Sexual health and age
How does ageing affect sexual activity?
There is no single measure of what is normal in either aging or
sexual activity - it varies from person to person. You have to
decide what is right for you. As you grow older the quantity of sex
you experience may change, but it does not necessarily have to
affect the quality. As the years pass, you can expect to slow down
in most physical activities you undertake, and sex is not any
different. The desire for sex may decline due to hormonal changes
in both men and women but this can vary from person to person.
In men, more prolonged manual or oral stimulation may be needed
to get an erection. Orgasm may be less frequent
and less intense. Ejaculation may be less forceful. The period of
time before another erection is possible is likely to be
longer.
In women, lower levels of hormones such as oestrogen and
testosterone can reduce sexual desire or libido, this can be as a
result of hormonal changes that happen during menopause. It can
also take longer to get aroused as you get older. Following the
menopause, the walls of the vagina become thinner
and less lubrication is produced making penetration of the vagina
by a penis or stimulation of the vagina more difficult, more
irritating or even painful. This can be easily resolved by the use
of a lubricant. For some women the slight natural shrinkage in the
vagina, may make sex more intense or pleasurable.
Maintaining an active sexual life
You’re never too old to enjoy an active sex life. Improving your
sex life in later years is an ongoing activity requiring good
communication, something that is relevant at any age. Routine can
lead to boredom, which in turn can lead to a lack of arousal.
Trying different approaches to sex can be helpful. This can be as
simple as changing the location in which sex usually takes place.
The use of erotic materials or sex toys might also introduce an
element of novelty and enhance arousal.
Sex requires effort so sexual activity is likely to be more
enjoyable after resting. Changing from late night sex to morning
sex may be helpful. Take your time and enjoy the activity, whether
shared or alone.
Health problems that can affect your sex life
The healthier and fitter you are, the better your sex life will
be. Couples who continue to have an active sex life are also likely
to keep fit, and age more slowly (or at least look as though they
are). An active sex life produces a variety of chemicals that helps
us to feel happy, enhances the immune system (the way we fight
infection), and thickens skin tissue. One survey concluded that
improving your sex life can help make you look between four and
seven years younger, reduce stress and lead to greater
contentment.
Any illness can have an effect on sexual ability at all ages.
There are many treatments for sexual difficulties which can restore
sexual capacity, and you should have a look at those listed in this
web site under the title Sexual difficulties to give you some
ideas.
Adapted from Lanarkshire PCT