DOCSLIB.ORG

Masturbation – Between Normality and Pathology Vasile Nitescu

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Masturbation – Between Normality and Pathology Vasile Nitescu Journal of Clinical Sexology - Vol. 4; No.2: April- June 2021 75 MASTURBATION- BETWEEN NORMALITY AND PATHOLOGY (FROM THE INTRAUTERINE STAGE TO PUBERTY)-PART I 1*Vasile NIȚESCU 1.*Medical Centre for Obstetrics-Gynaecology and Sexology; Abstract Performing manual stimulating maneuvers on the genitals by an individual (at first - su- perficially, accommodating, then well determined), regardless of gender and age, in order to achieve a sexual erotic state, often completed by ejaculation and orgasm, defines the masturbation . During puberty, masturbation is not a perverse act, being determined neurohormonally, in the normal evolution of childhood to normal adulthood. At puberty, specific sex hormones increase the sensitivity and the excitation of the tactile receptors of the genitals and their adjacent areas, with erotic sensitivity such as those of the perineal floor, anal region and urethra. The occurance of an erection is essential for masturbation in both sexes. Masturbation is completed by obtaining orgasm, caused by nerve impulses that are transmitted through the spinal cord sympathetic nerves from T12-L2, after which the erection decreases, as well as the state of pleasure obtained. Keywords: eroticism, masturbation, spinal cord, erection, orgasm, brain. *Correspondence: 1*Assoc. Professor Nițescu Vasile, MD,PhD, E-mail [email protected], phone +40723151804 76 Journal of Clinical Sexology - Vol.4; No.2: April- June 2021 Introduction: Penis erection and the vulvar vasodilation are determined by the intensity of sexual sti- Masturbation achieves sexual relaxation mulation, by impulses of the parasympathetic of the young man, who is at a time of insuf- vegetative nervous system, nerve endings re- ficient neuropsychic and anatomical deve- leasing nitric oxide and/or vasoactive intesti- lopment, the age at which, normally, parents nal peptide (VIP) and acetylcholine (Guyton, and society do not agree to the premature be- Benson). All these neurotransmitters may in- ginning of sexual life. duce an erection, that is essential for mastur- Puberty is the last stage of childhood, of bation and/or copulation. morpho-functional development of the hu- The ejaculation and the orgasm occur man body, before becoming an adult, and through sympathetic nerve impulses, starting masturbation makes the transition to nor- from the medullary reflex centers T12-L2. In mal peno-vaginal sexual intercourse, that is this context, the ejaculation and orgasm may essential, without which there would be no easily be produced by masturbation, by S2- human procreation, respectively the perpetu- S4 medullary reflex arch, in the situation of ation of the species. interruption of the ascending and descending In the absence of a partner, the pubescent medullary pathways, at the cervical level, as resort to masturbation, which is the sexual act when the cervical spine is sectioned or due of transition to a normal state, in adulthood. to psychological factors, when the brain is So when the increase in erotic sensation involved. begins, an erection appears, which induces In the pubertal girl, the masturbation of masturbation, respectively ejaculation and the vulva, especially of the labia minora and orgasm. of the clitoris, as well as the stimulation of If, at the beginning of puberty, the boy, in- other areas close to the vulva, produces or- sufficiently developed anatomically and ne- gasm, similar to the pleasure state that ap- uropsychically, does not have the necessary pears in the boy. training, or courage and determination to initiate an approach to a female partner, how could he perform a sexual act? In boys, the strongest, most sensitive and Regarding the sensory sexual nerve impulses come from the morphophysiological changes receptor cells of the nerve threads of the glans of the puberty penis (Guyton) that are directly involved In the prepuberty stage, regardless of ex- during masturbation, due to the maneuvers of citing stimulus, the sexual reactions are non- penile decapsulation and recapsulation. The specific, context in which the penile erection impulses reach, through the pudendal nerves, is not determined by erotic sensations, so it the sacral spine cord S2-S4, and, through the cannot induce masturbation. Thus, one can’t ascending medullary pathways, finally the talk about masturbation until the beginning of sensation reaches the brain. puberty. Journal of Clinical Sexology - Vol. 4; No.2: April- June 2021 77 The self-touching of the genitalia in the child”) procreate at the age of 12-14 years, 8-10 years children is transient and inofensi- in a short time, after a sexual act, even if the ve, without having an erotic basis, as well as physical and neuropsychic development are the curiosity visualization (self-examination) not appropriate. of their own genital organs. According to Berek and Novak, the ave- Unlike “self-touching and visualization”, rage age of first sexual intercourse in the US in the situation of pubertal masturbation, the is 16, and by the age of 19, three-quarters of erection, in both sexes, is given by the ero- teens have already begun their sexual lives. tic state and the neuroendocrine alterations Victims of 12-14-16 years easily switch which, after the