Sex and ageing in men
Today men and women are living longer, healthier lives. As a result of this improvement in health many older couples now still continue to enjoy intimacy and sexually fulfilling lives. This fact sheet will help you with some queries that you may have.
Does sex change as you get older?
The issues surrounding mature sexuality are still not openly discussed. Cultural biases have tended to stereotype older people as asexual, devoid of feelings or emotion. Couples who have been in long-term relationships do not necessarily find it any easier than others when it comes to discussing sexual difficulties. Like many activities in life, sexual expression is highly variable.
Sexual function may well be different from that of a younger couple but that doesn’t mean that it has to be any less pleasurable.
Will I still be able to have sex as I get older?
The ageing process involves many normal physical changes, some of which naturally affect sexual response, but sexuality is much more than a focus on the genital nature of sex. Often couples can find new ways to stimulate each other, such as erotic reading or videos. Partner communication and frank discussion of sexual desires, fantasies and experimentation are important. Some men may notice that they take longer to become aroused and achieve erection, and that their erections do not seem as hard. Just thinking about sex may no longer be enough. More direct physical stimulation of the penis may be required for a longer time. This may be due to reduced sensitivity.
Some men may also find that the length of time between erections becomes longer as they age.
The sensation of ejaculation may diminish and the man may find that orgasm doesn’t feel as powerful as it did and that the amount of semen is reduced. Ejaculation may also take longer to achieve, and this can be a positive side of getting older as it may give more satisfaction to the partner. Some men may notice that their desire for sex may be reduced, but others may remain sexually active throughout life.
Information kindly provided by the Sexual Dysfunction Association (SDA).
