BS MIDWIFERY- 2

HUMAN
XUALIT
E
S

Y
What is
Human
Sexuality?
refers to the way people experience and express
themselves as sexual beings. It encompasses a broad
range of physical, emotional, and social behaviors,
desires, identities, and orientations.
 Fact o r s
Affe cti n g
Human
Sex u a lit y
Biological: The physical aspects, such as sexual organs,
hormones, reproduction, and sexual response. This includes
male and female anatomy, sexual function, and reproductive
health.
Psychological: Sexual desires, attractions, fantasies, and Studies have found that men
emotional connections. This includes how individuals form and women often fantasize
differently, with men typically
intimate bonds and the emotional aspect of sexual
focusing on more visual and
relationships immediate scenarios, while
Social and Cultural: Society's norms, values, and beliefs about women’s fantasies may be
sexuality, including sexual roles, gender expectations, and more emotional or relational.
taboos. This covers how different cultures and societies view
sexual relationships, behaviors, and identities.
 Fa ct o r s
Aff e cti n g
Hu m a n
Sex u a li ty
Sexual Orientation: The pattern of romantic or sexual
attraction to others, which can be heterosexual (attraction
to the opposite sex), homosexual (attraction to the same sex),
bisexual (attraction to both sexes), or other variations like
asexuality (lack of sexual attraction). Different cultures have
Gender Identity: How individuals perceive themselves in unique practices and beliefs
terms of gender, which may or may not align with their about sexuality. For example,
in some Indigenous cultures,
biological sex. This includes identities such as male, female,
sexuality is celebrated and
non-binary, and transgender. integrated into community
Sexual Health: Includes sexual education, prevention of life, while in others, it may be
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, and the more taboo.
physical and emotional well-being in sexual relationships.
 What is Sex?
Sex: Refers to the biological and physiological
characteristics that define humans as male, female, or
intersex. It is primarily based on physical attributes such as
chromosomes, hormone levels, reproductive organs, and
genitalia.
Studies show that a person’s
Male: Typically characterized by XY chromosomes, higher natural body scent can play a
levels of testosterone, and male reproductive organs significant role in sexual
(testes, penis). attraction. Pheromones,
chemical signals that affect
Female: Typically characterized by XX chromosomes, higher social behavior, can
subconsciously influence
levels of estrogen, and female reproductive organs (ovaries,
attraction.
uterus).
 What is Sex?

Intersex: Individuals who may have a combination of male

and female biological traits, or whose sexual anatomy
doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female.
Research shows that couples
who have sex once a week
Biological Factors: Chromosomes (XX for females, XY for report higher levels of
males), reproductive organs, secondary sexual happiness and satisfaction in
characteristics (e.g., facial hair, breast development). their relationships compared
to those who have sex less
frequently.
 W ha t is
Gen d er ?
Refers to the roles, behaviors, activities, expectations, and
identities that a given society considers appropriate for
men, women, and other gender categories. Gender is a social
and cultural construct and is more about how individuals
experience and express themselves.
Cisgender: When an individual's gender identity aligns with
the sex they were assigned at birth
Transgender: When an individual's gender identity differs Sexuality can evolve over a
from the sex they were assigned at birth person’s lifetime. Many people
Non-binary/Genderqueer: People who don’t fit into the report a shift in their sexual
traditional categories of male or female and may identify as interests and desires as they
both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. age, often becoming more
comfortable with their
Genderfluid: A person whose gender identity may change
preferences.
over time or depending on circumstances.
Expression: How individuals present their gender through
appearance, clothing, behavior, and pronouns
 Wh at is th eir
Differ en ce s ?
Biological vs. Social: Sex is biological, while gender is a social
construct based on cultural roles and personal identity.

