Preface

Human sexuality encompasses many domains, including biological, social, and psychological domains. The sexual response cycle involves different phases, including excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Sex is mostly linked to procreation. In many countries, marriage is the avenue toward fulfilling sexual desire and expression. Human sexuality deals with sensuality, intimacy, identity, behavior, reproduction, and sexualization. Sensuality encompasses sensual pleasures, intimacy means being close in mind and thought, and identity includes gender identity. Sexualization refers to objectification to derive physical pleasure. Each of these is a facet of human sexuality. Understanding these various aspects of human sexuality is essential for healthy sexuality. Human sexuality depends on the normal anatomy of reproductive organs, their physiological functions, and their regulation, including their development. Any anatomical anomalies of reproductive organs or their development may cause physical and psychological effects on normal human sexual function. Defects in early human development influence the physical development of reproductive organs and their functions. Genetic variations including genetic defects can lead to developmental disorders like Klinefelter syndrome, a condition in boys and men that can affect physical and intellectual development. The hormones follitropin, lutropin, prolactin, estrogen, and androgen play a key role in human sexuality. Any defects in these hormones impair human sexual functions. Therefore, normal human sexuality depends on proper genetic composition, normal development from the gonadal stage to being a sexually active adult, proper anatomical location of accessory sex organs, and a normal hormonal milieu. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes mellitus and certain drug therapies like statins can also impair normal human sexual life. Breast cancer and negative feelings regarding body image affect the human sexual activity and therefore quality of life.

This book describes the different facets of human sexuality and its importance in human health. The book deals with the origins of human sexuality, sex development, gender, sexual health, sexuality, and disability. The book also gives a bird's eye view of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected human sexuality.

> **Dhastagir Sultan Sheriff** AUSN University of Sovereign Nations, Los Angeles, USA

**1**

Section 1

Introduction to Human

Sexuality

Section 1
