Sexology

Sexology is the scientific study of human sexuality, including human sexual interests, behaviors and functions. The term sexology does not generally refer to the non-scientific study of sexuality, such as political science or social criticism.

Sexologists apply tools from several academic fields, such as biology, medicine, psychology, epidemiology, sociology and criminology. Topics of study include sexual development (puberty), sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual relationships and sexual activity, paraphilias and atypical sexual interests, as well as the sexualities of special groups, such as child sexuality, adolescent sexuality, sexuality among the elderly and the disabled. The sexological study of sexual dysfunctions and disorders, including erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, and pedophilia, are also mainstays.

History

The scientific study of sex is relatively new. While there are works dedicated to sex in antiquity, the scientific study of sexual behavior in human beings began in the 19th century. Shifts in Europe's national borders at that time brought into conflict laws that were sexually liberal and laws that criminalized behaviors such as homosexual activity.