The topic of this essay is how medical discourses define and regulate "normal" sexuality. Medical discourses refer to the ways that healthcare providers, researchers, and other professionals communicate about sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, or relationships. This can include discussions between doctors and patients, textbooks used for medical training, research studies published in scientific journals, and public health campaigns.
Medical discourses often focus on what is considered normal or abnormal when it comes to these topics.
They might suggest that certain behaviors are desirable, acceptable, healthy, or even required for individuals to engage in as part of their sexual experiences. They may also place limits on how and where people can express their sexuality.
Medical discourses have defined normalcy based on heteronormative and cisnormative standards. Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that all people should be attracted exclusively to members of the opposite gender. Cisnormativity assumes that everyone's gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth. As a result, non-heteronormative and non-cisgender individuals may feel excluded from definitions of normal sexuality created by medical discourses.
Other times, medical discourses have promoted specific forms of sexual activity as being beneficial for individual health.
They may encourage people to engage in intercourse, which involves penetration with penis or strap-on dildo, but not oral or anal sex. These messages can create pressure for people to act in certain ways that may not align with their own preferences or desires.
Medical discourses can regulate sexual behavior through laws, policies, and procedures.
They might require that certain sexual acts must occur within marriage or between two consenting adults. They might also mandate testing for sexually transmitted infections before certain types of sexual encounters. These rules can limit people's freedom to explore their sexuality and make it difficult for them to access services if they do not meet these requirements.
There are also examples of medical discourses promoting more open-minded perspectives about sexuality. Some researchers argue that pleasure and intimacy should be central to discussions about sexuality, rather than only focusing on reproduction or prevention of disease. Others suggest that medical professionals should respect patients' choices regarding their own bodies and relationships. In general, medical discourses play an important role in shaping attitudes towards sexuality and influencing how people approach their own experiences.
How do medical discourses define and regulate “normal” sexuality?
Medical discourse has historically defined normal sexuality as only heterosexual intercourse between married individuals who have sex for procreation purposes only. This view of sexuality is based on the belief that any other form of sexual behavior, such as masturbation or homosexuality, are abnormal and deviant from what is considered acceptable by society.