Preface

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to matters related to human sexuality. The research and understanding of human sexuality are rather recent events compared to the study of other sciences and research is still ongoing. The course touches on the anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system as well as what is known about the human sexual response, sexual arousal, and intimate relationships in humans. How sexuality figures into contraception, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth are also important issues covered in the course. There are complex issues involving sexual and gender orientation, sexual dysfunction, and behaviors considered to be sexually deviant in today’s society that are part of what is discussed in this course.

Chapter one in the course opens up the discussion of human sexuality by talking about the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive system. While not all of sexual behavior and sexuality is focused on the reproductive system, a knowledge of these systems is important to understanding human sex. The study of the brain in human sexuality is not well understood but it is important to recognize its role in sexuality. Some of the cultural issues about the sexual organs is covered in this chapter, including male circumcision and female genital mutilation, sometimes referred to as female circumcision.

The topics of chapter two are the human sex drive or libido, sexual responsiveness, and the study of aphrodisiacs. As you will hear, there are differences between men and women when it comes to the sex drive. The sexual response cycle is a relatively predictable pattern of physiological variables that change during sexual activity. There are drugs and supplements considered to be aphrodisiacs. What these substances are and how they are studied are discussed in this chapter.

Chapter three in the course looks into the psychology of intimate relationships. Intimacy starts with attachment, and attachment, as you will learn, begins in infancy. The type of attachment a person develops in childhood determines how they will

respond to intimate relationships in adulthood. Many times, intimacy involves some type of physical attraction, which is discussed in the chapter. There are several theories on what love really is, some of which is neurobiological. The chapter ends with a look at intimate relationships and the different types of intimate relationships that can be part of this or other societies.

Chapter four looks into different types of sexual behavior performed in human sexual experience. Sexual behavior can be a singular activity as is seen in masturbation. Some people practice oral sex, which is one of the sections in this chapter. The most common sexual activity in heterosexuals is sexual intercourse, while both homosexual and heterosexual couples can practice anal sex, which is covered in the chapter.

The focus of chapter five in the course is sexual dysfunction or sexual disorders in men and women. There are problems associated with low libido or low sexual arousal as well as problems with attaining an orgasm, which are discussed in the chapter. Men can have erectile dysfunction as a sexual problem, while women can have vaginismus that affects sexual satisfaction. Sexual problems in men discussed in the chapter include premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation.

Sexually transmitted diseases and the risks of getting them are the topics of chapter six. As you will learn, certain sexual behaviors predispose a person to getting a sexually transmitted disease and there are ways to decrease their transmission. The different sexually transmitted diseases, which can be viral, bacterial, protozoal, or parasitic, are discussed in the chapter. For a couple of sexually transmitted diseases, there are vaccines that can be used in the prevention of these infections, which are covered in the chapter.

Chapter seven in the course encompasses several issues related to conception, pregnancy, birth, and contraception. Many sexually-active couples and single people practice contraception in order to avoid an unintended pregnancy. The process of conception, when it does occur, is discussed in the chapter. The changes seen in pregnancy, including changes in sexuality with pregnancy, are covered. The process of childbirth is explained in this chapter along with the practice of terminating a pregnancy, which is referred to as having an abortion.

Chapter eight talks about the development of sex differences and gender in humans as well as the different issues that come out of gender identification, such as gender roles and stereotypes. There are individuals who are born with a specific sex assignment who feel as though they do not belong to that gender. These transgender people and their issues are discussed in this chapter.

The topic of chapter nine in the course is sexual orientation. This refers to the longlasting sexual or romantic attraction to a person of a certain gender. There is a wide range of choices for sexual orientation, which are described in this chapter. The specific issues related to what it means to be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian are covered in this chapter as are the different sexual practices involved in sexual relationships between same-sex couples.

Chapter ten includes the topics of childhood sexuality, adolescent sexuality, sexuality and aging, and sex among people with disabilities. Sexuality develops first in childhood, usually with sexual curiosity and simple sexual behaviors that develop into adolescent sexual behaviors that increasingly approach adult sexual activity. These are discussed in the chapter as well as the changes in sexuality that occur with aging. Also covered in the chapter is sex in individuals with disabilities. As you will see, sexual behavior persists throughout life and in different life circumstances.

The focus of chapter eleven in the course is sexual aggression, which can involve sexual harassment, sexual abuse, rape, and child sexual abuse. In no culture are these things considered to be normal sexual behavior, although it certainly does exist in all societies of the world. Sexual harassment usually involves unwanted sexual attention or behaviors directed at one person by another, often in the workplace. Sexual assault involves many different types of sexual aggression, including rape, which is discussed in the chapter. Child sexual assault is also covered, which involves sexual aggression directed at children.

The subjects discussed in chapter twelve include sexual fetishism and paraphilic disorders. The vast majority of sexual fetishes are completely benign and do not necessarily represent a sexual disorder. Paraphilic disorders are intense sexual feelings and behaviors not experienced by most people because of their extreme nature. These

disorders are usually considered problematic if they cause the individual to have distress about their sexual feelings or behaviors, or if there is a victim involved with the paraphilia. The different fetishes and paraphilias are covered as part of this chapter.

Chapter thirteen in the course talks about the interplay between sex addiction, prostitution, and pornography. People with sexual addictions often have impulses and compulsiveness related to engaging in sexual activity. They often turn to soliciting prostitution to handle their need for frequent sexual behaviors, as you will see in the chapter. A related addiction is pornography addiction, some of which is related to internet sex or pornography addictions, which are relatively recent phenomena.