Sexual diversity is a term used to describe the diversity of sex characteristics, sexual orientation and gender identity. However, there is no need to indicate each of such statuses, roles or features, which shape this plurality (The United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2016). Diversity of cultures can be understood as different attitudes towards sex, sexuality and contraception. Accordingly, this variety can lead to ethical conflicts and difficulties in choosing uniform methods of care associated with exacerbated sexual health problems of patients. Therefore, sexual health experts and practitioners should disseminate awareness of the importance of respect for sexual diversity.
Sexual health nurses usually focus on family planning, but their functions do not end there. Their responsibilities also include advising patients about sexually transmitted infections and creating a course of treatment for such patients. Such staff should also be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of contraception to help clients choose the right one. The nurse should be able to analyze the condition of the reproductive organs and know how tests for STDs are performed. The need for such skills is explained by the fact that often a situation arises when a physical examination is required before prescribing contraceptives.
Nurses’ functions are to identify factors affecting reproductive health, assist in their resolution, and perform other specific tasks to prevent reproductive disorders. They should help create the conditions so that the population retains access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health services (Santa Maria et al., 2017). It is not always possible to identify STDs early and correctly select a treatment strategy for the patient, which can be considered a direction of intervention for nurses. The plan for improving the sexual health of the population should include providing nurses with missing equipment to examine patients and update the already available devices. Moreover, such a policy should focus primarily on vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV, indigenous groups, and the poor.
References
Santa Maria, D., Guilamo-Ramos, V., Jemmott, L. S., Derouin, A., & Villarruel, A. (2017). Nurses on the front lines: Improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health across health care settings. The American Journal of Nursing, 117(1), 42–51.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services. Reproductive and sexual health. (2016). Web.