SEXUAL HEALTH ISSUES

Holistic Impact of Sexual Health



Holistic Impact of Sexual Health

Introduction

Sexuality is an integral and important aspect human life. Love, both in the form of emotionality and sexuality plays a role in building healthy relationships. These factors add to an individual's happiness and well-being. However, there are many diseases which can affect the ability to own and enjoy intimate relationships in the male and female genders. In this regard, infertility or the fear of unwanted pregnancy concerns also comes into play (Borzel 1998, 253-73). Additionally, there are numerous diseases and disorders that affect an individual's sexual health. These health disorders include sexually transmitted diseases and in genital cancer (Duncan, et al. 2001, 195-99). In males, prostate cancer and its consequent treatment can become a reason of erectile dysfunction. In females, cancers of cervix, vagina, ovaries or uterus may disturb the ability of maintaining a healthy sexual life. However, significant studies prove that sexuality and anything related to the process of sex is considered a taboo in day-to-day practice and in practice. Since sexuality is something which cannot be avoided and health issues related to it cannot be brushed under the carpet, the need to openly discuss issues related to sexuality is very important for the promotion of sexual health as well as sexual responsibility. After the issue received considerable attention, greater attention had been placed on sexual health.

However, challenges still remain there for the achievement of this goal. In a number of cases, the root cause of sexual dysfunction is still poorly understood, often with little treatment options available (Black 2004, 692-7).

For people, reluctance to discuss their sexual problems may be the biggest obstacle to achieving the vision of the World Health Organization, to promote sexual health and responsible sexual behavior.

What is meant by "sexual health?"

Sexual health implies to various factors that influence sexual function and reproduction. These factors integrate many emotional, physical as well as mental ones (Taylor 2006, 35-40). Disorders that affect any of these factors can impact a person's physical and emotional health, as well as his or her relationships and self-image. Sexual health is academically identified as a person's self concept, which is moulded by a person's beliefs, attitudes, and a person's sexual orientation expressed as being heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality and transsexual. Moreover, sexual health incorporates a person's physical, psychological, emotional, cultural and social well-being and the freedom and capacity of expressing and enjoying one's sexuality without being physically or emotionally exploited or expressed (RCN 2000, N.pg).

Issues affecting sexual health

The most common sexual health diseases which occur worldwide are disorders of the reproductive system, which also includes cancer, as aforementioned. Other problems include the problems of infertility; problems of gynaecology which includes pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome; UTI and other urinary system diseases; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); Sexual disorders, including loss of sexual desire, pain during intercourse and erectile dysfunction (ED); Social acceptability and concerns regarding normality and sexual lifestyles; birth control measures; and teenage sexual relationships(Adler 2003b, ...