Sexual Health Issues - Example

Sexual health Name Subject Instructor Institution Date Sexual health Introduction General sexual well-being is crucial and enhances responsible, secure and fulfilling sexual lives. These may entail, eroticism, emotions, gender as well as, reproduction. Inherently, sexual health demands an approach to sexuality which is positive and a comprehensive awareness of multifaceted factors which contribute towards shaping of the human sexual behavior. These factors act as determinants of reproductive sexual health and behaviors. (French, 2009) overtly describe this is as a result of vulnerability of human beings to sexual and, reproductive ill-health. Managers of health programmes, policy makers and care takers should comprehend and encourage responsible sexuality for the endorsement sexually healthy societies. Dramatic changes in the people’s perspective of human sexuality and, the sexual behaviors have been experienced in the past three decades. This paper elucidates the sexual diseases that are associated with human sexuality. For instance, the endemic of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) has contributed greatly towards mobilization of people towards accountability as far as sexuality is concerned. Consequently, research by (Gifford &. Temple, 2005) has shown that, the sexual rights of both genders have to be respected. STIs, unsolicited pregnancies, precarious abortion, infertility as well as sexual dysfunction have been thoroughly documented and emphasized in studies both locally and internationally. Apart from recognition of these problems, tremendous advances have been made in equipping people with information and knowledge on sexual function and behaviors. This does not only warn on irresponsible sexual behaviors, but it expresses relationship of related effects on mental health and maturation. These have also seen advances in contraceptives technology, sexual dysfunction medication and other holistic approaches in family planning methods that redefine approaches towards sexuality. Sexual health is defined to be part of reproductive health programmes by Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in 1994. Apparently, statements on sexual health are drawn from a World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Report of 1975 (1) as noted by (Tomso, 2009), which explained sexual health concept as incredibly “enriching” and it “enhances personality, communication and love”, it further gives out statement on concept or rights to information on sexuality and pleasure. (WHO) collaborated with World Association for Sexology (WAS) in an effort to indicate on global sexual health and, ways of providing direction to health personnel on the proper ways to conduct and address sexual health amongst individuals. In 1975 there was advancement in review process of key terminology, evidence and resulted in convening a great group of some experts around the world to confer on global sexual health as noted by (Anderson & Robert, 2008). Guaranteeing treatment to infected sexual partners has been the central key in prevention and control of STDs. A number of strategies have been put in place so as to enhance clinical assessment and, treatment of infected partners. This is evident in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Program Operations Guidelines. Success in prevention of STDs has been assessed through analysis of process indicators like the total number of partners elicited and those brought for treatment. Guide to STDs Some STDs like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) are not transmitted through sexual intercourse but may be exacerbated through sex. It frequently occurs in women who are sexually active. It results due to vaginal bacterial imbalance, alkalinity of semen and use of intrauterine devices. Delayed treatment affects the fallopian tubes and instigates somber infections. As stated by (Tomso, 2009), some like Balanitis affect men only and causes inflammation of penis head, very common in uncircumcised men. It may result due to poor hygiene and irritation from use of condoms and spermicides. Some effects of STDs like Chlamydia, happens vey later. Symptoms may present themselves in swollen and excruciating testicles and scrotum. STDs are caused by bacteria; Chancroid (Haemophilus ducreyi) and Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), fungi; Candidiasis (yeast infection), parasites; Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) , protozoa; Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis) or by virus like herpes; Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B virus) as stipulated by (Espejo, 2011). Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or venereal diseases (VDs). The significant probability of transmission between people is through sexual contact; vaginal intercourse, anal or oral sex. The proposal for use of sexual transmitted infections rather than just diseases is because; an infected person may potentially infect others, without necessary having the disease as noted (Holmes, 2008). It has been reported that, some STIs are transmitted through IV drug needles , child birth or breast feeding. Biological factors towards the spread of STDs STDs are asymptomatic in nature and the time lag between the time of infections and symptoms elevates further proliferation of the virus. Studies carried out by (Lippe, & Shari, 2008) shows that women, especially those that are young, are highly susceptible to STDs than men. This is due to cervical ectopy common during adolescent stages because of the immature cervix whose cells are susceptible to STDs, for instance, effects of cervical cancer may be detected very