Portal:Human sexuality

Welcome to the human sexuality portal

Erotic Kama sculptures depicting human sexuality

Sexuality is the way people experience, and express themselves through sexual activities. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, and spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term which has varied within different historical contexts, it lacks a precise definition. The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the human reproductive functions, including the human sexual response cycle.

Someone's sexual orientation is their pattern of sexual interest (or lack thereof) in the opposite and/or same sex. Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of love, trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human society on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, moral, ethical, and religious aspects of life.

Interest in sexual activity normally increases when an individual reaches puberty. Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting non-social causes than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors. This is further supported by cross-cultural evidence because the incidence of homosexuality is not significantly higher in cultures that are more tolerant of it.

Evolutionary perspectives on human coupling, reproduction and reproduction strategies, and social learning theory provide further views of sexuality. Sociocultural aspects of sexuality include historical developments and religious beliefs. Some cultures have been described as sexually repressive. The study of sexuality also includes human identity within social groups, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and birth control methods. (Full article...)

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A rolled-up condom
A rolled-up condom
A condom (/ˈkɒndəm/ or UK: /ˈkɒndɒm/) is a barrier device commonly used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) such as HIV/AIDS. It is put on an erect penis and physically blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of a sexual partner. Condoms are also used for collection of semen for use in infertility treatment. In the modern age, condoms are most often made from latex, but some are made from other materials such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, or lamb intestine. A female condom is also available, often made of nitrile.

As a method of birth control, male condoms have the advantages of being inexpensive, easy to use, having few side effects, and offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases. With proper knowledge and application technique—and use at every act of intercourse—women whose partners use male condoms experience a 2% per-year pregnancy rate with perfect use and an 18% per-year pregnancy rate with typical use. Condoms have been used for at least 400 years. Since the 19th century, they have been one of the most popular methods of contraception in the world. While widely accepted in modern times, condoms have generated some controversy, primarily over what role they should play in sex education classes. (Full article...)

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Charles Atlas magazine ad, example of masculinity in advertising

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Ayu Utami
Ayu Utami

January/February 2012

Human sexuality in the news

25 August 2026 – Sudanese civil war
Sudan’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare reports that 224 cases of child sexual violence have been documented since the conflict. (Sudan Tribune)
24 August 2026 –
Former British snooker player Graeme Dott is found guilty of sexually abusing two primary school children. (Al Jazeera) (The Guardian)
19 August 2026 – 2026 Sydney Swans player investigation
In Australian football, the Sydney Swans suspend five of their players for the remainder of the season who are under police investigation over allegations of sexual assault against multiple women. (ABC News Australia)
15 August 2026 – Succession to the Liechtensteiner throne
Hereditary Prince Alois announces that Liechtenstein will gradually transition its line of succession to absolute primogeniture, stating that any future descendant of him and Hereditary Princess Sophie, regardless of sex, will inherit the throne, allowing future women to inherit the throne. (AP)

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