Thoughts on education, reproduction, and sexual function. Futures directions and obstacles

Angela K. Lawson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education and the limited provision of reproductive/fertility education has largely left the general population with little to no understanding of how sex or fertility functions. Further, what little education exists is often rife with sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, and ableist tropes which send the message that only some groups of individuals are worthy of growing their families in the ways they desire and promote increased risk of discrimination, hostility, and/or violence against all women as well as transgender, homosexual, differently abled, or non-White people. The lack of structured education regarding reproduction/fertility further results in increased risks of infertility (and associated psychological distress) with disproportionate risk to specific populations. The risk of intimate partner violence and decreased treatment-seeking behaviors for sexual dysfunction also increases in the context of limited education regarding reproduction/fertility. Future directions for sex and reproductive/fertility education are suggested.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPsychological and Medical Perspectives on Fertility Care and Sexual Health
PublisherElsevier
Pages265-273
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780128222881
ISBN (Print)9780128232750
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2021

Keywords

  • AOUM
  • Sex education
  • abstinence-only
  • fertility awareness
  • reproductive knowledge
  • sex dysfunction
  • sexual violence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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