$Unique_ID{BRK01577}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Sexual Activity in the Advancing Years}
$Subject{sex aging Genitourinary System Sexual older old hormone hormones age
aged elderly desire desires aroused arousal dyspareunia Sexually Sexuality
intercourse geriatric geriatrics}
$Volume{J-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Sexual Activity in the Advancing Years


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am a bit on the older side, let's say I am over 70.  I still have
a healthy husband by my side, who frequently makes marital demands on me.  We
always had a satisfactory sex life together, but now I think that it is time
to stop.  He claims it is still normal and natural, but I don't know.  This is
too embarrassing to talk over with our doctor, so I am hoping you can help me.
What should I do?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  The correct answer in any situation such as this must come from the
people most affected, that is you and your husband.  There are no rules, no
"medically correct" advice to offer, merely some bits and pieces of general
information that may help.  Women who may have been less fortunate than
yourself and did not have a satisfactory relation during their child bearing
years often take menopause as the point in their lives that marks the end of
sexual activity.  In some women, the advancing years have brought along
medical conditions like heart or lung disease that reduces the ability to
participate as vigorously in the sex act.  In some cases, medicines used to
treat cancer may cause fatigue and nausea, limiting the expression of desire.
The production of sexual hormones change with age, and the motivating factors
for sex, such as desire, fantasy and arousal, can be lessened.  In many women,
turning away from the sex act is the result of a condition known as
dyspareunia (vaginal pain during the sex act), which in turn may be caused by
the drying up of natural vaginal secretions.  This condition can be treated
and reversed using the proper combination of sex hormones.  However, there are
also many psychological factors involved in both your feelings and actions.
They should be explored in discussions with your husband, your doctor, or
perhaps a counselor with special skills in dealing with this problem.  It is
in an open and thoughtful discussion that you may find the explanations you
are seeking.  You need feel no guilt, for there is nothing absolutely right
or positively wrong about any decision you may come to.  It need only feel
right to you and your husband.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.