Human Sexuality Issues
Human Sexuality. Human sexuality is the way in which we experience and express ourselves as sexual
beings (Rathus et al., 1993). There are many factors that help develop our sexuality, arguably one of the
most important, is our actual gender. Whether, I am a male or female will likely have a major influence
on the development of my individual sexuality. Furthermore, sexuality is an integral part of our
personalities whether we are aware of it or not.
Sexuality refers to habits and preferences in terms of sexual behavior. People express it in many ways.
Sometimes, people feel confusion or distress about their sexuality or sexual identity. They may seek help
from a therapist.
WHAT CAUSES SEXUAL ISSUES?
Sexual intimacy can be satisfying and fulfilling. But for some, sex does not bring pleasure. Sexual issues
may come from negative feelings or trauma. These can prevent someone from taking part in sexual
intimacy. Sex therapist Jill Denton explains, "Each of us possesses a unique model of sexuality, formed at
least in part by incoming family messages, childhood abuse or neglect, culture, the media, and, of
course, religious influences." These messages may disrupt healthy intimacy.
Sexual problems can also surface due to a mental health issue. Physical or medical concerns can also
cause problems with sex.
Mental health issues that may cause sexual issues include:
Anxiety
Depression
Posttraumatic stress (PTSD)
Issues with body image
Trust issues
Physical issues that can impact sex or sexual expression include:
Bowel or urinary problems
Diabetes
Heart and vascular issues
Medication side-effects
Hormone imbalance
For women, hormone issues may come from pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause.
Key Points
“Human sexuality ” refers to people’s sexual interest in and attraction to others; it is the capacity to have
erotic or sexual feelings and experiences.
Human sexuality can be understood as part of the social life of humans, governed by social norms,
implied rules of behavior, and the status quo. Society’s views on sexuality have changed throughout
history and are continuously evolving.
Each society has different norms about premarital sex, the age of sexual consent, homosexuality,
masturbation, and other sexual behaviors. Individuals are socialized to these norms from an early age by
their family, education system, peers, media, and religion.
With the advent of patriarchal societies, gender roles around sexuality became much more stringent,
and sexual norms began focusing on sexual possessiveness and the control of female sexuality.
The United States is relatively restrictive compared to other industrialized nations when it comes to its
citizens’ general attitudes about sex when.
The messages that children are taught about sex play an important role in how they will grow into their
sexual selves and express (or not express) their sexual motivations. How, what, when, and by whom
children should be taught about sex is a matter of great debate in sex education.
Culture and Religion
Most world religions have developed moral codes that have sought to guide people’s sexual activities
and practices. The influence of religion on sexuality is especially apparent in many countries today in the
long-debated issue of gay marriage. Some religions view sex as a sacred act between a man and a
woman that should only be performed within marriage; other religions view certain kinds of sex as
shameful or sinful, or stress that sex should only be engaged in for the purpose of procreation. Many
religions emphasize control over one’s sex drive and sexual desire, or dictate the times or conditions in
which sexuality can be expressed. Whether or not sex before marriage, the use of birth control,
polyamorous relationships, or abortion are deemed acceptable, is often a matter of religious belief.
