Sexuality

Term referring to the set of experiences, practices and feelings linked to sex and sexual instinct. Sexuality is a complex universe that encompasses four main interacting aspects: biology, psychology, society and ethics. The World Health Organization (2006) defines human sexuality as follows: “Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and 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, ethical, legal, historical and religious and spiritual factors”.