Growing older may well affect the quantity of sex you experience, 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 from the rest. The desire for sex may decline due to hormonal changes in both men and women. Remember what matters is your attitude rather than your age. Sex is an activity that can be enjoyable, stimulating and emotionally and physically beneficial.
Men
In men, more prolonged manual or oral stimulation may be needed to get an erection which itself may not be as stiff as before. Orgasm may be less frequent and less intense, and ejaculation may be less powerful. The period of time before another erection is achieved is likely to be greater.
Women
In women, dryness may make penetration or stimulation of the vagina more difficult or even painful. This can be resolved by the use of a lubricant. Following the menopause, with vaginal shrinkage, women may even find sex more intense or pleasurable. The lack of anxiety about becoming pregnant may even contribute towards sexual enjoyment. A few other things can be taken considered to improve your sex life in later years;
- Routine can lead to boredom, which in turn can lead to a lack of arousal. Experimenting may intensify stimulation, and this can be as simple as changing the location in which sex usually takes place.
- The use of erotic material or sex toys might also introduce an element of novelty and enhance arousal.
- Sex requires some expenditure of energy - which can be in shorter supply than when younger. Activity is likely to be more energetic after resting so changing from late night sex to morning sex may have a beneficial effect.
- Take your time and enjoy the activity, whether shared or alone.
Illness
Any illness can have a knock-on effect on sexual ability at all ages. As you grow older you become prone to those illnesses which can take many years to reveal themselves. These can include heart disease, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, prostate problems and the long-term effects of diabetes. It is illnesses like these which can have a negative effect on your sexual abilities.
Some illnesses can be treated more successfully than others, however the treatments themselves can have unpleasant effects on sexual function, but you should not automatically accept a poorer sex life as a result if you do not want to. There are many treatments for sexual problems which can re-establish sexual ability.
Getting advice and talking about sex
Remember that your doctor's main interest is in helping you, not the language you use to describe it. If you are experiencing any sexually difficulties, talk to your doctor who will advise you on the best possible treatment.
