13.3: Our Sexuality Includes
In order to understand sexual health, it is helpful to understand what we mean by sexuality. Sexuality is more than just the act of sex. Our sexuality is an integral part of our personality throughout our lifetime. It also changes as we grow and age (see Sexuality Over the Lifespan Chapter 11 for more info on this). Some components of sexuality are:
- Anatomy and physiology/ physical and reproductive development
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Sexual behavior/experiences
- Values and beliefs
- Spirituality
- Dreams and fantasies
- Intimate relationships
- Body image
- Sexual self-image