Sexuality in Later Life
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Dr. Chris Steidle - Northeast Indiana Urology
Sexuality in Later Life
Courtesy of the NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
Most older people want and are able to enjoy an active,
satisfying sex life. Regular sexual activity helps maintain
sexual ability. However, over time everyone may notice a slowing
of response. This is part of the normal aging process.
Normal Physical Changes With Age
Women may notice changes in the shape and flexibility of the
vagina. These changes may not cause a serious loss in the
ability to enjoy sex. Most women will have a decrease in vaginal
lubrication that affects sexual pleasure. A pharmacist can
suggest over-the-counter vaginal lubricants.
Men often notice more distinct changes. It may take longer to
get an erection or the erection may not be as firm or as large as
in earlier years. The feeling that an ejaculation is about to
happen may be shorter. The loss of erection after orgasm may be
more rapid or it may take longer before an erection is again
possible. Some men may find they need more manual stimulation.
As men get older, impotence seems to increase, especially in men
with heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Impotence is the
loss of ability to achieve and maintain an erection hard enough
for sexual intercourse. Talk to your doctor. For many men
impotence can be managed and perhaps even reversed.
Effects of Illness or Disability
Although illness or disability can affect sexuality, even the
most serious conditions should not stop you from having a
satisfying sex life.
Heart Disease Many people who have had a heart attack are
afraid that having sex will cause another attack. The risk of
this is very low. Follow your doctor's advice. Most people can
start having sex again 12 to 16 weeks after an attack.
Diabetes Most men with diabetes do not have problems, but it is
one of the few illnesses that can cause impotence. In most cases
medical treatment can help.
Stroke Sexual function is rarely damaged by a stroke and it is
unlikely that sexual exertion will cause another stroke. Using
different positions or medical devices can help make up for any
weakness or paralysis.
Arthritis Joint pain due to arthritis can limit sexual
activity. Surgery and drugs may relieve this pain. In some
cases drugs can decrease sexual desire. Exercise, rest, warm
baths, and changing the position or timing of sexual activity can
be helpful.
SurgeryProstatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the
prostate. Sometimes a prostatectomy needs to be done because of
an enlarged prostate. This procedure rarely causes impotence.
If a radical prostatectomy (removal of prostate gland) is used to treat prostate cancer,
new surgical techniques may be able to save the nerves going to the penis
and an erection may still be possible. If your sexuality is
important to you, talk to your doctor before surgery to make sure
you will be able to lead a fully satisfying sex life.
Other issues
Alcohol. Too much alcohol can reduce potency in men and delay
orgasm in women.
Medicines Antidepressants, tranquilizers, and certain high
blood pressure drugs can cause impotence. Some drugs can make it
difficult for men to ejaculate. Some drugs reduce a woman's
sexual desire. Check with your doctor. She or he can often
prescribe a drug without this side effect.
Masturbation This sexual activity can help unmarried, widowed,
or divorced people and those whose partners are ill or away.
AIDS Anyone who is sexually active can be at risk for being
infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Having safe sex
is important for people at every age. Talk with your doctor
about ways to protect yourself from AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases. You are never too old to be at risk.
Emotional Concerns
Sexuality is often a delicate balance of emotional and physical
issues. How we feel may affect what we are able to do. For
example, men may fear impotence will become a more frequent
problem as they age. But, if you are too worried about
impotence, you can create enough stress to cause it. As a woman
ages, she may become more anxious about her appearance. This
emphasis on youthful physical beauty can interfere with a woman's
ability to enjoy sex.
Older couples may have the same problems that affect people of
any age. But they may also have the added concerns of age,
retirement and other lifestyle changes, and illness. These
problems can cause sexual difficulties. Talk openly with your
doctor or see a therapist. These health professionals can often
help.
More Information
For a list of publications from the National Institute on Aging
(NIA) including an Age Page called AIDS, HIV, and Older Adults,
contact:
NIA Information Center
P.O. Box 8057
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057
1-800-222-2225
1-800-222-4225 (TTY)
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