Chapter 35 Flashcards
Sexuality has many definitions
Expression of an individual’s sexuality is influenced by interaction among biological, sociological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political, religious, & cultural factors
-values, attitudes, behaviors, relationships with others, & the need to establish emotional closeness with others influence sexuality
Sexuality differs from sexual health
Sexual health: State of physical, emotional, mental, & social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity
Sexual development in infancy and early childhood
- first 3 yrs of life crucial in development of gender identity
- child identifies w/parent of same sex & develops complementary relationship w/parent of opposite sex
- children become aware of differences between sexes & begin to perceive that they are either male or female, & interpret the behaviors of others as appropriate for a male or female
Sexual development in school-age years
- parents, educators, & peer groups serve as role models & teachers for how men & women act & relate to one another
- need accurate info about changes in their bodies & emotions during this time period & what to expect going into puberty
- knowledge decreases anxiety
Sexual development in puberty/adolescence
- emotional changes are dramatic as physical ones
- time when they explore their primary sexual orientation
- may identify w/sexual minority group (lesbian, gay, bi, trans)
- LGBT individuals at higher risk for depression, suicide, abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs than the general public
- risky behavior tends to continue through life
Sexual development in young adulthood
- matured physically but continue to explore & mature emotionally in relationships
- at times young adults require support and education or therapy to achieve mutually satisfying sexual relationshiops
Sexual development in middle adulthood
-concerns about sexual attractiveness
-physical changes due to aging affect sexual functioning
-decreasing levels of estrogen in perimenopausal women lead to diminished vaginal lubrication & decreased vaginal elasticity. Both of these changes lead to dyspareunia (occurrence of pain during intercourse)
-decreased levels of estrogen may also result in a decreased desire for sexual activity
MEN: increase in the postejaculatory refractory period & delayed ejaculation
-when children leave home intimate relationships changes
Sexual development in older adulthood
- Positive correlation between sexual activity and physical health
- many are sexually active in engage in high risk sexual encounters which leads to HIV & STI rates over the past 12 years
- factors that determine sexual activity in older adults include: present health status, medications, past & present life satisfaction, status of marital or intimate relationships
- sexual activity is normal in later years but is not essential to maintain quality of life
- excitement phase prolongs in both men & women & it takes longer for them to reach orgasm.
- the refractory time following orgasm is longer
- both experience a reduce availability of sex hormones
- men often have erection that are less firm and shorter acting
- women usually do not have difficulty maintaining sexual function unless of a medical condition that impairs their sexual activity
- infrequency of sex in older women related to age, health, & sexual function of their partner
Sexual orientation
- Describes the predominant pattern of a person’s sexual attraction over time
- LGBT experience decreased access to health care & do not readily seek preventive care
Contraception
- provide varying levels of protection against unwanted pregnancies
- some require prescription, others do not
- methods that are effective for contraception do not always reduce risk of STIs
Nonprescription contraceptive methods
-abstinence
-barrier methods: OTC spericidal products & condoms, diaphragm
-timing of intercourse w/regards to the woman’s ovulation cycle: rhythm, basal body temperature, cervical mucous, fertility awareness methods
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Contraceptive methods that require a health care provider’s intervention
- hormonal contraception: several forms (pills, rings, injections, subdermal implant, transdermal skin patches, IUDS)
- IUDs: Copper or progesteron; they stop the sperm from fertilizing an egg
- diaphragm: round, rubber dome that has a flexible spring around the edge. Used with contraceptive cream/jelly & inserted into vagina. Woman needs to be refitted after significant change in weight (10lbs gain/loss) or pregnancy
- cervical cap: functions like diaphragm; but covers only cervix. May be left in longer
- sterilization or tubal ligation or vasectomy
Sexually transmitted infections: Approximately 20 million people in the united states are diagnosed with an STI each year
- Highest incidence occurring in men who have sex w/men, bisexual men, youths between ages 15-24
- blacks and hispanics are diagnosed w/STIs more frequently than whites
- women have more complications associated with STIs than men
Treatment of STIs in America costs about $16 million annually. Commonly diagnosed STIs include
Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, & infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) & herpes simplex virus (HSV) type II (genital warts, genital herpes)
Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are caused by?
Bacteria & are usually curable with antibiotics
