Sex after 50

Common concerns older people face regarding their sexuality, and easy tips for solving them:

Wacky hormones

As we age, our hormones change. Changes in hormones affect many aspects of our lives, including our sleeping habits, eating habits, and our sex lives. When women reach menopause, decreased estrogen levels lead to decreased sexual response and decreased libido. Women who are experiencing menopause will probably experience less lubrication, less sensation, and have a harder time reaching orgasm. Also, the orgasms may not be as intense or prolonged as it was when they were younger.

Localized estrogen is a good way to combat these concerns. Localized estrogen is applied directly to the body and won't negatively interfere with the body's other hormones. Other types of non-hormonal topical options may also help. Zestra, a topical oil that creates tingling warming sensations and may help with arousal.

Medications

Be aware that the medicine that you take may be affecting your ability to sex life. Some common sexual side effects of medication can include inability to get aroused, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, and difficulty reaching orgasm. Sexual side effects can be temporary or long term, mild or severe. In most cases, sexual side effects last only a few weeks and then go away on their own.

Poor blood flow

Poor blood flow causes many men to experience erectile difficulties They may have difficulty attaining or maintaining an erection. These problems occur because circulation and blood flow to the genitals decrease as part of the natural aging process. PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Sildenafil and Cialis can help improve genital blood flow and thus help with erectile concerns. Unfortunately, Viagra, Sildenafil and Cialis also have other side effects.

When a man starts taking medicine to help with erectile problems, problems may occur in the relationship too. This happens because all of a sudden one half of the couple is ready and primed for sex quite often, while the other partner might feel left in the dust. To avoid this problem, a man taking medicines to help erectile problems should be aware of his partner's needs, and continue devoting time to foreplay and addressing his partner's desires.

Surgery

Any surgical procedure that affects your pelvis and your central nervous system is going to have a temporary — but often significant — impact on how you respond sexually. Over the long term, though, the body is amazingly resilient and you can become sexually responsive again.