Understanding the Self 1

Understanding the Self 2

✍️ Module Guide
 This module consists of three (3) parts – the discussion of the lesson, assessment, and
references. Place your answers in a single Word document. Below is the prescribed format.

Name: ________________________________
Year and Section: ________________________________
Time Schedule: ________________________________
Assessment
1. Cite the test question/s.
2. Write your answers.

 Use the following standard format.

Font name: Arial Margins: 1”
Font size: 12 Orientation: Portrait
Spacing: 1.0 Paper size: Long

 Filename should constitute your surname, first name initial, and chapter number
(i.e. Fabillar, F. – Chapter 1). Upload your Word file to the corresponding assignment
section in the Google Classroom. You are encouraged to submit your answers on time.
 Understanding the Self 3

Chapter 6: The Sexual Self

“Our sexual self is a complex combination of our social, cultural, and biological inheritance.”
– Pepper Schwartz

Suggested Time Allotment: 4.5 Hours

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. discuss the sexual development involving the human reproductive system, sexual
behavior, and human sexual response;
2. examine the diversity of methods of contraception, sexual health, and sexually
transmitted diseases or infections; and
3. demonstrate critical and reflective thought in understanding one’s sexuality.

Introduction

Puberty marks the start of sexual development in an individual. Physical changes start
and as an individual continues to adolescence, these changes are highlighted as sex hormones,
undergoing physical changes, and producing feelings that are sexual in nature. The sexual
self, in particular, is where one learns and understands about his or her sexual development,
and how people’s sexual activity, beliefs, and conceptions about sex can influence one’s own
sexual behaviors and responses. The sexual self speaks about one’s sexual health, sexual
orientation, gender identity and expression and values around sexuality.
 Understanding the Self 4

A. Discussion

The Human Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System Male Reproductive System

Ovaries Gonads Testis
Egg cells Reproductive cells Sperm cells
Estrogen and Progesterone Hormones Androgen and Testosterone
Menarche Activation of the Nocturnal emission or wet
(marks the onset of the menstrual cycle) reproductive gland dreams
Menopause End of the reproductive gland None
function
 Understanding the Self 5

 Sex Determination

 Life begins upon the moment of fertilization. Twenty-three (23) chromosomes coming
from the mother and twenty-three (23) chromosomes coming from the father produces a
normal newborn, having genetically 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs of chromosomes. The
1st pair of chromosome up to the 22nd pair are called the autosomes which is responsible
for the physical and mental characteristics. While the 23rd pair is called the sex
chromosomes which determines the sex of the new individual. If the 23rd pair is XX then
the individual is a female. But if otherwise the 23rd pair is XY, then the new individual is
a male. Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in the
embryo results in strange abnormalities.

The Human Sexual Response Cycle

 The human sexual response cycle is a
model that describes the physiological
Resolution Desire responses that take place during sexual
Phase Phase
activity.

 Sexual motivation, often referred to as the

libido, is a person’s overall sexual drive or
desire for sexual activity. This is motivated
by biological, psychological, and social
Orgasm Arousal factors. Sex hormones do not directly
Phase Phase regulate the ability to copulate in humans.
They are only one influence on the
motivation to engage in sexual behaviors.
Social factors such as work and family also
Plateau have an impact, as do internal
Phase psychological factors like personality and
stress.
 Understanding the Self 6

 This physiological response model was first formulated by William H. Masters and Virginia
E. Johnson in 1966. Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when
sexual activity is continued.

 Excitement Phase – It is marked by increase in pulse and blood pressure, an increase in

blood supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature, flushing,
and swelling of all distensible body, more rapid breathing, the secretion of genital fluids,
expansion of the female reproductive organ, and a general increase in muscle tension.
This phase consists of the desire and arousal stages.

 Desire Stage – Sexual urges occurs in response to sexual cues or fantasies.

 Arousal Stage – It is the subjective sense of sexual pleasure and physiological signs of
sexual arousal. In males, penile tumescence (increased flow of blood into the penis)
happens. While in females, vasocongestion (blood pools in the pelvic area) occurs,
leading to vaginal lubrication and breast tumescence (nipples erect).

 Plateau Phase – These symptoms of arousal eventually increase to a near maximal

physiological level, the plateau phase, which is generally of brief duration that occurs
before orgasm.

