The Truth About Sexual Health After 50

We assume that:At a certain age, people will lose interest in sex.

Reality:There is no age limit for sex, but for people 50 and older, sexual satisfaction depends more on the overall quality of the relationship than it does for younger couples. According to a survey by the National Council on Aging, among people 60 and older who have regular sex lives, 74% of men and 70% of women find themselves more sexually fulfilled than they were in their 40s.

We assume that:Older men will lose the ability to have an erection.

Reality:Age itself is not a cause of erectile dysfunction. However, declining hormone levels do cause some changes. An older man may need more physical stimulation to become aroused, and it may be more difficult to maintain an erection, but sex is no less enjoyable than it was when he was younger. While a 25-year-old man may be able to get a second erection within 15 minutes of ejaculation, a man in his 50s may need several hours.

We assume that:A middle-aged woman's lack of interest in sex is due to emotional and psychological factors.

Reality:Physical factors play a bigger role. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect a woman’s sexual response, and low estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable. For some women, low testosterone levels also mean a drop in energy and a decrease in sex drive. For others, their interest in sex increases after menopause, due to changes in the ratio of testosterone to estrogen and progesterone.

We assume that:Older women do not achieve orgasm

Reality:Many women experience increased sexual pleasure after menopause, and orgasms may come more frequently and be more intense.

We assume that:Masturbation reduces sensation during sex with your partner

Reality:Masturbation can increase sexual pleasure, with or without a partner. For women, it helps keep vaginal tissues moist and elastic, increases hormone levels, and fuels sex. For men, solo sex helps maintain erectile response.

We assume that:A man loses his ability to get an erection because he is no longer emotional.

Reality:Physical problems such as blood circulation, prostate disorders, drug side effects… account for 85% of the causes of erectile difficulties.

We assume that:Middle-aged couples have less sex because they have lost interest in each other.

Reality:When older couples do not have sex regularly, the reason is often because the “partner” is sick or disabled.

Of course, sex doesn’t stay the same as you get older, but not all changes are negative. When a woman reaches menopause and is no longer preoccupied with pregnancy, many couples find that they relax and are more interested in sex. And as couples age, they have more time for lovemaking and other activities with their partners.

Sex after 50 may be less frequent, but many people find they are more satisfied with their sex life than ever before.

Ha Anh