Sexual Health Flashcards
Define sexuality
- a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.
- Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed
What influences sexuality?
Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.
Define sexual identity
objective labelling of a person as a male or female
Define gender identity
degree to which a person identifies as male, female, or some combination thereof
Define sexual health
a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity
How is sexual health achieved?
- Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.
- For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.
What are some roles of a nurse to promote sexual health?
- educate patients on how to help prevent adverse outcomes such as unwanted pregnancy, STI’s, sexual dysfunction or abusive behaviour.
- Nurses must explore their own beliefs and strive to develop a non-judgemental and caring approach when working with clients about sexual health.
List the sexual rights (10)
- rights to equality and non-discrimination
- right to be free from torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment
- right to privacy
- rights to the highest attainable standard of health (including sexual health) and social security
- right to marry and to found a family and enter into marriage with the free and full consent of the intending spouses, and to equality in and at the dissolution of marriage
- right to decide the number and spacing of one’s children
- rights to information, as well as education
- rights to freedom of opinion and expression, and
- right to an effective remedy for violations of fundamental rights
When does gender identity develop?
It begins in early childhood, as the child becomes aware of differences in the sexes and perceives that she or he is female or male.
Define sexual orientation
The predominant gender preference of a person’s sexual attraction over time
why is the term LGBTQ2S used?
to help bring awareness to the needs of individuals who identify within that community.
Define infertility
The inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse.
Define sexual abuse
Abuse in the form of sexuality
Define sexual dysfunction
problem that arises because of biological, psychological and interpersonal factors.
what are some characteristics of effective communication with a client about sexual health?
- Caring, sensitive, tact, compassion, use of appropriate language, and non-discriminatory attitudes
- Do not have preconceived notions about their sexual identity or activity
