Understanding the Physiological Changes of Aging on Sexual Health: Expert Advice from Doctors

2023-07-16 17:00:00

The physiological changes associated with aging are natural. In women, intimate physical changes occur such as the refinement of the vaginal wall. Which, along with other age-related effects, results in increased sensitivity, longer time to experience pleasure and pain as well as irritation.

Orgasm can be delayed or even prevented. All these changes are largely caused by a hormonal upheaval, occurring from the menopause, with a drop and then an interruption in the production of estrogen.

In humans, arousal can also come more slowly. Not to mention that the erection can become difficult to obtain. Erectile dysfunction is more common as you get older. Thus, two thirds of men over 70 report suffering from it.

Finally, the recovery period between two sexual intercourses is lengthened. Again, the cause is largely hormonal, with a gradual reduction in testosterone production.

Talk to the doctor

With age, health problems are also more common and more numerous. Thus, the disease or the treatments can affect the body and therefore sexuality. Osteoarthritis is notably more frequent, as are cardiovascular diseases.

However, there are many ways to overcome these difficulties to maintain a fulfilling sex life. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.

Indeed, “practitioners should ask their senior patients regarding their sexual history and normalize conversations regarding sexual health,” said Janie Steckenrider, professor of gerontology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. “Especially since a sudden sexual concern can be a sign of an as yet undiagnosed health problem, an adverse effect of treatment or a sexually transmitted infection,” she adds.

Sources : Better Health While Aging, site internte du Dr Leslie Kernisan, gériatre – The Lancet Healthy Longevity – Sexual activity is associated with greater enjoyment of life in older adults. Sex Med. 2019; 7: 11-18

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