Sexual health Flashcards
Sexual health definition
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.
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
Why is sexual health preferable to reproductive health?
Not all about reproduction
Sexual health of anyone not at child bearing age would not be included
Non-heterosexual sex would not be included
Sexual satisfaction
An active sex life is important for your sense of well being
Overall relationship satisfaction is strongly related to sexual satisfaction
Sexual difficulties
Lacked interest in sex
Orgasm too quickly
Unable to orgasm
Anxious about ability to perform
Sex not pleasurable
Pain during intercourse
Vaginal dryness
Unable to keep erection
Low sexual function related to
Greater age
Depression
Poor physical health
Lower relationship satisfaction
Inability to talk about sex with partners
Sexual coercion
5% men and 20% women been sexually sexually coerced
Coercion has long lasting effects on
- psychological well-being: higher prevalence depression and anxiety
- physical well-being: lower well-being, cigarette/ drug/ alcohol use
- sexual well-being: more STIs, more negative attitudes
Sexual health across the lifespan: youth
Avoiding unintended pregnancy
Avoiding STIs
Treating STIs to protect reproductive health
Sexual health across the lifespan: adulthood
Optimising reproductive health
Optimising sexual satisfaction
Sexual health across the lifespan: older age
Optimising sexual function
Limiting impact of physical health on sexual health
Promoting preventative behaviour
Major focus in sexual health is prevention
Absence of vaccines, cures or effective treatment increases importance of behaviour
High and increasing rates of STIs, particularly among young people
Condom use
90% men and women have used condoms
Much more is needed to promote condom use and correct use
What affects condom use?
Knowledge
Susceptibility
Severity
Condom attitudes
Subjective norms
Self-efficacy
Intentions to use
Promoting screening and testing
Artefact?
- more sensitive tests
- more people getting tested
Real increase
- more young people sexually active
- inconsistent condom use
- lack of concern about HIV affects STI concern
- belief that STIs are not serious
