The effects of aging on women’s sexual health and wellbeing can vary depending on many factors, such as lifestyle, health status, and relationship dynamics. However, in general, aging can affect women’s sexual health and wellbeing in several ways.
Changes in hormones and physical function. As women age, their hormone levels and physical function may change, which can affect their libido, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. For example, estrogen levels may decrease after menopause, which can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. A weakened pelvic floor muscles, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can all affect sexual health and wellbeing. (Regularly performing pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help improve pelvic floor muscle strength and improve sexual function.)
Changes in their relationships, such as the loss of a partner, the end of a long-term relationship, or the onset of chronic health conditions. These changes can affect their sexual desire, activity, and satisfaction.
If that was not enough many women may face stigma and misconceptions about aging and sex, such as the belief that sex is no longer important or enjoyable after a certain age. These attitudes can affect women’s self-perception and confidence, and they can also discourage them from seeking sexual health care and support.
Communicate with your partner about your needs, boundaries, and preferences, and listen to their feedback and perspectives as well. This can help you understand each other’s needs and desires, and it can also help you create a more satisfying and enjoyable sexual experience together.
Explore different sexual activities and positions, and experiment with different ways of stimulating yourself. This can help you discover what feels good and pleasurable for you, and it can also help you find the most effective ways to reach orgasm. Then you can better communicate your needs and preferences to your partner.
Use lubricants and other aids. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex, consider using lubricants or other aids, such as moisturizers or vaginal estrogen therapy, to improve your comfort and pleasure. These products can help improve your sexual experience, and they can also protect against irritation and discomfort.
As always, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. There is no shame in talking with a professional about your sexual health and wellbeing, asking for advice and support to address any challenges or concerns you may have. Sex is an important and healthy part of human life. There is no shame in that and it is perfectly normal to remain sexual as we age. Your healthcare provider can provide you with information and resources, and they can also help you manage any chronic health conditions or medications that may affect your sexual health and function.
Remember, our body changes so do our experience with sex. We can’t expect ourselves or our partner to perform and respond how they once did. Keep exploring and try new things and in the end, it’s the connection and the attention for each other’s comfort and pleasure, the intimacy that you share that is precious.
