Human Sexuality Whenever a sensitive topic is discussed, it is important for the teacher to set rules for the students to follow. These rules make it clear as to what behavior is appropriate and acceptable. The ground rules also help students, in the case of this topic, to feel more comfortable. The following is a sample of typical rules established in our Health Education classes: 1. No question is considered “stupid” or “dumb”. In fact, many questions not asked for fear of looking foolish are the same questions many students want answered. 2. Everyone’s point of view is valuable to all of us. Even if we do not agree, we might reinforce our own values by listening and understanding other perspectives. 3. Students must raise their hand to speak, use correct terminology when possible, and not ask personal questions of others in the class. 4. Students are encouraged to discuss the topics at home and to repeat anything the teacher says in class. 5. Students are absolutely not allowed to talk about other students nor are they allowed to talk about other class members’ comments outside of the classroom.

Human Sexuality Puberty A time when you start developing physical characteristics of adults of your gender. This time period is also called adolescence. Body systems that we have learned about in the past are the same for both genders: male / female. The one body system that is different for males and females is the Reproductive System. The Reproductive System The body system containing the organs that make possible the production of offspring.

The Male Reproductive System Seminal Vesicles holds the liquid that mixes with sperm to form semen. Prostate Gland secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Cowper’s Gland play an important role in the protection of sperm during ejaculation.

The Male Reproductive System Sperm The male sex cell. XY Semen The mixture of fluids and sperm. The semen exits the penis through ejaculation. Ejaculation a series of forceful muscular contractions.

The Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system has three key functions: 1. It stores the egg cells. XX 2. It creates the offspring. (baby) 3. It gives birth to the baby.

The Female Reproductive System The female menstrual cycle: 1. Egg cells mature and are released by the ovaries in a process called ovulation. 2. Just before one of the ovaries releases an egg cell, the uterus lining thickens. The uterus is getting ready to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. 3. If an egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining breaks down and is shed by the body through menstruation. * The lining, the unfertilized egg, and some blood flow out of the body. This is also called a period. * It usually lasts from 5 to 7 days and happens about every 28 days. Fertilization occurs when a male’s sperm (XY) joins with a female’s egg cell (XX). * If an egg is fertilized (step 3) it travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus where it attaches to the wall of the uterus and begins to grow.

The Beginning of Life Fertilization occurs when a male’s sperm (XY) joins with a female’s egg cell (XX). * Once an egg is fertilized, it travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus where it attaches to the wall of the uterus and begins to grow. * The egg cell begins to divide into a group of cells. This ‘cluster’ of cells is an embryo. It is called an embryo from the moment it is fertilized to about the eighth week of development. * Over time, cells combine to form tissue. Tissues combine to form organs, and organs combine to form body systems. The embryo is now called a fetus. It is called a fetus from the end of the eighth week till birth. * The placenta is a thick, rich tissue that lines the walls of the uterus during pregancy and nourishes the fetus. * The umbilical cord is a tube that connects the mother’s placenta to the fetus. * The fetus will continue to grow and develop for about 9 months.

Nine Months of Development

Care of the Reproductive System Both Males and Females can care for their reproductive system by practicing good hygiene. Abstinence (not having sexual intercourse) is the only method of birth control which is 100% effective in preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs. * STDs are infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact. * Each year, one quarter of all new cases of STDs appear among 15 to 19 year olds. * One in four sexually active teens have an STD.

Care of the Reproductive System

Common STDs ◦ Chlamydia  A bacterial STD.  Can be treated with antibiotics.  Symptoms include pain when urinating.  It can seriously damage the reproductive organs. ◦ Genital Herpes  A viral STD.  Produces painful blisters on the genitals.  Transferred by skin to skin contact.  There is no cure and medicine can be used to lessen the outbreak. ◦ Genital Warts  Growths and bumps in the genital area.  Caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)  Transmitted by skin to skin contact.  Some strains are linked to cervical and skin cancer. ◦ Trichomoniasis (TREE-koh-moh-NI-ah-sis)  Caused by the STD protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.  Can be treated and cured with medication.  Symptoms include discomfort during urination, genital discharge, and itching in the genital area.

HIV and AIDS HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus It attacks the immune system, rendering it deficient and unable to work as effectively as it should. HIV is transmitted from person to person through the exchange of bodily fluids. HIV is the virus that can lead to a condition called AIDS. AIDS ◦ Acquired ◦ Immune ◦ Deficiency ◦ Syndrome AIDS develops when HIV has caused serious damage to the immune system. ** A person can have HIV infection without acquiring AIDS. **

HIV and AIDS