How Body Image Impacts Sex Lives
Saying yes to sex after 60 is not only emotionally satisfying and healthy but also a good thing for your self-confidence. The reality is that many mature couples tend to have better intimacy than they did in their younger years. This is mainly because there are no longer pregnancy worries and they have grown together intimately over the years. In addition, have fewer distractions from children who have grown up and left the nest. Saying yes to sex after 60 gives you guidelines on better sex. So, find below 10 concerns that may disrupt saying yes to sex after 60 and how to steer away from them.
Hormonal Changes
Around the age of 45 or thereabout, sex hormones decline. For women, menopause brings a decline in estrogen and androgens. This makes your vaginal walls thinner and drier and causes pain when you have sex. Reaching orgasm is also a problem for many women. Lubed condoms, water-based lubricating jelly, and vaginal moisturizers might do the trick. Your doctor might also prescribe vaginal estrogen, which comes as a cream, a pill or tablet, or an insert.
For men, it’s a decline in testosterone and estrogen which makes it difficult to get an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED). This is because your penis might not get as hard or big as before which may temporarily reduce your sexual pleasure. One of four ED drugs might be the answer. But they can have side effects. They can also clash with drugs that contain nitrates. Therefore be careful of herbs and supplements that promise a fast fix. Always talk to your doctor before you try them.
Diabetes Effect
Diabetes can cause ED in men, especially those with type 2. This is because poor blood sugar control can, over time, damage nerves and blood vessels that supply sex organs. However, meditation, a penis pump, or even a penile implant can help. Women with this condition can also have less feeling in their genitals. It also causes more vaginal yeast infections, which can irritate this area and make it difficult or unpleasant to have sex. But these can be treated.
If You Have Heart Disease
Because heart disease makes your arteries narrow and harden, your blood doesn’t flow as easily. Therefore you may find it difficult to get aroused or have orgasms. Once the heart problem is treated, your doctor is likely to give you the go-ahead. But it’s important you let your doctor know about any chest pain, breathing problems, or any symptoms that get worse.
Try New Things
You can experiment with new ways to enjoy sex. For instance, if a flat hard surface doesn’t work for your knees, a new position or special furniture can offer another angle. In addition, there’s always the tendency to worry about getting back into the sex game when it’s been a while. But remember that just having sex can help you relax. Simply allow your desire to take the lead.
Talk With Each Other
There are some other medical conditions that can stop you from saying yes to sex after 60. These include weight gain, arthritis, chronic pain, bladder control problems, dementia, high blood pressure, or cholesterol. Also are side effects from medications, depression, stroke, and surgery. For instance, surgery in sexual areas can affect your self-image and how you feel. What you need to do is to talk about ways you can focus on being a partner and remain intimate.
Safe Sex Is Still Important
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) don’t discriminate by age. You’re at risk for STDS if sexually active. STDs include chlamydia, genital warts or herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Also, the number of older people with HIV and AIDS is growing. It’s crucial to do checkups and tests, use condoms and be honest with your partner.
Unequal Sexual Desire
When sexual desire is unequal, couples always clash, whether it’s about sex drive or lack of it. For women, the drop in estrogen, bowel and bladder problems, breast atrophy, or cystitis after sex can dampen desire. While men with ED or other problems just don’t want to initiate sex. Hence it’s important to think about your partner’s point of view. Try to talk about your feelings and needs letting your partner know what you enjoy without hurting feelings.
Getting New Partners
There are now more ways to meet people through online dating for instance. But older adults need to stay in the know-how. Be informed about your partner’s history before you have sex. Moreover, both of you should get tested first, too. Always use a water-based condom that protects against sores or cuts that can raise your chances of getting STDs.
Talk To Your Doctor
When it’s time to talk with your doctor, ask direct questions, such as Can you recommend a sex therapist? Do any of my medications cause sex problems? Would it help me to take hormone replacement? Is there an alternative to ED drugs?
If your primary doctor isn’t helpful, consider a trained sex therapist. Your therapist will discuss your concerns and help come up with ways to meet your needs as a couple. The solution could be more foreplay or more direct stimulation. And if for instance, a condition like arthritis makes it hard to enjoy sex, your therapist can suggest new positions that are more comfortable and satisfying for you both.
Bottom Line
On the last note, it’s tempting to say why the worry about having sex after 60? But sex therapists will tell you that the benefits of sex are many. First, sex boosts your immune system, burns calories, lowers blood pressure, helps you relax, and eases pain. Likewise, it also keeps your mind alert and may reduce your risk for stroke and prostate cancer. And not to forget the closeness with your partner and the happiness you feel in that moment. And wait for this. It may actually help you live longer. Sex after 60? This is a big Yes!
https://www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/sex-and-aging-use-it-or-lose-it#:
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
