Sex after 60? Yes. Many older couples have a better love life than when they were younger. There are many reasons for this. They have more intimacy with their partners, fewer distractions, no fear of getting pregnant and simply more time for the good things in life. They also have much more know-how and experience than young people. Here are a few factors to consider.
STDs and safer sex in old age
If you have a new sexual partner, you’re at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease – because it’s the same regardless of age or gender. The best way to prevent STDs in old age is to practice safer sex (i.e., contraception) with condoms. If you’re worried that you might be infected, it’s best to talk to your health care provider about it.
Not all sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms, so you should get a checkup once a year to be on the safe side.
How your body changes
As our bodies change with age, so can sex. But there are steps you can take to make it easier.
Dryness of the vulva
Around age 45 or 50 – new problems can temporarily affect your love life as sex hormones plummet. In women, menopause causes a plunge in estrogen and androgen levels. As a result, the vaginal walls become thinner and drier.
Some women suffer from vaginal dryness after menopause. This can make sex difficult – but using a moisturizer or lubricant can help you get rid of the problem.
Some types of soap and shower gel can further aggravate vaginal dryness. It’s best to avoid using regular shower gel – warm water or special cleansing creams from the drugstore or pharmacy will help.
Erection problems
In men, testosterone and estrogen levels drop around 50. This can make it difficult to get an erection (erectile dysfunction). Changes in the brain and blood circulation also mess up your body for the time being. But don’t worry, because most men experience erection problems as they age. These can often be alleviated by simple lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, boosting circulation, or quitting smoking.
If you have persistent erection problems, you should talk to your health care provider. They can prescribe medicines to help you and make sex possible for you again.
Talk to your doctor
You may not find it easy to talk to your doctor about sex. It can help you to ask direct questions like:
- Can you recommend a sex counselor, and will this be covered by my health insurance?
- Is any of my medication causing sexual problems?
- Would it help me to take estrogen?
- Is there an alternative to Viagra?
Conclusion
Many older people enjoy an active sex life – and why shouldn’t they? Although you may have to make some adjustments, getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up on sex. On the contrary, sex often gets better with age.