Of the 7 things that we avoid talking about as we get older, sexual health ranks very high on the list. That’s because sex is such a personal, intimate topic that people don’t normally discuss what goes on behind closed doors.
But having struggles with intimacy is a part of growing older. But just because it’s a part of growing older doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to them. In women, age impacts their sexual health when they begin to go through menopause and afterward.
That’s because these changes in hormones cause a woman to feel less desire. Besides all of the other not so pleasant symptoms that present themselves during menopause as a by product of fewer hormones, the loss of estrogen is one of the biggest.
Losing amounts of this hormone brings on fatigue and the dreaded hot flashes. Few women find interest in sex during menopause. As she ages, a woman can also begin to experience dryness within the vagina, making sex uncomfortable.
This problem can also be traced back to losing estrogen. This is the hormone that works to keep the vagina lubricated. Atrophy of the vagina muscles can also happen as a woman gets older.
For men, as he ages, he can begin to experience erectile dysfunction. Even though he may feel like having sex, his body simply will not cooperate. It can take longer for blood flow in the body to cause an erection and when it does happen, it can be more difficult for a man to maintain an erection when he’s older.
Both of these issues with sexual health can have an impact on a man and a woman’s emotional health. Without this intimate connection, many partners report an increase in feeling down or will develop situational depression.
These feelings can in turn affect the ability to become aroused so it’s a catch 22 situation. If you’re at the point in your life where you’re beginning to experience problems with your sexual health, you can address the symptoms.
Once the symptoms are addressed, there’s no reason that you can’t resume an active sex life. Women can take medication to reduce the effects of menopause. Lubricants can help to increase the fluid in the vagina making sex enjoyable for woman.
For men, they can talk to their doctor about the possibility of getting a prescription that can deal with erectile dysfunction. The key to dealing with any situation that comes up regarding sexual health is to maintain open communication with your partner. This will help to avoid feelings of resentment and neglect.
