Sexual health after 50: how to maintain activity

Sexual health after 50: how to maintain activity

I. Physiological changes and their influence on sexual life after 50

With age, the body undergoes a number of physiological changes, which can affect sexual health and activity. These changes are not the end of sexual life, but rather require adaptation and understanding. Consider the main changes taking place in the body both in men and women after 50 years.

A. Women

1. Menopause and hormonal changes: Menopause, usually advancing from the age of 45 to 55 years, is a significant stage in the life of a woman characterized by the cessation of menstruation. This is due to a sharp decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone, which entails a number of physiological changes that affect sexual health.

   • Reduction of estrogens: A decrease in estrogen levels leads to thinning and dryness of the vaginal mucosa (atrophic vaginitis), which can cause discomfort, itching and soreness during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). It can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. A decrease in the elasticity of the vagina can also complicate the penetration.

   • Libido reduction: Hormonal changes can affect sexual desire. A decrease in estrogen levels and, to a lesser extent, testosterone can lead to a decrease in libido.

   • Tucks and night sweating: The ebb and night sweating, characteristic symptoms of menopause, can violate sleep and general well -being, indirectly affecting sexual life.

   • Changes in the chest: The chest can lose elasticity and sensitivity, which can also affect sexual excitement.

2. Physiological changes in the reproductive system:

   • Uterus reduction: The uterus can decrease in size.

   • Reducing the production of vaginal lubrication: A decrease in estrogen levels leads to a decrease in the production of natural lubrication, which can cause dryness and discomfort during intercourse.

   • A slower reaction to stimulation: Women may take more time to achieve excitement and orgasm.

3. Other factors:

   • Chronic diseases: Diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and depression, can negatively affect sexual function.

   • Medicines: Some drugs, such as antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure, can cause side effects that reduce libido or make it difficult to achieve orgasm.

   • Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, problems in relationships and changes in the image of the body can affect sexual desire and satisfaction.

B. Men

1. Reducing the level of testosterone (Andropauza): With age, the level of testosterone in the body of a man is gradually decreasing. This process, known as andropause (albeit less sharp than menopause in women), can lead to various changes.

   • Libido decrease: A decrease in testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and interest in sex.

   • Erectile dysfunction (Ed): A decrease in testosterone levels and changes in blood vessels can lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

   • Reducing muscle mass and strength: Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass and strength. A decrease in its level can lead to a decrease in muscles and general weakness.

   • Increase fat mass: A decrease in testosterone levels can contribute to an increase in fat mass, especially in the abdomen.

   • Mood changes and fatigue: The low level of testosterone can lead to changes in mood, irritability, fatigue and a decrease in energy.

2. Physiological changes in the reproductive system:

   • Reducing the number of sperm: With age, the amount of sperm secreted during ejaculation may decrease.

   • Increasing time to achieve an erection: Men may take more time to achieve an erection and excitement.

   • A longer period of recovery after ejaculation: After ejaculation, men may take more time to restore and re -excitement.

3. Other factors:

   • Chronic diseases: Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and prostatitis can negatively affect erectile function and general sexual health.

   • Medicines: Some drugs, such as antidepressants, drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure and prostatitis, can cause erectile dysfunction or a decrease in libido.

   • Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, problems in relationships and changes in the image of the body can affect sexual function.

   • Increase in the risk of prostate diseases: With age, the risk of developing benign prostate hyperplasia (DGPH) and prostate cancer, which can affect the sexual function, increases.

II. Strategies for maintaining active sexual life after 50

Despite physiological changes, maintaining active and satisfactory sexual life after 50 years is quite possible. It is important to adapt to changes, communicate with your partner and use various strategies to improve sexual health.

A. Communication and emotional closeness

1. Open dialogue with a partner: The most important factor for maintaining a healthy sexual life is open and honest communication with a partner. Discuss your desires, needs, fears and fears. Express your feelings and listen to your partner.

2. Joint research on new ways to get pleasure: Experiment with new activities such as role-playing games, erotic massages, the use of sex toys and other methods to diversify sexual life and discover new ways to get pleasure.

3. Strengthening emotional proximity: Emotional proximity is an important component of sexual life. Spend time together, engage in common interests, share your feelings and support each other. Non -sequential manifestations of intimacy, such as hugs, kisses and holding hands, are also important to maintain communication.

