) and their secondary sexual characteristics. From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic
make-up. It influences the way we treat ourselves. Aside from our genes, our society or the external
environment helps shape ourselves.
Sexual self-concept is defined as an individual's evaluation of his or her own sexual feelings
and actions. It is proposed as an important predictor of contraceptive behavior among teenagers.
Majority of adolescents do not use contraceptives due to the lack of adequate information.
Many do not practice responsible sex because they are unable to accept their own sexuality. Teens
engage in unprotected sex due to their cognitive and emotional immaturity.
Counseling and sex education that address social and psychological issues may help improve
adolescent contraceptive practice by addressing teenagers' views of their own sexuality.
Contraception and Family Planning
Contraception means prevention of unwanted pregnancy, while responsible parenthood
means responsible procreation and socialization of children.
Family planning experts define family planning as the process by which responsible couples,
if they wish, can determine by themselves the timing, spacing and number of children born to them.
Family planning means responsible parenthood for it seeks to prepare married couples for the
responsibility of rearing a child who can be properly fed, clothed and educated.
Methods of contraception are used to provide protection against unwanted pregnancies.
These methods work to prevent the meeting of the egg and the sperm. Avoiding pregnancies
requires using one or the other of the different methods available.
I. Natural Methods
1. Abstinence
This natural method involves abstaining from sexual intercourse and is the
most effective method with ideally 0% fail rate. It is also the most effective way
to avoid STDs.
2. Standard Days Method
The standard days method (SDM) of natural family planning has replaced
the old rhythm method as the method of choice for a woman who wants to
predict fertility based on the length of her cycle. This method does not require the
use of a calendar or charting; rather, it uses CycleBeads.
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Who Can Use the Standard Days Method?
The standard days method is most effective for women who have cycles
between 26 and 32 days long.
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3. TwoDay Method
The TwoDay method (TDM) is a fertility-awareness method of family
planning that uses cervical secretions to indicate fertility. A woman using the
TDM checks for cervical secretions at least once a day and if she notices
secretions of any type, color or consistency, she considers herself fertile.
A woman checks for secretions at least twice daily as soon as her menstrual
bleeding stops. Secretions are anything that the woman perceives as coming
from her vagina, except menstrual bleeding.
A woman may feel moisture at the opening of her vagina or see secretions on
toilet paper, her underpants, or her fingers.
Secretions generally start a few days after her period stops. Once secretions
start they continue for several days in a row followed by days without
secretions.
If she does not notice secretions today AND yesterday (two consecutive days
without secretions), pregnancy is unlikely today.
If she notices secretions either today OR yesterday, pregnancy is likely today.
She must avoid unprotected sex today to avoid pregnancy.
4. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
An ancient method to prevent conception is prolonged breastfeeding of
babies. It is believed that the prolongation of milk secretion or production in the
mother’s mammary glands will delay ovulation.
This method may not be effective because ovulation may return any time
two or four months after parturition or delivery.
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5. Basal Body Temperature
This method is used to indicate the time of ovulation. When ovulation
occurs, the body temperature rises about 0.3oC or 0.5oF and sustained till
2 to 3 days before the next cycle. To avoid conception, couples should abstain
from sexual intercourse on the day when a sudden rise of body temperature occurs
and is sustained for about three days. The woman must take her temperature every
morning upon awakening and if she notices, that there is a slight decrease and
then an increase in her temperature, this is a sign that she has ovulated.
6. Cervical Mucus or Billings Method
This technique is based on the mucus discharge from the vagina as a sign
of impending ovulation, which signals the beginning of the unsafe period.
Sexual relations should be avoided from the day the mucus appears until the third
day after the “peak” symptom is recognized (the last day of very slippery,
stretchy, mucus-like, raw egg white secretion-spinnbarkeit). These are unsafe
days (fertile period). The days from the fourth day after the “peak” symptom
to the next menstrual period are considered safe (infertile) days, whether there is
mucus or not.
7. Symptothermal Method
This is a combination of the temperature method and the cervical mucus
method with the other symptoms of pain or cervical changes. Symptoms which
may accompany ovulation include: 1) pain in the right or left lower abdomen
which may occur in some women at the time of ovulation (mittelschmerz); 2)
prior to ovulation, the cervix feels firm like the tip of the nose; toward
ovulation, it becomes soft like the lips, opens and rises.
