Changes in Sexual Arousal from Aging

Studies of the sexual responses of both men and women of all ages have found that during sex:

• Heartbeat, breathing rate, and blood pressure change.
• The skin may flush.
• There are changes in the genitals and in some nongenital areas.

Sexual arousal is different in older men and women than it is in younger people, but age is only one factor in sexual response. For example, medicines for mental health problems such as depression, or medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease, can affect a man or woman's sexual response. Trouble keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction) may be caused by diseases such as diabetes or hardening of the arteries.

What are the changes in sexual arousal in older women?

As they get older, women may have the following changes in their genital area and their physical responses during sex:

• The vagina changes as women get older. The walls become thinner. The vagina also becomes shorter, narrower, and less able to expand during arousal and climax.
• Vaginal wetness usually takes 1 to 3 minutes in women over 40. (It may take only 10 to 30 seconds for younger women.)
• The uterus gets smaller due to less estrogen during menopause. It does not enlarge as much during arousal in women over 40.
• The nipples of women under 50 become and stay firm. The breasts of women 51 to 60 swell less. The breasts of women over 60 seldom swell.
• The colored, circular area around the nipple swells less in older women than in younger women.
• A measleslike flush spreads over the upper chest, neck, and face in about half of women aged 41 to 50. This is much less likely to happen in older women.
• Some women over age 60 have painful cramps during orgasm.

Even though it may take longer to be aroused, older women can have normal orgasms, especially if they have stayed sexually active.

Five to 10 years after menopause, some women may have problems with vaginal dryness. Those who do not have sex and do not masturbate may have trouble receiving a partner's penis unless they use a lubricant. Water-soluble lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, Aqua Lube, or in-store generic brands, can help.

Many older women may be aroused by reading love stories, watching love affairs on TV, or watching videos. Other women may fantasize about sex. These things may help them stay sexually responsive. On the other hand, some women lose their interest in sexual intercourse as they get older. Some surveys suggest that many women who have stopped having sex are not very interested in restarting as they get older.

What are the changes in sexual arousal in older men?

Older men may have the following changes in their genital area or in their response during sex:

• The nipples usually do not become erect in men after age 50.
• Skin flush, a sign of sexual arousal, is seen in only 5% of men over 50.
• Men over 60 have less rigid erections and have erections less often than younger men.
• Older men take longer to ejaculate. They are also less aware that they are about to ejaculate. The ejaculation itself is not as forceful as it was when they were younger.

Touching and sharing help couples of any age to enjoy a satisfying sexual relationship. Here are some things you can do that may improve your sexual relationship:

• Try making love in the morning. Being well rested after a good night's sleep can mean good sex. Older men are more likely to have a firm erection in the morning.
• Focus on foreplay. Sharing a romantic dinner, dancing, or giving each other massages can help enhance sexual activity.
• Discuss changes, share suggestions, and talk about fantasies. Tell and show your partner what feels good and how you like to be touched.
• Keep in mind that cuddling, kissing, and shared fantasy can be satisfying and fulfilling even without intercourse.