Sexuality

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Sexuality Is Present Throughout Life

Sexuality exists in every person. It is constantly present in our bodies, emotions, and thoughts, and these levels cannot be separated from one another. Sexuality is a fundamental part of being human throughout life. Even a small baby has sexuality: being in their own body, recognizing its needs, and seeking comfort and well-being.

During puberty, sexuality intensifies and transforms into adult sexuality. It begins to express itself as interest and erotic desire toward another person. Sexuality remains into old age, though it is emphasized in different ways.

Sexuality is expressed through sexual development, biological sex, experienced gender, sexual orientation, social gender identity and its associated roles, as well as reproduction. Sensations in one’s own body, along with the perception and feeling of one’s body, are also part of sexuality. Sexuality is much more than just sex. It is more about being than doing—more about feelings, sensations, and thoughts than performance.

Getting to Know Your Own Sexuality Takes Time

Recognising and accepting different aspects of your sexuality can take time. You don’t always become familiar with your body, its sensations, and reactions during youth. Sometimes, you only begin to explore and listen to them later, when there is time and space for such reflection. Questions related to sexual orientation may arise early in adolescence, at the threshold of adulthood, or later in life.

Questions related to one’s gender can also emerge very early. When you feel that your gender is different from your biological sex, or you don’t identify clearly or at all with any gender, you may go through intense emotions and complex processes. Support for questions about sexual orientation and gender identity is available from professional helpers.

One's Own Sexuality

Sexual behavior is learned within the family and culture through socialization. The customs and beliefs acquired in one’s family and culture influence the perception of what is considered good and acceptable, and what is seen as wrong or shameful. Therefore, the ways and permissions to express sexuality vary greatly. However, everyone has the right to create a personal and fulfilling sexual life and to express and live out their sexuality in different ways.

Sexuality can be expressed alone or with a partner. Ways of expression include various forms of touching, intercourse, masturbation, fantasies, and sensations during sleep.

Worrying About Inexperience

Inexperience in dating and sexual interactions can cause worry and anxiety. It may feel like you're the only one without experience in kissing, sex, or relationships in general. External expectations can create significant pressure, especially when comparing oneself to friends, acquaintances, media portrayals, or having to explain one's situation to, for example, relatives.

However, no one needs to date, be in a relationship, or have sex just because it’s expected or seen as the norm. It's also important to remember that not all young people or young adults are as experienced as it might seem.

Caring for Sexuality Is Part of Well-Being

Relationships and sexuality bring a lot of positive things into life. However, it's important to consider when a relationship and the expression of sexuality truly support your own well-being. It’s worth asking yourself: What kinds of relationships do I want? How do I want to express my sexuality? Do I respect my own needs and desires, or do I allow my boundaries to be crossed?

Setting and maintaining your own boundaries is essential in both relationships and sex. Boundaries protect against disappointment and help you live in harmony with yourself, your choices, and your values. They also protect your health: using a condom prevents sexually transmitted infections, and other forms of contraception protect against unwanted pregnancy. Taking care of sexual health is an important part of overall well-being.