8. Withdrawal
One of the most frequently used methods of contraception throughout
history in all parts of the world – even among fairly well-educated societies
where more sophisticated methods are available – is that of withdrawal or coitus
interruptus. As the term suggests, the male withdraws his penis from the vagina
immediately before ejaculation; hence coitus is “interrupted” just prior to orgasm,
and the male ejaculates outside the female’s organ. This is not a reliable method
of contraception because there may be sperms contained in the liquid that
lubricates the male urethra during sexual stimulation prior to ejaculation. The
reproductive glands secrete fluid in the male genital which flows freely before
ejaculation. Some sperms may be present in the fluid and this could lead to
conception. This technique could also cause tension because the man has to
exercise self-control and alert himself to the first signs of ejaculation. Some
couples may find it disturbing and it may lead to sexual dissatisfaction and
irritability in sexual relations when the male insists on withdrawal over the
objection of the female.
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II. Artificial Methods
1. Mechanical Methods
These are various forms of mechanical contraceptives that act as
barriers to block the sperm from entering the uterus, thus preventing conception.
a. Condom
Popularly known as the “rubber,” the condom is a sheath of latex
rubber which is put on the penis during intercourse to prevent the sperm
from entering the uterus. Condoms not only prevent conception but also
provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, such as
gonorrhea and AIDS virus. It could be used as a supplementary method of
contraception in cases when a pill is not taken for a day. Some men,
however, find its use inconvenient and feels it detracts from the complete
enjoyment of sexual relations. The female condom has an inner ring that
covers the cervix and an outer, open ring that is placed against the
opening of the vagina.
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b. Diaphragm
A dome-shaped latex rubber membrane is placed in the vagina to
close the opening of the cervix to prevent entrance of the sperm. A doctor
fits the diaphragm for size and gives instructions for its use. Shortly before
insertion, creams and jellies are applied to the diaphragm for added
protection. The diaphragm is removed six hours after sexual
intercourse. Conception may occur, however, if the diaphragm is
incorrectly inserted and fails to cover the cervix. It may be dislodged
during intercourse or other activities, leaving the woman without
protection while thinking she is still protected. Moreover, fertile cervical
mucus may enhance sperm motility and enable sperms to swim past the
edges of the rubber dam.
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c. Cervical cap
Cap shaped barrier that fits over the cervix. It prevents the sperm
from entering the uterus. It can stay on the cervix for 48 hours. It is less
expensive compared to the diaphragm.
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d. Sponge
Another variation of the diaphragm is the sponge. It is with a string
attached for easy removal. Contraceptive jellies or weak solution of
vinegar is applied on the sponge before it is inserted in the vagina. It
covers the entrance of the uterus to keep sperm out.
The fitting of the sponge can never be watertight against the
uterine opening because of the natural wetness of the vaginal environment.
It is a weak mechanical barrier.
e. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
It is a small, T-shaped object made of copper or plastic that is
placed inside the uterus. It prevents fertilization and implantation.
The IUD is easily inserted by a doctor, preferably in women who
have already given birth and just after menstruation when the opening of
the uterus is somewhat enlarged. Since this device can be expelled from
the uterus anytime, especially during menstruation, periodic check-ups are
required: after one month, 6 months, 1 year then every year. It can be left
in place for 9 years. Among the side effects common to IUD users are
bleeding or spotting during the first few months of insertion, backache,
abdominal pain and cramps.
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2. Chemical Methods
Chemical contraceptives are spermicides that prevent conception by
killing the sperms before they enter the uterine cavity or reach the fallopian
tubes.
a. Vaginal suppositories and tablets
A small, bullet-shaped substance similar to paraffin or a
piece of candle, a suppository contains chemicals capable of
killing sperms. It is inserted into the vagina about 10 to 15
minutes before copulation to allow it to melt. A vaginal foaming
tablet is moistened with saliva or water and inserted into the vagina
10 to 15 minutes before intercourse. It melts at body temperature
and forms a coat of foam to prevent sperm from entering the
uterus.
Suppositories and tablets are the most convenient forms
of chemical contraceptives and there is no need for a doctor’s
prescription. They may be used in conjunction with condoms
and diaphragms.
