subject: Why is Sex After Sixty a Problem? [print this page] Why is Sex After Sixty a Problem? Why is Sex After Sixty a Problem?
Research shows that by the time a man reaches 60 years of age, the amount of sexual intercourse he has will have fallen by half since the peak years of 18 to 25 a statistic that is the result of a number of different factors.
Achieving and maintaining an erection can be difficult for older men and this can have both physical and mental causes. Even when the problem starts off as a physical one the worry associated with not being able to achieve an erection can lead to the man in question feeling inadequate and worried that he cannot fulfill his sexual role, factors which actually make the problem worse and can lead to anger and depression. The fear factor is also crucial even when sexually excited, a man who has experienced sexual problems in the past may become worried that it will happen again and this can often lead to men avoiding intimate situations in case the problem should arise.
Certain medications can also lead to erectile problems and this in turn can lead to added stress as a man will feel upset that by dealing with a medical problem, he is affecting another part of his life that gives him a lot of pleasure. If the medication has to be taken over a long period of time, then this obviously exacerbates the problem. Sometimes, however, the body simply adjusts to the changes brought on by the medication and the problem disappears, or doctors can alter the dosage or type of treatment to avoid any sexual problems. Sadly, many men are too embarrassed to raise the problem with their doctor and simply stop taking the medicine instead something that is sure to have an adverse effect on their general health.
Other sexual issues for older men are related to self esteem one of these is a belief that because of their aging body and fading looks, they can no longer be attractive to a woman. This in turn leads to low self esteem that is related to their physical appearance excess weight or a receding hairline can make a man feel that he is no longer desired and this can have a devastating effect on his sex life. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and aging men must do their best to accentuate the positive and believe that they are still attractive and virile.
Of course, many men in their sixties and beyond are able to enjoy full and satisfying sex lives but there are many that can't and helping them and their partners is an important issue. The message is that advancing age doesn't have to mean a diminished sex life and that you're never too old to enjoy yourself in the bedroom.
