Discovering Human Sexuality

Discovering Human Sexuality, 6th Edition, by Simon Levay, is an academic textbook published by Oxford University Press designed for students studying human sexual behavior and health. The text incorporates insights from psychology, sociology, teaching, and writing to provide a structured overview of human intimacy and biological processes.

The content progresses logically from foundational anatomy to complex social and psychological phenomena. Early chapters cover female and male bodies, biological development, gender identity, and the physiological mechanics of attraction, arousal, and response. The material then shifts toward interpersonal dynamics, detailing sexual behavior, long-term relationships, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, contraception, and abortion.

Later chapters explore sexual orientation, lifespan development, atypical sexuality, sexual disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and societal issues such as sexual assault, harassment, partner violence, and sex work. This systematic arrangement supports students in building a broad understanding of human sexual diversity and health.