stimulatory maneuvers per- from masturbation, determined by the pleasu- formed on the receptors of the sexual nerve re of erotic state, to peno-vaginal „play”, but threads (especially those of the glans, clitoris they do not announce the family of the first and labia minora), produces ejaculation and sexual contact, because they are afraid of be- orgasm, on the background of sexual pleasu- ing persecuted in the family, school, society. re, by releasing nitric oxide at this level. They do not talk about starting sexual acti- The touching of the genitals, without a vity, or the fact that, after sexual intercourse, subjacent erotic state, is not actually self-dis- they missed menstruation, context in which turbance. The ejaculation is obtained only by the pregnancy evolves towards the final term, the friction of the genital structures with in- appearing in the data of the National Institu- creased erectile potential. te of Statistics, in Romania, in 2018 became At puberty, the erection occurs as a result mothers 727 girls under 15, of whom 19 are of neuro-hormonal changes, which cause at the 2nd birth and one at the 3rd birth, and erection and masturbation, the stage being of the adolescents aged 15-19 who gave birth succeded by the occurence of the peno-vagi- 3929 are at the second birth, 731 are at the nal act, thus the adolescent entering the adult third birth , 72 at the fourth, 8 at the fifth and normality; genitalia receptors may induce one at the sixth birth. erection. Puberty is the transition period from child- hood to adulthood, during which, among On the influence of testosterone others, appear the gonadal maturation, the in the puberty period in development and finalization of secondary determining masturbation and sexual characteristics, the occurence of ovu- peno-vaginal act latory menstrual cycles and of spermatogene- The secretion of testosterone by Leydig sis and semen emission. cells from the interstitium between the tes- Basically, at puberty, at the age of 10-14 ticular seminiferous tubules is stimulated by years, menarche appears in girls, and at 13-16 the pituitary gland, due to the Luteinizing years old, the first pollution appears in boys. Hormone (LH). All these allow the genital system to According to genetic programming, sex abnormally (because “a child cannot raise a hormones are those that give rise to internal 78 Journal of Clinical Sexology - Vol.4; No.2: April- June 2021 and external genitalia in both male and fema- The clinical forms of masturbation are: le. These hormones mature morpho-functio- • Self-masturbation- performed by both nally these organs and establish the sex di- sexes, but individually fferentiation, thus preparing the genitalia for masturbation and for sexual intercourse. • Heteromasturbation- performed by a partner of the opposite sex Testosterone ensures not only a morphophysiological development of the • Homomasturbation- performed by a male genitals, but also their physiology until person of the same sex the end of life. Testosterone also ensures the differentiati- on of the sexual apparatus in the fetal period Discussions and later of the neuropsychic peculiarities, even if the hormone cannot act directly on the genes. DISCUSSIONS: Androgenic hormones influence the penile Masturbation is an evolutionary stage, of structure, participating in the maintenance of constitution of sexual act. It is practiced by it’s peripheral nervous network, the structu- pubers and adolescents due to strong local res of the corpus cavernosum, the albuginea erotization as well as a result of the action of and the endothelium of the cavernous spaces. the cerebral nervous centers, being present in domestic or wild animals. masturbation is Testosterone also has a neuroendocrine practiced discrete and moderate, the maneu- effect, through which sex hormones sensitize ver being considered as “physiological”. the peripheral tactile receptors of the tissues of the external genitalia, that determine the Masturbation is an evolutionary stage in state of eroticism, respectively the erection the constitution of sexual intercourse; it is necessary for copulation and masturbation. practiced by the pubescent and the adolescent due to the strong local eroticization as well as The molecular mechanism of sex hormo- a result of the action of the cerebral nervous
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Nutrition in Andrology, Gynaecology and Obstetrics
    Appendix No. 2 to the procedure of development and periodical review of syllabuses Nutrition in Andrology, Gynaecology and Obstetrics 1. Imprint Faculty name: English Division Syllabus (field of study, level and educational profile, form of studies, Medicine, 1st level studies, practical profile, full time e.g., Public Health, 1st level studies, practical profile, full time): Academic year: 2019/2020 Nutrition in Andrology, Gynaecology and Module/subject name: Obstetrics Subject code (from the Pensum system): Educational units: Department of Social Medicine and Public Health Head of the unit/s: Dr hab. n. med. Aneta Nitsch - Osuch Study year (the year during which the 1st-6th respective subject is taught): Study semester (the semester during which the respective subject is Winter and Summer semesters taught): Module/subject type (basic, corresponding to the field of study, Optional optional): Teachers (names and surnames and Anna Jagielska, MD degrees of all academic teachers of Aleksandra Kozłowska, BSc respective subjects): ERASMUS YES/NO (Is the subject available for students under the YES ERASMUS programme?): A person responsible for the syllabus (a person to which all comments to Anna Jagielska, MD the syllabus should be reported) Number of ECTS credits: 2 Page 1 of 4 Appendix No. 2 to the procedure of development and periodical review of syllabuses 2. Educational goals and aims The aim of the course is to provide students with: 1. The principles of nutrition during adolescence, adulthood and eldery. 