Understanding Sexual and Reproductive Health

• Sexual health and reproductive health are interconnected concepts.

Assessment and Evaluation

• The standard assessment includes a midterm exam, accounting for 30% of the final grade, and a final exam, accounting for 50%.
• The exams will consist of multiple-choice, true/false, and open-ended questions.
• Each exam will take approximately one hour to complete.
• Alternative assessment methods include two quiz exams, worth 5% each, along with one group homework assignment and a presentation, accounting for 15% of the grade.
• Students will participate in two quizzes during the course, with evaluations before the midterm and final exams.
• Quiz dates are determined by the instructor.
• Group homework requires student participation in preparation and presentation.
• Class attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to read lecture notes and contribute to the course.

Course Topics

• Week 1: Basic concepts related to sexuality.
• Week 2: Sexual and reproductive rights and legal regulations.
• Week 3: Overview of sex, gender, and their impact on health.
• Week 4: Exploration of sexual identity development through life stages.
• Week 5: Physiology of the sexual act and Sexual response.
• Week 6: Discussion surrounding sexual dysfunctions in women.
• Week 7: Discussion surrounding sexual dysfunctions in men.
• Week 8: Midterm exam.
• Week 9: Focus on assessment of sexual health.
• Week 10: Discussion surrounding the approach to sexual problems in the nursing process
• Week 11: Sexual violence, sexual abuse.
• Weeks 12 - 14: Group work and presentations.
• Weeks 15-16: Final exam.

Presentation Plan

• Definition of sexual and reproductive health.
• Importance of sexual and reproductive health.
• Different perspectives on sexuality and sexual rights.

Definition of Reproductive Health

• Defined as the absence of disease and disability related to the reproductive system.
• Includes the functions and functioning of the reproductive system, along with mental and social well-being.

Reproductive Health

• Refers to individuals having a satisfying and safe sex life.
• Includes the ability to reproduce, as well as the right to use this ability freely.
• Sexual health is considered an important part of an individual's personal health for all age groups.
• Sexuality is important for the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals, which leads to its discussion within the concept of reproductive health.

Sexual Health

• Sexuality encompasses sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, eroticism, love, and reproduction.
• Sexuality begins before birth and continues throughout life.
• Sexuality is shaped by ethical, cultural, and moral factors.
• Sexuality includes the body and the mind, shaped by attitudes, behaviors, and emotions.
• Aspects of sexuality include physical appearance, beliefs, personality, likes and dislikes, and socialization areas.
• Sexuality is influenced by social norms, culture, and religion.
• Involves giving and receiving pleasure and encompasses all of life.
• The combination of physical, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexuality contribute to personality, communication, and love.
• All individuals reserve the right to access sexual information and experience sexual intercourse for pleasure or reproduction.
• Sexual health provides emotional, intellectual, and social integrity and enhances personal growth, communication, and love.
• Sexuality includes procreation and satisfaction which can derive influence from ethical, cultural, and moral factors.
• Sexual health is not only concerned with the disease or health conditions of the genitals but also the physiological, psychological, and spiritual state of the individual.
• Focus should surround the absence of fear, shame, guilt, and false beliefs that negatively affect relationships and behaviors.
• Ability to be satisfied with reproductive and sexual behaviors aligning with social and personal ethics.
• Requires care and counseling for reproductive and sexually transmitted diseases and strengthening personal relationships.

Emergence of Sexual/Reproductive Health (SHRH)

• Issues related to reproduction for women were brought to the forefront.

• Focus on health problems related to fertility between the ages of 15-49, which is the fertile age.

• A specific focus should be applied to Maternal and child health and family planning

• Discussed within the Women's Health and Family Planning approach.

• Emphasizes the needs of the individual and combines concepts of Reproduction, Women's Health, and Family Planning.

• Concept of reproductive health is handled within the framework of the life cycle, including all life periods from the intrauterine period to old age.

• The concept of reproductive health was introduced at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994.

• There was agreement in the conditions that restricted the population's ability to protect and exercise their reproductive rights.

• The concept of reproductive health emphasizes individual needs and rights and is part of the world agenda as a reflection of gender equality.

• These aspects of sexual and reproductive health should reflect all stages of the lifecylce and focus on the individual, while not only considering them as mothers.

• The 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995 emphasized the concept of reproductive health and adopted "gender equality and development".

• In reference to the prior statement, empowerment, and development were prioritized.

• Recommendations were adopted related to issues that directly or indirectly affected women's sexual and reproductive health.

• Women's empowerment, social equity, and equality are key components.

• Includes the elimination of discrimination against the girl child.

• Ensuring reproductive health and reproductive rights.

• Providing safe maternity services that benefit the whole society.

• Preventing unhealthy miscarriages.

• Education to adolescents about sexual and reproductive health.

• Prevention of the spread of STDs and HIV.

• To increase the quality, use, and availability of support.

• Mobilization of resources for SH/RH development for young and rural populations,

Key Components

• Normal functioning of reproductive organs.
• Healthy and happy life.
• Ability to experience sexuality and fertility without coercion.
• Ability to have children.
• Ability to protect against sexually transmitted infections and receive treatment.

Scope of Sexual/Reproductive Health Services

• Information, education, and communication for responsible reproduction and parenting.
• Family planning services, communication, and counseling.
• Prenatal, healthy, and postpartum care.
• Prevention and treatment of genital infections.
• Prevention of STIs and fighting against AIDS.
• Prevention and treatment of infertility.
• Termination of unsafe abortions.
• Prevention and treatment of malignancies of reproductive organs.
• Nutrition
• Infant, child, and adolescent health.
• Regulation of environmental, social, cultural, and behavioral factors.

Different Perspectives on Sexuality

• Sexuality is a complex whole with biological, psychological, social, cultural, traditional, moral, religious, anthropological, political, and economic dimensions.
• A comprehensive approach to sexual health includes different perspectives.

Biological Perspective

• Sexuality is a basic instinct.
• Sexual functions are a biological process involving hormones, chemicals, the nervous system, the five senses, and genital organs.
• Diseases, drugs, and periodic situations like pregnancy and adolescence can affect sexuality.
• A healthy functioning body and an essential rule for a healthy and happy sex life.
• These aspects of sexuality are innate.

Psychological Perspective

• Examines the role of mental processes in sexuality.
• It is human psychology that determines how sexuality is to be experienced.
• Governed by the central and peripheral nervous system.
• Determines approaches to sexuality.
• Includes attitudes, personality traits, and emotions.

Sociocultural Perspective

• Emphasizes the influence of social and cultural factors on sexuality.
• Encompasses family, environment, traditions, and religious beliefs.
• The environment of the individual has an impact on sexuality.
• Causes of sexual dysfunction and related to conservative social traits could cause certain sexual responses.

General

• Three perspective of sexuality can impact an individual's relationships.

• Sexuality requires basic elements that can inform proper courses of treatment and care.

• Requires a basic understanding of determination, and not all forms of support can work for any situation.

• Sexual health can be impact to a variety of issues can can result in physical and mental harm.

• Standardization can allow for individuals to flourish with proper support and a holistic state.

• WHO programs: Sexual rights include freedom, dignity and equality.

• Sexual health is part of health requirements supported by communities with these rights.

• WHO pushes to ensure sexual health of societies while acknowledging their own approach.

• Sexual autonomy should be available.

Sexual Rights, According to WHO

• The right to sexual freedom.
• The right to sexual autonomy, integrity, and security of one's body.
• the rights to privacy, equality, and pleasure.
• The right to freedom of emotional expression.
• The rights to freely engage in sexual relationships.
• Comprehensive access to sexual information and education.
• Right to be given comprehensive health and sexual health, regardless of status.
• These rights can be taken out of the ability to be sexually abused.
• Acknowledging the important of proper sexuality.

Problems of Sexual/Reproductive Health

• Gender-based discrimination throughout life.
• Lack of adequate information in youth and adulthood.
• Entering a sexual relationship due to the environment of duress, or other causes.
• Transmission of STls via sexual interactions with other infected individuals.
• Child bearing without assistance from parental figure.
• Inability to benefit from health settings.

SH/RH Services

• Provision of information, education, and tests along the lifecycle.
• Safe motherhood training programs can allow for proper treatment with all steps.

Explore the integrated nature of human sexuality, which includes physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Discover the key elements defining positive sexual health beyond the absence of disease. Understand the evolution and relationship between sexual and reproductive health.