Sexual health - resources
Here are links to evidence-based resources which support this area of practice. You may also want to refer to information about the national service frameworks and strategies across the UK.
Some of the resources listed below are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files.
Guidelines and guidance
Royal College of Nursing (2009) Sexual health competences (PDF 986.90KB)
This outlines the skills that UK sexual and reproductive health nurses from primary, secondary and community care settings. The framework is intended to help managers and individual practitioners to review their strengths and identify gaps in their skills and abilities to determine specific training and development needs.
Royal College of Nursing (2001) RCN sexual health strategy (PDF 332.7KB)
This RCN sexual health strategy has been developed to help nurses work effectively in the challenging and sensitive field of sexuality and sexual health. It is aimed at nursing staff working across a range of settings from hospital to care home, and is intended to help shape and inform their nursing practice.
Systematic reviews and evidence summaries
Bandolier: Sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction update
This study looks at the effectiveness of sildenafil as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in men with problems because of mixed aetiology, and in those with diabetes or spinal cord lesions.
Other resources
British Association for Sexual & Relationship Therapy (BASRT)
BASRT is the national specialist charity for sexual and relationship therapy. The website provides links to therapists and related organisations, as well as information for the general public.
Diabetes UK: Sex and diabetes
These pages are designed to provide a wide range of information on diabetes and sexual health, focusing on erectile dysfunction (ED) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). There is also a sub section on surveys and studies relating to diabetes and sexual problems, information for health care professionals, advice on getting support, and stories from people in similar situations revealing their own experiences.
NHS Diabetes factsheets: Erectile dysfunction ‘ED is a marker of ill health’
This factsheet discusses erectile dysfunction (ED), its diagnosis, management, investigations, modifiable risk factors and consequences of untreated ED. A bibliography and supporting informatin is also available.
Sexual Advice Association
The Sexual Advice Association, (formerly the Sexual Dysfunction Association), is a charitable organisation which helps sufferers of male and female sexual problems. Originally the charity focused on helping individuals with erectile dysfunction (impotence) but now it covers all forms of male and female sexual problems.
Relate
The Relate website offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face and by telephone.
RCN Learning Zone: Sexual health for non-experts
This learning area will help you to increase your knowledge about sexual health issues, and to develop the skills and attitudes you need to help patients and clients.
World Health Organization (WHO) Gender and human rights: sexual health
This web page presents working definitions of sex, sexuality, sexual health and sexual rights.
Go to the sexual health menu.