2. The relationship between nutrition and fertility, fetal status and communicable diseases in the adults life. 3. Basics of dietary advices for men and women in the reproductive years.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidelines for the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections
    GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS World Health Organization GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data World Health Organization. Guidelines for the management of sexually transmitted infections. 1.Sexually transmitted diseases - diagnosis 2.Sexually transmitted diseases - therapy 3.Anti-infective agents - therapeutic use 4.Practice guidelines I.Expert Consultation on Improving the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (2001 : Geneva, Switzerland) ISBN 92 4 154626 3 (NLM classifi cation: WC 142) © World Health Organization 2003 All rights reserved. Publications of the World Health Organization can be obtained from Marketing and Dissemination, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel: +41 22 791 2476; fax: +41 22 791 4857; email: [email protected]). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be addressed to Publications, at the above address (fax: +41 22 791 4806; email: [email protected]). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specifi c companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
    [Show full text]
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
    WOMEN ANDKing NEWBORN Edward Memorial HEALTH SERVICE Hospital ObstetricsKing Edward & Gynaecology Memorial Hospital CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) This document should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer Contents Screening tests for sexually transmitted infections .......................... 2 Specimen collection ................................................................................................ 2 Screening tests ........................................................................................................ 2 Equipment ............................................................................................................... 2 Summary table for screening tests1 ......................................................................... 3 Screening tests: Asymptomatic patients (male & female) ................ 5 Procedure: Routine screening ................................................................................. 5 Screening tests: Symptomatic female ................................................ 7 Procedure ................................................................................................................ 7 Screening tests: Symptomatic male ................................................... 9 Routine screening in symptomatic men ................................................................... 9 Interpretation of treponemal serology .............................................. 10 Cryotherapy .......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Paraphilia Not Otherwise Specified
    Arch Sex Behav DOI 10.1007/s10508-009-9552-0 ORIGINAL PAPER The DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Paraphilia Not Otherwise Specified Martin P. Kafka Ó American Psychiatric Association 2009 Abstract The category of ‘‘Not Otherwise Specified’’ (NOS) Introduction for DSM-based psychiatric diagnosis has typically retained diag- noses whose rarity, empirical criterion validation or symptomatic Prior to an informed discussion of the residual category for expression has been insufficient to be codified. This article re- paraphilic disorders, Paraphilia Not Otherwise Specified (PA- views the literature on Telephone Scatologia, Necrophilia, Zoo- NOS), it is important to briefly review the diagnostic criteria philia, Urophilia, Coprophilia, and Partialism. Based on extant for a categorical diagnosis of paraphilic disorders as well as the data, no changes are suggested except for the status of Partialism. types of conditions reserved for the NOS designation. Partialism, sexual arousal characterized by ‘‘an exclusive focus The diagnostic criteria for paraphilic disorders have been mod- on part of the body,’’ had historically been subsumed as a type of ified during the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Man- Fetishism until the advent of DSM-III-R. The rationale for con- uals of the American Psychiatric Association. In the latest edition, sidering the removal of Partialism from Paraphilia NOS and its DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000), a para- reintegration as a specifier for Fetishism is discussed here and in a philic disorder must meet two essential criteria. The essential companion review on the DSM diagnostic criteria for fetishism features of a Paraphilia are recurrent, intense sexually arousing (Kafka, 2009).