 Orgasm Phase – If stimulation is continued, sexual climax usually occurs. Sexual climax
is marked by a feeling of sudden intense pleasure, an abrupt increase in pulse rate and
blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions in the female and
emission of semen by the male. Involuntary vocalization may also occur. Sexual climax
lasts for a few seconds (normally not over ten).

 Resolution Phase – After which the individual enters the resolution phase, the return to
a normal or subnormal physiological state. Up to the resolution phase, males and females
are the same in their response sequence. However, whereas males return to normal even
if stimulation continues, continued stimulation can produce additional sexual climax in
females. In short, after one sexual climax, a male becomes unresponsive to sexual
stimulation and cannot begin to build up another excitement phase until some period of
time has elapsed, but females are physically capable of repeated sexual climax without
the intervening ‘rest period’ required by males.

Sexual Dysfunction
 Sexual dysfunction is a common problem among both men and women. It can be caused by
physical problems and medical conditions, such as heart disease and hormone imbalances,
or by psychological problems, like anxiety, depression and the effects of past trauma. There
are four main types or categories of sexual dysfunction.
 Understanding the Self 7

 Desire Disorders – These disorders affect sexual desire and interest in sex, are also known
as libido disorders or low libido. Low estrogen and testosterone levels can cause
decreased libido, as can hormonal changes, medical conditions like diabetes and heart
disease, relationship problems, sexual inhibitions, fatigue, fear, depression, and anxiety,
among other things.

 Arousal Disorders – These disorders make it difficult or impossible to become physically

aroused during sexual activity, which can occur in both men and women. The most
common type in men is erectile dysfunction. When a person has arousal disorder, s/he
may be interested in sexual activity, but unable to get any physical satisfaction from it.

 Orgasm Disorders – These involve the absence of orgasm or delayed orgasm which are a
common problem with women, but they can also occur in men. Pain during sexual
activity, stress, fatigue, hormonal changes and reduced libido can all lead to delayed or
absent orgasm.

 Pain Disorders – These involve pain during intercourse which can affect both men and
women. In women, pain may be caused by vaginal dryness, vaginismus (a condition that
affects the vaginal muscles), urinary tract infections (UTIs), hormonal changes during
menopause, and other conditions. In men, pain may be caused by Peyronie's disease
(physical damage to the penis), infections like UTIs, prostatitis and yeast infections,
genital herpes and skin conditions.

Human Sexual Behavior

 Human sexual behavior is defined as any activity –solitary, between two persons, or in a
group– that induces sexual arousal. The various types of human sexual behavior are usually
classified according to gender and number of participants. There are two types of human
sexual behavior, to wit:

 Solitary Behavior – It involves only one individual. Self-gratification is self-stimulation

with the intention of causing sexual arousal and, generally, sexual climax. Most self-
gratification is done in private. While solitary self-gratification does provide pleasure and
relief from the tension of sexual excitement, it does not have the same psychological
gratification that interaction with another person provides. The psychological significance
of self-gratification lies in how the individual regards it. For some, it is laden with guilt;
for others, it is a release from tension with no emotional content; and for others is simply
another source of pleasure to be enjoyed for its own sake.

 Sociosexual Behavior – It is generally divided into heterosexual behavior (male with

female) and homosexual behavior (male with male or female with female). Physical
contact involving necking and petting (hugging and kissing) are considered as ingredients
of learning how to interact with another person sexually. Petting may be done for its own
 Understanding the Self 8

sake as an expression of affection and a source of pleasure, and it may occur as a

preliminary to coitus.

 The insertion of the male reproductive organ into the female reproductive organ, is
viewed by society quite differently depending upon the marital status of the
individuals. The majority of human societies permit premarital coitus, at least under
certain circumstances. In more repressive societies, such as modern Western society,
it is more likely to be tolerated (but not encouraged) if the individuals intend marriage.

 Marital coitus is usually regarded as an obligation in most societies. Extramarital

coitus, particularly by wives, is generally condemned and, if permitted, is allowed
only under exceptional conditions or with specified persons. Societies tend to be more
lenient toward males than females regarding extramarital coitus. This double standard
of morality is also seen in premarital life.

 Postmarital coitus (i.e. coitus by separated, divorced, or widowed persons) is almost

always ignored. Even societies that try to confine coitus to marriage recognize the
difficulty of trying to force abstinence upon sexually experienced and usually older
persons.

