SEXUAL HEALTH OF MEN FROM 25 TO 59 YEARS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Objective: To know the demands of the field of men’s sexual health using reports of health professionals in Primary Care and to identify which actions are directed to meet their demands. Material and Method: Descriptive research with a qualitative approach, carried out between December 2016 and January 2017 at the Family Health Strategy Unit, located in the south of Rio de Janeiro, in which 17 health professionals (nurses and physicians) participated. Based on a semi-structured interview, questions related to general knowledge about sexual health and specific questions about the demands in the field of sexuality of men between 25 to 59 years were answered. The sample was defined through theoretical saturation and the content analysis was carried out using thematic categories according to Oliveira’s model. Results: The main demands of men refer to the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), impotence and examinations/procedures. The individual actions are mainly consultations, guidelines and request for medical examinations. Collective actions are mainly directed to groups that are not exclusive to men. Conclusion: The way male sexuality is approached has a biomedical pattern, i.e., it is reduced to STIs, medicalization and erection.