TEENAGE SEXUAL HEALTH AND CRITICAL INCIDENT Essay

TEENAGE SEXUAL HEALTH AND CRITICAL INCIDENT - Essay Example unintended pregnancy, related policies and legislation of the United Kingdom government towards child and adolescent protection, and a critical analysis of John’s Model of Reflection 1995, towards improved nursing practice in the field of teenage sexual health. Sexual Health is defined by the Family Planning Association as â€Å"the capacity and freedom to enjoy and express sexuality without exploitation, oppression, physical or emotional harm†. Sexual health is stated to be an important part of physical and mental health. Together with other fundamental rights, it is a key part of our identity as human beings. According to Bekaert (2005: 86), the essential elements of good sexual health include access to information and services to avoid the risk of unintended pregnancy, illness or disease. Sexual intercourse at a younger age and poor condom use have led to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the teenage group, states Bekaert (2005: 14). The government has responded to the general increase in STIs with the national strategy for sexual health and HIV. It recommends the promotion of sexual health and of mainstream sexual health services to decrease the incidence of STIs. 20% to 30% of teenage females diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection acquire another disease within eighteen months. The consequences of infection with an STI vary according to the infection. They can include increased risk of cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. With acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the individual is susceptible to opportunistic infections and will ultimately die. The consequences of STIs can be worse for teenagers as they tend to present late for treatment, have a poor knowledge of STIs and have unrealistic perceptions of their risks. The risk factors for contracting sexually transmitted diseases are: male sex, young age, early age at first intercourse, number of partners, ethnic