sexuality overview
CONCEPT OF SEXUALITY
Sexuality is a personal expression involving preferences, orientation, drive, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors.
Contributes to healthy relationships and well-being.
Influences: physiologic, psychosocial, religious, and cultural factors.
SEXUALITY ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Birth to 12 Years: Breast/hair growth, hormone production.
Adolescence: Changes in genitalia, sexual interest, menstruation.
Young and Middle Adult: Hormone decrease, erectile dysfunction, menopause.
Older Adult: Continued interest in sex, but may experience erectile dysfunction/menopause.
SEXUAL HEALTH**
Sexual Orientation
Heterosexual: Opposite sex.
Homosexual: Same sex.
Bisexual: Either sex.
Pansexual: Independent of sex/gender.
Men who have sex with men (MSM): May or may not identify as part of the LGBTQ community.
Gender Identity
Cisgender: Aligns with assigned sex.
Gender Dysphoria: Discomfort with assigned sex.
Gender Expansive: Beyond binary definitions.
Gender Fluid: Identity fluctuates between genders.
SEXUAL LIFESTYLE & RESPONSE CYCLE
Sexual Lifestyle: Includes masturbation, various forms of intercourse, monogamy, polygamy, and role play.
Sexual Response Cycle: Comprises excitement, plateau, orgasmic, and resolution phases.
ALTERATIONS IN SEXUAL FUNCTION
Sociocultural Factors: Cultural norms, upbringing.
Psychological Factors: Abuse, fear, anxiety.
Cognitive Factors: Body image, self-esteem, experiences, knowledge.
Relationship Factors: Communication, intimacy beliefs.
ALTERATIONS IN SEXUAL HEALTH**
Physical Health Issues
Surgeries, injuries, infections, cardiovascular disorders, and conditions affecting the older adult.
Medications Affecting Sexual Health
Antidepressants: SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft), tricyclics (e.g., Elavil).
Antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors (e.g., Zestril), Beta-blockers (e.g., Tenormin).
Antipsychotics: (e.g., Haldol).
Benzodiazepines: (e.g., Xanax).
Substances: Alcohol, nicotine, illicit drugs.