    [Show full text]
  • Galen and the Widow: Towards a History of Therapeutic Masturbation in Ancient Gynaecology
    Open Research Online The Open University’s repository of research publications and other research outputs Galen and the widow: towards a history of therapeutic masturbation in ancient gynaecology Journal Item How to cite: King, Helen (2011). Galen and the widow: towards a history of therapeutic masturbation in ancient gynaecology. EuGeStA: Journal on Gender Studies in Antiquity, 1 pp. 205–235. For guidance on citations see FAQs. c 2011 EuGeStA Version: Proof Link(s) to article on publisher’s website: http://eugesta.recherche.univ-lille3.fr/revue/pdf/2011/King.pdf Copyright and Moral Rights for the articles on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. For more information on Open Research Online’s data policy on reuse of materials please consult the policies page. oro.open.ac.uk Galen and the widow. Towards a history of therapeutic masturbation in ancient gynaecology* Helen King The Open University, UK [email protected] In a book published in 1999, The Technology of Orgasm, Rachel Maines argued that therapeutic masturbation had a very long history even before technological change enabled the development of the object at the centre of her research, the vibrator. She states that “Massage to orgasm of female patients was a staple of medical practice among some (but certainly not all) Western physicians from the time of Hippocrates until the 1920s, and mechanizing this task significantly increased the number of patients a doctor could treat in a working day”1. The purpose of this paper is to assess her claim of continuity by examining the place of desire, orgasm and masturbation in the Greco-Roman world and, to a much lesser extent, the Middle Ages and Renaissance2.
    [Show full text]
  • Benefits of Sexual Expression
    White Paper Published by the Katharine Dexter McCormick Library Planned Parenthood Federation of America 434 W est 33rd Street New York, NY 10001 212-261-4779 www.plannedparenthood.org www.teenwire.com Current as of July 2007 The Health Benefits of Sexual Expression Published in Cooperation with the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality In 1994, the 14th World Congress of Sexology with the vast sexological literature on dysfunction, adopted the Declaration of Sexual Rights. This disease, and unwanted pregnancy, we are document of “fundamental and universal human accumulating data to begin to answer many rights” included the right to sexual pleasure. This questions about the potential benefits of sexual international gathering of sexuality scientists expression, including declared, “Sexual pleasure, including autoeroticism, • What are the ways in which sexual is a source of physical, psychological, intellectual expression benefits us physically? and spiritual well-being” (WAS, 1994). • How do various forms of sexual expression benefit us emotionally? Despite this scientific view, the belief that sex has a • Are there connections between sexual negative effect upon the individual has been more activity and spirituality? common in many historical and most contemporary • Are there positive ways that early sex play cultures. In fact, Western civilization has a affects personal growth? millennia-long tradition of sex-negative attitudes and • How does sexual expression positively biases. In the United States, this heritage was affect the lives of the disabled? relieved briefly by the “joy-of-sex” revolution of the • How does sexual expression positively ‘60s and ‘70s, but alarmist sexual viewpoints affect the lives of older women and men? retrenched and solidified with the advent of the HIV • Do non-procreative sexual activities have pandemic.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    Fall 2011 Table of Contents Contents Announcing the Masters & Johnson Collection Kinsey library receives the archives of these pioneers in sex research. Mapplethorpe Foundation Donates Photographs 30 photographs by this influential 20-century artist donated to the Kinsey Collections. Researchers Present at Fall Conferences Kinsey Institute scientists and graduate students share their research. New Thought Leaders Join Kinsey Board Industry leaders contribute their expertise. Announcing the 2012 John Money Fellowship for Scholars of Sexology Graduate Student fellowship utilizes Kinsey Institute library and archives. Applications close December 22, 2011. In Memory: Don McMasters We honor the life of art enthusiast and Kinsey donor Don McMasters. Fall Events at The Kinsey Institute Filmmaker Monika Treut curates Kinsey films and