You just got home from a romantic
dinner with your partner. You have candles burning in the bedroom and soft
music playing in the background. When it’s time to get intimate, though, you
realize you’re not quite ready.
It’s stressful, but it’s also normal
for your body and your libido to change as you get older.
Not all changes are bad, or a sign
that something’s wrong with you. Almost half the men out there have some sexual
issues in their 40s and 50s.
Men are just less likely to talk
about it.
Sexual health is important at any
age. And the desire for intimacy is timeless. While sex may not be the same as it
was in the 20s, it can still be very fulfilling. Discovering which aspects of
sexual health are likely to change with age, often helps you and your partner
adapt.
You may not get aroused as fast as
you used to. Or you may need more foreplay to get aroused. You might lose your
erection sooner, too, sometimes before you climax. These issues are called
erectile dysfunction that becomes more common with age.
Often, that’s because there’s less
blood flow to the nether region. Or your body might be making less of the
hormone testosterone. Health conditions like diabetes, depression, heart
disease, and high blood pressure also increase the odds of getting ED.
Sometimes the medications you take to treat them also cause problems.
Many men over 40 notice that their
orgasms are weaker. They might have less fluid when they ejaculate, too.
Changes in your body that come with age are probably to blame. Weak pelvic
floor muscles, for example, can cause trouble with ejaculation.
A lagging libido can be frustrating.
After years of wanting sex all the time, some men say the lack of interest
feels like losing an important part of who they are.
Testosterone plays a critical role
in a man’s sexual experience. Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. In
general, however, older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than do
younger men. Testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood — about
1 percent each year after age 30 on average.
As a man ages, arousal may be a
problem and erections may not be as firm. It may take longer to achieve full
arousal and to have orgasmic and ejaculatory experiences. Erectile dysfunction
also becomes more common.
Why does this happen? Lower levels
of testosterone “can dampen desire. But that’s not the only reason. As you get
older, life stressors like money, kids, and career pressure can make it more
difficult to get and stay interested in sex, so can medications, alcohol,
depression, and major illnesses.
As women approach menopause,
estrogen levels decrease, which may lead to vaginal dryness and slower sexual
arousal. Emotional changes are somewhat more common in women. While some women
may enjoy sex more without worrying about pregnancy, naturally occurring
changes in body shape and size may cause others to feel less sexually desirable.
Any condition that affects general
health and well-being may also affect sexual health. Illnesses that involve the
cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal
problems, depression or anxiety—and the medications used to treat these
conditions—can pose challenges to being sexually active. High blood pressure,
for instance, can affect your ability to become aroused, as can certain
medications used to treat high blood pressure.
In addition, any surgical procedure
that affects the pelvis and central nervous system may have significant impact
on sexual response. The body, however, is resilient. Given time to heal and
some loving attention, most people can often become sexually responsive again.
Certain medications can inhibit
sexual response, including desire for sex and your body’s ability to become
aroused or have an orgasm. If you think you are experiencing sexual side
effects from a medication, consult your doctor.
Many couples want to know how to get
back to the sexual arousal and activity levels they experienced in their 20s,
30s and early 40s. Instead, find ways to optimize your body’s response for
sexual experiences now. Ask yourselves what’s satisfying and mutually
acceptable.
Find ways to relax
The more stressed you are, the less
likely you are to think about sex—and thinking about it can get you in the
mood. Stress hormones close up your blood vessels. That can add to ED.
Get moving
Active men have fewer sexual
problems. Exercise boosts blood flow throughout your body. It also staves off
depression, heart disease, stress, and other problems that can zap your sex
life.
Do Kegels
You may think of Kegels as exercises
for women, but men should do them, too. They strengthen your pelvic floor
muscles, which are “crucial” for sex, Siegel says.
To do one, tighten and hold the
muscles that control your flow of urine for about five seconds. Then relax
them. Do at least two to three sets of 10 a day.
Make good health a goal
You might have sleep problems and
gain weight as you get older. Both can lead to lower testosterone levels. These
can also affect your desire and ability to have sex. Eat healthy food and get
enough shut-eye to help yourself in and out of the sack.
Communicate
Communicate
To maintain a satisfying sex life,
talk with your partner. Set aside time to be sensual and sexual together. When
you’re spending intimate time with your partner, share your thoughts about
lovemaking. Help your partner understand what you want from him or her. Be
honest about what you’re experiencing physically and emotionally.
VIA : VANGUARDNG
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