The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate ‚
How does sex change as you get older? " ” Sex can still be very satisfying as you get older, but it can change in a number of ways. ‚
As men get older they might: ‚
- Have less interest in sex
- Need more stimulation to get or stay erect or be unable to get erect
- Have trouble reaching orgasm
- Have orgasms that are less intense or satisfying than they were when they were younger
As women get older they might: ‚
- Have less interest in sex
- Have trouble getting aroused or lubricated
- Have pain or discomfort during sex (this can happen because the vagina can become dry and thin after menopause)
- Have trouble reaching orgasm
- Have orgasms that are less intense or satisfying than they were when they were younger
What causes sex problems as you get older? " ” There are many things that can lead to decreased interest or ability to have sex as you age. These include: ‚
- Lower hormones " “ As people age, their bodies makes less sex hormones. Thats especially true for women who have gone through menopause (the time in a woman's life when she stops having monthly periods). But hormones change in men, too. In women, the decrease in hormones is more sudden, especially if they have had had their ovaries removed.
- Other medical conditions " “ Medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and chronic pain, can decrease a person's interest in or ability to have sex. In men, diabetes is a major cause of problems with erections, because it damages nerves and blood vessels.
- Past surgery or medical treatment " “ Men who have had surgery or radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer often develop problems with erections. Men who have certain treatments for an enlarged prostate can have problems with orgasm. Women who have had surgery to treat problems with their bladder or sex organs can also have problems with sex.
- Depression or anxiety " “ As people get older, they sometimes have problems with depression or anxiety. These conditions can also lead to problems with sex.
- Smoking in men " “ Men who smoke cigarettes are more likely than men who don't smoke to have problems with erections.
- Medicines " “ Some of the medicines older people take to control diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and other conditions can have side effects that cause problems with sex.
Should I see my doctor or nurse? " ” If you are happy with the quality and amount of sex you have, no, you do not need to see your doctor or nurse. But if you are not satisfied with your sex life, yes, see your doctor or nurse. He or she might have treatments or solutions to suggest. ‚
When you go, bring all the medicines you take, including any non-prescription or herbal medicines. Also, be honest about what is going on. Talking about sex can be embarrassing, but doctors and nurses are used to talking about it. Your doctor or nurse will be better able to help you if he or she understands exactly what is happening. ‚
To help with your problem, the doctor or nurse might: ‚
- Switch you to medicines that are less likely to cause problems (or lower your dose)
- Suggest hormones or medicines to improve sex
- Suggest lubricants or devices that can improve sex or arousal
- Recommend that you speak to a counselor or therapist
What if I had a heart attack or other major health crisis? " ” If you had a heart attack or other health crisis, the idea of having sex might scare you. Many people who have had a heart attack or similar crisis can have sex safely afterward. Check with your doctor and follow his or her instructions. You will probably need to wait some time after your health crisis is over before you have sex. And you might need to change what you do during sex. But chances are good you will be able to have sex safely again. ‚
Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my sex life? " ” Yes. Try to stay relaxed about your situation and work around the problems that limit you. Be open to trying new things and adapting. ‚
If you have a condition that causes pain or stiffness, such as arthritis, try to schedule sex at a time when you are at your best and your pain medicines are most effective. If you are less flexible than you used to be, try different positions or ask your partner if he or she can help. Be open with your partner and explain what is going on with you. Also, encourage your partner to seek treatment for any physical or sexual problems he or she might have. That way the 2 of you can be at your best when you try to be intimate. ‚
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 85805 Version 2.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
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‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