KissMeGoodnight eLearning Series:
Your Sexual Health

Male Sexual Health As We Get Older

Whether we are young or old, every person needs intimacy and that does not change simply because of age. An older man does not stop living simply because he gone up in years. He still enjoys life. Part of life is intimate relationships, and that includes the sexual experience.

A sexual relationship that is strong and fulfilling can have great effects on all areas of your life, including your self-esteem. Many older men enjoy sexual fantasies in their late eighties and nineties. It is true that sex may not be as it was when you were in your twenties, but many things change when you are no longer twenty. There are natural changes that occur that affect intimacy. Aging is one of these changes. Another change that is not so readily discussed is the psychological changes that take place.

Testosterone is the hormone that regulates the sex drive in both males and females. When aging, testosterone decreases and the sex drive diminishes. As your body goes through these changes, you will not be able to participate in the sexual act as you once did. This is nothing to become concerned about, as it opens the door to trying new techniques and positions. Here is a list of some of the physical changes that occur in the body as the body ages.

As the woman ages most of her changes will take place during menopause, when the production of the testosterone and estrogen hormones decreases. The vagina does not swell as quickly and lubrication does not come as easily as it once did. The vagina also is not as elastic as it once was. Experiencing one of these symptoms during intercourse could be painful. If you have more than one of these symptoms, it could be even worse. Increasing the length of foreplay can help in encouraging your natural lubrication to help intercourse feel less painful. Trying different types of lubricants will help with the dryness. Often, the best treatment for vaginal dryness and non-elasticity is intercourse. However, remember that if you use condoms, some lubricants can break down the condom.

For the man, it may take longer to achieve an erection. When you do achieve an erection, it may not be as hard as you would like, nor will it last as long as you would like. When this happens, you can try different positions for intercourse that may feel better to you and your partner. Your doctor can help advise you if you are having great difficulty maintaining an erection and/or unable to reach orgasm. There are many prescription medications on the market and your doctor can recommend other options for you.

If you mentally have decided that because you are now older your sex will not be as good as it was when you were younger, that is exactly what will happen. The mind is quite possibly the strongest sexual organ. If you find that you are embarrassed or ashamed due to the changes that are occurring in your body as you age, this anxiety will affect your ability to maintain an erection or reach an orgasm. Communicating with your partner is an important part of sexual health for both men and women. If you focus on what you do not like about yourself and how you may or may not be pleasing your partner, this can lead to impotence. Relax, talk, experiment, and enjoy. The same rule applies to men as it does women: your partner cannot read your mind – you have to share with them what you are feeling, why and how they can help you.

Some medications or surgical procedures may interfere with your response sexually. Some medications that can have an affect on your sexual function:

• High blood pressure medication
• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Acid blocking medications

Talk to your medical health care provider as to how the mediations you are on may be inhibiting your sexual experience and if there are, alternatives that you can take that will not hinder your intimate encounters.

Young people may have difficulty imagining an older person enjoying sex. However, they will when they are older. For many older adults the sexual experience improves. Here are some ways to improve your sexual relationship:

• Communication
• Explore with other forms of intimacy
• Masturbation either singly or together
• Oral or manual stimulation

Communication is very important. The more you talk with your partner the closer you become. As you discuss the changes you are going through you can help each other through a very wonderful time in your life. Remember, talking about sex can be an arousal all by itself.

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KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

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