Sexuality and Disability Flashcards
Sexual feelings are _______; Sexual expression is a ________ behaviour.
Natural; Learned
Sex is _____ of sexuality.
Part
Sexuality is a _______ issue.
Health
Sexual health involves both ____________ and _____________.
Competence; Relationships
A person may need more than ________________ to find the best answers to sexual concerns.
His/her personal experiences or private opinions
An individual’s ability to solve sexual concerns is frequently handicapped by ________ ____________, ______, __________, and ______________ ___ _______ ____________.
Personal experiences; Biases; Prejudices; Over-reactions to sexual information
We are not responsible for having feelings, but we are responsible for _____ ___ ___ _______ ______.
What we do with them
Each person has _________ to their own beliefs.
A right
___________ is an integral part of one’s total ___________ and is expressed in _____________.
Sexuality; Personality; All that they do
What are the factors involved in one’s sexuality?
Beliefs and values Communication Personality Body image Self-image Physical expression Socialization Gender
Sexuality is mostly a ________ phenomena, and it has _________, __________, and _________ aspects.
Learned
Physical; emotional; spiritual
What are the five aspects of sexuality (Dailey, 1984)?
Sensuality (Connection and comfort with own body)
Intimacy (with partner)
Sexual identity
Reproduction
Sexualization (Use of self to influence, control, and manipulate others)
We all have _____________ bias regarding sexuality.
Reproductive
What are moral values?
Our conduct with and treatment of other people, more than just right or wrong. Looks at the whole picture.
What are sexual moral values?
Rightness and wrongness of sexual conduct and when and how sexuality should be expressed.
What are the sources of sexual moral values?
Social environment (parents, friends, media, religion, etc.)
Who are the sexually elite?
Those whose activity does not violate reproductive bias and could lead to socially sanctioned conception and pregnancy (e.g. heterosexual married couple).
Who are the sexually oppressed?
Those who are perceived as not conforming to the reproductive bias and who tend to be systematically asexualized.
Who are the sexually unusual?
Those who society views as deviant, weird, sick, or criminal (e.g. pedophiles, exhibitionists, etc.)
What is sexual health (WHO definition)?
A state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality.
What kind of attitude does sexual health require?
A positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, and possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.
What are the interventions from a medical vs. a sex-positive approach?
Medical: Harm reduction, prevention, protection, accident-based
Sex-positive: Quality of life, enhancement
What does it mean to be sex-positive?
Having a comprehensive definition of sexuality
Viewing sexual health as a basic human right
Being non-judgmental and challenging narrow social constructs
Using inclusive language
In terms of sexual health, what should a health professional bring to the table?
Positive attitudes towards sexuality
Objectivity in counselling
Knowledge of biological psychological aspects of human reproduction, sexual behaviours, sexual dysfunction, and sexual diseases
Describe the embryonic development of the reproductive organs.
5-6 weeks: Primitive gonads, ducts, and external genitals form.
7 weeks: Differentiation to male/female organs
The basic blueprint for reproductive organs is ______ (female/male).
Female
What is the role of hormones in the embryonic development of the reproductive organs?
Androgens (e.g. testosterone) produced in testes lead to male development. Lack of androgens leads to female development. Female hormones (e.g. estrogen) is important for changes during puberty
Where do testes and ovaries start at the start of development – High or low in the abdomen?
Testes and ovaries start high in abdomen then descend to their respective places.
What is mons veneris?
The fatty tissue that covers the joints of the pubic bones, below the abdomen and above the clitoris
What condition on the mons veneris can develop in women with spinal injuries and why?
Pressure sores on mons veneris. Women with spinal injuries can have their fat redistributed, and the fat on top of the mons veneris (which protects from repetitive force) can be displaced. This could be life-threatening if not looked after.
What are the muscles that encircle the entrance to the vagina?
Pubococcygeus muscle
What are Kegel exercises?
Exercises that strengthen the pubic floor
What are the basic movements associated with Kegel exercises?
- Tighten - Pull tail bone and pubic bone together
- Feel a lift inside (Lower stomach may tighten)
- Let contraction go and let pelvic floor open like a flower.
- Repeat.
What are some reasons why having a strong pelvic floor can be helpful?
- Help with incontinence during pregnancy, the birting process, and recovery after birth.
- Help with incontinence in general
- Increase sex/orgasm intensity (women can have a more active role) and help with pre-ejaculation
- Strengthen the whole core
What location might be the best for Kegel exercises, expecially for elderly patients or patients with incontinence?
Over the toilet, to prevent any accidents
Describe the distribution of sensation throughout the vagina.
The outer 1/3 of the vagina has the most sensitive sensations, and the deeper 2/3s only have deep pressure sensations.
Describe the typical process of hysterectomy.
Tools (camera, etc.) are inserted through the belly button and brought near the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes can be tied or cauterized.
Why is it better for the man to have vasectomy than the woman in the couple to have hysterectomy?
There are more risks and complications associated with hysterectomy than vasectomy. Vasectomy can be also be reversed (with some risks for complications), while hysterectomy cannot be reversed.
What is the labia majora?
Large folds of skin that run downward from the mons veneris along the sides of the vulva
What is the function of the labia majora?
Respond to stimulation (amply supplied with nerve endings). Shield the inner portions of the female genitals.
What is the labia minora?
Two hairless, light-coloured membranes located between the major lips. They surround the urethral and vaginal openings, and join at the prepuce (hood) of the clitoris at the top.
What is the function of the labia minora?
Highly sensitive to sexual stimulation (lots of blood vessels and nerve endings). They darken and swell when stimulated.
What is the clitoris?
A female sex organ consisting of a shaft and glans located above the urethra opening.
