Final answer:
Individuals learn about sex and sexuality primarily through family upbringing, which sets early norms, medical guidance from healthcare professionals, and through self-discovery where personal experiences shape understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three primary ways we begin to learn about sex and sexuality are through family upbringing, medical guidance, and self-discovery. Family upbringing is the initial context in which most individuals receive messages and beliefs about sexuality. Whether through direct conversations or observed behaviors, the family establishes early norms and expectations. Medical guidance often comes into play when healthcare professionals provide information on sexual health, though historically physicians had little training on the topic.
Nevertheless, their role has been crucial, especially with the development of reliable information, as seen with Dr. Alfred Kinsey's groundbreaking research. Self-discovery is a personal journey where individuals explore their own bodies, feelings, and responses, leading to a deeper understanding of their sexual desires and orientations. This process is sometimes facilitated through experiences, but may also be beset by misinformation and discomfort as social and biological aspects of sexuality are encountered.