Menopause occurs in both men and women. Learn how menopause affects senior
sex and the health of men and women going through menopause.
BOMBARDED BY SENIOR SEX It seems that we are constantly bombarded with sex. Whether obvious or not, and it usually is, sex is everywhere
we look. And it seems that everyone is doing it A LOT... in television, movies, magazines and billboards. Naturally it makes
you wonder…am I having enough sex? What do menopause and sex have to do with one another? Despite
what the media is passing off as normal sexual encounters…meaning encounters with virtual strangers, every day, all
day….which would be more than a bit unproductive to say the least even if it were true which it isn't in normal
adults.... there is no right amount or times a week to have sex. If you and your partner are happy with your sex
life, it is normal for you.
The operative words here of course are “you and your partner”. If one
or the other of you wants sex more or less often, you need to find a positive way to discuss this issue with the
other person. If you can’t discuss it with your mate... the person you should be most comfortable with, that could be
a red flag in itself. Perhaps there other issues behind this lack of intimacy and freedom to talk about things that are personal
or difficult to address. A woman’s sexual desire and functionality is a lot more complicated
than a man's. An intricate blending of physical and emotional factors that is difficult to make sense of at times. Menopause
and Sex is even more complicated. When we are younger, or in a new marriage/relationship the sexual
urge is usually strong. But sometimes those urges are not there due to other factors that the woman may not be aware
of. These factors could affect and even obliterate her sexual desire and it can happen at any age. Many women who
have been raped are left with fear and even guilt. They need counseling before they can ever have a normal
sexual relationship and if they don't get treated these feelings come out in damaging ways. Thanks to the media, a woman's
body image is often an issue. The relationship you have with your partner, daily stress and anxiety, STDs, medication and
more often diminish sexual desire. And that is true in both men and women. But many women just seem to have a low sex
drive without any of those dibilitating factors. The technical term for a low sex drive
is hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Studies show that at least ONE THIRD of women from 18 to 40 experience
it. Low sex drive in women is more than simply not wanting sex. With true low
sex drive, she not only doesn’t desire sex, she isn't interested in anything that involves the erotic. Other
women with this disorder may not have the desire for sex but desperately want to regain it. They just can't
and don't know what to do. But there are answers for women who want to feel sexy again. A
friend of mine used to dart happily out of the office once a month wehre we both worked. Just before she left, she'd call
her husband and say "Honey I'll be there in a couple of hours so be ready...". Where was she going? To get a testostorone
shot. She had a very low sex drive and that once a month shot helped her libido to the degree that she claimed she would wear
her husband out over the next few days after receiving the injection.
Studies are now pointing out that testesterone
alone may not be the answer, however Testosterone given in conjunction with oestrogen is proving to be very effective
for most women. Will it work for you? Again, talk with your doctor about menopause and sex and how to increase your libido
because sex can and should be an important part of your relationship. But testosterone may not be the answer for every woman
over 40 or 50. Menopause and Sex are Intertwined in a delicate hormonal balance in women and when that balance is
thrown off we need to find answers.
Aging presents many more challenges for women. The drop in hormone
levels can cause hot flashes and changes in genital tissue. Dryness in the vagina during sex, one of the complaints doctors
hear most can be caused by the lack of estrogen which often makes sex uncomfortable. And if it is uncomfortable she is
less likely to want do have sex. But there are treatments available so she needs to talk with her doctor. Using an over
the counter lubricant will help with dryness. Estrogen will help your body to properly lubricate and bring back elasticity
to the genitalia. Related Articles Why older men leave for younger women...It may surprise you. Read more Separate bedrooms has been all the rage in new home building. What does it
say about your marriage? Read More How it was for women in the 50's. The good and bad. Read More
 |
|
Menopause and Sex in Women Over 50 It's a well-known fact that while many partners
are sexually active well into their 70's and even into their 80's, at least 45% of this
age group complain that sexual desire and activity is a problem. And according to the medical
community, that statistic may not give the complete picture because the percentage is derived from clinics and
offices where menopausal women actually complain about the lack of desire for sex. Many continue through life without
mentioning it to their physicians. This is also common for younger women who have undergone complete
hysterectomies because of the hormonal imbalances it can cause. So, no need to panic. No need to think you are “different”.
Remember, there are things you can do about menopause and sex so be proactive if you want a more
fulfilling sex life. Apart from the notorious hormonal changes women experience, there is also
a social change women endure. Women over 50 and even 40 are usually portrayed as grandmotherly
or hags in the media. Anything but vibrant sexual partners, while men are always
seen as sexual, viril beings. They are seldom paired with women their own age. Quite the contrary.
Their partners are a good ten to twenty years younger. No wonder women of menopausal age or
older feel like a dried prune. That's how they are depicted everywhere they look. Overcoming that stereotype is monumental which naturally
would also affect sexual desire in the menopausal woman. (On a
personal note, I have good news. Most men marry their age-appropriate counterparts. Women
who are interesting, well-groomed, have their own interests and who are willing to do new things) As mentioned at the top of this article, woman's sexuality can be complicated and
you will need to consult a physician for answers if you have low sex drive or other physical/psychological
issues that interfere with your sexual desire and libido.
MALE MENOPAUSE My mother talked about men going through a change similar to a woman’s menopause
way back in the sixties. She knew men, but women came to her with problems regarding their marriages no one believed her until
the wives started observing and taking stock in their husbands’ behaviour and physical signs. Today,
science has finally caught up to her insight. What they found is that men experience a more gradual loss of hormones, mainly
testosterone just like women. The result is called andropause, also referred to as the "male
menopause." Instead
of living with the negative effects, they are finding relief from the serious symptoms of hormone imbalance
just as many women have done for decaces. The signs of andropause and related hormonal issues include: Muscle Loss, Memory Loss,
Lower Desire for Senior Sex and Erectile Dysfunction, Weight gain,
Fatigue, Problems sleeping, Gynecomastia, Night Sweats, Irritability, Hair loss, Depression and ,Urinary
Problems
Senior Health is increasingly more important. What Health Issues are in the news lately? Read
more about the Health of Boomers
|