What is the function of the clitoris?
Sexual pleasure
What is the prepuce of the clitoris?
The “hood” covering the clitoral shaft
What is the introitus?
Another name for vagina
What is the hymen?
A fold of tissue across the vaginal opening that is usually present at birth and remain at least partially intact until engagement in intercourse
How long is the vagina at rest?
3 to 5 inches
What is the cervix?
The lower end of the uterus that produces secretions that contribute to the chemical balance of the vagina
What is the “os”?
The opening in the middle of the cervix
How large is the “os” usually?
About the width of a straw
What is the usual/unusual position of the uterus within the abdomen?
The uterus slants forward/antroverted in 90% of women, and 10% of women have uteruses that tip backward.
What is the fundus of the uterus?
The upper-most portion of the uterus
What is endometriosis?
When endometrial tissue grows in the abdominal cavity or elsewhere in the reproductive system. Most common symptom is menstrual pain. Can lead to infertility if left utnreated.
What is the myometrium of the uterus?
The well-muscled second layer of the uterus which create powerful contractions and flexibility
What is the perimetrium of the uterus?
The fibrous third or outermost layer which provides an external cover.
What are the four parts of the fallopian tubes, from the nearest to the farthest from the uterus?
Isthmus, ampulla, infundibulum, fimbriae
How large are ovaries?
1.5 inches long
Which hormones do ovaries produce?
Progesterone and estrogen
Which organs are removed in a complete hysterectomy?
The ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus
When are complete hysterectomies usually done?
When spreading of cancer throughout the reproductive system is to be prevented
What is the areola?
The dark skin area around the nipple
What lubricates the nipples during breast-feeding?
Oil-producing glands in the areola
What is the rooting reflex?
Newborns’ reflex to turn towards a stimulus that is applied on its cheek
What is the sucking reflex?
Newborn’s reflex to start sucking on anything that is placed in their mouth
When a mother and a baby are having trouble with feeding, what are some things that should be assessed?
- The mother: Inverted nipple, small nipple, etc.
- The baby: Tongue-thrust reflex, being tongue-tied, etc.
What is the G spot or the Grafenberg spot?
The region about 1-1.5 inches into the vagina with the most sensitivity
What is the function of the G spot or the Grafenberg spot?
- During birth, the back of the head of the baby presses the most on the G spot area, which may help with the pain
- May produce the most intense orgasm, which facilitates fertility
How can the G spot or the Grafenberg spot be used for women with sensory loss?
They may still be able to experience orgasm if you put pressure there.
What is the corpus cavernosum?
Cylinders of spongy tissue in the penis that become congested with blood and stiffen during sexual arousal
What is the corpus spongiosum?
The spongy body that runs along the bottom of the penis, contains the penile urethra, and enlarges at the tip of the penis to form the glans
What is the corona?
The ridge that separates the glans from the body of the penis
What is the frenulum?
The sensitive strip of tissue that connects the underside of the penile glans to the shaft
Stimulation of what area can cause a reflexive erection in men?
The corpus spongiosum just behind the scrotum and near the rectum
How long does it take to mature sperm?
Up to 72 days
What is circumcision?
Removal of the foreskin
What is the smegma?
An oil-producing region on the shaft below the foreskin
What four structures does the scrotum hold?
- Spermatic cord
- Vas deferens
- Cremaster muscle
- Dartos muscle
Does the prostate gland produce an acidic or a basic substance? What is the role of this substance?
Basic, to protect the semen in women’s acidic vagina
What should be considered when assessing the fertility compatibility between a man and a woman?
The pH compatibility
What is semen made up of and by how much?
- Sperm (0.05%)
- Seminal fluid (80%)
- Prostate fluid (15%)
- Cowper’s gland (~2%)
Does vasectomy influence erection?
No; As sperm is only a small percentage of semen, the amount of semen will be the same after vasectomy.
What secretes testosterone?
Interstitial cells or Leydig’s cells
What is the most important androgen?
Testosterone
What are the roles of testosterone in men?
- Stimulate prenatal differentiation of male sex changes
- Stimulate sperm production
- Development of secondary sex characteristics
What are seminal vesicles?
Small glands about 2 inches long behind the bladder, which secrete fluids that combine with sperm
What is the function of the seminal vesical fluid?
Nourishment of sperm (high in fructose) to help them become active/motile
What is the prostate gland?
A gland about the size of a chestnut that lie beneath the bladder
What is the function of the prostatic fluid?
- Provide the characteristic texture and odour of the seminal fluid
- Provide the alkalinity that neutralizes the acidity of the vaginal tract and prolong the life span of sperm through the female reproductive system
What are the Cowper’s or bulbourethral glands?
Two glands that lie below the prostate and produce a drop or so of clear, slippery fluid during sexual arousal
What is the role of the 5 senses in sexuality?
Increase desire
What are the 4 steps of the sexual response cycle suggested by Masters & Johnson?
Excitement
Plateau
Orgasm
Resolution
What are the 5 phases of the sexual response cycle suggested by Kaplan?
Desire Excitement Plateau Orgasm Resolution
What are the 3 patterns of the sexual response cycle in women?
A: Arousal level increases through excitement and reaches plateau. After a while, reaches orgasm(s) and arousal decreases to resolution.
B: Similar to A, arousal level increases through excitement and reaches plateau but never reaches orgasm.
C: Arousal steeply increases through excitement and barely stops at plateau before reaching orgasm. May drop off steeply to resolution.
True or False: Women have refractory periods between orgasms.
False. Orgasms increase the chances of fertility, so women evolutionarily do not have refractory periods between orgasms.
True or False: Women can have multiple orgasms at once.
True. However, it depends on many factors, e.g. desire.