This experiment examined if sows’ fearfulness of humans can inhibit sexual behaviour when humans are or are not present. Also, the effects that adverse versus gentle handling may have on the sexual behaviour of sows was examined. During the third week of lactation forty-eight sows were classified as confident or fearful of humans based on a forced three-step human approach. Six days prior to weaning and until the termination of oestrus, sows were either handled adversely or gently twice daily. At weaning, a human approach test was conducted in the sows’ home pen and in a novel arena. Three days after weaning until the end of oestrus a T-maze test was conducted to examine proceptive behaviour with and without the handler being present. The sows were monitored for standing heat during the T-maze test, in her home stall and trans-rectal ultrasonogram was conducted to ensure ovulation did take place. Whether the sow was confident, fearful, gently or adversely handled, all sows came into heat. In the human approach test, regardless of whether the sow was fearful or confident, adverse handling made the sows more fearful of humans. There was a tendency for fearful sows adversely handled to be more fearful of humans than a confident sow adversely handled. In the T-test conducted before the onset of oestrus, adversely handled sows spent less time standing near the boar pen when the handler was present. The presence of the handler had a similar effect on fearful sows. The opposite reaction to the handler was seen in gently handled or confident sows. During oestrus, fearful adversely handled sows spent significantly less time standing near the boar pen when the handler was present. All other sows spent similar amounts of time close to the boar pen regardless of whether the handler was present or not. This illustrates that fearful sows handled gently can overcome their fear of humans during oestrus.