Introduction
Although sex can be a topic that's taboo in many circles, it's actually an important part of maintaining your health and well-being. As we age, our bodies change in many ways and our sexual function may also be affected. But there are things you can do to maintain your interest in sex and improve its quality even if you're 75 or older.
Risk factors that can contribute to sexual problems in older people include:
People with sexual problems often have a number of risk factors. The most common include:
depression
stress
alcohol and drug abuse
poor health (such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure)
prostate problems in men (most commonly due to benign enlargement or cancer)
Both men and women may find that they have less sex as they age.
The ageing process can have a significant impact on the sex drive of both men and women.
While some people may have less sex as they age, others may want to have more sex.
Hormones play an important role in our sex drive. As people age, hormones change which may affect their libido (sex drive).
Common sexual problems in older adults
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Vaginal dryness
Sexual pain, including chronic pelvic pain and painful intercourse
Loss of libido, or lack of interest in sex
Aging is associated with changes in our bodies that may affect sexual function. These include:
Common causes of sexual problems in older adults include physical factors such as prostate problems, medication side effects and alcohol or drug abuse, and psychological factors such as depression, stress or a sense of guilt about sex.
Common causes of sexual problems in older adults include physical factors such as prostate problems, medication side effects and alcohol or drug abuse, and psychological factors such as depression, stress or a sense of guilt about sex.
The following is an overview of some of the most common physical conditions that affect sexual functioning:
Prostate problems. A fairly common condition among men over 50 years old is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. Symptoms may include frequent urination at night, difficulty starting urination or having a weak stream. If you have these symptoms but do not have an enlarged prostate on a digital rectal exam (DRE), then it could be due to other causes such as bladder outlet obstruction caused by pelvic floor muscle weakness or nerve damage from diabetes. In any case if you experience these symptoms for more than six months then see your doctor who can help diagnose your problem and suggest treatment options if needed such as medication therapy with drugs like Flomax (tamsulosin), Alfuzosin HCL XR (alfuzosin) , Uroxatral HCl (alfuzosin) or Cardura XL (doxazosin meglumine).
Overcoming barriers to talking about sex can help you find solutions to sexual problems.
It can be hard to talk about sex, especially as you get older. You may feel embarrassed or awkward about asking for help with your sexual problems. It helps to have a trusted person to talk to, who can help you find solutions to problems that are causing distress in your relationship. If you are having trouble talking about sex, it's important that you do so before things get worse and more difficult for both of you.
When discussing sensitive issues such as sexual satisfaction, it is best if the person with whom we are speaking is calm and attentive rather than distracted by other things going on around them (e-mail alerts/cell phones etc.).
Ways to improve your sex life after the age of 65 include focusing on intimacy through non-sexual contact, using visual stimuli and/or taking Viagra or other medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Improve your sex life after the age of 65 by focusing on intimacy through non-sexual contact, using visual stimuli and/or taking Viagra or other medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Some people find that they can improve their sex life even if they have lost some of their physical abilities, particularly when they focus on intimacy through non-sexual contact, use visual stimuli and/or take Viagra or other medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Seeing a psychosexual therapist, joining a support group, having relationship counselling and lifestyle changes can also be helpful.
Seeing a psychosexual therapist.
Joining a support group.
Having relationship counselling and lifestyle changes.
Sex is important in relationships at all stages of life
Sex is important in relationships at all stages of life. It can be a source of joy and pleasure, a way to express love and affection, or an activity that improves self-esteem. Sexual intimacy may build intimacy between partners as they share themselves physically and emotionally with each other.
Sexual desire often declines with age but this is not universal. Some people continue to maintain a high level of interest in sex into old age while others experience little interest during their later years. Many factors influence how much you want sex including:
Health issues such as diabetes or heart disease
Medication use
Psychological disorders such as anxiety or depression
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing a sexual problem, talk to your partner or someone close to you. You may want to see a psychosexual therapist if you find it hard to talk about sex with others.
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