Instructions
Ageism and gender bias can affect who and how we ask about sexual health, sexual activity, and concerning symptoms. Depending on your own level of comfort and cultural norms this can be a tough conversation for some providers. But this is an important topic and as our videos discussed, women are wanting us to ask about sexual concerns. This week we also reviewed sexually transmitted diseases and the effects of ageism on time to diagnosis so it is necessary to ask these questions and provide good education for all patients. You will not know any needs unless you ask.
Discussion Questions:
- Review the required NAMS videos. What was the most surprising thing you learned about in the videos? Explain why it was surprising.
- What is GSM? What body systems are involved? How does this affect a woman’s quality of life?
- What treatment does Dr Shapiro recommend?
- Review one aspect of treatment that Dr Shapiro recommends and include an EBP journal article or guideline recommendation in addition to referencing the video in your response.
Sexuality and the older adult
- What is your level of comfort in taking a complete sexual history? Is this comfort level different for male or female patients? If so, why?
- How will this information impact the way you will interact with your mature and elderly clients?
Discussion Guiding Principles
The ideas and beliefs underpinning the discussions guide students through engaging dialogues as they achieve the desired learning outcomes/competencies associated with their course in a manner that empowers them to organize, integrate, apply and critically appraise their knowledge to their selected field of practice. The use of discussions provides students with opportunities to contribute level appropriate knowledge and experience to the topic in a safe, caring, and fluid environment that models professional and social interaction. The ebb and flow of a discussion is based upon the composition of generates opportunities for students to actively engage in the written ideas of others by carefully reading, researching, reflecting, and responding to the contributions of their peers and course faculty. Discussions foster the development of members into a community of learners as they share ideas and inquiries, consider perspectives that may be different from their own, and integrate knowledge from other disciplines.
SOLUTION
Review the required NAMS videos. What was the most surprising statement or topic that you heard in the videos? Explain why this was surprising to you.
One of the most surprising statement I have learned was that 10%, or 1 in 10 women, have a sexual dysfunction and are being missed at providers offices because they are not being asked (North American Menopause Society [NAMS], 2017). Sexual health is a very important part of quality of life for both men and women so, while it is not life threatening, it can negatively affect someone’s life if left untreated. This was surprising to me because I didn’t know this number was so high and how it really affects older individuals. I was unaware that sexual dysfunctions occurred more in women than men. I am aware of some of the changes that occur in women or the older adult such as vaginal dryness, vaginal lining thinning, or dyspareunia (painful intercourse) but I am used to hearing about issues related more to men. I believe this is so because of the lack of questioning from the provider and maybe the feeling of embarrassment or feeling uncomfortable some women may feel when discussing these concerns with the provider. However, at my clinical site I had one female patient that discussed some concerns about vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. This patient was not aware of the physical changes that occur with aging and the decrease in estrogen ….please click the purchase button below to access the entire solution at $15