Assignment: Human Sexuality

Assignment: Human Sexuality Essay

Defining and Understanding Sexual Problems

Sexual problems can be understood in different perspectives. Low libido means a decreased interest or desire in sex. Men might have the same sex drive as women, but theirs is more straightforward. Sexual intimacy can be fulfilling and satisfying. Yet, for some individuals, sex may not be enjoyable. Sexual issues might be a result of trauma or negative feelings. Similarly, sexual problems can be a result of a mental health problem. Medical or physical concerns can lead to problems with sex. As a counselor, I would explore mental health problems that may result in sexual issues, such as PSTD, depression, anxiety, trust issues, problems related to body image, as well as physical issues that affect the sexual expression or sex including urinary or bowel problems, vascular or heart issues, hormone imbalance, and side-effects of diabetes medication. Women tend to have more problems or are perceived to have issues related to low sex drive. This problem may result from hormonal issues due to childbirth, or menopause. Men, on the other hand, report problems relating to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation. As a counselor, I would investigate the impact of these issues on an individual’s sex drive.

Applicability of “Love and sexual intimacy are closely linked” by Hock Today

A survey carried out in the 1990s found that many people would not have sex with a person unless they love that person. It found that couples engage in sexual activities because of love that ensures commitment for each other. Today, sexual intimacy is still important. Sex with intimacy makes relationships work. The lack of sexual intimacy implies that the relationship is unhealthy but based on mutual dependency or fear. Sternberg’s triangular theory of love describes three critical components of love, passion, commitment, and intimacy. The presence or absence of these elements defines the quality of the relationship. Sex provides an opportunity for loving partners to feel another’s body. Sexual intimacy brings loving partners closer to each other and reduces the likelihood of hurting one another. These findings may not apply fully in today’s relationships because partners are more enlightened on their rights, as well as the need to stay in a relationship only if it does not hurt. Sexual intimacy exists in consummate relationship situations, where intimacy, passion, and commitment exist.

Sexual development across the lifespan

It is not right to wait for a later time to have “the talk” with the children. It would be better to include discussions about sexuality naturally from the beginning. Parents seem to be poor in discussing relationships or sex-related matters. This is wrong because research has established a positive association between being introduced to these topics early enough and having a satisfying relationship as an adult. According to Harvard’s Making Caring Common project, most children wish their parents provided more information to them regarding the management of emotions in a relationship. Roughly 30 percent surveyed in this project said they needed guidance on avoiding getting hurt in or after a relationship, dealing with a breakup, and being in a more mature relationship. Most parents presume that their children will learn to love naturally, which influences them to keep away from these topics. Evidence has shown that keeping off these topics has a negative impact on children’s future relationships. Not discussing these matters early in the child’s life can result in botched relationships, marital misery, high divorce rates, depression, domestic abuse, and alcoholism. Sexual harassment and misogyny might be a result of not teaching children about sex early in life. The information in this chapter has helped further my understanding of sexuality by letting me know that no child is too young to be taught sexual matters. I believe children as young as three years can benefit from sex-related lessons from their parents or guardians.

Learning about Birth and Preconceived Ideas about Birth or Pregnancy

Currently, I know everything about birth and pregnancy. I do not have any preconceived ideas similar to the ones I had when I was a kid. As I grew older, I started becoming curious about what happens until a woman’s belly became enlarged and only returned to normal after getting a baby. I became interested in reproduction-related issues from as early as when I was five years old. My parents taught me everything about reproduction, letting me know that it was a natural part of life. She made me understand that all living things including humans reproduce. I did not know whether the topic of reproduction or pregnancy carried any shame, which made me innocently ask about these issues. My parent asked me where I had heard such things from, and I said it was out of curiosity. I received a clear explanation about the topics and even got a book to read for myself. I learned about the work of the genitals early as a child.

While I did not understand the whole process of making a baby, I had a simple idea of what sexual intercourse involved. My curiosity was satisfied because of the lessons I received from my parent. The fact that my parent encouraged me to raise any other questions made me learn so much early in life. This chapter and this week’s material changed my thinking about teaching children about birth and pregnancy. I have learned that such lessons should be continuous from childhood to when some can make his or her own decisions regarding adulthood relationships. The information in this chapter has furthered my understanding of sexuality by making me better prepared to teach little kids about reproduction and sex-related issues.