What is Human Sexuality?

Human Sexuality: Involves biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Human sexuality is the way in which we experience and express ourselves as sexual beings. Sexuality is more about who we are than about what we do. Human sexuality is the study of the way people experience and express themselves sexually. 

The list below is not exhaustive, but provides examples of topics in human sexuality.

• Health & Clinical Components:
  • Genetics
  • Gender specific needs
  • Reproduction
  • Fertility management
  • Sexual arousal and response
  • Physiological cycles and changes
  • Growth and development
  • Sexual health navigation

• Social & Psychological Components:
  • Identity and Orientation
  • Experiences
  • Self-concept
  • Motivation
  • Expressiveness
  • Learned attitudes and behaviors
  • Sexual scripts
  • Body image

• Humanities Components
  • Queer Theory
  • Religious influences
  • Multicultural aspects
  • Socioeconomic impact
  • Ethical considerations
  • Media influences
  • Political influences

WHY STUDY HUMAN SEXUALITY?

Those who desire to work in the field of human sexuality can enhance their knowledge and credentials to earn a promotion or to specialize in the field of sexuality. For example, one can be a nurse, but with a sexuality emphasis, one can be a sexual health nurse.

Also, studying human sexuality is important for understanding ourselves; the way that our own sexuality works; and having a clear self-awareness of how we participate in the world in order to educate, help and serves others within our community. As part of studying human sexuality, people learn that it is okay to talk and read about topics that are not taboo but are instead part of the human experience.