In popular media as in the public perception, we don’t hear or see much about older adults being
sexually active. If we do, it’s often negative or disbelieving, hence the title of this article. This can make it
difficult for older adults to know what is normal, and to have the courage to seek out information about
sex and sexuality at this stage of life.
Contrary to cultural messages of sex being for the young, we have good information to show that a large
percent of adults are sexually active into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. In a 2007 survey of over 3000 US
adults aged 57 to 85, 73% of those under 65, 53% of those 65-75, and 26% of adults 75-85 reported
being sexually active. In several other studies, sexual activity has been shown to have benefits for
physical, psychological, and relationship health. A majority of older adults surveyed nationally in 2017
felt that sex was important to their overall quality of life, and three quarters of those who were
partnered felt it was important to their relationship.
The 2007 survey also noted that over half of older adults reported at least one sexual problem, but that
less than 1 in 3 had ever talked about a sexual problem with a physician. Of those, most discussions
were initiated by them and not their doctor. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals do not
routinely inquire about sexuality with their older patients.
Of course, many older adults are perfectly happy not to be sexually active. For those who do want to
continue sexual expression as they age, whether partnered or not, there’s plenty of good news and
there are numerous helpful resources.
For anyone with ovaries, the stage of life known as menopause will come along sometime between the late 40s and mid 50s. Some of the early symptoms can even be seen in the late 30s. This is a time of profound physical, psychological and hormonal changes, with potential major effects on sexuality and
An estimated 23-33% of vulvar owners have clitoral adhesions.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a state of decreased sexual desire that has occurred as a change from a previously normally functioning level of desire that is personally bothersome with no clear identifiable initiating factors. Current treatment options are discussed.
Pelvic floor muscles are thin layers of muscle that form a basket to support pelvic organs and their dysfunction can lead to pain disorders or problems with bladder, bowel and sexual functions.
Sexual health concerns are very common after a cancer diagnosis - and often treatable.
It’s easy to forget how important sleep is, but time and again, studies show sleep is critical to many aspects of our health and well being including our energy level, mood, productivity, concentration, weight and sex.
Vestibulodynia is a general term used to describe pain in the vestibule. The vestibule is the tissue within the vulva that sits at the opening of the vagina. The vestibule is the transition between external and internal, just like a vestibule of a building is the entrance.
Vestibulodynia is a general term used to describe pain in the vestibule. The vestibule is the tissue within the vulva that sits at the opening of the vagina. The vestibule is the transition between external and internal, just like a vestibule of a building is the entrance.
Dyspareunia is a general term for pain with penetration during intimate sexual contact (fingers, toy, penis). Deep pelvic pain, or deep dyspareunia, usually emerges because of other existing disorders deep in the pelvis adjacent to or touching the deeper portions of the vagina.
Lichen sclerosus is a common inflammatory disorder that affects the skin in the areas of the anus and genitals, and the most common condition among women seen in specialty clinics.
Vulvar dermatoses are skin disorders that affect the vulva, causing itching, burning and discomfort. These dermatologic conditions may include a type of vulvodynia, or chronic pain in the vulva. Unlike other types of vulvar pain in which there are no visible symptoms, with vulva dermatoses there ar
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a condition characterized by several signs and symptoms attributed to low estrogen levels, often associated with menopause. GSM is a very common problem that can result in vaginal dryness, sexual pain, and urinary concerns.
Persistent genital arousal disorder was first described by Leiblum and Nathan in 2001 and was initially called Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS). The name was changed to PGAD in 2006 because the condition was due to a genital arousal problem rather than a sexual arousal problem. Genitop
Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals.
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The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is established to promote research and exchange of knowledge in the field of female sex
uality. ISSWSH is on the cutting edge of research and education in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s sexual health concerns. Visit ISSWSH.org to learn more.
This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.
The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is established to promote research and exchange of knowledge in the field of female sexuality. ISSWSH is on the cutting edge of research and education in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s sexual health concerns. Visit ISSWSH.org to learn more.
This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.