ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the main theories of female sexuality. It explores the relevance of the concepts of these theories to medicine, midwifery and nursing practice. The key themes that are considered are scientific research on sexuality, ideological biases in the research, sexual health, the female body, Freudian theories, current images of female sexuality, heterosexuality and safer sex, pregnancy and sexuality, and cultural differences. Sexual health is currently regarded as a fundamental component of general health, with people believing they have a right to live sexually fulfilling lives. Since the late nineteenth century, science has been relied on to describe, define and explain human sexuality. The material body is at the centre of most of the research. The focus is on what can be measured and observed. This research is interesting and may be useful in highlighting important aspects of sexuality; however, there is a problem in that it is presented as providing the unquestionable truth about peoples' sexual nature.