late after infection as a result of ectopic pregnancy. This has also been due to complexity of the anatomy of human reproductive track Research show that people under-estimate the risks and forego preventive measures. Furthermore, dually infected people have a high likelihood of transmitting both the HIV virus and the other STD during sexual intercourse. Conversely, effectual detection and treatment of STD will lessen spread of HIV at both individual and community level. Studies reveal that symptomatic STDs’ treatment results to diminution to heterosexually transmitted infections. Social factors associated with spread of STDs Stigma associated with STDs interferes with any effort made towards the establishment of new social norms and barriers to health care hinder early detection and treatment. Many people are secretive. Candidness about sex lacks even in intimate relationships. Behavioral change counseling has not been effective to the letter. According to (Sparling, 2010), a greater percentage of those with STDs have limited access to health care services. STDs disparately affect disenfranchised persons and those in social networks, who are exposed to vulnerable to sexual behaviors and their access to health care is limited. According to Couture & Neth, (2010), the transmission of STD from man to woman is faster than it is from woman to man. The increased susceptibility is due to delays in diagnosis and seeking of medical help. In pregnant women, if not treated, STDs cause spontaneous miscarriage, stillbirth or cause premature rupturing of the membranes. For various reasons; behavioral, social or biological, STDs disproportionately affect adolescents. Studies show that teenagers, 15 to 19 years old, are the most affected by chlamydia and gonorrhea. The high rates are due to increased sexual intercourse with sexual network partners. Sex at early age is discouraged because of immature cells that are vulnerable to infections. Minority races and some ethnic groups are at a higher risk of STDs than others. Poverty limits access to health care facilities and drug and substance abuse is very common among them. Diagnosis Studies show that not all STIs have symptoms, and for those with symptoms, they are not detectable immediately after infection. A person who is sexually active is usually at a greater risk of STDs some of the symptoms include genital pains, difficulty in urination as well as swelling and inflammation of the genitals. According to (Tepper & Annette, 2007), it is advisable that, individuals who are in a sexual relationship and have been diagnosed with STDs, does not necessarily reflect unfaithfulness. Some of the symptoms can take sometime after infection. In some cases, a disease may be with no any indications. This increases the risk of transmitting the disease to other people unaware. Occasionally, infertility, chronic pain and sometimes death if not treated. Early detection reduces chances of infecting others and also helps improve on treatment. A window period; a fleeting period after initial infection, any STI test shows negative results, though the infection can be transmitted. Depending on the infection and the test, the duration of window period may vary. Reluctance to seek medical help by the infected person may delay diagnosis. Some reports show that many afflicted people seek help on internet for information on STD rather than seek assistance from a medical professional. Some of estimates by WHO reveal that over one million people are infected daily, of which about 60% of the infections transpire within young people; less than 25 years of age, about 30% of those infected were less than 20 years, with higher number of girls than boys being infected. Prevention Prevention plays a critical role incurring STIs. Invention of the modern medicine has seen the cure for sexually transmitted diseases. In 1746, the first hospital for venereal diseases was founded in London. In second half of 19th century, there was use of Contagious Diseases Act that arrested prostitutes’ suspects. The first treatment for sexually transmitted diseases was salvarsan; used to treat syphilis. Antibiotics’ discovery for treatment of STIs and campaigns against STIs impacted positively toward reduction of risks as noted by (Sparling, 2010). STI clinics played a critical role in tracing the infected sexual partners after which they are tested. 1980 saw the introduction of first genital herpes and thereafter AIDS transpired into peoples’ consciousness as untreatable. It has an extensive asymptomatic period where the virus replicates and can be transmitted to other people, eventually, death may result if not treated in time. Contact tracing continues to be an important measure, even when diseases are incurable, as it helps to contain infection. To minimize on STDs, protected sex is advocated for and regular testing recommended, especially if one have many partners. Use of dental dams is proposed for oral sex, sex toys should be cleaned after use, ensure you clean your hands thoroughly after sex and improve the genital hygiene as noted by (Mezzich & Serrano, 2006). Sexual health clinics have advocated for the use of condoms, even to the community level. It is proposed that evasion of body contacts and especially fluids with an infected person, as well as other activities like cybersex, phonesex and masturbation will reduce the risks. Despite of condoms reducing the risks, some diseases have been described to be transmitted even when a condom is used. Moreover, the testing for both partners is vital before initiation of any sexual act, and enough time allowed for analysis of the virus. This is because; there are particular viruses like HPV that are not