Health: Sexuality

What is human sexuality?

The way someone feels about themselves as male or female and communicates these feelings to the outside world.

What dimensions does sexuality include?

Physical, psychological, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual dimensions of sex and gender.

What factors can influence sexuality?

Friends, family, media, religion, society/community, beliefs and values.

What happens during adolescence (ages 9–19) in terms of sexuality?

May begin dating, develop intimate relationships, start menstruation or sperm production, experience increased sex hormones and wonder if their body is normal.

What are some characteristics of sexuality during adulthood (ages 20–65)?

Explore different ways of expressing sexual intimacy, possibly gain confidence, make decisions about relationships, family and career, and face increased cancer risk.

What are some characteristics of sexuality during late adulthood (65+)?

Decreased testosterone and sperm production, greater focus on touch and sensuality, possible sexual dysfunction depending on health, and stereotypes about sexuality and aging.

What is biological sex?

Sex determined by the sex organs a person is born with.

What is gender?

The state of being male or female to which an individual self-identifies.

What is the difference between sex and gender?

Sex refers to biological reproductive characteristics; gender refers to how an individual identifies.

What does male mean in terms of biological sex?

Having biologically male reproductive parts, including a penis and testicles.

What does female mean in terms of biological sex?

Having biologically female reproductive parts, including a vagina and ovaries.

What does intersex mean?

Individuals whose bodies do not fall under the strict male/female binary.

What is gender identity?

Someone's sense of being male or female.

What is gender expression?

How gender is demonstrated through behaviour, mannerisms, dress and appearance.

What is a gender role?

Characteristics attached to culturally defined ideas of masculinity and femininity.

What does transgender mean?

Gender identity and/or expression differs from cultural expectations based on sex assigned at birth.

What does non-binary/genderqueer mean?

People who prefer both or neither traditional gender titles.

What is sexual orientation?

Physical, emotional and sexual attraction to people of the same sex, opposite sex or both sexes.

What does heterosexual mean?

Attracted to the opposite sex.

What does homosexual mean?

Attracted to the same sex; also described as gay or lesbian.

What does bisexual mean?

Attracted to the same and opposite sex.

What does pansexual mean?

Attraction to all genders.

What does asexual mean?

Someone who does not experience sexual attraction to any gender.

What does Two-Spirited mean?

An identity used by some Indigenous people to describe sexual, gender or spiritual identity, involving both a masculine and feminine spirit.

What is sexual behaviour?

How someone expresses themselves sexually.

What is sexual identity?

How an individual presents their identity to the world, such as gay, lesbian or straight.

What is homophobia?

Fear and hatred of homosexuals, often expressed through prejudice, discrimination, harassment and violence.

What is an ally?

Someone who actively supports LGBTQ2S+ people, including straight and cisgender people and people within the community who support one another.

What is the penis?

A spongy, muscular organ that becomes enlarged and erect when sexually aroused.

What are the testicles (testes)?

Male sex glands that produce sperm and testosterone.

What is the main function of the ovaries?

They contain egg cells and produce estrogen.

What is the main function of the uterus?

It nourishes and holds a developing fetus and prepares for pregnancy by forming a blood and tissue lining.

What is the scrotum?

The sac of skin that holds the testicles.

What is the glans?

The head of the penis.

What is the foreskin?

The skin covering the head of the penis; it may be surgically removed through circumcision.

What is the urethra?

The tube through which urine and semen leave the body.

What is the epididymis?

A sac of tubes on the surface of each testicle that stores and transports sperm to the vas deferens.

What is the vas deferens?

A tube that carries sperm from each testicle toward the prostate, Cowper's gland, seminal vesicles and urethra.

What do the seminal vesicles do?

They add nourishing fluid to sperm.

What does the prostate gland do?

Produces a milky fluid that forms part of semen.

What do Cowper's glands do?

Produce a clear, sticky fluid released as pre-ejaculate during sexual excitement.

What does the bladder do?

Holds urine until it is discharged.

What does the endometrium do?

It is the lining of the uterus that thickens to prepare for pregnancy.

What is the cervix?

The narrow inner end of the vagina that leads to the uterus.

What is the vagina?

A muscular tube that expands to fit the penis during intercourse or a baby during birth.

What are the fallopian tubes?

Tubes leading from the top of the uterus, with finger-like projections surrounding an ovary.

What is testosterone?

A male sex hormone important for sexual and reproductive development.

What are the roles of testosterone?

Development of male sex organs before birth; voice deepening; increased penis and testicle size; facial and body hair growth; sex drive; sperm production; and muscle strength and mass.

Do women also produce testosterone?

Yes, but at lower levels than men.

What does estrogen do according to the presentation?

It is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries that causes body and mood changes.

What are the female sex hormones listed in the presentation?

Estrogen and progesterone.

What physical puberty changes are specifically listed in the presentation?

