The desire for sexual intercourse in older women may be influenced by a variety of factors. These include physiological changes, relationship changes, and physical illness.
In addition, older women may feel emotionally disconnected from a partner and have trouble pursuing sexual activity. While these factors may not cause an older woman to lose her desire to be sexual, they can make it difficult to continue engaging in intercourse.
Menopause
The decrease in estrogen and testosterone in the body can cause reduced libido. The vaginal lining can become thin and the clitoris can atrophy. This can result in reduced sensation and difficulty in penetration. In addition, there may be psychological issues that can also lead to decreased libido. If you are experiencing this problem, you should discuss it with your doctor. There are treatments available that can improve your quality of life.
Symptoms associated with menopause can negatively affect the quality of life of older women. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to routinely ask their patients about menopause-related symptoms. The good news is that these symptoms are not unusual.
Surgery for gynecologic and breast cancer
Surgery for gynecologic or breast cancer in older women can affect many different aspects of a woman’s life, from her reproductive organs to her sexual life. Women with cancer may experience pelvic pain, fistula formation, or sexual dysfunction. Some types of cancers may require a resection of the pelvis, while others may be treated using less invasive methods.
The study’s authors note that many cancer survivors desire medical care for sexual problems, as a result of the disease. During a survey of hundreds of cancer survivors, they found that 40 percent of them would like medical attention for sexual problems, including pain, dryness, difficulty in arousal, orgasm. In addition, some women report having body image issues.
Menopause symptoms
Menopause symptoms can interfere with sexual activity for many older women. According to a recent study, one-fourth of women ages 50 to 64 reported symptoms that interfered with their sexual activity. Older women with more symptoms were less likely to be sexually active and had less satisfaction with their sexual activities.
Many women may also experience decreased sexual desire. For some women, this can be a source of distress. For others, it can be a sign of a disorder known as hyperactive sexual desire disorder. This disorder affects the sense of sexuality and is one of the most common complaints women experience.
Physical illness
Physical illness of the sexual organs in older women is a common problem that affects sexual functions. Women may experience a decline in their libido and inability to have orgasm. The condition may also be accompanied by emotional changes, such as separation from their partners. In these cases, healthcare providers should ask about sexual dysfunction when diagnosing and treating female patients.
The doctor’s role is essential to the successful management of sexual problems in older women. He or she can facilitate discussions between patients and health care providers and promote appropriate referral to sexual health professionals. In addition, doctors can help dispel myths that sexuality in older women is not a legitimate issue.
Oral intercourse
Oral intercourse is often overlooked when discussing sexual relationships with older adults. The majority of research on older sexuality focuses on penile-vaginal intercourse, but oral sex has received far less attention. The reasons for this discrepancy can be traced to significant cohort differences. Birth cohorts from the 1940s to 1960s had significantly fewer oral sex experiences than birth cohorts after that time.
Oral sex is often unpleasant for women for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons is bad technique. While this is often unavoidable, oral sex can also be improved by talking to your partner beforehand. You can also use direct clitoral stimulation to make her feel relaxed and turn on.
Condoms
The Health Department encourages all sexually active New Yorkers of all ages to use condoms, which prevent the spread of HIV and STIs. Last year, the Health Department distributed over 25 million condoms and safe-sex products in the city. The department also offers condom training to senior centers.
While many STIs are transmitted skin to skin, others are transferred in semen. Women who engage in sex with other women are especially at risk. Furthermore, many mid-life couples engage in oral sex, which can harbor STIs. The use of a female condom is an effective solution to avoid sexual transmission of STIs in such settings.
Health concerns
In addition to addressing clinical conditions, health care providers should also understand the needs of sexually active older women. There are several factors that can contribute to sexual dysfunction and dysfunctional behaviors among older women. A clinician with adequate training can identify and treat these issues. They should be able to work with a diverse range of patient populations, including women of different cultures.
Among the most common health concerns of older women is erectile dysfunction and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Less than half of these women report that they discuss sexual problems with their physicians. Despite this, it is important to ask about sexual activities and sex function regularly. Other important interventions include practical advice on treating chronic medical conditions, vulvovaginal atrophy, and STI screening and prevention.