Len Prince show opens. Hold the date! May 17-20, 2012, Eastern/Midcontinent Regions Meeting of SSSS at Indiana University. Hope to see you here. The mission of The Kinsey Institute is to promote interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the fields of human sexuality, gender, and reproduction. The Institute was founded in 1947 by renowned sex researcher Alfred Kinsey. Today, the Institute has two components, an Indiana University research institute and a not-for-profit corporation, which owns and manages the Institute's research data and archives, collections, and databases. The Masters & Johnson Collection The Kinsey Institute is pleased to announce the new “Masters and Johnson” collection at The Kinsey Institute library. The collection documents the work of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, who from 1957 to the 1980s transformed our understanding of sexual response and sex therapy. The collection, donated by Virginia Johnson and her family, includes letters, records, correspondence, research papers, media coverage, books, paintings, awards and certificates.
    [Show full text]
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015
    Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Recommendations and Reports / Vol. 64 / No. 3 June 5, 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations and Reports CONTENTS CONTENTS (Continued) Introduction ............................................................................................................1 Gonococcal Infections ...................................................................................... 60 Methods ....................................................................................................................1 Diseases Characterized by Vaginal Discharge .......................................... 69 Clinical Prevention Guidance ............................................................................2 Bacterial Vaginosis .......................................................................................... 69 Special Populations ..............................................................................................9 Trichomoniasis ................................................................................................. 72 Emerging Issues .................................................................................................. 17 Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ............................................................................. 75 Hepatitis C ......................................................................................................... 17 Pelvic Inflammatory
    [Show full text]
  • Filipova Petra TESIS.Pdf
    UNIVERZITA PAVLA JOZEFA ŠAFÁRIKA V KOŠICIACH DOCTORAL THESIS 2017 GENDER IN CONTEMPORARY U.S. CULTURE. ASEXUALITY IN REPRESENTATION AND RECEPTION Petra Filipová 1 UNIVERZITA PAVLA JOZEFA ŠAFÁRIKA V. KOŠICIACH DOCTORAL THESIS 2017 Doctoral Programme in Modern Languages and Literatures (UIB) Doctoral Programme in British and American Studies (UPJS) GENDER IN CONTEMPORARY U.S. CULTURE. ASEXUALITY IN REPRESENTATION AND RECEPTION Petra Filipová Supervisors: Marta Fernández Morales, José Igor Prieto Arranz & Slávka Tomaščíková Doctor by the Universitat de les Illes Balears & Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika v Košiciach 2 PUBLICATIONS DERIVED FROM THE THESIS Filipová, Petra. “Black Masculinity vs. Jewish Masculinity in Malamud’s and Bellow’s Works.” Sučasnij Doslidženja z Inozemnoj Filologii 12 (2014): 294-300. Uzgorod: Uzgorodskij Nacionalnij Universitet. Filipová, Petra. “5 Reasons to Watch Vikings.” Rirca.es. 8 May 2015. Filipová, Petra. “5 Reasons to Watch Legends of Tomorrow.” Rirca.es. 18 March 2016. Filipová, Petra. “5 Reasons to Watch Lucifer.” Rirca.es. 31 Dec. 2016. Filipová, Petra. “Gender and Asexuality in Academic Sources.” Gender in Study: Stereotypes, Identities, Codes and Politics. Eds. De Montlibert, Christian, Daniela Radu, and Andreea Zamfira. Forthcoming. Filipová, Petra. “Representation of Asexuality in The Big Bang Theory.” New Americanists in Poland. Ed. Basiuk, Tomasz. Forthcoming. Filipová, Petra. “Women (and) Scientists: Modern Sexism in The Big Bang Theory.” Oceánide 9 (2017). Forthcoming. 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Marta Fernández Morales, PhD., as well as to my co-supervisors, José Igor Prieto Arranz, PhD. and doc. Slávka Tomaščíková, PhD., for their tremendous patience, continuous support and indispensable help both with my PhD research and with the administrative matters regarding the double degree program.