Deepening voice, increased penis and testicle size, and facial and body hair growth. These are listed as secondary sex characteristics associated with testosterone.

What female puberty-related changes are specifically mentioned in the presentation?

Estrogen causes body and mood changes, and menstruation begins.

What is the menstrual cycle?

A recurring cycle that prepares the female body for the possibility of pregnancy each month.

What is the average menstrual cycle length?

Approximately 28 days, although cycles can range from 23 to 35 days.

How long can it take for periods to become regular after the first period?

About 2–3 years.

What are the four phases of the menstrual cycle?

Menstrual (flow) phase, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase.

What is an ovum?

An egg in the ovary; the plural is ova.

What is ovulation?

The release of an egg from an ovary into a fallopian tube.

When does ovulation usually occur according to the presentation?

Between days 13 and 15 of the cycle.

When is pregnancy most likely according to the presentation?

Around ovulation, when the egg is released into the fallopian tube.

Can pregnancy occur at other times in the menstrual cycle?

Yes, the presentation states that pregnancy can occur at any time.

What is menstruation?

Shedding of the uterine lining, with blood passing out through the vagina.

What is menarche?

A girl's first period.

What happens to the endometrium if the egg is not fertilized?

The uterine lining is not needed to grow a baby and sheds during menstruation.

What happens to the ovaries during the menstrual cycle?

An ovary develops an egg, and the egg is released during ovulation.

What is sexual consent?

Agreement between partners to sexual activity, with everyone understanding what they are agreeing to.

When is consent required?

For every sexual activity, every time.

What does giving consent involve?

Understanding what you are agreeing to, checking that your partner understands, checking in and accepting that either person can change their mind.

When can someone not give consent according to the presentation?

When intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or when forced, threatened, bribed, intimidated or offered rewards to do something sexual.

What is sexual activity without consent called?

Sexual assault.

What is the legal age of consent in Canada according to the presentation?

16 years old, subject to legal exceptions.

When can a 16-year-old's consent not legally apply according to the presentation?

When the other person is in a position of authority or the activity is exploitative, such as pornography or prostitution.

How old must someone be to have sex with a person in a position of authority according to the presentation?

18 years old.

What is the close-in-age exception for 14- and 15-year-olds?

They can consent to sex if their partner is less than five years older and is not in a position of authority.

What is the close-in-age exception for 12- and 13-year-olds?

They can consent to sex if their partner is less than two years older and is not in a position of authority.

Can children younger than 12 consent to sexual activity according to the presentation?

No. The presentation states they cannot consent to any type of sexual activity.

What is sexual harassment?

Any unwanted sexual behaviour of any kind.

Who can experience sexual harassment?

People of any biological sex, and it can occur between people of the same or opposite sex.

What are examples of sexual harassment?

Unwanted sexual comments, sexual noises or gestures, offensive sexual pictures or jokes, inappropriate touching, sexual messages, unwelcome sexual invitations and repeated unwanted comments about someone's body, appearance or sexual orientation.

What does the presentation say about sexual harassment under Ontario law?

It is a violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

What is abstinence?

Choosing not to engage in sexual activity of any kind, including oral, vaginal or anal sex.

How effective is abstinence?

100%; the presentation identifies it as the only method that is 100% effective against pregnancy and STIs.

What are the advantages of abstinence?

Completely protects against pregnancy and STIs and is free and available to everyone.

How do barrier birth control methods work in general?

They physically block sperm from reaching an egg and/or prevent direct genital contact and the exchange of genital fluids.

How do hormonal birth control methods work in general?

They prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and/or thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through.

What is a male condom and how does it work?

A soft, disposable sheath fitted over an erect penis that prevents direct genital contact and exchange of genital fluids.

How effective is the male condom?

85–97%; 97% when used correctly according to the presentation.

What are the advantages of male condoms?

Available without a prescription, sold in stores, pharmacies and online; latex condoms also protect against STIs.

How does a female condom work?

A disposable polyurethane sheath placed in the vagina before vaginal intercourse to prevent direct genital contact and exchange of body fluids.

How effective is the female condom?

79–95%.

What are the advantages of female condoms?

Available without a prescription and protect against some STIs.

How do spermicides work?

They are inserted into the vagina and contain ingredients that disable sperm.

How effective are spermicides?

71–82%; they are very effective when used with a barrier method.

What are the advantages of spermicides?

They contain no hormones, require no prescription and can be used by women who are breastfeeding.

How does a diaphragm work?

A dome placed in the vagina over the cervix that blocks sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg.

How long must a diaphragm remain in the vagina after intercourse?

6–8 hours.

What must be done with spermicide when using a diaphragm for multiple acts of intercourse?

Spermicide should be reapplied for each act of intercourse.

How effective is a diaphragm?

84–94%.

What are the advantages of a diaphragm?

Contains no hormones, can be used by breastfeeding women and provides some protection against certain STIs.