Norwood Lateral Closure – How it may affect your drive to The Urology Group. Click for alternate routes.

Embracing Sex as We Age: Letting Go of 4 Myths

August 30, 2021 | By: Dr. Paurush Babbar

Say what you will about youth and the young; when it comes to sexual health, little is wasted on the mature.

A man and woman’s desire for, and enjoyment of, sexual intimacy does not have to fade with age, regardless of misperceptions. Our culture has evolved, and sexual health among older adults is no longer a taboo subject. In fact, Sept. 4 is the 11th annual World Sexual Health Day, a day dedicated to promoting sexual health and sexual rights among all people of all age groups.

So let’s break the ice regarding the real complications that could alter men’s and women’s sexual health as they age, and separate them from the myths. And how couples can overcome these challenges together.

4 Sexual Health Fallacies Meet Reality

It is true that as some people age, their desire for sex may subside, but it doesn’t die. They just might be held back by medical conditions. Let’s look frankly at these conditions and dispel a few key myths.

Myth: One must be young and look like a supermodel to enjoy sex.

Truth: Along with love and interest, chemistry draws people together, regardless of the years. That chemistry is produced through a cocktail of dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin, all of which are produced from the hypothalamus region of the brain and released during attraction. And attraction has no age – 65% of adults between 65 and 80 say they are still interested in sex.

Myth: Men can’t perform after age 50.

Truth: While at least half of men older than 50 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction, a healthy man can continue to be aroused late into life. The issue is his erection may not be as strong or lasting as it was when he was in his 20s and 30s, due to a natural decline in testosterone levels (injury or a health condition also are factors). However, ED is treatable with ultrasound wave therapy, prescription medications, injection therapy, devices, and even a prosthesis.

Myth: Women dislike sex as they age.

Truth: When women enter menopause, they may experience vaginal atrophy and dryness resulting from a decline in estrogen levels. This can cause pain during intercourse, but it can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter lubricants, estrogen creams, and hormone-releasing medications. Also, regular sexual activity increases blood flow to the vagina and keeps the tissues healthy.

Myth: Sex can be dangerous to an older person’s health.

Truth: Sexual activity has health-improving qualities. In addition to elevating heart rates, a sexual climax releases the hormone oxytocin, which alleviates stress and supports positive thinking. If there are physical limitations such as joint or muscle pain, couples can explore new positions and use pillows for support. Maybe that’s why 45% of those ages 65 to 80 in good health say they are sexually active.

Too Many People Give Up and Shouldn’t

A lot of adults who face common obstacles to sex are reluctant to discuss the issue because they don’t know who to turn to. So they give up. This is regrettable, because sexual intimacy can improve physical and emotional health, enrich relationships, and make life more enjoyable.

If you have concerns about whether sex, or any physical activity, could be dangerous to you or a partner, consult your doctor. And if you’d like to read more about sexual health issues, causes, and treatments, visit our Sexual Health web page.

Recent Featured Blog Posts

  1. Sweetest Day Flowers or Vasectomy – Which Snip Will She Prefer? 

    Fresh cut flowers make for a nice Sweetest Day (October 19) gift. But a “snip” that lasts forever is a vasectomy. The Urology Group’s “Snip for Your Sweetie” program might be just the right time to schedule a vasectomy if you are committed to not having children or if you’ve had the number you want….

    Read More
  2. Scoring Against Prostate Cancer: Why Less Than a Point May Matter

    In Cincinnati Reds baseball, one point can determine a game. When it comes to prostate cancer, slightly less than a point in a year could push your chances of getting the cancer into the red.  You can help prevent this by covering first base – that is, your baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reading. This reading,…

    Read More
  3. Why has My Sex Drive Stalled? 5 Causes and Remedies for Women

    Sexual desire is normal. So if your sex drive is unexpectedly stuck in park, it can troubling, even embarrassing. It also can suggest your body is going through an underlying health issue. But it’s not uncommon! Of the more than 64 million women in the U.S between the ages of 30 and 59, up to…

    Read More

Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant

How may I assist you today?

I need help with ‘Directions & Hours’
(Please select a location from the list below)
I need help with ‘ Billing Questions’
(Please select an option below)

I need help with ‘Billing Questions’

What number should I call to pay my bill?

If your bill is from The Urology Group, please call (513) 841-7474 to pay your bill.

If your bill is from The Urology Center, please call (513) 841-7475 to pay your bill.

I need help with ‘Making, Rescheduling or Confirming an Appointment’

If you would like us to call you to set up an appointment, please click here to request a call back.

If you would like to call us, please call
513-841-7400
to speak with a representative.
Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Questions About Test Results’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Medication Refills’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Returning a Call from the Office’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘A Copy of My Medical Records’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm