Sex After 60
Sex after 60? That a big yes. Many mature couple have better love lives than they did in their more youthful days. There are lots of reasons for this. They have deeper intimacy with partners, fewer distractions, no pregnancy concerns, and just plain more time to get busy. Plus they have much more know-how and done-that than those young things on TV.
Be prepared for hormonal changes. Around mid-life - age 45 or so, new issues can temporarily dampen your love life. Sex hormones take a dip. For women, menopause brings a plunge in estrogen and androgens. Your vaginal wall gets thinner and drier. Men see a nose dive in testosterone and estrogen about the same time. This can make it difficult to get an erection. Changes in the brain and blood flow switch things up, too.
The main sexual problems for women tend to be trouble getting an orgasm, lack of desire, and vaginal dryness. Your vagina shortens and narrows with age. It doesn't moisten itself as easily as before. This can cause pain when you have sex. Lubed condoms, water-based lubricating jelly, and vaginal moisturizers might do the trick. Your doctor might also prescribe, vaginal estrogen which comes as a cream, a pill or tablet, or insert.
The main age related sexual problem for men is erectile dysfunction, or ED. Erections don't come and stay like they used to. Your penis might not get as hard or as big before. One of four ED drugs might be the answer. But they can have side effects. They can also clash with drugs that contain nitrates. Be wary of herbs and supplements that promise a fast fix. Always talk to your doctor before you try them.
Diabetes can cause ED for men, especially those with type 2. Poor blood sugar control can, overtime, damage nerves and blood vessels that supply sex organs. Meds, a penis pump, or even a penile implant can help. Women with this condition can also have less feelings in their genitals. It also causes more vaginal yeast infection, which can irritate this area and make it difficult or unpleasant to have sex. But they are easily treated.
A heart attack during sex might make it good for TV, but it doesn't often happen in real life. Heart disease does make your arteries narrow and harden, so your blood doesn't flow as easily. You might find it hard to get aroused or have orgasms. But once it's treated your doctor will give you the green light. Be sure to tell your doctor about any chest pain, problems breathing, or symptoms that get worse.
Other medical conditions that affect your sex life include, weight gain, arthritis, chronic pain, bladder control problems, dementia, high blood pressure or cholesterol, side effects from meds, depression, and stroke. Also surgery-especially in sexual areas- can affect your self image and how you feel. Talk with each other about ways you can stay close.
Get creative. Common sense and a creative spirit can spark new ways to enjoy sex. If a flat surface doesn't work for your knees, a new position or special furniture can offer another angle. If you have problems getting aroused, a vibrator can help get blood flowing. It's natural to worry about "getting back in the swing of things", if you've been inactive for a while. But just having sex can relax you and let desires take the lead.
Credit: WebMD
Credit: WebMD