4. Consultations with a psychologist or sexologist: If there are difficulties in communication or problems in sexual life, an appeal to a psychologist or sexologist can be useful. A specialist will help to understand problems, improve communication and find ways to solve problems.

B. Physical health and lifestyle

1. Healthy nutrition: Balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat proteins, contributes to overall health and sexual health. Avoid processed products, excess sugar and saturated fats.

2. Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises, such as walking, running, swimming, yoga and strength training, improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, increase energy levels and reduce stress, which positively affects sexual function. Kegel exercises are useful for strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor, which is important for maintaining sexual function in women and men.

3. Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight or obesity can negatively affect sexual function, especially in men. Maintaining healthy weight improves blood circulation, increases testosterone levels and reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction.

4. Refusal of smoking and moderate alcohol use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect blood circulation and sexual function. Refusal of smoking and moderate use of alcohol contribute to improving sexual health.

5. Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, stress and a decrease in libido. Provide yourself enough sleep (7-8 hours a day) to maintain general health and sexual function.

6. Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect sexual function. Use stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, deep breath and communication with friends and family.

C. Medical decisions and therapy

1. Hormonal therapy (ZGT) for women: Hormone replacement therapy (ZGT) can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as the dry vagina, tides and a decrease in libido. However, the ZGT has its own risks and advantages, so it is important to discuss it with a doctor to determine whether it suits you. There are various types of ZGT, including estrogen creams, vaginal tablets and system hormones.

2. Testosterone therapy for men: Men with a low level of testosterone can be prescribed testosterone therapy to increase libido, improve erectile function and increase energy levels. Testosterone therapy also has its own risks and advantages, so it is important to discuss it with a doctor.

3. Preparations for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED): There are various drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs help improve blood flow in the penis and facilitate the achievement of an erection. It is important to consult a doctor to make sure that these drugs are safe for you and do not interact with other drugs that you take.

4. Luburbicants and moisturizers for the vagina: For women with dry vagina, the use of lubricants and moisturizers for the vagina can help reduce discomfort during intercourse. There are various types of lubricants, including water, silicone and oil.

5. Treatment of chronic diseases: It is important to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and depression, as they can negatively affect sexual function. The control of these diseases can improve general health and sexual life.

6. Vaginal estrogen: For women experiencing a dry vagina, vaginal estrogen in the form of a cream, tablets or rings can be an effective way of treatment. It acts directly on the vagina, minimizing the systemic effect of estrogen.

D. Alternative methods

1. Acupuncture: Some studies show that acupuncture can help improve sexual function in women and men.

2. Plant additives: Some plant additives, such as ginseng, poppy and tribulus Terrross, can help improve libido and sexual function. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any plant additives, as they can interact with other drugs or have side effects.

3. Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation can help reduce stress, improve blood circulation and increase body awareness, which can positively affect the sexual function.

4. Biological feedback: Biological feedback can help people learn to control physiological processes, such as heart rate and muscle tension, which can be useful to improve sexual function.

III. Tips for women after 50

A. Care for the vagina

1. Regular use of moisturizers: Use moisturizers for the vagina regularly, even if there is no sexual activity to maintain moisturizing and elasticity of the mucous membrane.

2. Avoid douching: Douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to irritation and infections.

3. Use lubricants during intercourse: Use lubricants on a water or silicone basis during intercourse to reduce friction and discomfort.

4. Wear cotton underwear: Cotton underwear allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of infections.

B. Adoption of changes in the body

1. Focus on the positive aspects of your body: Instead of focusing on changes associated with age, focus on the positive aspects of your body and what it can do.

2. Take care of yourself: Take your time to take care of yourself to feel confident and attractive.

3. Develop self -confidence: Self -confidence is an important factor for maintaining sexual attractiveness.

4. Do not compare yourself with others: Do not compare yourself with other women, especially with young ones. Each person is unique and has its own virtues.

C. The study of new ways to get pleasure

1. Experiment with various types of stimulation: Try different types of stimulation to find out what you like best.

2. Use sex toys: Sex toys can help diversify sexual life and open new ways to get pleasure.

3. Communicate with your partner about your desires: Feel free to talk with your partner about your desires and needs.

4. Take an active part in the sexual process: Do not wait until your partner does everything for you. Be active and participate in the sexual process.

