Sex after 60? Yes, please!
“Well, you’re past that point in your life anyway.”
Hold up…WHAT?
I recently had a patient in her early 70s tell me her gynecologist said that to her after she expressed concerns about intimacy and intercourse.
Just let that sink in for a moment.
I could go on so many sexist and ageist rants here, but I’ll save that for another time. I will just say that as a patient-centered pelvic health therapist, I will never make judgments about what you want to do with your body. Quite the opposite, my job is to help you achieve your physical goals, sexual health included.
Age does not matter when it comes to intimacy and sexuality!
Yes, as we age, any physical activity might become more difficult. But that, in no way, means you have to give up what you love doing.
When it comes to intercourse for women, menopause is a b*t*h. During or after menopause, many women experience decline in libido, increase in vaginal dryness, and discomfort due to a variety of factors. Men, too, experience challenges with aging. They may also experience a decrease in libido as well as difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection and premature ejaculation.
While these things and other physical limitations may be barriers to sex as we age, there are a number of benefits to remaining sexually active:
Decreased stress
Lower risk of depression
Improved immune system
Heightened self-esteem
Better sleep
The decision to remain sexually active as you age is a personal choice. It is not dictated by a physician. If you want to remain sexually active but are having difficulty (whether that’s due to hormones, physical limitations, trauma, or emotional stress), know there is help available.
As a pelvic health therapist, I can help you:
Overcome physical barriers. We can work together to decrease pain symptoms, find positions for you and your partner that are comfortable, improve your overall health and endurance, and identify the right lubricants and toys/stimulators.
Down train your nervous system. Addressing emotional and mental barriers is just as important as addressing physical limitations. Libido, pain, and movement can all improve by addressing the nervous system.
Find other professionals to help you on your journey. We have a strong network of providers who can help you dive into hormones, address past trauma and emotional barriers, and identify systemic issues that may be affecting your health and wellness.
It’s true. Age is just a number.
Go be sexy!
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