Section: Module 9: Sexuality and Health | Lifestyle Medicine | NextGenU.org

  • This module addresses sexuality as an integral component of health and well-being across the lifespan, emphasizing the relational dimensions of sexual health. It covers the bidirectional relationships between sexuality and overall health, communication about sexual concerns, and management of common sexual health issues, recognizing that healthy sexuality encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social dimensions fundamentally connected to relationship quality and social connectedness.

    Sexual health working definition: “... 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.”  The World Health Organization (2006)

    Instructional Goals covered in this module: 
    • Sexuality and Health

    Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 6 hours and 44 minutes.

      • Sexuality and health

      Patients may have difficulty talking to their physician about sexuality and sexual health for many reasons. Sexual problems can greatly impact a person’s life, influencing both physical and psychological well-being. The causes for sexual dysfunction are numerous; they include various medical conditions and treatments, and can happen at any stage of life. Your responsibility as a physician is to create a trustworthy and secure environment where delicate subjects can be discussed during the medical visit.

      In this module, you will learn about sexuality-related health issues and how to talk to your patients about these issues.

      Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

      • Understand what is meant by the term ‘healthy sexuality’, and the relationship between sexuality and health
      • Understand the role and the limitations of the physician in counseling and treating in the field of sexuality
    • Required Learning Resources
    • NOTE: Each lesson includes a corresponding Lesson Summary (LS) as part of the required learning materials. Please review each LS carefully, as it will help you become familiar with the course content and reinforce key concepts.

    • Supplementary Learning Resources (Not Required)
    • In this document, we summarized key topics of the module to help you study. Please note that these notes do not cover all of the material in its entirety; you are still encouraged to read and study all of the required learning resources.

    • Here are specialized flashcards designed to reinforce and test your knowledge throughout this course.

    • Module 9: Lesson 1: Relationship Between Sexuality and Health
       
      Student Learning Objectives:

      Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

      • Understand what is meant by the term ‘healthy sexuality ’ and the relationship between sexuality and health.
       
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • The lesson summaries provide a detailed overview of the key concepts and information covered in the external resources. However, learners are encouraged to explore the linked materials for a deeper understanding and more comprehensive analysis of the topics.

    • Read the web page. (7 minutes)

      World Health Organization (WHO) - 2025

    • Read the guidelines. (25 minutes)

      The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) - 2023

    • Read the web page. (15 minutes)

      Agile Telehealth

    • Read the entire content: Definition, Categories, In males, In females, Contacting a doctor, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. (20 minutes)

      Mediocal News Today - Healthline Media - 2024

    • Recommended Additional Readings
    • Read the web page. (12 minutes)

      National Institutes of Health - 2022

    • Module 9: Lesson 2: Counseling Patients with Sexuality Issues
       
      Student Learning Objectives:

      Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

      • Understand the role and the limitations of the physician in counseling and treating in the field of sexuality.
       
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • The lesson summaries provide a detailed overview of the key concepts and information covered in the external resources. However, learners are encouraged to explore the linked materials for a deeper understanding and more comprehensive analysis of the topics.

    • Read the web page. (7 minutes)

      Association of Reproductive Health Professionals - 2022

    • Read the web page. (10 minutes)

      Association of Reproductive Health Professionals - 2022

    • Module 9: Activities and Quiz Evaluation
    • As a health professional, you'll encounter patients with diverse sexuality concerns. This activity explores how to balance personal values with professional responsibilities.

      Instructions

      Part 1: Values Reflection

      Write a brief reflection (1 paragraph) on:

      • Your understanding of "healthy sexuality" compared to the WHO definition

      • How your personal values might influence your professional approach to sexuality discussions

      Part 2: Clinical Scenario

      Create a fictional clinical scenario where a patient presents with a sexuality concern that might challenge your personal comfort zone. Your scenario should include:

      • Patient demographics (age, gender, relationship status)

      • Chief complaint related to sexuality (be specific but appropriate)

      • Relevant medical and psychosocial history

      • How the patient presents their concern (reluctant, matter-of-fact, distressed)

      Part 3: Professional Response

      Analyze your approach to this patient by addressing:

      • What falls within your scope of practice versus when to refer

      • How you would maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate care

      • Specific communication techniques you would use

      Part 4: Development Plan

      Identify:

      • One knowledge gap regarding sexuality and health

      • One communication skill you need to develop

      • How you'll recognize when a concern exceeds your professional boundaries

      Your complete response should demonstrate critical thinking about the complex relationship between personal values and professional responsibilities when addressing sexuality in healthcare settings.

      Reflective Assignment:

      Professional Values and Sexual Health Practice Integration

      Submit

      Submit your completed reflective analysis through the course learning management system. Your submission should include your values reflection, clinical scenario, professional response analysis, and development plan. Ensure all references follow 7th Edition APA formatting.

    • quiz icon
      Quiz: Module 9

      To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the attempt quiz button to view the case studies and respond to the questions.

      TO PASS THIS QUIZ YOU MUST OBTAIN A SCORE OF 80%.


      Not available unless: The activity Quiz: Module 8 is marked complete