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10: Relationships, Sexuality, and Contraception

  • Page ID
    74229
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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this chapter you will be able to:

    • Compare signs of health and unhealthy relationships
    • Define the many types of loving relationships.
    • Employ effective communication techniques.
    • Describe the difference between sex, gender, and sexuality
    • Choose the best type of contraceptive method based on effectiveness against unintended pregnancy and STD transmission.

    How does social health impact overall health?

    What does it mean to love?

    How can I know whether my relationship is healthy or unhealthy?

    What can I do to be en effective communicator?

    What type of birth control is best for me?

    • 10.1: Relationships
      This page emphasizes the significance of social wellness and healthy relationships on overall health, showcasing that strong social ties can lower mortality risk. It explores Robert Sternberg's theories on love, highlighting intimacy, passion, commitment, and individual beliefs’ influence. Healthy dating relationships are marked by respect and effective communication, contrasting with negative behaviors like control and dishonesty.
    • 10.2: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality
      This page distinguishes between sex, as a biological concept, and gender, which includes social and cultural aspects. It discusses intersex individuals and the binary view of sex in Western culture, alongside definitions of gender identity, including cisgender and transgender. The content addresses cultural differences in gender expression, explores human sexuality, health disparities in LGBTQ+ populations, and examines the effects of discrimination and stigma on their health and well-being.
    • 10.3: Pregnancy
      This page explains pregnancy as the development of a fetus over approximately 40 weeks, starting with conception via fertilization of an egg. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle to identify fertile days, which encompass the five days before ovulation, the ovulation day, and the subsequent 12 to 24 hours. It also notes that variations in cycle length and instances of multiple ovulations can complicate the estimation of fertility.
    • 10.4: Contraception and Abortion
      This page covers the importance of passion in love alongside contraceptive education, detailing various methods, their effectiveness, and considerations for use. It discusses potential risks, the landmark Roe v. Wade case, and the impact of legalizing abortion on abortion-related deaths. Recent Supreme Court rulings on abortion rights are highlighted, raising concerns about health disparities due to changing state access.
    • 10.5: End-of-Chapter Material
      This page highlights the importance of social wellness and defines love using Sternberg's intimacy, passion, and commitment framework. It explores personal love narratives, distinguishes between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and promotes effective communication techniques. Additionally, it covers biological aspects of conception, contraceptive methods, and the topic of abortion.


    This page titled 10: Relationships, Sexuality, and Contraception is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kelly Falcone via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.