Teenage Pregnancy
 This is pregnancy in human females under the age of
20 at the time that the pregnancy ends. Pregnant
teenagers face many of the same obstetrics issues as
other women. There are, however, additional medical
concerns for mothers aged below 15 years old. For
mothers aged 15-19, risks are associated more with
socio-economic factors than with the biological effects
of age. In teenage pregnancy, there are risks of low
birth weight, premature labor, anemia, and pre-
eclampsia are connected to the biological age itself, as
it was observed in teen births. Every day in developing
countries, 20,000 girls under age 18 give. This
amounts to 7.3 million births a year. And if all
pregnancies are included, the number of adolescent
pregnancies is much higher.

Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy

 Comprehensive sex education and access to birth control appear to reduce unplanned teenage
pregnancy. It is unclear if a single intervention is most effective. In the United States free
access to along acting form of reversible birth control along with education depressed the
rates of teen pregnancies by around 80 and the rate of abortions by more than 75.
 Understanding the Self 9

Republic Act 10354: The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012
 It is also known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law is a Philippine law that
provided universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control, sexual education,
and maternal care in the Philippines.

Goals Basic Reproductive Health Rights

 To achieve healthy sexual development  Right to reproductive health information
and maturation. and health care services for safe
 To achieve their reproductive intention pregnancy and childbirth.
 To avoid diseases, injuries and  Right to know different means of
disabilities related to sexuality and regulating fertility to preserve health and
reproduction. where to obtain them.
 To receive appropriate counseling and  Freedom to decide the number and
care of reproductive health problems. timing of birth of children
 Right to exercise satisfying sex life.

Methods of Contraception
 The natural family planning methods do not include any chemical or foreign body
introduction into the human body. Most people who are very conscious of their religious
beliefs are more inclined to use the natural way of birth control. Some want to use natural
methods because it is more cost effective. Below are the natural methods of contraception.

 Abstinence – This natural method involves

abstaining from sexual intercourse and is the
most effective natural birth control method with
ideally 0% fail rate. It is also the most effective
way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs). However, most people find it difficult to
comply with abstinence, so only a few of them
use this method.

 Calendar Method – It is also called as the rhythm

method. It involves refraining from coitus during
the days that the woman is fertile. According to
the menstrual cycle, three or four days before and
three or four days after ovulation, the woman is
likely to conceive. The process in calculating for
the woman's safe days is achieved when the
woman records her menstrual cycle for six
months.
 Understanding the Self 10

 Basal Body Temperature – The basal body

temperature is the woman's temperature at rest.
BBT falls at 0.5°F before the day of ovulation and
during ovulation, it rises to a full degree of
progesterone and maintains its level throughout
the menstrual cycle, and this is the basis for the
method. The woman must take her temperature
early every morning before any activity 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.
 Cervical Mucus Method – The basis of this
method is the changes in the cervical mucus
during ovulation. To check if the woman is
ovulating, the cervical mucus must be copious,
thin, and watery. The cervical mucus must
exhibit the property of spinnbarkeit, wherein it can
be stretched up until at least one inch and feels
slippery. The fertile days of a woman according
to this method is as long as the cervical mucus is
copious and watery and a day after it. Therefore,
she must avoid coitus during these days.
 Symptothermal Method – It is simply a
combination of the BBT method and the cervical
mucus method. The woman takes her
temperature every morning before getting up and
also takes note of any changes in her cervical
mucus every day. She abstains from coitus three
days after a rise in her temperature or on the
fourth day after the peak of a mucus change.

 Ovulation Detection – It is an over-the-counter

kit that can predict ovulation through the surge of
luteinizing hormone that happens 12 to 24 hours
before ovulation. The kit requires the urine
specimen of the woman to detect the luteinizing
hormone.
 Understanding the Self 11

 Coitus Interruptus – This is one of the oldest

methods of contraception, which is also known
as withdrawal. The couple still proceeds with the
coitus, but the man withdraws the moment he
emits semen and emits it outside of the female
reproductive organ. The disadvantage of this
method is the pre-emission fluid that contains a
few spermatozoa that may cause fertilization.

 The artificial methods are any unnatural technique that is used to prevent conception.

 Contraceptives – It is also known as the pill.

