Aging process is
associated with many changes in our body that affect normal physiology of the
body. In this article we will discuss some points that will help to overcome
obstacles in enjoyable sex life.
1)
Sexual changes in women:
As we age, women
are affected more as compared to men. There are also some positive aspects of
aging for example you can enjoy sex without worrying about unwanted pregnancy
after hysterectomy and post-menopausal. Some women worry about their gray hair
and wrinkles which affect their sexual desire. Vaginal wall become thin, drier
and more irritated with age because of reduction in hormone levels. Some women
may also complain of post coital bleeding and pain due to micro tears which are
formed because of friction during intercourse. These problems can be prevented
by using over the counter lubricants.
2)
Sexual changes in men:
Men experience
difficulty in maintain hard erection with age. The erection may not be as large
or firm as they used to be and ejaculated amount is also less. Almost 65% men
having age 65 years reported to have erectile dysfunction commonly due to some
underlying pathology such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
3)
Arthritis:
Arthritis is the
inflammation of the joints that makes sexual intimacy uncomfortable. Try to use
pain killers, heat and take warm bath. Different positions may also alleviate
pain. Consult your doctor if the pain is severe.
4)
Chronic Pain:
Any condition
that leads to chronic pain severely affect your sexual desire. Conditions such
as musculoskeletal disorders, vascular diseases may lead to sleep problems,
depression and difficult mobility. All these conditions affect your sexual relationship.
5)
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a
common cause of erectile dysfunction in men. Women having diabetes my
experience dryness of vagina, decreased sexual desire and painful intercourse.
You can prevent these symptoms with regular exercise, medications and healthy
diet.
6)
Bladder dysfunction:
Old people
usually complain of incontinence due to poor control of sphincters, overactive
bladder and urinary tract infections. During sex, the pressure on bladder
increases which cause incontinence, a problem that makes many
avoid sex.
7)
Surgery:
Stress related
to any kind of surgery can cause decreased libido. Usually the complications of
surgery that affect libido are short term and the person can continue normal
sex even after the genital surgery.
8)
Mastectomy:
The breast
cancer incidence increases with age. Many women having breast cancer history
needs to undergo mastectomy to reduce the chances of breast cancer. Though
mastectomy don’t affect sexual mechanisms but still women may lose feeling of
being desirable which decreases libido.
9)
Prostatectomy:
Like breast
cancer in women, prostate cancer is very common in old age males. The affected
males may develop recurrent urinary bleeding, urinary tract infection and may
lead to renal failure. These conditions require surgery. Following the surgery,
a men may develop erectile dysfunction. Consult your surgeon and ask about
options to save the nerve that is responsible for erection, else may need to treat impotent after surgery.
