Human Sexuality as a Life Force - Essay Example

? Human Sexuality Introduction Human sexuality is the way of expressing oneself describing our behavior, attitudes and decisions. After eating and sleeping, this is the most powerful drive that any healthy and normal human being deals with in their life. It is correct to state that our behavior and thought process largely centers on this basic human instinct. Human sexuality affects all facets of our life such as socialization, the arts, social institutions, spirituality, and many more. Sex is the very basis of our existence. In ancient India, sexuality has been expressed in sculptures, Hindu temples, monuments and even considered a door to the salvation. The Tantric System, an offshoot of Hinduism, believed that sexual energy can benefit not only in human relationships but can lead to spiritual awakening. Taking this philosophy further, Khajuraho temples, the exotic pieces of architecture depicting human sexuality were built between 900 and1100 AD. The temples are located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. The site has huge historical value so much so that the temples have been earmarked in the list of UNESCO World Heritage site (Archaeological Survey of India, 2011). Source: http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp It looks surprising that even a thousand year back, our ancestors paid so much attention on this issue that has the same relevance even today. With this background, the paper attempts to explore some of the crucial aspects of human sexuality that have significant impact in human life. Molina (1999) argues that human sexuality has several perspectives; however, two of them, as described below, are most noteworthy. Biological Perspective Most crucial form of human sexuality has its basis in biological perspective that governs reproduction and creation. Hormones in humans constitute a most potential source of sexual behavior. Hormones are produced not only by the gonads but also by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal cortex. Males and females differ in the concentration of androgens, estrogens and progestins. Estrogens and progestins abound in females while androgens in males. Testosterone in males is responsible for the male sexual drive while estrogens drive female sexuality. Cognitive Perspective Apart from biological, human sexuality has a cognitive perspective too because all sexual arousal emerges from the brain with a further scope of augmentation or inhibition on an appropriate response. Positive and negative evaluations of the stimulus will finally decide sexuality of the person at any given point of time. Planned Parenthood has understood above perspectives very well while devising ways and means to teach about the ways of limiting and controlling sexuality for our healthy life. Usually, much of what we watch, read and see about sex and sexuality is not very accurate and most of them are rather puzzling and confusing. In broader sense, sexuality is influenced by environment, family, culture, religion, friends, media and hosts of other factors. It is a fact that we all have desires, thoughts, attractions and values that are unique in their own ways and the term sexuality includes our body, reproductive anatomy, gender, sexual orientation and behaviors and much more. A good understanding and knowledge on these subjects help us to take charge of our sexual health. Planned Parenthood and Sexuality Many health issues related to sexuality just concern only men and Planned Parenthood Health Centers educate, guide and treat many such health issues of men. Prominent among them are prostate and testicular cancer. Very few people know that men can suffer from testicular cancer too because it is not common. Usually, young adults between age 20- 34 are found to be at risk. When detected early, there is fairly a good chance of treating them. The function of testes or testicles is to produce hormones and sperm. Uncontrollable abnormal growth of cells leads to testicular cancer. It is important to note that about 400 men die of this cancer every year. The rates of testicular cancer are on rise; however, exact reason for the same is not known. HIV, a family history and underdeveloped testicles can lead to testicular cancer. Important thing is that treatment to testicular cancer does not affect one's sexuality. So is the case with prostate cancer. Planned Parenthood advises men to visit them for prostate screening periodically so that any abnormality could be detected at an early stage. Another issue that men often confront is premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction that put them in the embarrassing situations. Planned Parenthood Centers educate on these shortcomings or disabilities and provide proper treatment to correct them. They also conduct tests for male infertility and provide treatment to amend the disability. They advise and conduct vasectomy – a kind of male contraceptive operation to prevent unwanted pregnancies. They also educate on need and urgency of using condoms for remaining healthy. Just like men, some of the health issues just concern only women and Planned Parenthood health centers are equipped to advise and conduct health checkups for women; prominent of them are breast and cervical cancer screenings, Pap tests, female infertility and related issues. Planned Parenthood Centers educate women so that women can better understand reproductive health. Breast cancer screenings or mammograms help detect breast cancer in early stage. Cervical cancer is a serious concern for young women. It is usually caused by Human Papilloma virus (HPV) that is also responsible for a sexually transmitted infection. Its prevention is possible through HPV vaccination. Avoiding sexual contact with an unknown partner or at least using a condom can reduce its infection. These infections are treatable when diagnosed on time. Birth Control Methods It is important to know how to prevent unwanted pregnancies because frequent abortions can be harmful to the health of females. In fact, birth control methods when employed diligently can serve the purpose with a high level of reliability. There are several birth control methods that are available to prevent pregnancies. In terms of effectiveness, vasectomy, female sterilization, IUD and implant are considered most reliable. Pill, shot, breastfeeding, ring and patch come next in their effectiveness. It is pertinent to note that abstaining from sex on fertile days or using condoms on fertile days can cause pregnancies in 25 cases out of 100. Sexually Transmitted Diseases The biggest ignorance prevails regarding sexually transmitted diseases. Unprotected sex with unknown partner could cause several kinds of infections such as Chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, cytomegalovirus and even HIV and AIDS. One needs to be tested if symptoms such as sores on the genitals, discharge from the vagina or penis, itching and burning sensations are noticed. Chlamydia does not cause any symptoms; an untreated Chlamydia may lead to infertility, and many other complications in the long run. Women are found to be affected more by Chlamydia and screening can detect whether one is infected with Chlamydia or not. It can be treated easily by oral antibiotics within a week. Genital warts are quite common and between 500,000 and 1 million people get infected in the US every year. Those who change their partners frequently may get infection of genital warts. Warts may return after treatment because it cannot cure the virus that causes it. Unfortunately, Gonorrhea has no symptoms but once detected can be treated easily. It a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria and infects vagina, penis, cervix, anus, urethra. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. More than 800,000 men and women get affected every year. It can also infect fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus and lead to infertility. Untreated gonorrhea in a pregnant woman may lead to stillbirth or premature delivery. HIV and AIDS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) inform that over 1 million people in the US are infected from HIV. The report states that bisexual, gay and men who engage in sexual relations with other men are at the biggest risk from HIV infections. Every year in the US new 50,000 cases add up in the pool of HIV infected people. Yet no concrete treatment regime is available to treat the patients infected from HIV. Moreover, it is difficult to predict when HIV infection will get converted into AIDS. It is highly recommended to refrain from men to men sex; moreover, sex with an unknown partner is never recommended without a condom because once infected with HIV there is no remedy except relying on body's own immune power. Conclusion Thus, human sexuality is not only multi-dimensional but exhibits a complex behavior that has its influences on several facets of our life. Human sexuality can act as a life force and work as a biggest motivating factor in our life. When properly harnessed, it can elevate us to the new heights. References Archaeological Survey of India (2011), world Heritage Sites - Khajuraho. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). HIV/AIDS. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/basics/ataglance.html Molina, L. (1999). Human Sexuality. California State University, Northridge. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.csun.edu/~vcpsy00h/students/sexual.htm Planned Parenthood (2013). Health Info & Services. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/mens-sexual-health/testicular-cancer 4308.htm Read More