Aging brings changes in many aspects of life. There are emotional, social, and physical changes and diseases that may occur in later life. These changes also affect sexuality.
Social and family changes can affect sexual function. As we age, we may have to adjust goals and desires. Goals set earlier in life may no longer be realistic. In middle age and beyond, most of us must learn to accept our limitations as well as our successes. Unrealistic expectations put a heavy burden on relationships. Those who cannot adjust to changes may be frustrated and depressed. They may withdraw from sex and the relationship.
Examples of social and family changes that might affect sexuality in older adults are:
Empty nest syndrome refers to the grief that many parents feel when their children move away from home. Empty nest syndrome can affect both parents, but women seem to be most often affected. The empty nest may cause an identity crisis for women. Once the last child moves out, the mother may feel worthless, disoriented, and unsure of what meaning her future may hold. She may become too focused on herself or overly concerned with her health. She may become sexually assertive for the first time. Her partner may either welcome the change or feel threatened by it.
Many older couples have to deal with problems of sameness and boredom in their relationship. This can affect sexual interest.
The quality of your relationship is also related to the quality of your communication skills. Good communication means that you are not afraid to express what you really think and feel and that your partner trusts you the same way. This can help an intimate relationship stay satisfying for both of you.
Sexual problems may reflect a lack of self-satisfaction. Sudden loss of interest in sex in a close relationship may be a sign of depression. In such cases, psychotherapy, medicine, and sexual therapy may help. Couples may benefit most by seeing a therapist together.
Body changes also affect sexuality. Men and women have lower levels of hormones as they grow older. This change in hormone levels can affect the uterus, vagina, breasts, penis, and testicles.
After menopause occurs, usually in the late 40s or early 50s, women have much less of the hormone estrogen. This causes some vaginal dryness. It may take longer for a woman to become sexually aroused and lubricated.
Estrogen hormone therapy may help prevent vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and osteoporosis. However, there are risks that go along with taking hormones. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Some health problems, such as problems with circulation, affect a man's ability to have or keep an erection. Older men may have low levels of testosterone. This may lead to loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, and depression.
Fatigue and stress also may cause sexual problems. If you are very active during the day, you may be too worn out for sex at night.
Use of alcohol or other drugs can lead to sexual problems. Avoiding alcohol and drugs for a time may help you know whether they are causing sexual problems.
Most problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction) are caused by problems in the blood supply to the penis. This is often due to diseases such as hardening of the arteries and diabetes. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to treat the problem.
Some medicines, chemotherapy, or surgeries may also affect sexual function. Tell your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening sexual problems, such as erectile problems or vaginal dryness. This is very important if you take heart or blood pressure medicine or medicine for emotional problems. Be specific about the changes in your sexual function. Your provider may prescribe a medicine that is less likely to cause the sexual problems. If you cannot take another medicine for your condition, counseling or other forms of treatment may help.
After a heart attack you may leave the hospital concerned about overdoing it. You may be especially worried about having sex. You may fear that sex will cause another heart attack or even death. Sex puts less of a strain on the heart than most people think. Sex is a normal and healthy part of relationships and is important to self-esteem. Ask your healthcare provider about sex after a heart attack before you leave the hospital. This will help you avoid needless fear and worry.
Arthritis is a chronic illness that causes joint pain, inflammation or redness of joints, and fever. It can change the way you feel about yourself. It may make you more dependent on others. The fear of pain may also prevent physical closeness between you and your partner. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
Some short-term sexual problems are common. You need not worry about sexual problems if they only last a short time. However, if the following problems persist, discuss them with your healthcare provider:
Improve sexual communication by following these guidelines:
