Sexual health is not limited to the absence of disease or dysfunction, nor is its importance confined to just the reproductive years. It includes the ability to understand and weigh the risks, responsibilities, outcomes and impacts of sexual actions and to practice abstinence when appropriate.[1] Sexual health is an essential element of the quality of life of adults 45+. AARP's recent study, Sexuality at Midlife and Beyond , updates an AARP survey from 1999, and confirms that relationships and sexuality remain at least as important, if not more so, than almost six years ago.[2] Sexual health is an essential part of every person's total well-being, and the recent CDC report shows us why teen sexual health matters. We need to foster public understanding that sexual health is just as important as dental health and that responsible prevention measures like condom use during sexual activity should be as routine as brushing teeth.
Sexual health is influenced by a complex web of factors ranging from sexual behaviour and attitudes to societal factors, biological risk and genetic predisposition. It encompasses the problems of HIV and STDs, unintended pregnancy and abortion, infertility and cancer resulting from STDs, and sexual dysfunction.[4] Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. [5] Sexual health is 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.[6]
Sexual health is an area of importance for the individual where choices are most likely to be made and where different parties can be seen as active in trying to influence choices of individuals. Choices on contraceptives is a matter of concern mostly for young women rather than men (Ekstrand et al.[7] Sexual health is an essential part of good overall health and well-being. Sexuality is a part of human life and human development. Sexual health is something that affects all of us, whether we're currently sexually active or not. Sexual health is about more than using birth control, practicing safer sex, or being free of infection or dysfunction.[9]
Sexual harassment can occur at any age, and it is a rampant problem in many schools across the country.
Sexual activity should be a healthful and pleasant experience. However, many people experience disappointment, anxiety, humiliation and frustration (or even rage) because their sexual functioning is below the quality standards they believe they should be able to attain.[13] Sexual orientation gives clues to a patient’s sexual behaviors. But it is important to not only make assumptions about sexual practices- ask questions to be able to make informed decisions about your patient’s care.
Sexual health services have worked with peer educators and volunteer groups to reach those at higher risk, such as sex workers. Technological advances in diagnosis of STIs, microbicide development and screening and vaccination for human papillomavirus must be available in developing countries and for those with the highest need globally.[15] Sexual activity differs in important respects between men and women, and between Canadians of different backgrounds and socio-economic status. However, as is apparent in the results presented here, these measures of behaviour are only a small part of the entirety of sexual health and only apply to a limited population, in terms of both age and geographic region. Sexuality not only has the potential to uplift us emotionally and physically. It also has the potential to bring us into a state of appreciation, compassion, and grace.
Sex is a mental-interpersonal process, not just a brief physical act. With males having all these responsibilities, misconceptions, and sexist attitudes, the truth is men have a lot of sexual problems.[18] Sexual orientation — being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or straight — is about sexual attraction. Your sexual orientation is a vital part of your sexual health.[19] Sexuality is primary to human. There is love and intimacy involved in sexuality.[20]
Sex educators are often given the responsibility to inform youth about the dangers associated with sexuality (unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections [STIs], HIV, rape). However, by only or mostly focusing on "dangers," we run the risk of portraying sexuality as something negative instead of something that can and should be enjoyed.[21] Sex should be part of loving relationships and hopefully, within marriage that seals the love between individuals. Unfortunately in the modern world many youngsters are engaging in sexual activity at younger ages, often due to the peer pressure and desire to be 'normal'.[22] Sex workers can also receive social and economic opportunities to enable them to leave the sex work industry. [23]
Sex: that illustrious fruit by which we were (almost) all conceived; that pleasurable act in which many of us partake; that pesky complication to an otherwise simple world that brings with it a slew of health-related concerns. However you prefer to think of sex, the fact is that many of us are already sexually active.[24] Sex too seems to interest most people. However, if you are working on a specific problem or in a particular stage, such as dating or divorce, you will find parts of the chapter more relevant to your immediate concerns.[25] Sex therapists counsel individuals or couples. We teach sexuality education, as well as communication and stress reduction techniques.
Sexual problems should be anticipated and patients should be actively screened as they are unlikely to initiate discussion on sexual issues. Cancer-related sexual dysfunction may involve several components, and an understanding of the underlying etiologies is essential to tailoring the appropriate treatment to the individual patient.[27] Sexual dysfunction is common in men undergoing surgical treatment for prostate enlargement or cancer . [28] Sexual and reproductive health have been defined in different ways depending on the political and social climate of the times. In the last few decades, most social and international organizations have recognized the merging of health and human rights.[29]
Women knew more about the contraceptive pill than men. Although increased years of medical training had some benefit in improving the accuracy of knowledge, this effect was surprisingly small.[32] Women are known to be beaten, abandoned or murdered by partners for revealing HIV-positive status (Lester, 1995). [33] Womens sexual health declines. Also, testosterone is one of the hormones responsible for womens sexual health.[34]
Women's sexual health is generally treated with a slower approach, allowing energy to build and develop. Both sexes, however, benefit from strengthening Kidney yin, yang and essence over time.[35] Women will experience a more enjoyable orgasm. Regular use will help women become more orgasmic.[36] Women taking the new product will no longer have a menstrual period, which may make it harder for them to know if they are pregnant.
Women figured centrally in almost all Aboriginal creation legends. In Ojibway and Cree legends, it was a woman who came to earth through a hole in the sky to care for the earth.[38]
Still, Cuba shines as an example with 5.8 infant mortalities per 1000 live births even though its gross national income per capita is a quarter of that of Venezuela. [39] STI (sexually transmitted infections) screenings during pregnancy can prevent expecting mothers from transmitting STI's to their newborns. Education arranged through MESH in the high schools can equip teenagers with 1.[40]
Parental permission was obtained for respondents under age 18. Parents have the right and the responsibility to discuss with teens their values and the family's beliefs about right and wrong. Parents also need to let teens know what they hope for them and expect from them.[43]
HIV STOPS WITH ME is a social marketing campaign that aims to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and to acknowledge the powerful role that people who are positive have in ending the epidemic. Each city has their own website and within that website the spokespeople each have their own section where they tell their own story and engage in online dialogue with other members of the community. HIV in primary care published December 2004 (revised April 2005). An essential guide to HIV for GPs, practice nurses and other members of the primary care team, recently recommended by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, in his September 2007 public health update Improving the detection and diagnosis of HIV in non-HIV specialties including primary care .[52] HIV is a potentially fatal virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact and causes the AIDS virus. When someone is infected, they may be symptom-free for many years and not even realize they are HIV positive.[53]