Human Sexuality . Stages of Sexual Development

Sexual Development

• At birth: Gender assigned.  It is common for 18 month old to play with genitals.
• 3 years:  gender identification.  Kids explore and fondle.
• 4-5 year - normal to masturbate
• School age:  gender role behavior is learned.
• 6-12 identification with gender parent.  Both parents & kids have concerns & questions about sexuality and reproduction.
• Adolescence -- 12-13 primary and secondary sexual characteristics develop.
• 12-18 - info on body changes, odor, STD, masturbation normal & heavy.
• Young adulthood - 20 - 40 -- active sexually.  Info on prevention of PG, STD, & good communication
• Adulthood - 40 - 65 -- less hormone production, adjust to new roles, & reevaluate & direct energies -- look @ aspects of life
• Late adulthood - 65 + -- sexually active, counsel on adaptation

Factors That Influence Sexuality

• Culture - dress, rule of marriage, role behavior religious values - guidelines
• Personal ethic - unwritten code of conduct based upon ethical principles
• Health status/disease process.
• Problems That Interfere With Sexuality
   
  • Medication side effects: increase/decrease motivation
  • MI - anxiety, fear, depression, low libido
  • STD - results in fear of transmission = abstinence
  • Chronic pain - decreases sex motivation
  • Joint disease - R/T pain & stiffness
  • Surgery, - ostomies, breast prostatectomy
  • Spinal cord - may or may not effect
  • DBM = male- neurologic erectile dysfunction/ Female - no arousal, lubrication

Assessment of Sexuality

• Why is patient seeking health care -- screening allows RN and patient to identify problem areas.
• How does sexuality interact with client?
• Review psychosexual view of sexual self-concept

• Usually need a sexual history if:

  • PG
  • Infertility
  • Contraception
  • STD
  • Illness affects function
  • Experiencing sexual problems
• Techniques of Assessment of Sexuality
   
  • Self awareness, comfort with sexuality
  • Acceptance of other’s expression of sexuality
  • Preparing the patient
  • Preparing the environment - communication skills - caring - rapport - trust
  • Recognize the need of the client and family to have topic of sexuality introduced
  • Lead-in questions.
  • Sexual history

Areas included in teaching plan

• Self Breast Exam
• Self Testicular Exam
• Sexual Health Education
• Responsible Behavior
• Common Misconceptions
• Contraception
   
  • Abstinence
  • Coitus interuptus
  • Fertility awareness
  • Mechanical barriers
  • IUD
  • Hormonal
  • Surgical sterilization
  • Abortion
  • Nuvaring
• Using the Model
   
  • By using model, will be prepared to participate in assisting patient to understand how they may have their needs met
  • Prepares & gains trust with/through good communication, caring and knowledge about the problems the patient is facing
  • Encourages Patient to open up and discuss fears/feelings r/t their specific problem
• Sexual Harassment
   
  • Unsolicited and unprovoked mental or physical sexually-oriented advances or innuendo, especially between employers and employees. In many instances, compliance with a harasser’s wishes is a condition of continued employment or advancement.
  • Can you list examples of sexual harassment?
  • Can you think of techniques you may use to respond to sexual harassment?

 

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This service is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child's, please consult your family's health care provider immediately.