Evans, David T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6874-3845 (2013) Speaking of sex: the need to dispel myths and overcome fears. British Journal of Nursing, 9 (10). pp. 650-655. ISSN 0966-0461 (doi:10.12968/bjon.2000.9.10.6278)

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Abstract

Myths and fears are intimately associated with issues of sex, sexuality and sexual health. Many myths and fears, present in both the education and clinical settings, prevent health carers from maximizing the potential for wholeness and wellness, for both themselves and their clients. In order for nurses, midwives and health visitors to take their role in therapeutic communication around the sex issues seriously, these myths must be dispelled and the fears overcome. Many of the hindrances to communication are shrouded in other people's taboos and morals, and hidden within the languages of clinical terminology and silence. This leads numerous clinicians and educators to an incommensurate fear of dealing with the sexual issues of life. This article argues that this is an example of institutionalized erotophobia (fear of sex), which results in a barrier to genuine, therapeutic, communication. For the sake of brevity, 'sex' will refer to sex, sexuality and sexual health. Likewise, unless a clear distinction is being made, 'nurse' will include midwives and health visitors.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sexual health; erotophobia; erectile dysfunction; female health; male health; nursing practice; holistic care
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2021 21:03
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/18339

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