Engaging in the Sexual Health module was been enlightening and very interesting to read. I learned that sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being about sexuality. I read and learned about Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, which both have a common sexually transmitted disease and have common symptoms of unusual from the vagina and penis, and pain when peeing. I also learned about Syphilis which is an infection caused by bacteria, and common symptoms are having small sores around the genitals and bottoms, hand and feet rashes, and white spots around the mouth. I also learned that based on the PHE statistics, men have more sexually transmitted disease diagnoses than women.

What is your understanding of poor sexual health? My short answer to this question is poor and unsafe sex engagement.

What can the consequences of poor sexual health be? Poor sexual health leads to a lot of tract infections, HIV, STIs and abortion.

What barriers may there be to accessing sexual health care? Unsupportive families, religion beliefs, cultural beliefs, gender communities.

As a Trainee Nursing Associate, It was helpful to learn about sexual health promotion on how health professionals deliver and engagement to this kind of discussion to the patients. By promoting open communication, comprehensive education, inclusivity, destigmatization, and a lifelong approach to well-being, we can contribute to a healthier, more informed, and supportive society regarding sexual health.

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K1 – Understand the code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements

K2 – Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K4 – Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice

K5 – Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K8 – Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited

K14 – Understand the importance of health screening

K26 – Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

K36 – Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care

S1 – Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S4 – Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills

S7 – Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges

S10 – Provide, promote, and where appropriate advocate for, non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments

S13 – Apply the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people

S17 – Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection prevention and control, including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance

S21 – Monitor the effectiveness of care in partnership with people, families and carers, documenting progress and reporting outcomes

S32 – Work collaboratively and in partnership with professionals from different agencies in interdisciplinary teams

B1 – Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences

B2 – Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice

B3 – Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness