6: Sexual Health
- Page ID
- 11718
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)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.
- 6.1: Sexuality
- This page highlights the significance of sexuality in human experience, noting its influence on love and well-being. It discusses various disorders that affect sexual enjoyment, concerns like infertility and unplanned pregnancies, and the impact of diseases such as STIs and cancers on sexual health. Prostate cancer treatments can cause erectile dysfunction in men, while women may face sexual issues due to various types of cancers affecting the reproductive system.
- 6.2: Public Health Approach to Sexual Health
- This page discusses how sexuality affects individuals and society, influencing health, gender relations, reproduction, and economic aspects. It highlights the complexities of understanding sexuality due to cultural values and norms, emphasizing its importance for individual well-being and public health.
- 6.3: Stigma
- This page discusses how cultural and structural norms, such as homophobia, adversely affect individuals' sexuality. It highlights that various personal and relational factors influence sexual health, with overall health being the most significant predictor of sexual satisfaction.
- 6.4: Sexual Dysfunction
- This page discusses sexual dysfunction as a major public health concern affecting well-being. The National Health and Social Life Survey indicates that women face higher rates of dysfunction, particularly a lack of desire, while men predominantly struggle with premature ejaculation. Although sexual problems increase with age, the personal distress associated with these issues decreases over time.
- 6.5: Sexual Frequency
- This page discusses the importance of sexual frequency in relationship satisfaction, identifying it as the main predictor of sexual contentment. It notes that while sexual satisfaction tends to decrease with age, the decline in frequency is more significant. Women generally report lower satisfaction levels, but their satisfaction remains stable over time, contrasting with men's, which can fluctuate with age.
- 6.6: Sex and Health
- This page discusses the impact of health on sexual satisfaction, revealing that over half of individuals in very good health report satisfaction. However, it highlights a troubling trend among older Americans, where many engage in unsafe sexual practices, with only 20% of sexually active singles using condoms consistently. Additionally, a significant number are dating multiple partners, raising concerns about sexual health in this age group.
- 6.7: Sexual Happiness
- This page discusses the sexual happiness of older Americans, emphasizing its connection to steady partnerships, frequency of intercourse, health, stress, and finances. It highlights behavioral differences between older men and women, noting men generally have more sexual activity and higher quality-of-life ratings. Men report more frequent orgasms, but this decreases with age, and they are more likely to admit to sexual activity outside their relationships compared to women.
- 6.8: Sexual Bias and Misconceptions
- This page highlights the diversity within the LGBT community and emphasizes the need for inclusive health initiatives that consider their unique perspectives and needs. It underscores the importance of culturally competent medical care and prevention services, as LGBT individuals face greater health risks due to both behavioral factors and social inequities, including stigma and discrimination. Addressing these disparities is vital for improving public health outcomes.
- 6.9: Reproductive Health
- This page covers the significance of reproductive health for both sexes, affecting fertility and relationships, and highlights factors like age and lifestyle. It addresses unplanned pregnancies and related challenges, emphasizing prenatal care and self-support. Contraceptive options are discussed, including hormonal and barrier methods, and the necessity of consulting healthcare providers.
Thumbnail: A male and a female holding hands. (C BY-SA 2.0; April Killingsworth).