J Clin Nurs. 2018;1–8. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jocn | 1 © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd 1 | INTRODUCTION Relations of power inherent within healthcare settings are ever- present and negotiated, though rarely openly questioned and de- bated. With regard to sexual health inclusive of sexual activity and sexual pleasure, a subject often criticised or viewed as taboo in so- ciety, the impact of relations of power may often result in interper- sonal tensions, feelings of embarrassment, silence or judgement. In reflecting upon and analysing sexual health in healthcare settings, the tenets of feminist poststructuralism (FPS) will be integrated with relevant literature to identify the beliefs, values and practices of the personal, social and institutional constructions of sexual health dis- courses and influence on practices of healthcare professionals and patients. 2 | AIMS • To discuss and critique the historical, social and institutional con- structions of sexual health discourses within healthcare settings, inclusive of tertiary care, rehabilitation and long-term care. Received: 3 May 2018 | Revised: 17 August 2018 | Accepted: 15 September 2018 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14685 DISCURSIVE PAPER Let’s talk about sex: A feminist poststructural approach to addressing sexual health in the healthcare setting Rachel Ollivier | Megan Aston | Sheri Price School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Correspondence Rachel Ollivier, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Email: rachel.ollivier@dal.ca Abstract Aims and objectives: To explore the use of feminist poststructuralism (FPS) as a way to critique, understand and improve sexual health care and policy in healthcare settings. Background: Sexual health is an important aspect of health; however, in healthcare set- tings, it often goes unaddressed by both healthcare providers and patients due to stigma, taboo, fear of embarrassment or uncertainty. Lack of attention to sexual health has been stated as a legitimate concern for patients across the lifespan; there remain gaps in im- plementing sexual health care discussions into practice in healthcare settings. Design: A critical analysis will be presented to explore sexual health care and atti- tudes in the healthcare setting from patient and nursing perspectives using FPS. Methods: Feminist poststructuralism is used to examine the meaning of experience that is personally, socially and institutionally constructed through relations of power. FPS will also be applied to understand how sexual health discourses are negotiated in healthcare settings. SQUIRE guidelines were used in the preparation of this paper (See Appendix S1). Relevance to clinical practice: The application of a feminist poststructural lens to sexual health care in healthcare settings may be used by healthcare professionals to understand, question and challenge how social and institutional beliefs, values and practices surrounding sexual health, inclusive of a patient’s sexual pleasure or sexual activity, are experienced by healthcare professionals and patients. This theoretical and methodological approach could lead to identifying possibilities for change in healthcare settings that are inclusive and supportive of sexual health care. KEYWORDS feminism, health care, holistic care, nursing practice, poststructuralism, sexual activity, sexual health, sexual pleasure