IV. Tips for men after 50

A. maintaining prostate health

1. Regular prostate examinations: Regularly visit a doctor to examine the prostate, especially if you have symptoms, such as frequent urination, difficult urinating or a weak stream of urine.

2. Healthy nutrition: Observe a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain prostate health.

3. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle: Physical exercises regularly to improve blood circulation and maintain prostate health.

4. Maintain healthy weight: Excess weight or obesity can increase the risk of developing problems with a prostate.

B. Management of erectile dysfunction (ED)

1. Consult a doctor: If you have problems with an erection, consult a doctor to determine the cause and get treatment.

2. Change your lifestyle: Make changes to the lifestyle, such as rejection of smoking, moderate alcohol consumption and regular physical exercises to improve erectile function.

3. Consider the possibility of taking medications from ED: Discuss with the doctor the possibility of taking medications from ED, such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (Levitra).

4. Use vacuum devices: Vacuum devices can help improve blood flow in the penis and facilitate the achievement of an erection.

C. Maintaining the level of testosterone

1. Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises, especially strength training, can help increase testosterone levels.

2. Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. Provide yourself enough sleep (7-8 hours a day).

3. Stress management: Chronic stress can reduce testosterone levels. Use stress control techniques, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing.

4. Healthy nutrition: Observe a healthy diet rich in proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to maintain testosterone levels.

5. Discuss with the doctor the possibility of testosterone therapy: If you have a low level of testosterone, discuss with your doctor the possibility of testosterone therapy.

V. Duging sex myths after 50

There are many myths about sexual life after 50 years that can create unnecessary fears and limit sexual activity. It is important to know the truth in order to enjoy a full -fledged sex life at any age.

A. “sex then 50 uninvited or undesirable”

This is one of the most common and harmful myths. Sexual life after 50 is not only possible, but also desirable for many people. Physiological changes may require adaptation and use of various strategies, but they are not an obstacle to active and satisfactory sexual life. Many people are reporting to improve sexual life with age, since they become more confident, know their bodies better and have more time for experiments.

B. “Sex after 50 is dangerous for health”

For most people, sex after 50 is safe and healthy. Sexual activity can reduce blood pressure, improve mood, strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of certain diseases. However, if you have any chronic diseases, it is important to consult a doctor to make sure that sexual activity is safe for you.

C. “Men after 50 always have problems with an erection”

Erectile dysfunction (Ed) can occur with age, but it is not inevitable. There are various methods of treatment of ED, such as medicines, vacuum devices and surgical intervention. After 50 men, after 50, continue to enjoy a healthy and active sexual life without any problems with an erection.

D. “Women after menopause lose interest in sex”

A decrease in libido can occur after menopause due to hormonal changes, but this is not mandatory. Many women after menopause continue to experience strong sexual desire and enjoy sex. Hormonal therapy, lubricants and other methods can help improve sexual function and libido.

E. “Sex after 50 is not as good as in youth”

Sexy life after 50 can be as good as in youth, and in some cases even better. With age, people often become more experienced, confident and open to new types of pleasure. They can also have more time and opportunities for experiments and strengthen emotional closeness with their partner.

VI. Resources and support

There are many resources and organizations that can provide information and support on sexual health after 50.

• Doctors and specialists: Contact your doctor or sexual health specialist to discuss any issues or problems that you have.
• Internet resources: There are many websites that provide information about sexual health, including websites of medical organizations, universities and non-profit organizations.
• Books and Articles: There are many books and articles devoted to sexual health after 50.
• Support groups: Participation in support groups can help you chat with other people who are faced with similar problems, and get support and tips.

VII. Conclusion

Sexual health after 50 is an important part of general health and well -being. Physiological changes associated with age can affect the sexual function, but they are not an obstacle to active and satisfactory sexual life. Open communication with a partner, a healthy lifestyle, medical solutions and alternative methods can help maintain active sexual life at any age. It is important to debunk sex myths after 50 and seek help and support, if necessary. Remember that sexuality is a part of life that can and should continue throughout life. Adapt, communicate, experiment and enjoy!