Sex should be satisfying and fun. At any age.
People are living longer, healthier lives today than they did a century ago, or even half a century ago. And a continued interest in satisfying sex is an important part of that longer, healthier life. Consider the following:
- 31% of couples over age 50 have sex more than once a week. Another 28% have sex at least twice a month.
- 40% of people aged 65 or older say they are sexually active.
- 54% of people aged 65-80 consider sex to be important to their quality of life.
That being said, changes in the body beginning during the 40s and 50s can make an enjoyable sex life more challenging.
But there’s good news. These changes can be treated…and often quite easily.
Here are some of the biggest obstacles to a healthy sex life and what you can do about them:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
For years, this was a problem that no one talked about. Publicly, at least.
But studies indicate that ED affects 40% of men by the age of 40, and almost 70% of men in their 70s.
The good news? Greater awareness has fostered effective solutions:
- Testosterone replacement therapy
Low testosterone makes it more difficult for men to get an erection. When properly supervised and administered, TRT can restore your testosterone to appropriate levels, and improve erectile function. - Oral ED medication (generic Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra®)
Known as PDE-5 inhibitors, these medications relax the smooth muscles surrounding blood vessels in the penis. The result is greater blood flow and improved erections. - PT-141 (also known as bremelanotide)
This peptide can be used to treat sexual dysfunction in men and women. In men, it improves erectile function. - Penile injections
For severe cases of ED, penile injections work for just about everyone. They’re painless, easy to administer, and can save your sex life when other solutions have failed.
Vaginal Atrophy
Women’s estrogen levels decline once they reach menopause…usually in their late 40s or during their 50s.
This reduction in estrogen causes numerous issues, including weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings. One issue that seldom gets discussed is vaginal dryness and atrophy.
As estrogen levels decline, vaginal walls become thinner and drier. This can cause pain and tearing during sex…and really puts a damper on one’s sex life. But there are solutions.
Bioidentical estrogen replacement can restore estrogen to optimal levels. For severe vaginal dryness and atrophy, estrogen can be vaginally applied to speed the healing process.
Low Libido
Nothing makes it harder to have sex than…just not being interested.
For women, a lack of arousal can usually be traced to declining levels of estrogen, testosterone, and even DHEA. For men, a lack of arousal can usually be traced to declining levels of testosterone and DHEA, and also estrogen that is either too high or too low. These imbalances can be addressed via properly administered hormone replacement therapy.
Inability to Achieve Orgasm
As many as 90% of women find it difficult to achieve orgasm during and after menopause. This is because the hormones that encourage blood flow to the clitoris and the labia (primarily estrogen and testosterone) are in decline. Even men can have challenges in this department due to declining testosterone production. In addition to hormone therapy, solutions like PT-141 (also known as bremelanotide), oxytocin, apomorphine, and topical preparations that enhance sensitivity can all go a long way toward making climax easier.
What You Can Do
Whether you are a woman or a man, it’s important to understand that sexual challenges like those described above are both common and treatable. At Renew Youth, we understand that sex is an important part of life…and we have lots of solutions for sexual dysfunction. To learn how we can help, call us today at 800-859-7511 or use our convenient contact form to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.