A definition of sexual health

Abstract

Maternal nutrition in early pregnancy may affect placental ratio ED1ToR,-In their editorial discussing the early origins of coronary heart disease Nigel Paneth and Mervyn Susser emphasise the importance of further investigation of the influences on the ratio of placental to fetal weight.' Godfrey et al have proposed that iron deficiency has a role since low maternal haemoglobin concentrations and a decrease in mean red cell volume during pregnancy are associated with an increase in the ratio.2 In contrast, Perry et al found no relation between maternal haemoglobin concentrations in early pregnancy and placental ratio at delivery' but confirmed the positive association between the ratio and maternal body mass index. ' Timing is another important consideration when the influence of the maternal environment on the developing fetus and placenta is studied. Many women start pregnancy with low iron stores, and we hypothesised that placental size would be increased by mid-pregnancy in those with low ferritin and haemoglobin concentrations. To investigate this we developed a method of measuring placental volume during the routine scan at around 18 weeks of pregnancy. In a study of 568 white women we found that low haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations at 14 weeks' gestation were associated with increased placental volume.4 Placental volume was also greater in taller women, in multiparous women, and in those who smoked heavily at the time of their last period. We found no relation between maternal weight or body mass index and placental volume.We have since examined the factors affecting the ratio of placental to fetal size in mid-pregnancy by estimating fetal weight using Shepard et als algorithm.' The relations between maternal characteristics and the ratio of placental volume to estimated fetal weight were examined by multiple regression analysis (table)

Sexual Satisfaction Among Men Living with HIV in Europe

“…Sexual satisfaction was measured by assessment of the categories of sexual functioning in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD10), as well as DSM IV-TR (APA, 2000) [1]. We asked patients to score their sexual satisfaction during the last 6 months on a visual analogue scale between 0 and 10 for sexual desire, sexual arousal (erection during sexual intercourse and during masturbation), and orgasm (during sexual intercourse and masturbation).…”

“…It encompasses the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences [1]. Hence, satisfaction with sexual functioning (covering sexual desire, orgasms and satisfaction during sexual activity) is relevant to sexual health [2].…”

Constructing Sexual Health

“…The construction of an individual's propensity to engage in risky sex as static must be challenged, as there are real dangers of such conceptualizations leading to self-fulfilling prophecies; for example, someone understanding himself as being a 'risk taker' rather than addressing his involvement in risky situations. Sexual health should be understood in its broadest sense (Greenhouse, 1995), as an attainable goal for all, and should be construed in terms of people's desires for pleasure and the avoidance of physical and psychological harm. Sexual health promotion materials that target gay men should highlight the multiple risks gay men must manage in a variety of situations.…”

Quality of Life in HIV Clinical Trials: Why Sexual Health Must Not Be Ignored

“…Sexual health encompasses the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences [14]. The essence of such lengthy definitions has been summarised in one single statement as “the enjoyment of sexual activity of one's choice, without causing or suffering physical or mental harm” [15]. The latter may pose a particular challenge for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) due to HIV-related stigma and the psychological impact of HIV.…”