Sexuality 3: Purpose of This Module

Purpose of This Module

Using the Information in This Module

Talking with Clients about Anatomy

An understanding of sexual anatomy and physiology helps providers educate clients about their bodies and helps both clients and providers better discuss sexual and reproductive health issues.

In this module, we will:

Identify anatomical structures related to sexual function and explain their roles

Describe the effect on sexuality of male circumcision, female genital cutting (FGC), hysterectomy, mastectomy, prostate disease, and surgery

Describe the sociosexual development of men and women and the developmental changes that occur over the life cycle

Note: It is assumed in this section that readers are familiar with basic reproductive anatomy and physiology. This section focuses on anatomical structures as they relate to sexual function and sexuality; the roles of these structures in reproduction are not examined in detail.

The content in this module will help you focus on three considerations—the sexual roles and functions of the genital organs, cultural and medical practices that affect functioning, and the sociosexual development changes over the life cycle—that are important when providing sexual and reproductive health services. This content can help you:

Determine clients’ knowledge about how the sexual organs function to give them and their partner(s) pleasure

Explain preventive sexual and reproductive health behaviors

Clarify misconceptions related to sexual function

Develop community education interventions, particularly in areas where prostate cancer, breast cancer, and hysterectomies are prevalent, and morbidity and mortality are high

Help parents understand what is happening with their prepubescent and adolescent children

Help prepubescents and adolescents understand what is happening with their bodies and their feelings during puberty

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When describing anatomical structures to clients, be sure to use language that they understand. Clients may not use medical terminology when discussing genital structures—they may use slang, or may even be too embarrassed to mention the names of structures. To communicate effectively with clients, learn their terminology as you share the technical names for structures.

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