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Sexuality. Foundations 105/320 Collings 2012. Video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw6UetyUuD0. Definitions.
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Sexuality Foundations 105/320 Collings 2012
Video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw6UetyUuD0
Definitions • 1. Sexuality: a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. • 2. Sexual health: a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. • 3. Sexual dysfunction: impairment in normal sexual functioning. Arena, J. & Wallace, M.(2008) SEXUALITY ISSUES IN AGING. Nursing Standard of Practice Protocol: Sexuality in Older Adults. Evidence-Based Geriatric Nursing Protocols for Best Practice (3rded), New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.
Basic Concepts • People develop sexual identity, gender identity early • People remain sexual throughout life • Healthy sexuality involves warmth, tenderness, and love, not just genital contact • ASK about questions, concerns re sexuality Just because you don’t want to think about it, it doesn’t make it less real!
Issues • Barriers [Especially in institutional settings] • lack of privacy, rules, transportation • HCP lack knowledge/comfort about discussing subject • Medical conditions • Medications • Antidepressants, Antihypertensives • Normal aging changes • decrease ability, enjoyment
Health Concerns • medical conditions associated with poor sexual health and functioning and/or that make sexuality difficult • cardiac disease • stroke and aphasia • Parkinson's disease • Diabetes • BPH • dental problems • SCI • Any pain, fatigue, or mobility – causing condition
Assessment • Assess medical history for conditions that impact sexuality, sexual health, ROS, physical • physiological changes • Medications • Assess status of sexual health; problems/concerns: • Ask open-ended questions such as "Can you tell me how you express your sexuality", "What concerns you about your sexuality?" and "How has your sexuality changed as you have aged?"
Interventions • Communication and Education • Common effects of disease, age, meds • Safe sex practices • Communication with/among family, if needed • Effectively manage chronic illnesses • Improve glucose monitoring and control among diabetics • Ensure appropriate treatment of depression and screening for depression • Suggest substitute medications that may result in sexual dysfunction • Frequently reassess patients for changes in sexual health
Facility Policies • Include sexual health questions on intake and reassessment measures • Provide education on the ongoing sexual needs of patients and appropriate interventions to manage these needs with dignity and respect • Provide needed privacy for individuals to maintain intimacy and sexual health (e.g., in long-term care)
Consent • Participation in sexual relationships may be considered abusive if an older adult is not capable of making decisions • Accurately assess and document older adults' ability to make informed decisions
Enhancing Sexual Health • Compensate for normal changes of aging • Females: • Use of artificial water-based lubricants • Treatment of FSAD with sildenafil citrate (Viagra). • Use of centrally acting serotonin agonists and vasodilating creams. - Males: • Recognizing the possibility for more time and direct stimulation for arousal due to aging changes • Use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction.18 • Environmental Adaptations • Ensure privacy and safety among long-term-care and community-dwelling residents.
Goals/Outcomes • Pt. will: • Report high quality of life as measured by a standardized quality of life assessment • Report being provided with privacy, dignity, and respect surrounding their sexuality • Report pursuing sexual health free of pathological and problematic sexual behaviors • Verbalize understanding of education regarding sexual health
Sexuality Assessment – older adults • http://consultgerirn.org/resources/media/?vid_id=4852486#player_container
SCI and sexuality • Women: • Sixty-nine percent of surveyed [post-SCI]women were satisfied with their post injury sexual experiences, although self confidence, spasticity, and lack of spontaneity were issuesParaplegia (1992) 30, 192–199; doi:10.1038/sc.1992.54 • Men: • Normally, men have two types of erections. • Psychogenic erections result from prurient sights or thoughts and depend on the level and extent of paralysis. Men with complete paralysis usually do not have psychogenic erections. • A reflex erection occurs involuntarily by direct contact with the penis or other erogenous zones (ears, nipples, neck). Most paralyzed men are able to have a reflex erection unless nerves in the sacral spinal cord (S2-S4) are damaged.http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.4453431/k.A0C5/Sexuality_for_Men.htm
Questions? Comments? Thoughts?