Sexual health education and counseling.

In the past decade, there has been a concentrated effort to develop much needed advances in human sexuality, but many sexually misinformed or troubled members remain in our society. As more information is disseminated and people become sophisticated, there will be many people requesting help with sexual problems in primary and secondary health settings. Nurses need to equip themselves in this important aspect of health care. First, one's own values, attitudes, and knowledge must be carefully examined. Desensitizing, and incorporatin experiences have been used effectively to help get in touch with feelings and attitudes about the sensitive area of sexuality. Second, the nurse must be aware of the wide range of feeling and attitudes on specific sexual issues that have proved troublesome to our society. Third, the nurse must take advantage of educational opportunities to gain knowledge of psychosexual growth and development during the entire life span. Fourth, if the nurse desires to become involved in sexual conseling further education with concentration on the various innoviative techniques and approaches will be necessary to help clients with specific problems and concerns. Finally, sexual health programs need to be affiliated with a reputable health agency with prefessional supervision. All programs and new approaches must be evaluated to determine their effect on sexual health care.