The Sexual Self
This section tackles one of the most crucial aspects of human development, the sexual self. It highlights biological and environmental factors that shape sexual development. Tips on regulating sexual behavior are also provided.
The Biology of Self
At birth, the sexual genital (penis for male, vagina for female) is a biological feature that distinguishes males from females. Moreover, during puberty, observable changes in the human body also known as secondary sexual characteristics begin.
When physiological changes are trigerred within the adolescent’s reproductive system, he or she is likely to experience sexual urges, become more sensitive to sexual stimuli, and feel sexual arousal.
Humans are likely to engage in sexual activities to satisfy sexual urges. However, the kind of sexual activities they engage in may vary.
A person should be aware of his/her sexuality and sexual attributes in order to make responsible decisions. Adolescents need to realize the importance of having informed choices.
Sexual Identity and Gender Orientation
Biological sex is one’s assignment upon birth and is dependent on physical feature. On the other hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by individual.
Gender roles refer to societal expectations of how men and women should act. Everyone has a basic idea of gender roles: men are assumed to be strong and dominant while women are perceived to be submissive and demure.
Sexual identity and gender orientation underlie one’s concept of self. A person expresses his or her sexuality through individuality; one’s belief and behavioral lifestyle are based on his or her own perceptions of sexuality.
The Consequences of Sexual Choices
Sexual intercourse (copulation) is the reproductive act in which the male organ (penis) enters the female’s reproductive tract (vagina). Adolescents couples who engage in sexual intercourse are usually overwhelmed by the sensations they feel during the act.
However, if the woman is fertile during the time of intercourse, pregnancy is likely to occur and it lasts approximately nine months before the birth of the child. Having a child entails a big responsibility and should not merely be a consequence of an impulsive moment. Physical risks to having an early pregnancy may impact an adolescent’s development, including miscarriage, emotional stress, and health risks to both mother and infant.
Aside from pregnancy, another consequence of impulsive and careless sexual intercourse is the risk of acquring sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). Among common STDs are:
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Genital Warts
The most alarming sexually transmitted disease is the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It can be transmitted by contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids.
It is important that everyone makes responsible decisions with regard to sexuality and sexual behavior. Responsible sexual behavior entails the following:
Respect for one’s body. It means taking care of one’s body and avoiding activities that undermine one’s worth and respect.
Maturity in thoughts and deeds. It refers to being objective, rational, and calm, instead of being swept by one’s emotion.
Being guided by one’s personal beliefs and core values. Everyone, especially an adolescent, should always be grounded by his/her personal principles and self-worth.
Being future-oriented. Instead of focusing on the present, a person should always weigh his or her present actions with possible consequences in the future.