Sex is that topic many ladies usually discuss behind closed doors with their closest friends. As we’ve gotten older, sex isn’t the hot lunch topic it used to be. Sexual feelings don’t disappear as you grow older with the desire for intimacy being timeless. As you age, sex may change from what it was in your earlier years, but it can still be fulfilling.
There are a number of reasons why the frequency of sex may reduce for women as they get older. Menopause is one such reason. As the ovaries stop making estrogen, the vaginal lining becomes thinner, resulting in a reduction in vaginal elasticity; muscle tone; and lubrication, arousal takes longer. As a consequence of this, women may experience:
- a lack of interest in sex
- difficulty with lubrication
- pain with penetration
- difficulty or inability to climax
How you and your partner can adapt
Rely on Good Communication
To maintain or improve your sex life (where both parties are satisfied) talk with your partner. Pencil into your busy calendars, time to be sensual and sexual together. Share your thoughts and interests about lovemaking when you’re spending intimate time with your partner. It’s important to help your partner understand what you want from him because no one else knows your body better than you do. Ultimately, it’s about being honest about what you experience physically and emotionally.
Stay safe
If you’re sexually active, use birth control consistently until you reach menopause. A woman can become pregnant until they’ve reached menopause, which is defined as an entire 365 day rotation or 12 straight months without a period. Get expert knowledge from your health care provider for guidance on which type of birth control is right for you.
Know your Medical conditions and medications
Your body is an ecosystem ad any condition which may affect your general health and well-being, is most likely capable of affecting your sexual health. Illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal problems, depression or anxiety can all pose challenges to you being sexually active.
This is mainly due to the medications used to treat these conditions as they may inhibit your sexual response. If you think you are experiencing sexual side effects from a medication, consult your doctor. It may be possible to switch to a different medication with fewer sexual side effects.
Caregiver roles
Your sexuality may take a back seat to other needs when you’re ill. As stated earlier, medications can have a detrimental effect and the worry that comes with being ill, or taking care of a sick partner can overshadow your sexual desire. Talk with your partner and find a way to set aside the caregiver role from time to time. This will allow you to be a partner instead and you can relax and feel nurtured by your partner or vice versa.
Surgery and sexual health
Any procedure that has an effect on your pelvis and your central nervous system may have significant impact on your sexual response. The body, however, is resilient. Given time to heal and some loving attention, most people can often become sexually responsive again.
How Marie Stopes can help you
Marie Stopes is the global leader in women’s sexual and reproductive health. Our conveniently located centres provide professional women’s health services, such as STI and HIV testing. As mentioned above, we offer safe abortion services if you have an unintended pregnancy and want to terminate.
We also offer other women’s sexual healthcare services, including pap smears, STI and HIV counselling and testing, and women’s wellness check-ups.