Oral contraceptives contain synthetic estrogen
and progesterone. Estrogen suppresses the follicle
stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to
suppress ovulation, while progesterone decreases
the permeability of the cervical mucus to limit the
sperm's access to the ova. To use the pill, it is
recommended that the woman takes the first pill
on the first Sunday after the beginning of a
menstrual flow, or the woman may choose to
start the pill as soon as it is prescribed.
 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. The area where the patch is
applied should be clean, dry, free from any
applications, and without any redness or
irritation.
 Vaginal Ring – 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.
 Understanding the Self 12

 Subdermal Implants – The subdermal implants

are two rod-like implants embedded under the
skin of the woman during her menses or on the
7th day of her menstruation to make sure that she
is not pregnant. It contains etonogestrel,
desogestrel, and progestin. It is effective for three
to five years.

 Hormonal Injection – A hormonal injection

consists of medroxyprogesterone, a progesterone,
and given once every 12 weeks intramuscularly.
The injection inhibits ovulation and causes
changes in the endometrium and the cervical
mucus.

 Intrauterine Device – An IUD is a small, T-

shaped object that is inserted into the uterus via
the female reproductive organ. It prevents
fertilization by creating a local sterile
inflammatory condition to prevent implantation.
The IUD is fitted only by the physician and
inserted after the woman's menstrual flow to be
sure that she is not pregnant. The device contains
progesterone and is effective for five to seven
years.

 Chemical Barriers – Chemical barriers such as

spermicides, vaginal gels and creams, and
glycerin films are also used to cause the death of
sperms before they can enter the cervix and also
lower the pH level of the female reproductive
organ so it will not become conducive for the
sperm. These chemical barriers cannot prevent
sexually transmitted infections; however, they
can be bought without any prescription.
 Understanding the Self 13

 Diaphragm – It works by inhibiting the entrance

of the sperm into the female reproductive organ.
It is a circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix and
should be placed before coitus. If a spermicide is
combined with the use of a diaphragm, there is a
failure rate of 6% ideally and 16% typically. The
diaphragm should be fitted only by the physician,
and should be remained in place for six hours
after coitus.

 Cervical Cap – The cervical cap is another

barrier method that is made of soft rubber and
fitted on the rim of the cervix. Its shape is like a
thimble with a thin rim, and could stay in place
for not more than 48 hours.

 Male Condom – The male condom is a latex or

synthetic rubber sheath that is placed on the erect
male reproductive organ before penetration in the
female reproductive organ to trap the sperm
during emission of semen. It can prevent sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) and can be bought
over-the-counter without any fitting needed.
Male condoms have an ideal fail rate of 2% and
a typical fail rate of 15% due to a break in the
sheath's integrity or spilling.

 Female Condom – It is a latex rubber sheaths

that are specially designed for females and pre-
lubricated with spermicide. It has an inner ring
that covers the cervix and an outer open ring that
is placed against the opening of female
reproductive organ. These are disposable and
require no prescription.
 Understanding the Self 14

 Permanent methods of contraception are just that – permanent. They are usually chosen
once you have had children and have decided that your family is complete. Permanent
methods of contraception include vasectomy and female sterilization. However, even though
vasectomy and female sterilization are permanent methods of contraception they will not
protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 Vasectomy – Males undergo vasectomy, which is

executed through a small incision made on each
side of the scrotum. The vas deferens is then tied,
cauterized, cut, or plugged to block the passage
of the sperm. The patient is advised to use a back-
up contraceptive method until two negative
sperm count results are performed because the
sperm could remain viable in the vas deferens for
six months. Although vasectomy should be
considered as a permanent method of
contraception, the operation may be reversed but
success rates vary dependent on how long it has
been since the operation. In most cases,
vasectomy is more than 99% effective. Out of
2,000 men who are sterilized, one will get a
woman pregnant during the rest of his lifetime.

 Female Sterilization – It is also known as

bilateral tubal ligation (BTL), which is
performed by occluding the fallopian tubes
through cutting, cauterizing, or blocking to
inhibit the passage of the both the sperm and the
ova. After menstruation and before ovulation,
the procedure is done through a small incision
under the woman's umbilicus. Female
sterilization is a permanent and irreversible
method of contraception. In most cases, female
sterilization is more than 99% effective, and only
one woman in 200 will become pregnant in her
lifetime after having it done.
 Understanding the Self 15

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) / Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

 These are also known as venereal diseases (VD). They are passed through sexual contact or
genital – through vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. The term sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) evolved from ‘venereal disease’ to ‘sexually transmitted disease’, then
‘sexually transmitted infection’ which has a broader range of meaning – that it can be passed
without acquiring a disease (e.g. using infected syringes).

