Understanding Contraception & Reproductive Sexual Health

Deepen your understanding of contraception and sexual health, including how sexuality and sexual health services are impacted by external factors. Consider the cultural, political, legal and ethical contexts of human sexuality and contraception. Enhance your ability to help people access services and make informed choices for themselves.

The course will develop your understanding of contraceptive and sexual health. It will be of interest if you’re in a role which involves providing information about contraception and sexual health; perhaps you work in health, social care or education.

You’ll explore all methods of contraception, gain an insight into sexually transmitted diseases and learn about the impact of sexuality on the individual, the family and wider society. You’ll consider contraception and sexual health care across the entire reproductive lifespan as well as thinking about access for those with disabilities. You’ll look at factors which influence human sexuality and the surrounding legal and ethical issues.

After successfully completing this course, you can take our Practice in Contraception and Reproductive Sexual Health module.

Course content

• Contraceptive methods
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Human sexuality/sexual development
• Legal & ethical issues (e.g. Fraser guidelines)
• Psychosocial influences (eg drugs, alcohol, the media)
• Cultural issues
• Political issues
• Sexuality, disability & special needs (local & national provision)
• Access to services
• Facilitating informed choice
• Lifespan approach to contraception & sexual health (eg adolescents, perimenopause, menopause)

Assessment

You’ll need to complete a 3,000-word assignment, in which you’ll critically analyse an issue of your choice. This will be related to the practice of contraception and/or sexual health care.