Grayscale photo of shadowed couple kissing at sunsetSexuality refers to habits and preferences in terms of sexual behavior. People express it in many ways. Sometimes, people feel confusion or distress about their sexuality or sexual identity. They may seek help from a therapist.

Understanding Human Sexuality

Human sexuality is complex and personal. It entails more than just sexual activity. A person's own definitions of sexuality may include:

  • Feelings of attraction toward others
  • Intimacy with others
  • Feelings related to body image
  • Personal values

People express and experience sexuality in many ways. Some ways people express their sexuality include:

Gender, orientation, and identity can influence sexuality. But these are distinct concepts. Sex refers to the sex determined at birth. Physical anatomy determines sex at birth. Gender refers to someone's knowledge of being male, female, non-binary, or other gender. Sexuality is also different from sexual orientation. Orientation refers to the type of sexual attraction a person feels.

Human Sexual Development

Sexuality is one developmental process. It evolves as a person grows and develops. Some stages of sexual development include:

  • Early childhood. Children may explore their own bodies in early childhood. They learn about love and intimacy through caregiver attachments. 
  • Childhood (ages 4 to 8). Children may engage in sexual play in this stage. This is often done by playing “doctor.” 
  • Adolescence. Teens go through puberty at this stage. They may experiment with masturbation and other forms of sexual exploration. They may become sexually active during these years.
  • Adulthood. In young adulthood, sexuality keeps developing. In many cultures, it is common to consider choosing a long-term partner at this stage.  
  • Mature adults. Sexual desire may decline in older adults. But many people maintain the desire for sex and intimate contact.

How Does Culture Relate to Sexuality?

Culture can influence sexuality. Some researchers believe environment determines sexuality more than genes. Norms vary by culture, religion, and time period. Societies also have different norms and laws about sexuality. These may relate to:

  • Premarital sex
  • Non-heterosexual relationships
  • Masturbation
  • Monogamy
  • Sexual desires and practices
  • BDSM practices

People are socialized to cultural norms about sex at a young age. Messages about sexual norms can come from:

  • Parents
  • Media
  • Sexual education classes
  • Religious teachings

Many factors influence mainstream views on sexuality. Some of these factors include religion, philosophy, and history. In the United States, for example, religion has impacted sexual norms. But in recent years, media outlets have offered other viewpoints. These influence beliefs about what is acceptable and what is taboo. 

No single culture views sexuality the “right” way. Problems can emerge when someone’s sexuality does not fit the norms of their culture. For example, people with same-gender attraction may feel shame in a culture that sees heterosexualuality as the norm. This can cause inner conflict. They may not know if they should conform to their culture's sexual norms. They may also wish to act on their own desires. This decision can be difficult. Following one’s wishes may lead to stigma or prejudice. This struggle may cause sexual concerns. An affirming therapist can address these issues.The feet of two people sticking out from covers

What Causes Sexual Issues?

Sexual intimacy can be satisfying and fulfilling. But for some, sex does not bring pleasure. Sexual issues may come from negative feelings or trauma. These can prevent someone from taking part in sexual intimacy. Sex therapist Jill Denton explains, "Each of us possesses a unique model of sexuality, formed at least in part by incoming family messages, childhood abuse or neglect, culture, the media, and, of course, religious influences." These messages may disrupt healthy intimacy.

Sexual problems can also surface due to a mental health issue. Physical or medical concerns can also cause problems with sex. 

Mental health issues that may cause sexual issues include:

Physical issues that can impact sex or sexual expression include:

  • Bowel or urinary problems
  • Diabetes
  • Heart and vascular issues
  • Medication side-effects
  • Hormone imbalance

For women, hormone issues may come from pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause.

Issues Linked to Sexuality

Sexual problems are not uncommon. Between 30% and 45% of adults in the United States may have one. This depends on gender and age. Some common concerns of people seeking therapy include:

  • Impotence
  • Lack of sexual desire
  • Anxiety or uncertainty about sexual orientation
  • Conflicting sexual desires between partners
  • Recovery from sexual abuse or assault
  • Loneliness
  • Body image issues
  • Sexual impulses or compulsions that cause distress
  • Promiscuous behavior

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists three sexual disorders for females. It also lists four for males. These gender-specific categories have been criticized. Research shows sexual interest/arousal disorder is not exclusive to females. Some have proposed adding a gender-neutral category.

Female sexual disorders:

  • Sexual interest/arousal disorder
  • Orgasmic disorder
  • Genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder

Male sexual disorders:

What Are Paraphilias?

The DSM lists a number of paraphilias. These are sexual preferences for atypical behaviors. In the DSM, they are listed as being potentially problematic. This means they may cause issues if they meet certain criteria.

A paraphilia might qualify as a disorder. This is more likely when a person is often distressed by the behavior. It also qualifies as a disorder when it distresses or injures a non-consenting person or group. Paraphilias can be acted out between consenting adults. This is not indicative of a mental health issue. Paraphilias listed in the DSM include:

Fantasies that come with these behaviors need not always cause concern. They may be cause for concern if the person with the fantasy is distressed by them. Most of these behaviors can be explored in a healthy, safe way between willing partners. They become problematic when someone is harmed in any way by the act.

Worry or concern about sexuality can feel distressing. Exploring sexual thoughts and feelings with a trusted therapist or counselor may help you accept your sexuality and express it in healthy ways.

References:

  1. Alexander, B. (2006, May 25). When society gets in the way of sexuality. NBC News. Retrieved from http://www.nbcnews.com/id/12970326/ns/health-sexual_health/t/when-society-gets-way-sexuality/#.WG8ZJFMrLIV
  2. Boundless. (2016). Human sexuality and culture. Boundless Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/gender-and-sexuality-15/sexuality-415/human-sexuality-and-culture-299-12834
  3. Brotto, L. A. (2015). The DSM diagnostic criteria for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in men. Retrieved from http://www.dsm5.org/Research/Documents/Brotto%202010.pdf
  4. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
  5. LGBTQ+ definitions. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.transstudent.org/definitions
  6. Paraphilic disorders. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Paraphilic%20Disorders%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
  7. Rosen, R. C. (2000, June). Prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2(3). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11122954
  8. Sexuality through the lifespan. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.islandsexualhealth.org/sexual-identity/lifespan