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Effects of Aging on Sexual Health

Feb 17, 2023
Aging can impact your sexual health in positive and negative ways. If you’re bothered by the downsides, effective treatment can help. Read on to learn more.

Aging is a natural process, but it isn’t always fun. For some people, the downsides show up in their intimate lives the most.

If you’re bothered by sexual health challenges related to aging, you’re far from alone. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to stay ahead of or reduce these issues. And our team is here to help.

At Kane Health, serving the Silicon Valley, Atherton, and the San Francisco Bay area of California, our expert team diagnoses and treats age-related concerns to support your wellness and quality of life.

Here’s a look at ways aging can impact your sexual health, including the effective treatments we provide.

Age-related hormone changes

A significant sexual health factor that changes from middle age on is your hormone levels. While some hormones, like insulin and cortisol, stay fairly steady, hormones involved with your sexuality, such as testosterone, tend to decrease.

And for some people, these hormone drops are significant. When that happens, you can experience a range of bothersome symptoms, such as:

  • Dry skin
  • Brittle bones
  • Depressed or irritable moods
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Reduced libido
  • Reduced muscle mass

These shifts often occur gradually and, without treatment, intensify over time. And while symptoms like brittle bones may not seem sexual health-related, bone pain and fractures can impact your sexuality by making intimacy less appealing or feasible. Similarly, changes in your skin or muscle mass can fuel self-consciousness, which can interfere with sexual function. 

Sexual health benefits of aging

Not everything about aging is negative from a sexual health standpoint. In fact, some people enjoy the most gratifying intimate experiences later in life due to factors like increased confidence and less concern about using birth control or unwanted pregnancy. You may also have more time and freedom to enjoy and tend to your sexual wellness and experiences due to fewer child-rearing responsibilities or retirement. 

When these positives unfold, you can enjoy even more advantages. Research shows that maintaining an active sex life as you age can draw in health benefits, such as a lower risk of sexual dysfunction

How to manage the bothersome parts

If sexual health vibrancy as you age seems like a far-off dream, a range of treatments can help you thrive. 

If you’re struggling with symptoms from a hormone deficiency, for example, our team may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Available in pellet, injection, cream, and patch forms, HRT helps restore better moods, energy levels, sexual function, and more.

For erectile challenges, we offer acoustic wave therapy, which stimulates new blood vessel growth and breaks up plaque for stronger function. Another ED option is a penile implant that you control with a handheld pump.

If you’re looking for something more extensive or preventive, consider our Holistic Concierge program. The customized plans aim to optimize your body chemistry and sexual health to stave off the negative effects of aging. 

To learn more about aging and sexual health or to get started with helpful treatment, call Kane Health or request an appointment through our website today.