The brain is the most

Fixed vs. Fluid: Sex is typically fixed at birth, while gender can important sex organ.
be fluid and change over time, depending on how someone Neurotransmitters like
identifies. dopamine and oxytocin play
significant roles in sexual
arousal and emotional
Expression: Gender is expressed through identity and societal bonding during sexual
roles, which can differ widely between cultures, while sex is experiences.
expressed through biological characteristics.
 Key Points

Sex is about biological differences

A large percentage of people
have sexual fantasies that
include scenarios with
Gender involves identity and societal multiple partners, highlighting
roles. the imaginative aspect of
human sexuality.
 Wha t is
Sexual A ct?
Sexual act refers to any behavior or activity
involving physical intimacy or sexual
stimulation between individuals. It can range
from actions aimed at expressing affection
and pleasure to those intended for
Some women can experience
reproduction. Sexual acts are diverse and orgasms that last significantly
longer than those of men,
can vary based on cultural, emotional, and with reports of lasting up to
individual preferences. 30 seconds or more!
 What ar e th e
typ e s of
Sexua l A c t?
Vaginal Intercourse: Penetration of the vagina by the penis,
often associated with reproduction but also performed for
pleasure and emotional intimacy
egular sexual activity has
Oral Sex: Stimulation of the genitalia using the mouth, lips, or been linked to various health
tongue. This can involve both males (fellatio) and females benefits, including reduced
stress, improved immune
(cunnilingus).
function, better sleep, and
even pain relief due to the
Anal Sex: Penetration of the anus by the penis or other release of endorphins during
objects. Though associated with certain sexual orientations, sexual activity
it can be practiced by people of any orientation.
 Wh at ar e th e
ty pe s of
Sexu a l A c t?
Manual Stimulation: Use of hands or fingers to stimulate the
genitals or other erogenous zones (e.g., breasts, nipples) to
bring about sexual arousal or orgasm.

Masturbation: Self-stimulation of the genitals for sexual Throughout history, many

cultures have embraced
pleasure. This can be done alone or with a partner. practices like "sacred sexuality,"
where sexual rituals were used
for spiritual connection and
community bonding, showcasing
Kissing and Touching: Acts like deep kissing (also known as the deep intertwining of sexuality
French kissing), caressing, and touching various parts of the and spirituality
body, including erogenous zones, can be part of sexual
arousal and intimacy.
Wh at ar e th e
ty pe s of
Sexu a l A c t?
Non-Penetrative Acts (Outercourse): These involve
sexual stimulation without penetration, such as
grinding or rubbing the genitals, often with clothing
on (also known as "dry humping").
Sexual orientation isn't strictly
binary; it exists on a spectrum.
Many people identify as bisexual
or pansexual, indicating
attraction to multiple genders,
highlighting the complexity of
human attraction
 Purposes of of

Sexual Act
Reproduction Exploration of
Pleasure Emotional Intimacy Sexuality

Sexual activities often

Some sexual acts, Many sexual acts are Sexual acts can help
help strengthen
particularly vaginal performed for mutual individuals explore
emotional bonds
intercourse, are part pleasure and their sexual
between partners
of the reproductive satisfaction between preferences, desires,
and can be an
process. partners. and boundaries.
expression of love,
trust, and connection.
Consensual Studies show that couples who
and discuss their boundaries and
desires openly report higher levels
of satisfaction and trust in their

Safe Practice relationships, making safe and

consensual practices beneficial for
both physical health and emotional
intimacy
A healthy sexual relationship is based
on mutual consent, meaning all parties
involved agree to participate in the
sexual act. It's important to practice Consent is not a one-time
safe sex to prevent sexually agreement; it should be an ongoing
conversation. Research shows that
transmitted infections (STIs) and
regularly checking in with your
unintended pregnancies. Safe sex partner about comfort levels can
practices include using condoms, enhance intimacy and ensure both
dental dams, and other protective partners feel respected and valued
methods.
 Steps of Proper
Intercourse
Consent and Preparation: Foreplay:
- Mutual Consent: Before engaging in - Arousal: Foreplay involves acts such
intercourse, it is crucial that both as kissing, touching, and oral stimulation
partners give clear, enthusiastic, and to increase arousal in both partners.
voluntary consent. Healthy This helps in emotional bonding and
communication and understanding are prepares the body for intercourse.
key. - Lubrication: As arousal increases,
- Physical and Emotional Preparation: natural lubrication occurs in the
Both partners should feel comfortable, female's vagina, and the male’s penis
safe, and ready, both physically and becomes erect, both necessary for
emotionally. comfortable penetration.
 Steps of Proper
Intercourse

