Notes on Sexuality and Sexual Health for Nursing

Scientific Knowledge Base on Sexuality

  • Definition of Sexuality:

    • Encompasses all aspects of being sexual, including sexual identity and choice of intimate partners.

    • Evolves through various life stages:

    • Infancy and early childhood

    • School-age years

    • Puberty/adolescence

    • Young adulthood

    • Middle adulthood

    • Older adulthood

Views on Sexuality in Older Adults

  • Common myth: Older adults do not engage in or enjoy sexual intimacy

Components of Sexual Identity and Orientation

  • Sexual Identity: One's perception of oneself sexually.

  • Gender Identity: Individual's personal conception of maleness and femaleness.

  • Gender Role: Behaviors culturally assigned as feminine or masculine.

  • Sexual Orientation: A person's attraction to the gender(s) related to their sexual identity.

Stressors Affecting Sexuality

  • Reproductive Health Issues: Involves hormonal changes and dysfunction.

  • LGBTQ+ Stressors: Challenges specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

  • Sexual Dysfunction: Difficulty in sexual performance which can stem from various factors (psychological, relational, etc.).

  • Physical Changes: Concerns regarding bodily appearance and attractiveness.

  • Hormonally Stimulated Changes: Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, and menopause.

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Risk factors and preventive measures.

  • Trauma: Psychological impact of sexual abuse, assault, and rape.

Nursing Knowledge Base on Sexuality

  • Factors Influencing Sexuality:

    • Sociocultural dynamics and their impact.

    • Influence of pregnancy and menstruation on a person's sexuality.

  • Healthcare Discussion Techniques:

    • Guidelines for discussing sexual issues professionally.

  • Contraceptive Methods:

    • Types: Nonprescription and healthcare provider-required methods, as well as information on abortion.

  • STI Prevention:

    • Awareness of various sexually transmitted infections including HIV, HPV, Chlamydia, and Syphilis.

Assessment and Nursing Process

  • Assessment:

    • Determine sexual health history through patient evaluation.

  • Common Diagnoses:

    • Problematic sexual behavior, lack of contraception knowledge, difficulties coping, and impaired sexual functioning.

  • Implementation Strategies:

    • Individualized educational plans, addressing situational stressors due to health changes, and encouraging open discussions about sexual health.

  • Evaluation:

    • Assess outcomes concerning sexual health and patient satisfaction.

Critical Thinking in Nursing

  • Anticipate information needs, analyze assessment data, and inform clinical decisions accordingly.

  • Display understanding of the various factors that influence sexual health across the lifespan.

Biblical Perspective on Sexuality

  • Reference: Ephesians 5:28 NLT

    • "In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself."

Quick Quiz Insights

  • STI Incidence: Young adults (specifically, Hispanic women and African-American men aged 15-24) exhibit the highest rates of STIs.

  • Patient History Gathering: Nurses must include questions related to sexual function during patient assessments to properly diagnose and address sexual health concerns.