Bacterial
Chancroid

Chlamydia

Syphilis Primary Syphilis Secondary Syphilis Latent Syphilis

 Understanding the Self 16

Gonorrhea

Protozoal
Trichomonas
Vaginalis /
Trichomoniasis

Viral
Herpes Simplex
Virus / Genital
Herpes HSV-2

Human
Papillomavirus
/Genital Warts
 Understanding the Self 17

Human The human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) can only infect human
Immuno- beings. The effect of the virus is to create a deficiency within the body’s immune
deficiency system. This organism is a retro virus which means it can reproduce itself by
Virus (HIV) taking over the machinery of the human cell.

Three (3) Modes of HIV Transmission

 Sexual transmission
 Infected blood and blood products (i.e. blood transfusion from an HIV-
infected donor and sharing of infected syringes and needles)
 Mother to child (i.e. from an HIV-infected mother to her child)

Noncausal Activities of HIV Transmission

 Casual contacts (e.g. sharing food and utensils, shaking hands, hugging
or kissing, coughing, sneezing, using public phone, visiting a hospital)
 Feces, urine, saliva, sweat, tears
 Donating blood
 Sharing toilets
 Insect bites
 Swimming pools

Alphabet of HIV Prevention

 Abstinence: Do not have sex. In the case of adolescents, delaying sexual

debut (age of first sexual encounter) will help.
 Be monogamous: Have one sexual partner.
 Correct and consistent use of condom and safer sex practices.
 Do not inject drugs.
 Education and early detection.
 Understanding the Self 18

Human The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) may be transmitted

Immuno- from one person to another. The immune system is compromised. The body
deficiency can no longer fight off infections. Hence, the individual may suffer from two or
Virus (HIV) more opportunistic infections. A person experiences a collection of symptoms
which could be fatal. An opportunistic infection is an infection or malignancy
that attacks the body by taking advantage of an immune system that has been
severely weakened by an advanced HIV infection.

Examples of Opportunistic Infections

Lung Infection Swollen Lymph Nodes

Fungal Infection Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)

 Sexual orientation describes to whom a person is sexually attracted. Some people are
attracted to people of a particular gender; others are attracted to people of more than one
gender. Some are not attracted to anyone.

 Asexual – Not sexually attracted to anyone and/or no desire to act on attraction to

anyone. Does not necessarily mean sexless. Asexual people sometimes do experience
affectional (romantic) attraction.

 Bisexual – Attracted to people of one’s own gender and people of other gender(s). Two
common misconceptions are that bisexual people are attracted to everyone and anyone,
or that they just haven’t “decided.” Often referred to as “bi.” See also Pansexual/Fluid
and Queer.
 Understanding the Self 19

 Gay – Generally refers to a man who is attracted to men. Sometimes refers to all people
who are attracted to people of the same sex; sometimes “homosexual” is used for this
also, although this term is seen by many today as a medicalized term that should be retired
from common use.

 Lesbian – A woman who is attracted to women. Sometimes also or alternately “same-

gender-loving woman” or “woman loving woman.” See also Gay.

 Pansexual/Fluid – Attracted to people regardless of gender. Sometimes also or

alternately “omnisexual” or “polysexual.” See also Bisexual and Queer.

 Questioning – One who may be unsure of, reconsidering, or chooses to hold off
identifying their sexual identity or gender expression or identity.

 Queer – Traditionally a derogatory term, yet reclaimed and appropriated by some

LGBTQ individuals as a term of self-identification. It is an umbrella term which embraces
a matrix of sexual preferences, gender expressions, and habits that are not of the
heterosexual, heteronormative, or gender-binary majority. It is not a universally accepted
term by all members of the LGBT community, and it is often considered offensive when
used by heterosexuals.

 Straight – Attracted to people of the “opposite” sex; it is also sometimes generally used
to refer to people whose sexualities are societally normative. Alternately referred to as
“heterosexual.”

 Gender identity and expression are ways in which a person identifies and/or expresses their
gender, including self-image, appearance, and embodiment of gender roles. One’s sex (e.g.
male, female, intersex, etc.) is usually assigned at birth based on one’s physical biology. One’s
gender (e.g. male, female, genderqueer, etc.) is one’s internal sense of self and identity. One’s
gender expression (e.g. masculine, feminine, androgynous, etc.) is how one embodies gender
attributes, presentations, roles, and more.

