110321 Sexuality in Later Life part 4 of 4
From https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-later-life?utm_source=nia-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=healthyaging-20210208
What Can I Do?
There are things you can do on your own for an active and enjoyable sex life. If you have a long-term partner, take time to enjoy each other and to understand the changes you both are facing.
Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor if you have a problem that affects your sex life. He or she may be able to suggest a treatment. For example, the most common sexual difficulty of older women is painful intercourse caused by vaginal dryness. Your doctor or a pharmacist can suggest over-the-counter vaginal lubricants or moisturizers to use. Water-based lubricants are helpful when needed to make sex more comfortable. Moisturizers are used on a regular basis, every 2 or 3 days. Or, your doctor might suggest a form of vaginal estrogen.
If ED is the problem, it can often be managed and perhaps even reversed with medication or other treatments. There are pills that can help. They should not be used by men taking medicines containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin. The pills do have possible side effects. Be wary of any dietary or herbal supplements promising to treat ED. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herb or supplement.
Physical problems can change your sex life as you get older. If you are single, dating and meeting new people may be easier later in life when you’re more sure of yourself and what you want. If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner may discover new ways to be together as you get older. Talk to your partner or partners about your needs. You may find that affection—hugging, kissing, touching, and spending time together—can be just what you need, or a path to greater intimacy and sex.
Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en español.
For More Information About Sexuality in Later Life
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
800-673-8444 (toll-free)
resources@acog.org
www.acog.org
HealthInAging Foundation
800-563-4916 (toll-free)
info@healthinaging.org
www.healthinaging.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
800-860-8747 (toll-free)
866-569-1162 (TTY/toll-free)
healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov
www.niddk.nih.gov
MedlinePlus
National Library of Medicine
www.medlineplus.gov
Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE)
212-741-2247
info@sageusa.org
www.sageusa.org
Urology Care Foundation
800-828-7866
info@urologycarefoundation.org
www.urologyhealth.org
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
Content reviewed: November 30, 2017
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