Sex Education - At My Age?

The bees do it. The birds do it. What's to learn?

Doing what comes naturally at age 25 doesn't always work at age 70. Men may have trouble keeping an erection. Women may have vaginal dryness. Illness and medication can affect your sex drive and performance.

This doesn't mean your sex life is over at age 60, 70 or even 80. It may just be time for a refresher course. Being older and wiser comes with new sexual issues. Intimacy can still be thrilling and wonderful. However, you may need to make some changes, such as more foreplay.

The biggest obstacle in treating sexual problems is that many people avoid the subject. You may not ask for help because you are embarrassed. It's okay to ask your doctor questions about sex and age-related changes. A healthy sex life adds to your overall well-being.

Rx for sex
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to 70 percent of couples have problems with sex at some point. The problem can be physical or emotional.

When it happens, a medical exam is a good first step. Your doctor may be able to help you right away. Changing a blood pressure medicine could allow a man to have erections again. Vaginal cream could do away with a woman's pain during intercourse.

In other cases, your doctor may order lab tests to look for other conditions. Impotence could stem from diabetes, for instance. Hormonal changes can cause you to lose desire. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist.

Treatment for sexual problems can involve:

• Education, such as learning new positions to adjust for arthritis
• Medications that treat impotence, vaginal dryness or hormonal changes
• Different sexual activities, such as masturbation, massage or fantasy
• Guidance in pleasing a mate
• Counseling for emotional problems
• Exercise to increase strength and flexibility
• Surgery, which can help some conditions

Depression and anxiety can affect your performance. Therapy can help treat these conditions. Resolving any marital conflicts can also improve your sex life. If you don't have a partner, a therapist can help you find other ways to be close to people.

Aging doesn't take away the desire for closeness or sensuality. Enjoying physical intimacy never gets old.

Related Articles Sexual Problems Sex in Your 50s and Beyond Sexual Dysfunction: A Widespread problem

External Sources The University of Michigan Geriatrics Center. The sex matters clinic - Q&A. Accessed June 7, 2007. American Cancer Society. What is a normal sex life? Accessed June 8, 2007. Familydoctor.org. Sexual dysfunction in women: what can I do if sex isn't working for me? Accessed June 7, 2007.

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