Human Sexuality
Introduction
Reproduction is only 1 component of sexuality
Human beings can be sexual (engage in sexual relationships and find sexual expression)
without reproducing
Women’s reproductive system: menstruation, ovulation and lactation will be experienced
Men’s reproductive system
Generation, maturation & ejaculation of spermatozoa is experienced
Factor affecting sexuality
Relationships
The quality of relationships can strongly influence the quality of the sexual experience
Love and trust are key factors
Cognition and perception
Psychological factors and emotional state greatly influence sexual response
Knowledge and misperceptions of sexuality also influence sexual functioning
Culture, values and beliefs
Cultural factors, values, morals, religious beliefs and personal values shape views on
contraception, abortion, sex and sex outside of marriage
Self-concept
A person comfortable with themselves as sexual beings are more likely to experience
pleasure and comfort with sexual relations
Previous experience (e.g. sexual abuse, abortion and unwanted pregnancy)
Experience and ideas influence current sexual functioning
Pregnancy: may affect one’s libido (sex drive)
Environment: affects sexual functioning (e.g. lack of privacy)
Altered human sexuality
Nurses play a key role by assessing alterations in sexuality, assisting in the prevention of
problems and helping patients to cope with existing problems
Sexual abuse
Some people manifest altered sexual functioning by being sexually abusive to others
Sexual abuse results in sexual problems for the abused and the abuser
Hypoactive sexual desire
Lack of hypoactive sexual desire is subjective
Medications, neurological problems/hormone imbalances, depression and
interpersonal difficulties can be contributing factors
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Inability to attain/maintain an erection long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience
Orgasmic dysfunction (the ability to have an orgasm varies)
Lack of information, lack of adequate stimulation or problems with an intimate
relationship can cause difficulty in attaining an orgasm
Genito pelvic pain: pain during intercourse
Pregnancy, infertility & abortion: sensitive assessment of in/voluntary abortion/miscarriage
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) e.g. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis
Transmission of infected body fluids through sexual acts
Provide health education to encourage safer sex
Introduction
Reproduction is only 1 component of sexuality
Human beings can be sexual (engage in sexual relationships and find sexual expression)
without reproducing
Women’s reproductive system: menstruation, ovulation and lactation will be experienced
Men’s reproductive system
Generation, maturation & ejaculation of spermatozoa is experienced
Factor affecting sexuality
Relationships
The quality of relationships can strongly influence the quality of the sexual experience
Love and trust are key factors
Cognition and perception
Psychological factors and emotional state greatly influence sexual response
Knowledge and misperceptions of sexuality also influence sexual functioning
Culture, values and beliefs
Cultural factors, values, morals, religious beliefs and personal values shape views on
contraception, abortion, sex and sex outside of marriage
Self-concept
A person comfortable with themselves as sexual beings are more likely to experience
pleasure and comfort with sexual relations
Previous experience (e.g. sexual abuse, abortion and unwanted pregnancy)
Experience and ideas influence current sexual functioning
Pregnancy: may affect one’s libido (sex drive)
Environment: affects sexual functioning (e.g. lack of privacy)
Altered human sexuality
Nurses play a key role by assessing alterations in sexuality, assisting in the prevention of
problems and helping patients to cope with existing problems
Sexual abuse
Some people manifest altered sexual functioning by being sexually abusive to others
Sexual abuse results in sexual problems for the abused and the abuser
Hypoactive sexual desire
Lack of hypoactive sexual desire is subjective
Medications, neurological problems/hormone imbalances, depression and
interpersonal difficulties can be contributing factors
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Inability to attain/maintain an erection long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience
Orgasmic dysfunction (the ability to have an orgasm varies)
Lack of information, lack of adequate stimulation or problems with an intimate
relationship can cause difficulty in attaining an orgasm
Genito pelvic pain: pain during intercourse
Pregnancy, infertility & abortion: sensitive assessment of in/voluntary abortion/miscarriage
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) e.g. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis
Transmission of infected body fluids through sexual acts
Provide health education to encourage safer sex
