Everyone should know about their sexual organs. Knowing yourself is the first step to getting all you can out of sexual encounters. Knowing yourself, and knowing your partner, is great for your sexual health as well. But, no matter how well you know yourself, your body will change over time. As we age, changes occur that affect our sexual health and pleasure. Both men and women experience sexual issues as they age. Starting at around 40 people begin to notice a change in their bodies and sexual lives. Below are a few of the major issues aging can cause in your sexual health.

For men…

• Testosterone can decrease

Low T can cause low sex drive, fatigue, reduced lean muscle mass, depression, erectile dysfunction, irritability and more. Most sexual problems that men have as they age can be traced back to low testosterone. While low T can happen at any age, it is most common to drop in men over 40.

• Erectile dysfunction

Sometimes caused by low T, or other health issues like diabetes or circulatory problems, this is very common in older men when testosterone levels begin to drop off.

• Premature ejaculation

The exact causes of premature ejaculation is unknown, but it can be caused by stress, depression, or emotional issues. Performance anxiety can also be a factor.

For women…

• Low estrogen

Low estrogen can cause a plethora of sexual problems from low sex drive to painful sex.

• Vaginal atrophy

When the vagina is dry and fails to produce enough lubrication during sexual arousal.

• Vaginal wall thinning

With age, the vaginal wall can flatten and thin, making the tissues susceptible to tears, this is why proper lubrication is important, especially for older women. Let your doctor know about any painful sex issues right away.

• Low libido

In perimenopause and menopause, sexual desire tends to drop in most women. This is largely due to drops in production of estrogen, similar to how low T affects men of the same age group. Low libido is common around perimenopause and menopause in most women.

There is plenty you can do to help yourself and/or your partner through these issues. It is important to be honest with not only your partner but with your health care providers about any sexual health issues you notice or suffer from. Therapies like hormone replacement are a viable option for many suffering from low testosterone or low estrogen.

In the non-medical arena, talking to your partner about your sexual issues can improve sex life. Low libido can be helped by trying new things, or even just having a more platonic intimate time. The better your relationship, the more likely the sex will come and be enjoyed by both parties. Vaginal atrophy can be helped by experimenting with different lubricants and more foreplay. The sexual problems that come with aging do not have to stop your sexual life, it just means you must adjust course. So grab a partner and set that course for fun, and see where it takes you.

Cleveland Clinic

Orlando Health

Web MD