    [Show full text]
  • Restoration and Recovery: Priorities for Obstetrics and Gynaecology
    Restoration and Recovery: Priorities for Obstetrics and Gynaecology A prioritisation framework for care in response to COVID-19 Version 2: Published Friday 29 May 2020 1 Table of contents Page Summary of updates 3-4 Foreword 5 Introduction 6 Prioritisation and delivery 6 The effect of COVID-19 on obstetrics and gynaecology 8-9 The effect of COVID-19 on girls and women 9 Barriers to delivering the prioritisation framework 9-10 Enablers to delivering the prioritisation framework 10-11 Innovation and good practice 11-12 The outline framework 14 Overarching considerations 14 Actions to consider 14 Staffing 14 Infrastructure 14-20 Appendix 1: Prioritisation framework 21 Prioritisation of Indications for Outpatient Assessment and Procedures in 21-22 Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Emergency Prioritisation of Indications for Outpatient Assessment and Procedures in 22-23 Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Within 7 days Prioritisation of Indications for Outpatient Assessment and Procedures in 23 Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Within 14 days Prioritisation of Indications for Outpatient Assessment and Procedures in 24 Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Within 30 days Prioritisation of Indications for Outpatient Assessment and Procedures in 25 Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Over 30 days Prioritisation for surgery, inpatient care and chemotherapy/radiotherapy in 26-27 obstetrics and gynaecology: Emergency (within 24h) – Priority 1A Prioritisation for Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Urgent: 72 hours – 27-28 Priority 1B Prioritisation for Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Up to 4 weeks – Priority 28 2 Prioritisation for Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Up to 3 months – 29 Priority 3 Prioritisation for Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Over 3 months – 30 Priority 4 Appendix 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Declaration of Sexual Rights
    DECLARATION OF SEXUAL RIGHTS In recognition that sexual rights are essential for the achievement of the highest attainable sexual health, the World Association for Sexual Health: STATES that sexual rights are grounded in universal human rights that are already recognized in international and regional human rights documents, in national constitutions and laws, human rights standards and principles, and in scientific knowledge related to human sexuality and sexual health. REAFFIRMS that sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life, encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles, and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual factors. RECOGNIZES that sexuality is a source of pleasure and wellbeing and contributes to overall fulfillment and satisfaction. REAFFIRMS that sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. REAFFIRMS that sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad understanding of sexuality. REAFFIRMS that for sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Introducing LGBTQ Psychology
    1 Introducing LGBTQ psychology Overview * What is LGBTQ psychology and why study it? * The scientific study of sexuality and ‘gender ambiguity’ * The historical emergence of ‘gay affirmative’ psychology * Struggling for professional recognition and challenging heteronormativity in psychology What is LGBTQ psychology and why study it? For many people it is not immediately obvious what lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) psychology is (see the glossary for defini- tions of words in bold type). Is it a grouping for LGBTQ people working in psychology? Is it a branch of psychology about LGBTQ people? Although LGBTQ psychology is often assumed to be a support group for LGBTQ people working in psychology, it is in fact the latter: a branch of psychology concerned with the lives and experiences of LGBTQ people. Sometimes it is suggested that this area of psychology would be more accurately named the ‘psychology of sexuality’. Although LGBTQ psychology is concerned with sexuality, it has a much broader focus, examining many different aspects of the lives of LGBTQ people including prejudice and discrimination, parenting and families, and com- ing out and identity development. One question we’re often asked is ‘why do we need a separate branch of psychology for LGBTQ people?’ There are two main reasons for this: first, as we discuss in more detail below, until relatively recently most psychologists (and professionals in related disciplines such as psychiatry) supported the view that homosexuality was a mental illness. ‘Gay affirmative’ psychology, as this area was first known in the 1970s, developed to challenge this perspective and show that homosexuals are psychologically healthy, ‘normal’ individuals.
    [Show full text]