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,
communication, and love.
The document went on to cite Mace, Bannerman, and Burton (1974)
who described sexual health as containing three basic elements:
(a) capacity to enjoy and control sexual and reproductive
behavior in accordance with a social and personal ethic; (b)
freedom from fear, shame, guilt, false beliefs, and other
psychological factors inhibiting sexual response and impairing
sexual relationship; and (c) freedom from organic disorders,
diseases, and deficiencies that interfere with sexual and
reproductive function. In spite of difficulties at arriving at
this definition, this definition has endured and has been used
throughout this last quarter century.
Sexuality is an integral part of the personality of everyone:
man, womanand child. It is a basic need and an aspect of being
human that cannot beseparated from other aspects of human life.
Sexuality is not synonymouswith sexual intercourse, it is not
about whether we have orgasms or not, and it is not the sum
total of our erotic lives These may be part of oursexuality, but
equally they may not. Sexuality is so much more: it is in the
energy that motivates us to find love, contact, feel warmth, and
intimacy it is expressed in the way we feel, move, touch and are
touched; it is about being sensual as well as sexual Sexuality
influences thoughts, feelings, actions and interactions and
thereby our mental and physical health.
Teenage sexual activity has significant consequences: sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, social and economic
disruption, and legal implications. Of the 15 million new cases
of STDs that occur each year in the United States, 10 million
occur in people aged 15 to 24. (1) Each year, over 400,000
infants are born to teenagers; more than 146,000 are born to
those 17 years of age or younger. (2) In 2000, 18% of reported
abortions in the United States were performed on teenagers.
The majority of studies on sex and aging confirm that most
individuals in later life retain sexual interest and ability.
Results of earlier studies indicate that many men and women
remain sexually active well into their 70s.
Although sexual activity is potentially life-long, often
medications, illnesses, partner availability, and relationship
problems, more than age-related changes in sexual
responsiveness, can be responsible for discontinuation of sexual
activity. Clinicians can help older patients adapt to these
changes and maintain maximal sexual health. With intact health,
aging patients' sexual functioning can be preserved until the
end of life.
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