Perspective Article
The Pleasuremeter: exploring the links between sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure in sexual history-taking, SRHR counselling and education
Antón Castellanos-Usigli & Doortje Braeken-van Schaik
Introduction
The Pleasuremeter is a novel conceptual tool to support health professionals in exploring the links between sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure during sexual history-taking, SRHR counselling and education, following the GAB’s triangle approach. It can be used in the context of SRH services such as: HIV/STI testing, STI treatment, HIV medical care, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, provision of condoms and contraceptives, abortion and prenatal care.
The Pleasuremeter is based on the GAB’s working definition of sexual pleasure and on two motivational interviewing techniques: asking open-ended questions and using scales to assess readiness for change. It explores how an individual experiences sexual pleasure and the six key enabling factors for sexual pleasure to contribute to sexual health and well-being: self-determination, consent, safety, privacy, confidence and communication/negotiation.
The Pleasuremeter involves 1) Scoring sexual pleasure experienced in sexual relationships and the six enabling factors for pleasure to contribute to sexual health and wellbeing 2) Exploring each factor by using open- and closed-ended questions and 3) Reflecting on ideal sexual experiences.