Human Sexuality and Sexual Orientation

Human sexuality encompasses a range of experiences, including sexual behaviors, desires, and identities.
Influenced by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
Key aspects:
- Sexual response cycle: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
- Sexual scripts: societal norms and expectations around sexual behavior.

Sexual orientation refers to an individual's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.
Categories:
- Heterosexuality: attraction to the opposite sex.
- Homosexuality: attraction to the same sex.
- Bisexuality: attraction to both sexes.
- Asexuality: lack of sexual attraction.
- Pansexuality: attraction regardless of sex or gender.
- Queer: non-heterosexual orientations.
Fluidity and complexity:
- Sexual orientation can be fluid and change over time.
- People may identify with multiple orientations or experience shifts in attraction.

Sexual health encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being in relation to sexuality.
Key aspects:
- Sexual function: ability to engage in sexual activity.
- Sexual satisfaction: pleasure, enjoyment, and fulfillment.
- Sexual risk reduction: prevention of STIs and unintended pregnancy.
Importance of:
- Open communication with partners.
- Regular STI testing and screening.
- Healthy sexual habits and hygiene.

Sexual dysfunction refers to difficulties or distress related to sexual functioning or pleasure.
Types:
- Desire disorders: low or absent sexual desire.
- Arousal disorders: difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal.
- Orgasmic disorders: difficulty achieving orgasm.
- Pain disorders: pain during sexual activity.
Causes:
- Biological (hormonal, neurological, or medical conditions).
- Psychological (anxiety, depression, trauma).
- Relational (communication, intimacy issues).
Treatment approaches:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Sex therapy.
- Medications.

Sexual ethics involve moral principles and values guiding human sexual behavior.
Key considerations:
- Consent: active, informed, and enthusiastic agreement.
- Autonomy: respecting individuals' choices and boundaries.
- Respect: valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity.
- Harm reduction: minimizing harm to oneself and others.
Importance of:
- Healthy communication and negotiation.
- Setting boundaries and respecting limits.
- Practicing ethical sexual behavior in relationships.

Human sexuality involves sexual behaviors, desires, and identities shaped by biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.

The sexual response cycle consists of four stages: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Sexual scripts are societal norms and expectations that influence sexual behavior.

Sexual orientation refers to an individual's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.
Categories of sexual orientation include:
- Heterosexuality
- Homosexuality
- Bisexuality
- Asexuality
- Pansexuality
- Queer (non-heterosexual orientations)
Sexual orientation can be fluid and change over time, and individuals may identify with multiple orientations or experience shifts in attraction.

Sexual health encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being in relation to sexuality.
Key aspects of sexual health include:
- Sexual function (ability to engage in sexual activity)
- Sexual satisfaction (pleasure, enjoyment, and fulfillment)
- Sexual risk reduction (prevention of STIs and unintended pregnancy)
Importance of:
- Open communication with partners
- Regular STI testing and screening
- Healthy sexual habits and hygiene

Sexual dysfunction refers to difficulties or distress related to sexual functioning or pleasure.
Types of sexual dysfunction include:
- Desire disorders (low or absent sexual desire)
- Arousal disorders (difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal)
- Orgasmic disorders (difficulty achieving orgasm)
- Pain disorders (pain during sexual activity)
Causes of sexual dysfunction include:
- Biological factors (hormonal, neurological, or medical conditions)
- Psychological factors (anxiety, depression, trauma)
- Relational factors (communication, intimacy issues)
Treatment approaches include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Sex therapy
- Medications

Sexual ethics involve moral principles and values guiding human sexual behavior.
Key considerations in sexual ethics include:
- Consent (active, informed, and enthusiastic agreement)
- Autonomy (respecting individuals' choices and boundaries)
- Respect (valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity)
- Harm reduction (minimizing harm to oneself and others)
Importance of:
- Healthy communication and negotiation
- Setting boundaries and respecting limits
- Practicing ethical sexual behavior in relationships