Human sexuality

Sexuality is how people feel and act in ways related to being sexual. It includes biological, emotional, social, and spiritual parts. What sexuality means can change over time and in different places.

The biological and physical parts of sexuality are about how our bodies make new life and how we feel during sexual experiences. Someone's sexual orientation is who they are interested in romantic or sexual relationships with — people of the opposite sex, the same sex, or both. Physical and emotional parts of sexuality include strong bonds between people, shown through love, trust, and care.

When people go through puberty, they often start feeling more interested in sexual activity. Scientists are still learning about why people have different sexual orientations. Different cultures have different ideas about sexuality, with some being more open and others more private. The study of sexuality also looks at how people see themselves, health topics related to sexual activity, and ways to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Development

Main article: Sexual orientation

People feel differently about relationships and closeness with others. These feelings are natural and make each person unique. Scientists study these feelings and find that many come from things we are born with, like family traits.

Sometimes, people think that how we grow up affects these feelings, but there isn’t strong proof for this. In some cultures, people have different ideas about relationships, but this doesn’t always change how many people feel a certain way. Researchers are still learning more about these feelings.

See also: Sex differences in psychology § Sexual behavior

Biological and physiological aspects

Main article: Human reproductive system

Like other mammals, humans are mainly grouped into either male or female.

This section looks at the body parts used for having families and how the body works during close moments. It also looks at how the body affects other parts of who we are.

Physical anatomy and reproduction

Men and women have similar body parts, but as adults, they have different ways to make families. Women have a monthly cycle, while men can make sperm all the time.

Brain

The hypothalamus is an important part of the brain for feelings during close moments. It gets information from the limbic system. The hypothalamus works with the pituitary gland, which releases hormones. Important hormones include oxytocin, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.

Oxytocin helps in keeping close relationships. It is also released when women give birth or nurse their babies. Prolactin and oxytocin help make milk in women. Follicle-stimulating hormone helps women’s eggs mature and men’s sperm production. Luteinizing hormone causes the release of a mature egg.

Male anatomy and reproductive system

Main article: Human male reproductive system

Men have parts inside and outside their bodies used for making families. Men produce millions of sperm each day.

External male anatomy

The outside parts of a man’s body used for making families are the penis and the scrotum.

The penis helps carry sperm. It has nerves, blood vessels, and tissue filled with blood. Parts of the penis include the shaft, glans, root, cavernous bodies, and spongy body.

The scrotum holds the testicles away from the body.

Internal male anatomy

Inside, men have testicles, tubes, the prostate, seminal vesicles, and the Cowper's gland.

The testicles make sperm and hormones. Sperm moves through tubes. The prostate and seminal vesicles make fluid that mixes with sperm. The Cowper’s glands make a small amount of fluid that helps sperm move.

Female anatomy and reproductive system

Main article: Human female reproductive system

External female anatomy

The outside parts of a woman’s body used for making families are the vulva, which includes the mons pubis, labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, and Bartholin's glands.

The clitoris is very sensitive. The vaginal opening and urethral opening are also sensitive.

Internal female anatomy

Inside, women have the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The vagina can stretch. The uterus is where a baby grows. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. The ovaries make eggs and hormones.

Sexual response cycle

The sexual response cycle describes how bodies change during close moments. It has four parts: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

For men, excitement includes changes like increased heart rate. Plateau leads to orgasm. Resolution is when the body returns to normal.

For women, excitement includes changes like increased heart rate. Plateau leads to orgasm. Resolution is when the body returns to normal.

Sexual dysfunction and sexual problems

Main article: Sexual dysfunction

Sexual problems happen when there are difficulties with how we feel or our bodies during close moments. These can be caused by health issues or feelings like stress or worry. Both men and women can face these challenges.

Psychological aspects

People have strong feelings about closeness and relationships. These feelings are important parts of who we are. Scientists and thinkers have studied these feelings for many years. A famous thinker, Sigmund Freud, looked at how early experiences shape who we become.

Everyone has a sense of whether they feel like a boy, a girl, or another way — this is called gender identity. It might match what people thought when we were born, or it might be different. Our feelings of love and closeness help us connect with others. Some people feel love and attraction toward people of the same gender, different genders, or both — and that’s okay. Everyone’s feelings are unique and valid. People have many reasons for being close and affectionate, like feeling happy, building strong friendships, or feeling more secure.

Sexuality and age

Child sexuality

Main article: Child sexuality

Before 1905, many people thought children didn’t have feelings about relationships or bodies until they were older. Sigmund Freud was one of the first to study these feelings in children. He believed that how babies connect with their parents helps shape their feelings and relationships later in life.

Children are naturally curious about their bodies. They might wonder where babies come from or notice differences between boys and girls. Some children might explore their bodies or talk about these topics with friends, which is a normal part of learning and growing. This curiosity usually lessens as they get older, but interest in relationships often grows during the teenage years.

Sexuality in late adulthood

Main article: Sexuality in older age

Feelings about relationships and closeness start in childhood and continue throughout life. Some people think older adults don’t care about these things anymore, but this isn’t true. While the way couples show affection might change over time, the importance of closeness and connection can actually grow stronger.

Sociocultural aspects

Human sexuality is part of how people live together. It is shaped by rules and traditions. Ideas about relationships and behavior have changed over time because of movements for equality and new ways of thinking.

Different places teach children about relationships in different ways. Some start early, while others wait until later. These lessons cover topics like health and respect. Some programs teach only how to stay safe, while others teach how to make good choices. Both approaches help young people understand and make good decisions.

Throughout history, cultures have had their own ideas about relationships. These ideas have changed with new discoveries and laws. People have always tried to balance personal feelings with what helps communities stay strong.

Sexual behavior

Main article: Human sexual activity

See also: Sexual intercourse § Health effects, and Sexually active life expectancy

Being close with another person can make us feel better and reduce stress. It helps us build trust and strong bonds. These good feelings can also happen when we are alone, through private moments that are a normal part of growing up.

People often look for friends and partners to share deep connections. This can be for friendship, having a family, or just being close. Finding someone special can include fun moments, like sharing jokes or spending time together. How people show interest can be different in each culture, but it’s normal.

Main article: Sexual attraction

Everyone feels drawn to different people for many reasons. This can be because of how someone looks, how they act, or even how they smell. What one person finds special might be different for another person, and that’s okay. People are also interested in others for many reasons, such as how they think or feel. Some people don’t feel this kind of interest at all, and that’s also normal.

Main articles: Paraphilia, Sexual fetishism, and Kink (sexuality)

Everyone’s feelings and ways of showing care are unique. Some ways might seem different from what many people do, but all feelings are part of being human. What is normal can change depending on where and when you live. It’s important for everyone to be treated with respect, no matter what.

Main articles: Family law, Divorce, Marriage, Human sexual activity § Legal issues, and Sex and the law

Laws help protect people’s choices about who they care for. These laws can support fairness and safety. It’s important that laws help protect people instead of hurting them.

Religious sexual morality

Main article: Religion and sexuality

Further information: History of human sexuality

Different religions have their own ideas about relationships. Some believe relationships are very spiritual, while others think more about the physical parts. These ideas can change based on the religion, the type of relationship, and what people hope to achieve.

For example, some religions mix the physical and spiritual parts of relationships. Others keep these parts separate, allowing some activities only in special situations. Many religions have strong feelings about which relationships are right or wrong, and these feelings can be very different between faiths.