 Androgyny – The mixing of masculine and feminine gender expression or the lack of
gender identification. The terms androgyne, agender, and neutrois are sometimes used by
people who identify as genderless, non-gendered, beyond or between genders, or some
combination thereof.

 Cisgender – A gender identity that society considers to “match” the biological sex
assigned at birth. The prefix cis- means “on this side of” or “not across from.” A term
used to call attention to the privilege of people who are not transgender.

 Crossdresser – Cross-dressing refers to occasionally wearing clothing of the “opposite”

gender
 Understanding the Self 20

gender, and someone who considers this an integral part of their identity may identify as
a crossdresser (note: the term crossdresser is preferable to transvestite and neither may ever
be used to describe a transsexual person). Cross-dressing is not necessarily tied to erotic
activity or sexual orientation.

 Genderqueer/Third Gender/Gender Fluid – These terms are used by people who

identify as being between and/or other than male or female. They may feel they are
neither, a little bit of both, or they may simply feel restricted by gender labels.

 Intersex – A general term used for a variety of genetic, hormonal, or anatomical

conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t
seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. Some intersex individuals identify as
transgender or gender variant; others do not. (Note: hermaphrodite is an obsolete term
that is not currently considered appropriate).

 Transgender – First coined to distinguish gender benders with no desire for surgery or
hormones from transsexuals, those who desired to legally and medically change their sex,
more recently transgender and/or trans has become an umbrella term popularly used to
refer to all people who transgress dominant conceptions of gender, or at least all who
identify themselves as doing so. The definition continues to evolve.

 Transsexual – The term transsexual has historically been used to refer to individuals who
have medically and legally changed their sex, or who wish to do so. Most transsexual
people feel a conflict between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.
Other labels used within this group are MtF (male-to-female) or trans woman, and FtM
(female-to-male) or trans man.

 Other Commonly Used Terms

 Biphobia – Aversion of and/or prejudice toward the idea that people can be attracted to
more than one gender, and/or bisexuals as a group or as individuals, often based on
negative stereotypes of bisexuality and the invisibility of bisexual people.

 Coming Out – The process of acknowledging one’s sexual orientation and/or gender
identity or expression to oneself or other people.

 Gender Binary – A system of classifying sex and gender into two distinct and
disconnected forms of masculine and feminine. It can be referred to as a social construct
or a social boundary that discourages people from crossing or mixing gender roles, or
from creating other third (or more) forms of gender expression. It can also represent some
of the prejudices which stigmatize people who identify as intersex and transgender.
 Understanding the Self 21

 Heterosexism – The presumption that everyone is straight and/or the belief that
heterosexuality is a superior expression of sexuality. Often includes the use of power of
the majority (heterosexuals) to reinforce this belief and forgetting the privileges of being
straight in our society.

 Homophobia – Negative attitudes and feelings toward people with non-heterosexual

sexualities; dislike of, or discomfort with, expressions of sexuality that do not conform to
heterosexual norms.

 Internalized Oppression – In reference to LGBTQ people, internalized oppression is the

belief that straight and non-transgender people are “normal” or better than LGBTQ
people, as well as the often-unconscious belief that negative stereotypes about LGBTQ
people are true.

 LGBTQ – An acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. This is
currently one of the most popular ways in U.S. society to refer to all people who are
marginalized due to sexual orientation and/or gender identity, although other letters are
often included as well to represent identities described above.

 Transphobia – Negative attitudes and feelings toward transgender individuals or

discomfort with people whose gender identity and/or gender expression do not conform
to traditional or stereotypic gender roles.
 Understanding the Self 22

B. Assessment

Instruction: Answer the following questions comprehensively.

1. Interview your parents or any adult household members who already have their own families.
Know their experiences in raising their children and how they make a living to support their
families. Write down your insights about their experiences and identify how applicable the
use of family planning methods is in their situation.

2. Explore your gender and sexuality by answering “The Genderbread Person” activity
worksheet (see the guide and template in the next page). In this activity, there is no right or
wrong answer because nobody knows you better than yourself. You can select your answers
on the given categories below or based on the above-mentioned classifications or refer to the
following video link for explanation of the worksheet. Answer in a bulleted list format.