Penetration: Rhythmic Movement:

- The erect penis is gently inserted - Once penetration is achieved,
into the lubricated vagina. rhythmic thrusting occurs. This
Communication is important to ensure movement increases pleasure and
both partners are comfortable during stimulates both partners, potentially
this process. leading to orgasm.
 Steps of Proper
Intercourse
Climax (Orgasm):
Completion and Aftercare:
- In some cases, both partners may
- After intercourse, it is important to
experience an orgasm, which is the
provide comfort, such as cuddling or
peak of sexual pleasure. In males,
reassurance, and maintain open
orgasm usually leads to ejaculation,
communication. Cleanliness and proper
where semen (which contains sperm) is
hygiene, such as washing, should follow.
released into the female’s vagina.
Process of
Reproduction
After successful intercourse, reproduction can
occur if certain conditions are met. Here's how
reproduction naturally takes place
 Ejaculation

During male orgasm, semen

containing millions of sperm
cells is ejaculated into the
female’s vagina, usually near
the cervix. Item 1

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 Sperm Journey
to the Egg
-Sperm Movement: The
sperm cells begin their
journey by swimming
through the cervix and into
the uterus, then into the
fallopian tubes, where
fertilization takes place.
- Only a few hundred out of Item 1
millions of sperm make it to
the egg, and only one will
successfully fertilize the egg.

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 Ovulation

occurs when the female’s

ovary releases an egg into
the fallopian tube. This
typically happens around the
middle of the menstrual
cycle, and the egg remains Item 1
viable for about 12-24 hours.

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 Fertilization

occurs when one sperm

successfully penetrates the
egg in the fallopian tube. The
sperm and egg merge their
genetic material
(chromosomes), forming a
single-celled entity called a Item 1
zygote.

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 Zygote
Development

he zygote begins dividing into

multiple cells as it travels
down the fallopian tube
toward the uterus, becoming
a blastocyst by the time it Item 1
reaches the uterine lining.

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 Implantation

Around 5-7 days after

fertilization, the blastocyst
implants itself into the
uterine lining (endometrium).
This is the beginning of Item 1
pregnancy.

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 Embryo and
Fetal
Development
After implantation, the
developing cells grow into an
**embryo**, which eventually
forms the placenta
(nourishing the baby) and all
major organs. By the end of Item 1
the first trimester, the
embryo is called a fetus.

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 Growth and
Gestation

Over the course of

approximately 9 months, the
fetus continues to grow and
develop within the uterus,
nourished by the placenta, Item 1
until it is ready for birth.

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 Labor and Birth

When the fetus is fully

developed, the mother goes
into labor, a process in which
contractions help to deliver
the baby through the birth
canal (vaginal delivery) or
through a C-section if Item 1
necessary.

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Attitude towards
sex and sexual
activity 1. Reproductive Purpose of
Sex
2. Contraception and Family
Planning
3. Sexual Education
4.Reproductive Rights:
5. Sex Beyond Reproduction
6. Social Norms and
Attitudes toward sex and sexual activity directly Reproduction
influence
human reproduction by shaping how individuals
view their 7. Religious and Ethical Views
sexual lives, reproductive choices, family plann
ing, and access to 8. Sexual Health
reproductive health care. As society’s views ev
olve, the balance 9. Infertility and Reproductive
between sexual pleasure, reproduction, and res
ponsibility
becomes central to understanding how people Challenges
engage in sexual
relationships and make decisions about starting
families