Sexual Transmitted Diseases: Sex and the Older Adults
Introduction
Sexuality is an essential part of existence; which makes people sexual creatures from birth to death. The American Association of Retired People (AARP) predicted that by the year 2030 nearly 20% of America will be aged 65 and older. As the population increases in age, so will the complexity of managing their health, especially about sexually transmitted infections (STI) (Imparato & Sanders, 2016). However, the subject of sexuality in older adults remains highly unmentionable (Lusti-Narasimhan & Beard, 2013). Therefore, health care providers will face challenges in treating sexual transmitted diseases (STD) (Imparato & Sanders, 2016). Thus, clinicians, must talk about sexual …show more content…
This may be challenging because of both the lack of sexual health information and no communication with the health care provider about sexual issues (Poynten, Grulich, & Templeton, 2013). The nurse would help the client feel comfortable about discussing the topic of sex; by assuring that discussions about sexuality and intimacy are an important part of health care. The nurse would then start asking questions about their sexual health and the feelings surrounding it. Afterwards, a discussion about the different types of STDs, their symptoms, and various prevention methods, including condom use for both men and women, being in a monogamous relationship, and getting regular STD screenings would also be initiated. Inform the client that Medicare offers free STD screenings and affordable treatment options for senior as well as providing free condoms with a demonstration on how to properly as use them would also be beneficial (Weiss, …show more content…
Women also use medication to help enhance their sex lives as well, such as progesterone and estrogen creams (Weiss, 2014). Per a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine the rate of STDs among men who take sex enhancement drugs for erectile dysfunction is more than three times the rate of men who do not use these drugs. These men are also six times less likely to use condoms as compared to men in their twenties (Emanuel, 2014). The use of sex enhancement drugs has been reportedly linked to unsafe sexual practices, including increased sexual numbers of sexual partners, higher levels of unprotected anal sex, and higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases (Jones, Fenkl, Patsdaughter, & Chadwell, 2013).
Three Roles of the Nurse
Caregiver: A nurse as caregiver will help the patient with treatment and prevention of STDs. Nurses will offer holistic care that would include the whole person; mind body and soul as it relates to STDs.
Patient advocate: Because many people, including health care providers, have misconceptions that older adults are not sexually active, a nurse should advocate for the patient to have regular STD screenings and the proper treatment to manage any acquired
Introduction
Sexuality is an essential part of existence; which makes people sexual creatures from birth to death. The American Association of Retired People (AARP) predicted that by the year 2030 nearly 20% of America will be aged 65 and older. As the population increases in age, so will the complexity of managing their health, especially about sexually transmitted infections (STI) (Imparato & Sanders, 2016). However, the subject of sexuality in older adults remains highly unmentionable (Lusti-Narasimhan & Beard, 2013). Therefore, health care providers will face challenges in treating sexual transmitted diseases (STD) (Imparato & Sanders, 2016). Thus, clinicians, must talk about sexual …show more content…
This may be challenging because of both the lack of sexual health information and no communication with the health care provider about sexual issues (Poynten, Grulich, & Templeton, 2013). The nurse would help the client feel comfortable about discussing the topic of sex; by assuring that discussions about sexuality and intimacy are an important part of health care. The nurse would then start asking questions about their sexual health and the feelings surrounding it. Afterwards, a discussion about the different types of STDs, their symptoms, and various prevention methods, including condom use for both men and women, being in a monogamous relationship, and getting regular STD screenings would also be initiated. Inform the client that Medicare offers free STD screenings and affordable treatment options for senior as well as providing free condoms with a demonstration on how to properly as use them would also be beneficial (Weiss, …show more content…
Women also use medication to help enhance their sex lives as well, such as progesterone and estrogen creams (Weiss, 2014). Per a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine the rate of STDs among men who take sex enhancement drugs for erectile dysfunction is more than three times the rate of men who do not use these drugs. These men are also six times less likely to use condoms as compared to men in their twenties (Emanuel, 2014). The use of sex enhancement drugs has been reportedly linked to unsafe sexual practices, including increased sexual numbers of sexual partners, higher levels of unprotected anal sex, and higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases (Jones, Fenkl, Patsdaughter, & Chadwell, 2013).
Three Roles of the Nurse
Caregiver: A nurse as caregiver will help the patient with treatment and prevention of STDs. Nurses will offer holistic care that would include the whole person; mind body and soul as it relates to STDs.
Patient advocate: Because many people, including health care providers, have misconceptions that older adults are not sexually active, a nurse should advocate for the patient to have regular STD screenings and the proper treatment to manage any acquired