NURSING & SEXUAL HEALTH OF YOUNG MEN

Nursing & Sexual Health of Young Men

Nursing & Sexual Health of Young Men

Introduction

Men's reproductive and sexual health medical care traditionally addressed pathophysiological matters such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), developmental anomalies, malignancy, trauma, and infertility. However, a broader definition of men's reproductive and sexual health has been used in the United Kingdom for more than 3 decades, arising from the recognition since the 1970s that reproduction and sexuality are central to self-identity.

Both reproduction and sexual expression occur in and are defined by a man's social context. In adulthood, these are typically dyadic functions (that is, they involve two individuals). Correspondingly, the broader definition of men's reproductive and sexual health includes psychosocial as well as medical considerations. It considers sexual function and dysfunction (which may have both physiological and psychological components), contraception, disease prophylaxis, developmental and lifecycle issues, lifestyle issues with reproductive and sexual implications (eg, tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use), sexual identity and orientation, and a variety of psychosocial topics related to being in partnership, in addition to pathophysiological conditions.(Forrest, 2004)

Although the terms reproductive and sexual carry implicit messages about social relationships and uses of parts of a person's body, men's reproductive and sexual health is a term that applies to all male humans, not only to those who reproduce or express their sexuality. A man or boy who is not in a sexual relationship, or one who does not have the desire or ability to reproduce, nevertheless may have health needs that are similar to those of other males. Health-related behaviours are influenced by peer groups and social networks through which cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity are played out.(Dole, 2004: 47)men's reproductive and sexual health issues touched upon by Schofield et al and Sabo include sexual violence, number of sexual partners, STI risk behaviours, homophobia, attitudes toward condoms, sexual pleasure, and men's involvement in pregnancy and child care.

This broader definition of men's reproductive and sexual health is not simply a matter of semantics. nurses who are concerned with their male patients' wellness, not just their illnesses, need to be aware of the broader spectrum of social and psychological influences on men's reproductive and sexual health. They need to be alert for possible adverse or pathogenic influences, as well as resources for developing and maintaining a healthy life.

In the modern environment, men's reproductive and sexual health may serve as a conceptual framework for unifying medical care, AIDS and STI prevention, sexuality education, some aspects of sports medicine, rape and violence prevention, and personal counseling, as these apply to men. Providers caring for young men who are just developing adult patterns of sexual expression are in a unique position to facilitate the adoption of good health habits and attitudes.

Key Issues in Men's Sexual Health

For most young men in late adolescence, the physical aspect of sexual maturation is nearing completion, with the appearance of adult genital configuration and hair distribution. Cognitively, mid to late adolescence sees a maturation ...