Hesperian Health Guides
Sexual Relations
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There is no reason based on age alone that we cannot enjoy sex for as long as we live.
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sexual pleasureFor some women, menopause means freedom from childbearing and the sexual demands of marriage. Other women become more relaxed about sex because they no longer fear an unwanted pregnancy. Most older people, though, continue to need love and affection.
As you grow older, some of the changes in your body may affect your experience during sex:
- You may take longer to become sexually aroused. This happens to all people as they age, regardless of gender.
- Your vagina may be more dry, which can make penetration during sex uncomfortable. Dryness can also make it easier to get an infection of the vagina or the urine system, and also HIV.
What to do:
Do not use petroleum gel or oils that contain perfumes to increase wetness in the vagina. These can cause irritation.
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dry sex- Do not try to make the vagina dry before sex.
- Try to take more time during sex, so your vagina can get naturally wet. You can also use spit (saliva), oils made from vegetables (corn oil, olive oil), or other lubricants like K-Y Jelly during sex.
- To prevent urine problems, pass urine as soon as possible after sex to flush out germs.
Penis-in-vagina sex might still cause pregnancy until your menstrual periods have stopped for one full year. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, continue to use a family planning method during that time.
If you are using a hormonal method of family planning, stop using it around the age of 50 to see if you are still having periods. Use another method of family planning until you have no periods for one whole year (12 months).
Unless you know for sure that you and your partner do not have an STI, including HIV, be sure to use a condom each time you have sex—even if you can no longer become pregnant.