sexual activity among older women aged 70+ and 80+: is it still possible?
As women age, changes in hormone levels and physical health can impact sexual function. This article explores how aging affects sexual health in older females and provides strategies to maintain a satisfying sex life.
Aging and Sexual Function in Older Women
The natural decline of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause can cause various sexual issues. These hormonal changes often lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and decreased sexual desire [1][3]. Additionally, physical changes such as thinning vaginal tissues and decreased blood flow can impair sexual response and orgasm quality [3]. Psychological and relational factors, like changes in self-esteem, mood, partner health, and relationship dynamics, also play a significant role [1].
Strategies for Maintaining a Satisfying Sex Life
- Medical Interventions: Hormone replacement therapy, particularly transdermal estradiol, has been shown to improve sexual function (desire, satisfaction, comfort) in postmenopausal women more effectively than oral estrogens [5].
- Communication: Open and honest discussions with partners and healthcare providers about sexual needs and challenges are crucial for adapting intimacy to changing circumstances [1].
- Lifestyle Optimization: Maintaining overall health through diet, exercise, managing chronic conditions, and minimizing medications that impair sexual function supports sexual wellness [1][2][4].
- Use of Lubricants and Vaginal Moisturizers: These can alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse [1].
- Psychosexual Therapy: Counseling or therapy can address psychological barriers or relational issues contributing to decreased sexual satisfaction [1].
Key Points
- A decrease in estrogen production can cause physical changes such as vaginal dryness, vaginal shortening, and thinning of vaginal walls.
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, increase a person's risk of sexual dysfunction.
- Age can increase the vagina's susceptibility to irritation and infection.
- 74% of sexually active older women are satisfied with their sexual activity, according to a poll.
- Studies show that a significant number of women treated for cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers have sexual dysfunction during recovery and as they become survivors.
- Older adults who are sexually active report higher life satisfaction than those who are not.
- Sexual dysfunction is more common in females with clinical depression than those without.
- Weak pelvic floor muscles due to a loss of estrogen can lead to conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and involuntary urine leakage.
- 28% of older women have menopausal symptoms that interfere with their ability to be sexually active, according to the same poll.
- Obesity or being overweight can lead to sexual dysfunction in older adults. Weight management can improve sexual function, and bariatric surgery can help both genders.
- Shifts in female hormones as they age can cause mood changes, including anger, irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, feelings of sadness or depression, low mood, poor concentration, and "brain fog."
- Many older adults are reluctant to discuss their sexual health with health professionals.
- Talking with a therapist or a certified sex therapist can provide support and techniques for older adults with sexual issues.
- At least 13.6% of women aged 65-79 have hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD), according to a study on sexual function in older women.
- Older women, specifically those between 50-80 years old, are sexually active, with almost half being sexually active, according to a 2022 University of Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging.
- Certain medical conditions and their treatment may cause or worsen issues with sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm. Examples include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, paralysis as a result of a stroke, incontinence, Parkinson's disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.
In conclusion, aging affects female sexual function largely through hormonal and physical changes, but with medical, relational, and lifestyle strategies, many older women continue to enjoy fulfilling sex lives. Engaging healthcare providers about sexual health as part of routine care is recommended to tailor interventions effectively.
- Older women may experience sexual issues due to a decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause.
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and decreased sexual desire are commonly observed results of hormonal changes.
- Thinning vaginal tissues and decreased blood flow can also impair sexual response and orgasm quality.
- Psychological and relational factors substantially impact sexual satisfaction in older females.
- Sexual health discussions with partners and healthcare providers are crucial for adapting intimacy to changing circumstances.
- Hormone replacement therapy, specifically transdermal estradiol, can improve sexual function and satisfaction.
- Open communication is important for addressing psychological barriers or relational issues contributing to decreased sexual satisfaction.
- Maintaining overall health through diet, exercise, chronic condition management, and medication minimization supports sexual wellness.
- The use of lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
- Psychosexual therapy can provide support and techniques for older adults with sexual issues.
- Over 74% of sexually active older women are satisfied with their sexual activity, according to a poll.
- Women treated for cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers often experience sexual dysfunction during recovery and as they become survivors.
- Older adults who are sexually active report higher life satisfaction than those who are not.
- Sexual dysfunction is more common in females with clinical depression than those without.
- Weak pelvic floor muscles due to estrogen loss can lead to conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and involuntary urine leakage.
- Obesity or being overweight can impact sexual function in older adults, and bariatric surgery can help both genders improve sexual function.
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, chronic kidney disease, and incontinence, can cause or worsen sexual issues in older women.
