Sex for older people: tips for older men

What you can do to maintain a healthy and pleasant sex life as you get old.

By Mayic staff clinic

As you get old, sex is not the same as in its 20 years, but it can still be pleasant. Unlike some myths they suggest, sex is not just for young people. Many older people still enjoy their sexuality in their 80 years and beyond.

A healthy sex life is also satisfactory and good for other parts of his life, such as his physical health and self -esteem.

Sex for older people: What changes as men grow?

Changes in your body or lifestyle can make you feel vulnerable or uncomfortable, especially when it comes to sex.

You can notice changes such as:

  • Under sexual desire
  • Discomfort or pain during sex
  • Erection changes (erectile dysfunction)
  • Ejaculation changes (premature ejaculation or late ejaculation)
  • Changes in your body, hair or genitals
  • Less strength or resistance
  • Less fertility
  • Feel fragile or tired
  • Feel sad or stressed
  • Changes in the ability or sex desire of your partner

You may worry these changes. But remember, they don’t have to finish their enjoyment of sex. Working with your changing body can help you maintain a healthy and happy sex life. For example, you may have to change your sexual routine to include more stimulation to wake up.

Problems for sex and health for older people

Sexual well -being is closely linked to the rest of your health. The way it feels, long -term health conditions, changes related to age or drugs can sexually affect it.

Some surgeries and many drugs, such as blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants and drugs that block acid, can affect sexual function.

In addition, changes in your body, such as changes in testosterone and sperm, nervous damage, loss of bones and muscle and low iron, can affect your sexual health.

And existing health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and prostate problems, can also have an impact.

But don’t give up. You and your partner can try new ways of being intimate that work with your needs and skills.

For example, if you worry about having sex after a heart attack, talk to your health professional about your concerns. If arthritis pain is a problem, try different sexual positions. Or try to use heat to reduce joint pain before or after sexual activity.

Keep positive and focus on ways of being sexual and intimate that work for you and your partner.

Sexual and emotional problems

At any age, emotional problems can affect the way you feel sexually. Sometimes these are good news. With fewer distractions, more time and privacy, and without worries about pregnancy, many older couples report better sexual lives.

But other adults may feel stressed due to health problems, money problems and other changes in lifestyle. Depression can reduce your desire for sex. If you think it could be depressed, talk to your health professional or a counselor.

Sexual tips for older people

Sex may not be the same for you or your partner as when you were younger. But sex and intimacy can still be a gratifying part of your life. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy and pleasant sex life:

  • Talk to your partner. Even if it is difficult to talk about sex, share their needs, desires and worries can help them enjoy sex more and intimacy. It’s good to feel vulnerable. It is likely that your partner also feels vulnerable. Talk to each other or with the help of a therapist.
  • Visit your health professional. Your health professional can help you manage long -term conditions and medications that affect your sexual life. If you have trouble maintaining an erection, tell your supplier. Erection problems can be the only warning signal of a heart problem. If you are concerned about your testosterone, request guidance to your supplier. Report to your health professional about any tobacco, alcohol or use of illicit drugs, since they can affect your sexual health.
  • See a sexual therapist. A therapist can help you already your partner with specific problems. A qualified therapist can help you understand your needs, your concerns and update your perspective. Ask your health professional for a reference.
  • Expand your definition of sex. Sexual relations is just a way of having a satisfactory sex life. Touching, kissing and another intimate contact can be rewarding for you and your partner.

    As you get old, you and your partner may have different sexual skills and needs. Be open to find new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy.

  • Change your routine. Simple changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of the day you have sex. Try the morning, when you are renewed from a good night and when your testosterone levels are higher, instead of at the end of a long day.

    Because you can take more time for you or your partner to get excited, take more time for romance. Try a new sexual position or find other ways to connect romantically and sexually.

  • Bond again. If being physically intimate is too much right now, find new ways to have fun together. Enjoying new experiences can increase your level of activity, your mood and even your libido.
  • Laugh together. A sense of humor is important to relieve stress that can be brought in its ability to be intimate.
  • Do not give up with romance. If you have lost your partner, it may be difficult to imagine starting another relationship. But socialization is worth the effort for many older adults. No one exceeds the need for emotional closeness and intimacy.

    If an intimate relationship begins with a new partner, use a condom. Many older adults do not know that they are still at risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes and gonorrhea.

A last advice to maintain a healthy sex life: take care and stay as healthy as possible.

  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Think positive.
  • Practice gratitude.
  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Sleep enough.
  • Take time for loved ones and hobbies.

Consult your health professional regularly, especially if you have long -term health conditions or take prescription medications. Other conditions and drugs can affect your sexual health, but your health professional can help.

Our attentive team of experts at the May Clinic can help you with your health concerns. Visit Mayo Clinic Men’s Health to start.

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