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Two studies of interest on sex, senior citizens |
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Written by Drs. Maxine Barish-Wreden and Kay Judge
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Friday, 14 September 2007 |
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As we age as a nation, we're learning some interesting facts about our sexuality. Two recent studies have may be of particular interest to the over—50 patient population — one on how Viagra may work, and another on sexual habits of the older crowd.
The American Journal of Physiology recently published a study that showed Viagra and similar medications for erectile dysfunction may work in ways we were not aware of.
We know that Viagra enhances blood flow to the penis, thus helping an erection. But a study of Viagra in rats showed that it also increased the levels of the hormone oxytocin, which is secreted from the posterior pituitary in the brain. Oxytocin is secreted during childbirth and lactation, but it is also secreted during orgasm in both men and women.
So perhaps Viagra and similar medications may also work by hormonally enhancing sexual pleasure in those who use it. Stay tuned for more on this one.
The second study — a survey of more than 3,000 seniors on their sexual habits — is even more interesting. It was published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine. When seniors were questioned about their sex lives, the survey found, about 75 percent of people 57 to 64 years old had had sex in the preceding year. This dropped to 53 percent of people ages 65 to 74, and 26 percent of those 75 to 85.
Women were less sexually active than men in all of the age ranges. Those who were sexually active generally had sex three times a month or more, which is comparable to younger age groups. About 50 percent of both men and women reported sexual difficulties, including low libido and vaginal dryness for women, and erectile problems for men. Reasons given for not having sex included lack of a partner or declining health. Many people did not bring up sexual concerns with their physicians.
Want to have a vibrant sex life in your golden years? Here are some take—home points:
Stay healthy. People who were healthy were twice as likely to have sex as those who weren't. Common diseases associated with declining sexual function include heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
Don't smoke. Smoking is also a big contributor to sexual dysfunction because of its significant negative effects on the vascular system.
Exercise. Other studies have shown that regular exercise is strongly linked to better sexual function.
Talk to your doctor — there are lots of options available now for many sexual concerns, including vaginal dryness and erectile problems. One in seven men in this study were on medications for erectile dysfunction; however other studies have shown that more than 50 percent of men have erectile dysfunction after age 50.
Stay active socially. Lack of a partner was a common reason for declining sex in later years.
Keep up a healthy sex life. There was a "use it or lose it" effect noted in the study.
Remember, your goal is not to be 20 forever, but you certainly don't have to give in to the concept of inevitable sexual decline. | Only registered users can write comments.
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