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b. Vaginal jellies, creams and foams
Contraceptive jellies and creams are also inserted into
the vagina before copulation. Sold with a plastic applicator,
vaginal foams are packaged with butane propellant in a
bottle. Immobilizing and killing the sperms, these spermicides
are effective for an hour. There should be no washing or
douching of the vagina until six hours after coitus.
The contraceptive foam is reportedly the most effective
available because it covers the walls of the vagina quickly and
evenly with a thick film of foam. Contraceptive foam comes in an
aerosol can with an applicator and is the same consistency of
mousse hair-styling products. After shaking the can for at least
30 seconds, press the tip of the applicator on the nozzle of the
can and press down. This fills the applicator with foam.
While lying down, a woman should insert the applicator
into the vagina a few inches and push the plunger to squirt
out the foam. The foam kills the sperm while also blocking the
cervix (to prevent any surviving sperm from entering the uterus).
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3. Hormonal Methods
These methods have something to do with the production of
hormones that affect a woman’s ovulation process and menstrual cycle.
a. Oral Contraceptive Pills
The pill is a combination of synthetic hormones usually
estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily for about 20-21 days each
month starting on Day Five after the beginning of the
menstrual cycle. Pills help maintain a constantly high
hormone level which prevents the ovary from releasing an
egg, thus conception will not occur, no matter how often a
couple may engage in sexual relations. Some brands change
the consistency of the cervical mucus, making it dense and less
penetrable by sperm, making conception more difficult.
The woman must take the pill everyday, usually before
bedtime during 20 to 30 days prescribed period. In case a pill is
missed, it is advisable to take two pills the next day, the moment
the woman remembers the missed pill and one in the evening. Side
effects: headache, dizziness, vomiting and nausea, break-through
bleeding, weight gain, brownish discoloration of the skin. These
symptoms reportedly appear after a few months.
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b. Injectable
It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and makes
cervical mucus very thick and sticky. Given only once every three
months and does not contain estrogen. The active solution is Depot
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) – Depo Provera.
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c. Subdermal Implants
The subdermal implants are two tiny, thin rod about the
size of a matchstick. It inhibits ovulation and alters endometrial
thickness. It is inserted into the medial side of the upper arm
through a small incision on the skin under localized anesthesia. It
contains etonogestrel, desogestrel, and progestin. It is effective for
three to five years.
For males: A biodegradable pill implant, which is one
centimeter long and can be injected through a large-bore needle
right through the man’s skin, is a combination of hormones and
cholesterol which works for up to three years and does not require
surgery for insertion. If the woman wants to conceive, the implant
can be removed through minor surgery. Cholesterol hormone
subcutaneous implants may also be implanted in men’s skin to
make them infertile.
Implants make men infertile but they also lose sexual drive
unless another hormone, testosterone, is administered.
d. Transdermal Patch
The transdermal patch has a combination of both estrogen
and progesterone in a form of a patch. For three weeks, the woman
should apply one patch every week on the following areas: upper
outer arm, upper torso, abdomen, or buttocks. At the fourth week,
no patch is applied because the menstrual flow would then occur.
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e. Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
The vaginal ring releases a combination of estrogen and
progesterone and surrounds the cervix. This silicon ring is inserted
vaginally and remains there for three weeks, then removed on the
fourth week as menstrual flow would occur. The woman becomes
fertile as soon as the ring is removed.
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4. Surgical Methods
a. Tubal ligation
This is the cutting and tying of both fallopian tubes, thus
preventing the ovum from passing through the uterus. Likewise,
the sperm cannot reach the ovum for fertilization. The intercepted
ovum simply disintegrates and is absorbed in the bloodstream.
There is no fertilization; hence there is no conception.
b. Vasectomy
Male sterilization is called vasectomy, in which the vas
deferens (spermatic cords) are cut off and tied so that the sperm
coming from the testicles cannot pass through. The male
continues to ejaculate seminal fluid that no longer contains sperms,
hence fertilization cannot occur.
The male does not immediately become sterile because
some sperms remain in the spermatic cords and other accessory
glands. The male should undergo physician’s checkups needed
during the postoperative period until the sperm count drops to
zero. During this period, the couple should use other
contraceptives as a matter of precaution.
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