Psychological and Medical Perspectives on Fertility Care and Sexual Health provides the necessary specialized training of sexual dysfunction and sex therapy to those in reproductive medicine. Understanding and knowledge about these sexual dysfunctions is needed for reproductive specialists to identify sexual problems, provide treatment if they are able or make appropriate referrals, and coordinate care for more specialized and specific needs as part of the patients overall reproductive medical management. This must-have reference explores the intimate interface of sexuality and fertility, male and female sexual function, cultural influences on women, Eastern medicine, and more! - Provides the first-of-its-kind book for clinicians that summarizes literature and interventions and brings together the current researchers and thinkers on this topic - Explores diverse populations typically left out, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals, women and people of color - Presents a treatment dilemma for many health care providers: should one condition be treated before the other or should concurrent services be offered? - Identifies common sexual problems/dysfunctions presented by infertility patients - Describes interventions for these problems and identifies resources for appropriate treatment of sexual dysfunction

"This book, from the International Psycho-oncology Society, is the second in a series of brief Companion Guides for Clinicians. The series editors identified a need for a guide to focus on the impact of cancer and oncology treatments on sexual health, fertility and relationships. The topic is approached from a psycho-oncology perspective, i.e. placing the emotional, behavioural and social elements at the centre of the topics covered in the chapters.The aim is to describe approaches and treatments that can be utilised by cancer clinicians, mental health professionals, psycho-oncologists in training and allied psychosocial oncology professionals. It emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary care. The guide is not intended to replace national clinical guidelines and policies but gives a more generic international overview of the important factors and elements that need to be considered when dealing with sexual health, fertility and associated relationship issues for cancer patients at all points on the treatment trajectory. Topics include: management of sexual health; onco-fertility care; relationship issues. It covers standards of good practice across all cancer patients, as well as focussing on the needs of individuals, couples, young people and LGBT groups in a pragmatic format for use in everyday practice.Assessment methods are covered, alongside psychological treatments, covering a wide range of patient ages and types of cancer. Policies, service issues, legal, ethical, confidentiality and communication issues are also covered.This brief pocketbook manual can be used for quick reference. This will suit oncology professionals who decide to look further into a topic on a case-by-case or problem-focussed basis as they undertake clinical work"--

This expansive survey spotlights pervasive issues affecting girls’ and women’s sexual and reproductive health across the lifecourse. Research from diverse countries around the world analyzes the complex relationships among biological, psychological, sociocultural, and economic issues—particularly in terms of inequities—as they shape women’s lives. Major challenges and possibilities for intervention are examined in their national context and with their global implications, including child marriage/motherhood, reproductive care and access, fertility, childbearing, contraception, abortion, HIV/STIs, gender-based violence, sexual pleasure, and menopause. In these forceful dispatches, a consistent human rights perspective emphasizes women’s control, autonomy, and agency in all stages of their lives. A sampling of topics covered: Girl child marriage: a persistent global women’s health and human rights violation Investigating challenges and resilience among women living with obstetric fistula in Kenya A qualitative exploration of mainstream and social media reflections on abortion A continuum of severity of sexual intimate partner violence among black women in the United States Economic empowerment to improve sexual and reproductive health among women and girls Summarizing an interdisciplinary field on research and practical levels, Global Perspectives on Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Across the Lifecourse will be an invaluable text for undergraduate and graduate courses in a wide range of fields, including public health, global health, women’s studies, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, and human rights.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY ‘This wide-ranging and well-researched book goes well beyond the traditional confines of reproductive psychology. It expertly interweaves evidence on the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that affect the reproductive development, behaviours, and decision-making of both women and men. As well as the expected chapters on sexual development, pregnancy and birth, and artificial reproduction, it addresses sex and gender development across the lifespan, from childhood to old age; parenthood; and reproductive issues for under-represented groups such as homosexual men and women, intersex individuals, and those who are childless by choice. The book will be a valuable reference for psychologists and sociologists, as well as midwives, gynaecologists and obstetricians, and indeed anyone with research or clinical interests that intersect with reproduction and with gender.’ Christina Lee, Professor of Health Psychology, University of Queensland ‘This book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to psychological aspects of reproductive health throughout the lifespan. Drawing on psychological theory and a wealth of empirical research, the importance of psychological factors in reproductive health is clearly demonstrated, conceptualized within a broadly bio-psycho-social model. The coverage of a broad range of topics, from foetal growth to menopause, including adolescence, menstruation, contraception, abortion, fertility, pregnancy and post-natal experience along the way, is a great strength. This book will become a key resource for health psychologists, nurses, and medical students who wish to understand psychological aspects of reproductive experience. ’ Jane M. Ussher, Professor of Women’s Health Psychology, University of Western Sydney and Author of The Madness of Women: Myth and Experience This much-needed resource brings together the most up-to-date and relevant research from a variety of disciplines to give a comprehensive account of the psychological factors surrounding reproductive health today. Olga van den Akker provides a multidisciplinary exploration of all stages of the reproductive life span, from embryonic, infant, child and adolescent sexual and reproductive development through reproductive and sexual health in adulthood and old age. The book addresses the psychological influences on and impacts of, sex, gender and reproduction as well as adjustment to life after sexual or reproductive success, failure or disease and disability. Together, the wide variety of topics are illuminating and challenging, fostering a deeper understanding of the context of reproductive health through the life span.

"This book, from the International Psycho-oncology Society, is the second in a series of brief Companion Guides for Clinicians. The series editors identified a need for a guide to focus on the impact of cancer and oncology treatments on sexual health, fertility and relationships. The topic is approached from a psycho-oncology perspective, i.e. placing the emotional, behavioural and social elements at the centre of the topics covered in the chapters.The aim is to describe approaches and treatments that can be utilised by cancer clinicians, mental health professionals, psycho-oncologists in training and allied psychosocial oncology professionals. It emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary care. The guide is not intended to replace national clinical guidelines and policies but gives a more generic international overview of the important factors and elements that need to be considered when dealing with sexual health, fertility and associated relationship issues for cancer patients at all points on the treatment trajectory. Topics include: management of sexual health; onco-fertility care; relationship issues. It covers standards of good practice across all cancer patients, as well as focussing on the needs of individuals, couples, young people and LGBT groups in a pragmatic format for use in everyday practice.Assessment methods are covered, alongside psychological treatments, covering a wide range of patient ages and types of cancer. Policies, service issues, legal, ethical, confidentiality and communication issues are also covered.This brief pocketbook manual can be used for quick reference. This will suit oncology professionals who decide to look further into a topic on a case-by-case or problem-focussed basis as they undertake clinical work"--

It is over two decades since the first test-tube baby was born. During this period a new belief that all infertile women can now have babies has become widely accepted; indeed, infertile couples may feel great pressure to seek a medical solution. However, the psychological and social effects of the changing experiences of infertility remain confusing, both for those who experience infertility and for wider society. In this book, a distinguished range of contributors, including novelist Hilary Mantel and Germaine Greer, examine the experience of infertility from both male and female perspectives, the psychological aspects of infertility diagnosis and treatment, and the often radical and unexpected effects on kinship. Drawing from a wide range of theoretical backgrounds including Jungian, analytical, and compelling personal reflections, this book aims to unravel the implications of advancing reproductive technology for our understanding of ourselves and our families.