Ch. 13 The Sexual Body in Health and Illness Flashcards
Sexual Health
- Sexuality or relationships with a sexual or romantic component have intrinsic value as part of health.
- Healthy sexual relationships require positive experiences for individuals and their partners
Eating disorders
serious and often fatal illnesses that cause disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors
○ Symptoms include: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, difficulty dealing with emotions, unreasonable demands for self-control, negative perceptions of self in relation to others, and fear of being fat
alcohol
- Men may have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
- Women may not experience vaginal lubrication.
- Physical sensations are likely to be dulled.
- Heavy drinking (>5 drinks) is one of the strongest predictors for sexual assault
Disinhibition
an affect of alcohol, activating behaviors that would normally be suppressed.
Recreational Drugs
- Aphrodisiacs: substances that purport to increase sexual desire or improve sexual function.
- Marijuana – higher frequency of encounters, doesn’t impair function
- LSD – can cause priapism
- Cocaine – regular use can decrease erections and arousal
- Ecstasy (MDMA) – limits erections, dehydration
- Meth – increases risky sexual behavior
- Amyl nitrate (“popper”) – engorgement of blood vessels in genitalia
- Issues with using sexual favors to obtain access to drugs
Sexuality and Physical Disabilities
Disability or chronic condition does not inevitably mean the end of a person’s sexual life
Common MYTHS persist, including these:
○ People with disabilities are less sexual.
○ Sex means vaginal penetrative intercourse.
○ Among those with disabilities, talking about sex is unnatural.
○ Sex is for younger people who are able-bodied.
○ Sex should be spontaneous.
○ Firm penis and an orgasm are requirements for satisfying sex.
Sexuality and Systemic Disease
- Diabetes mellitus may lead to nerve damage or circulatory problems that can cause sexual problems.
- Cardiovascular disease may lead to heart attack or stroke, which will affect important aspects of daily living.
- Arthritis, a painful inflammation and swelling of the joints, can make sexual intimacy difficult.
Sexuality and developmental disabilities
- People with developmental disabilities most often have difficulties with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living.
- Capabilities vary widely.
- Three times greater risk of being sexually abused than nondisabled peers.
- Sexuality education is extremely important
The Sexual Rights of People With Disabilities
- Sexual rights of persons with disabilities should be the same as those for persons without disabilities:
○ Sexual expression.
○ Privacy.
○ Be informed about and have access to needed services.
○ Choose one’s marital status.
○ Whether to have or not have children.
○ Make one’s own decisions and develop to one’s full potential.
Sexual Well-Being and Adjustment After Treatment for Cancer
- Treatment often results in dramatic changes to a patient’s self-image and as a result, sexual function.
- There is also worry about physical limitations; and frequent physical and vaginal pain associated with intercourse.
- Female sexual satisfaction or quality of life may not be addressed in follow-up doctor visits.
- Being comfortable with one’s own sexuality, along with partner support, can enhance self-esteem and make coping with cancer somewhat easier.
Sexuality and Aging
- Redefining sex in marital or other long-term relationships.
○ Decreased frequency of intercourse - Reevaluating one’s sexuality.
- Accepting the biological aging process.
○ Menopause
○ Andropause - Divorce
- Sexual feelings and desires continue throughout life.
- Some may need to overcome taboos and stereotypes associated with sex and aging.
- Many of the psychosexual tasks for older Americans are directly related to the aging process.
○ Biological changes.
○ Death of a partner.
○ Psychological influences.
Menopause
- a point in time 12 months after the last period; average age is 51.
- Most women experience physiological or psychological symptoms, including changes in menstrual period, sleep, mood, and the body; hot flashes; difficulties with vaginal health and bladder control; and increased or decreased interest in sex.
- For 13 to 15% of women, the effects are severe enough to use menopausal hormone therapy (HRT).
Male climacteric decrease (andropause)
- changes in male sexual responsiveness in the 40s and 50s.
- Sexual interest and enjoyment generally do not decrease.
- About half of men over age 50 are affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland
