Addressing changing sexual health needs through the lifespan

Sexuality is a continued human need that begins in adolescence and extends through older adulthood. In optimum states of health and wellness, sexuality may be addressed privately between a couple. However, the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, ranging from Herpes Simplex to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) forces the discussion away from the sexual dyad into a healthcare context. In addition, the presence of illness often makes the fulfillment of sexual needs difficult and mandates the involvement of nurses and other members of the interprofessional team in order to achieve and maintain sexual health