Role of Sexual Health in Human Life

Importance of Sexual Health in Human Life

 

What is sexual health?

Sexual health is an important aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, most of the people don’t pay their attention to sexual health. They think that sexual health only relates to enjoyment which is achieved during intercourse. They don’t discuss about   physical, emotional and psychological aspects of sexual health. 

Definition of Sexual Health

It is important to know what is sexual health? There are many studies which define sexual health in various ways, but only some important definitions are mentioned here for the understanding the boundaries and role of sexual health in our lives.

•         According to WHO (World Health Organization) sexual health is the integration of the somatic, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are positively enriching and that enhance personality.[1]
•      Surgeon General David Satcher defines sexual health more comprehensive term. He says “sexuality is an integral part of human life. . . . Sexual health is inextricably bound to both physical and mental health. . . . Sexual health is not limited to the absence of disease or dysfunction, nor is its importance confined to just the reproductive years. It includes the ability to understand and weigh the risks, responsibilities, outcomes and impacts of sexual actions and to practice abstinence when appropriate. It includes freedom from sexual abuse and discrimination and the ability of individuals to integrate their sexuality into their lives, derive pleasure from it, and to reproduce if they so choose”. [2]
• ·         WHO revised the definition of Sexual Health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.”(WHO, 2006,P.5)

 Finally, it is recognized that sexual health  is not limited to the prevent of sexual diseases, dysfunction but it is a multidimensional term which includes integration of Psychological, physical, societal, behavior, cultural, economical,   educational, and spiritual dimensions. It is our basic responsibly to learn and understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of sexual behavior. It should be kept in mind that men’s whole life depends on it.  

Effects of Sexual problem on human life

Sexual problems can negatively effects on social, psychological, and physical survival of human being.[3] It is important to understand that sexual health problems can effect on relationship discord and overall health of men and women such as:

•          Male and Female Dysfunction
  ·         Low sexual desire
  ·         Erectile problems
  ·         Anxiety
  ·         Depression
  ·         Relationship discord
  ·         Sleep disorder
  ·         Low confidence level
  ·         Eating Disorders
  ·         Infertility
•     Low Physical performance

Benefits of sexual health

Studies suggest that sexual health promote many mental, relational and physical benefits of our lives.[7]  Some important benefits of maintaining of sexual health are:

•         Mental and physical Well- being
•          Sexual satisfaction
•          Emotional satisfaction
•          Quality relationship between partner
•             Increase relationship satisfaction     
•          Good sleep order
•          Healthy and happy life
•          Increase fertility
•          High confidence level 
•          Control blood 
•          Control blood pressure

Best ways to Deal with sexual Problems

  There are some important suggestions and tips that help to know perfect ways to deal with sexual problem. They may play an important role to overcome sexual problems easily. 

Counseling with Partner

Unfortunately many men and women feel hesitation to discuss their sexual  problems with their partner. They assume that their health condition may have bad  affect on their status and self-esteem. But it has proved that most of the partner show their sport and help to dealing with sexual problems.

Selection of Perfect Doctor

Another problem is about selection of the specialist doctor. Qualified professional doctor play a key role to diagnose and find out best solution of sexual problems.

Open up Sexual Problem with Doctor

The other big barrier of diagnose and treatment of sexual Problem, is hesitation to open up the sexual problem with doctor. Patient must be discussing all his sexual condition with doctor for diagnosing and finding out the best solution of his problem.

Psychological Approach

 Self-esteem and psychological issues strongly relate with sexual health. It is reported to remember that sexual problems may be associated with loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, depression and anxiety.[8]

 Psychological and mental issues can affect on dysfunctions and sexual disorders in both men and women. Ii is necessary to addressed these psychological issues before medical treatment begin to start.  

When we think about our health, we often concentrate and think about our heart problems, physical issues and injury prevention. Unfortunately we don’t think about our sexual health.   In fact, sexual health is a primarily important part of every human being and it relates to every individual health-related issue. 

 However, positive sign is that sexual health and reproductive program have become more open subjects in modern society today.  It is necessary to get the help of professional or reproductive health clinic to resolve the sexual problem issues.

 

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[1]  WHO, 1975, The role Human Sexuality in Health Programs section, ara.1.

[2]  The Surgeon General’s call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior, Publisher: Office of the Surgeon General, 2001 . Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Human Sexuality by William J. Taverner, , p 4,  McGraw-Hill Education, 2005.

[3] surveyJ Epidemiol Community .Health 1999;53:144–148. 

[4] Petrie WM. Sexual effects of antidepressants and psychomotor stimulant drugs. Mod Probl Pharmacopsychiatry 1980;15:77–90.

[5] Ernst C, Foldenyi M, Angst J. The Zurich Study: XXI. Sexual dysfunctions and disturbances in young adults.  Data of a longitudinal epidemiological study. Eur Arch Psychiatry  Clin Neurosci 1993;243:179– .

[6] Sexuality: Sexual Health And Ageingm, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), Dec 1, 2004 – open university press, London.

[7] Sexuality Counseling: Theory, Research, and Practice, Christine Murray, Amber Pope, Ben Willis, Jan 13, 2016, SAGE Publications. 

[8] Achieving Health, Pleasure and Respect Sydney April 15-19, 2007, of the 1st World Congress for Sexual Health.