 Genderbread Cookie | [Link]

Scoring Guide: Refer to the point system below to know how your answers will be graded.

1-2. Each item is equivalent to ten (10) points. Below is the rubric.

Points Descriptor Description

10 Excellent Demonstrates complete understanding of the problem.
8 Very Good Demonstrates considerable understanding of the problem.
6 Good Demonstrates partial understanding of the problem.
4 Fair Demonstrates little understanding of the problem.
2 Poor Demonstrates no understanding of the problem.

 The preceding assessment section has a total of 20 points.

Understanding the Self 23
 Understanding the Self 24

C. References

 “Basic definitions: Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE)”. (n.d.). Retrieved
from [Link]
medicine/documents/gender-and-sexual-development/[Link]?la=en
 “Human sexual response cycle”. (n.d.). Retrieved from [Link]
/Human_sexual_response_cycle
 “Permanent contraception methods”. (n.d.). Retrieved from [Link]/info-and-
advice/contraception/permanent-contraception-methods/
 “Reproductive health”. (2018) Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]
 “Responsible parenthood and reproductive health act of 2012”. (n.d.). Retrieved from
[Link]
 “Types of sexual dysfunction in men and women”. (n.d.). Retrieved from
[Link]
 Alata, E. P., Caslib, B. N., Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, R. A. (2018). Understanding the self (1 st ed.).
Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
 Cerro, B. S. (n.d.). Sexually transmitted infections with emphasis on HIV and AIDS. Regional
Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit VIII. Understanding the Self – Student Forum.
 Family Planning Material. (n.d.). Commission on Population.
 [Link]
 Villafuerte, S. L., Quillope, A. F., Tunac, R. C., & Borja, E. I. (2018). Understanding the self. Quezon
City, Philippines: Nieme Publishing House Co. Ltd.
 Image of genetic pairing 1. Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]
 Image of genetic pairing 2. Retrieved from [Link]
[Link]
 Image of human sexual response cycle. Retrieved from [Link]
love-lying-bed-embracing-relationship-concept-vector-illustration-couple-love-lying-bed-embracing-
[Link]
 Image of teenage pregnancy 1. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of teenage pregnancy 2. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of abstinence. Retrieved from [Link]
/06/[Link]
 Image of calendar method. Retrieved from [Link]
/uploads/2019/07/[Link]
 Image of basal body temperature. Retrieved from [Link]
content/uploads/2020/03/Graphic_BBT-[Link]
 Image of cervical mucus method. Retrieved from [Link]
/uploads/2016/05/[Link]
 Image of symptothermal method. Retrieved from [Link]
/uploads/2018/08/[Link]
 Understanding the Self 25

 Image of ovulation detection. Retrieved from [Link]

/wysiwyg/products/packshots/00633472601026_C7R1_US.jpg
 Image of coitus interruptus. Retrieved from [Link]
/image_full/public/coitus_interruptus.png?itok=oeaT9Iii
 Image of contraceptives. Retrieved from [Link]
/articles/2018/11/16/birthcontrol_0.jpg
 Image of transdermal patch. Retrieved from [Link]
/img/[Link]
 Image of vaginal ring. Retrieved from [Link]
content/uploads/2016/09/[Link]
 Image of subdermal implants. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of hormonal injections. Retrieved from [Link]
/01/[Link]
 Image of intrauterine device. Retrieved from [Link]
content/uploads/2019/03/[Link]
 Image of chemical barriers. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of diaphragm. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of cervical cap. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of male condom. Retrieved from [Link]
encyclopedia/en-us/pi/media/medical/hw/h9991574_001_pi.jpg
 Image of female condom. Retrieved from [Link]
/07/[Link]
 Image of vasectomy. Retrieved from [Link]
consumer/images/2013/08/26/10/23/my00483_im03711_m7_vasectomy2thu_jpg.jpg
 Image of female sterilization. Retrieved from [Link]
content/uploads/2020/06/[Link]
 Image of female chancroid. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of male chancroid. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of male trichomoniasis. Retrieved from [Link]
 Image of female genital warts. Retrieved from [Link]
101/Text/Vulva/[Link]
 Image of genderbread person guide. Retrieved from [Link]
/40500000/[Link]
 Image of genderbread person blank template. Retrieved from [Link]
content/uploads/2013/07/[Link]

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