Sexual Health Concerns of Seniors

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How one views sex and the frequency of sexual encounters can decline as a person ages. Changes in the body such as declining hormone levels can affect a persons libido. Fatigue and illness, which may accompany aging, will also affect a persons sex life. However, it has been found that for a large percentage of sexually active individuals, the frequency of sexual activity only declines slightly from the 50s to the 70s. This goes for healthy seniors, however. In some, health problems associated with aging can directly affect a persons sexual health and the frequency of sexual intercourse.

Problems that can affect sexual health in seniors

Impotence is a common problem among seniors. The ability to attain and maintain an erection declines with age, but this can be remedied with the use of erectile dysfunction drugs. Fatigue, chronic illness, and the need to avoid stress and too much excitement can also prevent seniors from enjoying the benefits of sex with their partners. In women, one of the major roadblocks that prevent them from enjoying senior sex have a lot do with menopause and declining levels of estrogen. This can result in less vaginal lubrication, which can make intercourse painful. Declining levels of estrogen can also affect a womans libido. These problems can be remedied by prolonging foreplay during sexual intercourse to promote the release of natural lubricants and by hormone therapy, either with the use of hormone rings or pills. Having regular intercourse will stretch taut vaginal muscles and promote the release of natural vaginal lubrication.

Men may have more problems getting an erection as they get older. Some may notice that their erections are not as firm as when they were younger. Penis pumps, surgery and other therapies may prove useful in helping older men maintain an erection.

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