Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Chapter 9 Sexuality

Slide 2 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  SEX AND SEXUALITY  Sex is the physical activities involving the reproductive organs.  Sexuality is the physical, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual factors that affect a person’s feelings and attitudes about his or her sex. Sexuality involves the personality and the body. Sexuality involves the personality and the body.  Sexuality is important throughout life. Attitudes and sex needs change with aging. Attitudes and sex needs change with aging.  They are affected by life events.

Slide 3 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS  A heterosexual is attracted to members of the other sex.  A homosexual is attracted to members of the same sex. Homosexual men are called gay men. Homosexual men are called gay men. Lesbian refers to a female homosexual. Lesbian refers to a female homosexual.  Bisexuals are attracted to both sexes.  Transvestites dress and behave like the other sex for emotional and sexual relief.  Transsexuals believe that they are members of the other sex.

Slide 4 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  Transgender is a broad term used to describe: Persons who express their sexuality or gender in other than the expected way Persons who express their sexuality or gender in other than the expected way Persons who are undergoing hormone therapy or surgery for sexual reassignment Persons who are undergoing hormone therapy or surgery for sexual reassignment

Slide 5 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  INJURY, ILLNESS, AND SURGERY  Injury, illness, and surgery can affect sexual function. Sexual ability may change. Sexual ability may change. Most chronic illnesses affect sexual function. Most chronic illnesses affect sexual function. Reproductive system surgeries have physical and mental effects. Reproductive system surgeries have physical and mental effects. Impotence (erectile dysfunction) can occur in men. Impotence (erectile dysfunction) can occur in men. Changes in sexual function greatly affect the person. Changes in sexual function greatly affect the person.

Slide 6 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  SEXUALITY AND OLDER PERSONS  Love, affection, and intimacy are needed throughout life.  Reproductive organs change with aging.  Frequency of sex decreases for many older persons.  Some older persons do not have intercourse.  Sexual partners are lost through death, divorce, and relationship break-ups.  A partner may need hospital or nursing center care.

Slide 7 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  MEETING SEXUAL NEEDS  The nursing team promotes the meeting of sexual needs.  Married couples in nursing centers can share the same room. They can share the same bed if their conditions permit. They can share the same bed if their conditions permit.  Single persons may develop relationships. They are allowed time together, not kept apart. They are allowed time together, not kept apart.

Slide 8 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  THE SEXUALLY AGGRESSIVE PERSON  Some persons want the health team to meet their sexual needs.  Behaviors can anger and embarrass the staff member. Understanding the reason for the person’s behavior helps you deal with the matter. Understanding the reason for the person’s behavior helps you deal with the matter.

Slide 9 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  Causes of sexually aggressive behaviors include: Nervous system disorders Nervous system disorders Confusion, disorientation, and dementia Confusion, disorientation, and dementia Drug side effects Drug side effects Fever Fever Poor vision Poor vision Changes in mental function Changes in mental function  Sometimes touch serves to gain attention.  Sometimes masturbation is a sexually aggressive behavior.  Touching genitals could signal a health problem, poor hygiene, or being wet or soiled.

Slide 10 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  Sometimes the purpose of touch is sexual. You must be professional about the matter. You must be professional about the matter. Ask the person not to touch you. Ask the person not to touch you. Tell the person that you will not do what he or she wants. Tell the person that you will not do what he or she wants. Tell the person what behaviors make you uncomfortable. Tell the person what behaviors make you uncomfortable. Allow privacy if the person is becoming aroused. Allow privacy if the person is becoming aroused. Discuss the matter with the nurse. Discuss the matter with the nurse.

Slide 11 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  The care plan has measures to deal with sexually aggressive behaviors.  Many centers have classes to help staff deal with such behavior.  Protecting the person The person must be protected from unwanted sexual comments and advances. The person must be protected from unwanted sexual comments and advances.

Slide 12 Copyright © 2007, 2003 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  QUALITY OF LIFE  Sexuality is part of the total person.  To meet the person’s sexual needs, follow the care plan.  Healthy, pleasurable sexual relationships and intimacy enhance the quality of life for people of all ages.