Sexual health

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511545672.005

5 - Sexual health

from Part I - Health promotion

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 August 2009

Margaret R. H. Nusbaum

Edited by

Jo Ann Rosenfeld

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Margaret R. H. Nusbaum: Affiliation:
Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Jo Ann Rosenfeld: Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University

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Summary

Case: a 50 year-old woman presents for her wellness exam. She has no chronic illnesses or allergies, and she is on no medications. She is married, has five children, and has not worked outside of the home since she was married at age 22. Her review of systems is remarkable for tearfulness and occasional feelings of “nervousness.” The youngest, and last of her five children to leave home, leaves for college in ten days.

Importance

Sexuality and sexual health are some of the least scientifically studied areas of health and human interaction, and the sexual health of mid-life women is no exception.

Sexuality is much more then sexual behavior. Sexuality is an important part of one's health, quality of life, and general wellbeing. Sexuality is an integral part of the total person, affecting the way each individual – from birth to death – relates to herself, her sexual partner(s), and every other person. This time of life can and should be a tremendously positive time for women in regards to sexual health. How a woman successfully navigates sexual health risks depends on the complexity of how she defines herself and her sexuality in relationship to aging, menstruation, childbearing capability, success with overcoming challenges of her past, and the quality of intimate partnership(s). Risks to sexual health can include unplanned pregnancy, the physiologic changes of transition into and through menopause and with aging, the increased probability of chronic illness and its medical and surgical treatment, abuse in any form, and sexually transmitted infections.

Keywords

dihydroepiandrosterones human immunodeficiency virus menopause mid-life women sexually transmitted infections sexual health

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Women's Health in Mid-Life
A Primary Care Guide
, pp. 61 - 80

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511545672.005 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2004

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