Sexual health is a part of overall health. Having sex on a regular basis helps maintain sexual function. Sexual health is not just safe sex. It is feeling close or intimate with a partner. There are many ways to do this. Sex is one of them.
Physical Changes
Men:
It may take longer to get an erection and to ejaculate.
Erections may not be as hard or as large as in earlier years.
The feeling that an ejaculation is about to happen may be shorter.
After an ejaculation, more time needs to pass to get a second erection.
Some males find they need more manual stimulation.
The chances for erectile dysfunction (ED) increase.
Women:
The vagina is drier. The walls of the vagina get thinner and less elastic. These can make sex uncomfortable.
It may take longer to feel aroused.
Orgasms can be shorter or less intense than in years past.
Changes from Health Conditions
Sexual health can be affected by many conditions. These include:
Certain medicines. Ask your doctor if medicines you take affect your sexual response.
Alcohol
Heart attack
Chronic pain
Stroke
Diabetes
Arthritis
HIV and STIs
Menopause
Depression
Incontinence
Dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Cancer and side effects of cancer treatment
Surgery that involves the sex organs, such as a hysterectomy
Emotional Changes
As persons age, they may feel more anxious about their appearance or ability to perform. This can interfere with the ability to enjoy sex.
Not having a partner through choice, divorce, or death may make it difficult to deal with sexual feelings.
A lack of sexual desire may be due to lower hormone levels or having an illness or a disability.
After menopause, both men and women may feel less anxious about having sex because they don’t have to worry about a pregnancy.
A couple may have more time and privacy for sex if their children are grown and spend less time at home.
Self-Care
Express your needs. Let your partner express their needs, too. Talk about your fears, fantasies, etc.
Spend more time on foreplay. Let your partner know where and how you want to be touched.
Have sex when you are less tired, such as in the morning.
Take the pressure off your partner. Tell them that you know sex can take longer. Express your need for intimacy, not just performance.
Avoid or limit alcohol. A little alcohol can help a person relax. Too much can interfere with sex and lead to unsafe sex.
Avoid illicit or illegal drug use. This can lead to unsafe sex.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medicines you take can affect your sex life. Find out if another medicine can be used without this side effect.
Plan time to be alone together and for sex. This promotes intimacy.
Make a point to spend at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time with your partner each day.
Express your affection for each other every day.
Spend part of a day alone together at least once a week. Make a date to take a walk in the park, go out for dinner, or share other activities you both enjoy. Schedule time away together when you can.
Go to bed at the same time.
Stay as physically active as you can. This allows more energy for sex.
To help prevent possible problems with sexual satisfaction, follow your doctor’s advice for a chronic illness.
Practice safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections (if you are not in a long-term monogamous relationship).
Keep the T.V. out of the bedroom.
Discuss hormone therapy with your health care provider. Estrogen can help with vaginal dryness. It can help thicken the walls of the vagina.
Use a water-soluble lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, Replens, etc. Don’t use oil or petroleum-based products. These encourage infection.
Contact Doctor When:
You have pain or bleeding during sex.
You have signs and symptoms of an STI.
You have sexual problems due to an illness, surgery, injury, or erectile dysfunction.
You continue to have sexual problems after using self-care.