detectable since testing of some viruses like HPV in the current medical modus operandi (Naff, 2009). Some of diseases create permanent infections which may occupy immune system and reduces immunity, hence facilitating attack by other diseases. There are vaccines which protect against certain STI virus like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and some HPV types. Vaccination before initiating any sexual contact is crucial and guarantees maximal protection. On the other hand, Evidence Partner management on patient referral has played a major role in assuring partner diagnosis and treatment for STDs apart from syphilis. The success for the treatment has been hampered by limited finances and health personnel. Studies by (Gabehart, 2007) authenticate frequent care for gonorrhea and chlamydial patients. All of these studies have greatly contributed to the CDC decisions aimed at funding randomized controlled trials (RCTs) whose design is meant to compare EPT with the standard approach in partner management for both men and women suffering from with gonorrhea or trichomoniasis; and to evaluate behavioral determinants of treatment and the re-infection. Impacts of Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) STDs tremendously affect individual and community at large. As noted by (Haerens, 2006), sexual behavior is a clandestine activity whose perception depends on social, cultural, religious beliefs as well as legal norms and constraints. The behavioral risk factors are related to exposure to STD. They may cause infertility; it can affect a new-born child and enhance transmission of other diseases like AIDS. According to (Lindberg, et al., 2006), infected women develop complications during pregnancy, child birth and sometimes may cause miscarriage. The new-born may have serious eye infections, trachoma/ blindness, or pneumonia. However, a child surviving birth from an infected person may have problems with their brain, heart or even bones. Cesarean is recommended for infected mother to avoid contact of infection between the child and the mother during delivery. Withdrawal effects are common with the infected persons who perceive it as an embarrassment. The effects of sexually transmitted diseases are not only to the parties involved but indirectly or directly, the community is affected. Treatment is expensive and exposes people to financial constraints. Conclusion Sexual health poses a critical concern in the health policies that a given nation has to put across. The development of the theoretical inquiry, anthropological research and the development of the epidemiological surveillance have led to the transcending on aspects of human sexuality. From the studies carried out, it is clear that many people regard any infections related to sexuality as embarrassment. This raises great concern in the health care unit, where mobilization and documentation of sexual health related issues have been implemented in the fight against STDs. Education regarding STDs is recommended at both family level and in institutions. Awareness for STDs should be created among the general population. The consequences resulting from STDs are fatal and when not treated may lead to disabilities and eventual death. People infected are entitled to be responsible sexually. Regular health check and early detection necessitates in-time treatment. Though the outcomes of infections by STDs are grave, vaccines and antibiotics have been invented, thus facilitating treatment. Other preventive measures has been recommended, for instance use of condoms. Nonetheless, the overall and effectual means of maintaining reproductive sexual health is by total abstinence from all the infections. References Anderson, M. & Robert, M. (2008). Infectious diseases of humans: Dynamics and control. Oxford: Oxford UP. Couture, M. & Neth, S. (2010). "Young women engaged in sex work in phnom penh, Cambodia, have high incidence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Use: New challenges to HIV prevention and risk." Sexually transmitted Diseases.pp.136-1441. Espejo, R. (2011). Sexually transmitted diseases. Detroit [Mich.: Greenhaven. French, K. (2009). Sexual health. Chichester, U.K.: Blackwell Pub. Gabehart, C. (2007). Youth risk behavior Surveillance: Selected Steps Communities, United States, 2007, and youth risk behavior Surveillance, Pacific Islands United States Territories, 2007. Atlanta: Dept. of health and human services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gifford, M. &. Temple, S. (2005). Sexual health: An Australian perspective. Melbourne: IP Communications. Haerens, M. (2006). Sexually transmitted diseases. Detroit: Greenhaven. Holmes, K. (2008). Sexually transmitted diseases. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. Lindberg, D. John, S., & Susheela, S. (2006). "Changes in Formal Sex Education: 1995–2002." Perspectives on sexual and reproductive health. Vol.38 (4), pp. 182-89. Lippe, J. & Shari, S. (2008). Youth risk behavior surveillance: Selected steps communities, 2007 ; and: Youth risk behavior surveillance : Pacific Island United States Territories, 2007. Atlanta, GA: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mezzich, E. & Serrano ,H. (2006). Psychiatry and sexual health: An integrative approach. Lanham: Jason Aronson. Naff, F. (2009). Sexually transmitted diseases. Detroit [Mich.: Gale Cengage Learning. Sparling, F. (2010). "Diagnosis of Neurosyphilis: New Tools." Sexually transmitted diseases Tepper, M. & Annette, O. (2007) Sexual Health. Westport, CT: Praeger. Tomso, G. (2009). "Risky Subjects: Public health, personal narrative, and the stakes of qualitative research." Sexualities Vol.12 (1), pp. 61-78. Read More