Not only is sex a satisfying part of life and relationships, but it is also beneficial to your overall health. Sex activates neurotransmitters that have a positive impact on your brain, as well as many other organs in your body. 

Some health benefits of sex may include: 

-lower blood pressure

-decreased depression and anxiety 

-improved heart health

-pain relief

-stronger immune system

-better sleep

As you get older there can be physical challenges and health complications that make it more difficult to perform at your best and feel satisfied during sex. Factors range from changing hormones to stamina to sexual function and libido. While these factors may change your sex life, they don’t have to keep you from feeling fulfilled. There are a few adjustments you can make to your sex routine in order to maintain pleasurable intimacy as you age. 

For women, a common challenge is vaginal dryness or vaginal atrophy, making intercourse painful, but using a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant may help, for example.

So how can you maintain and even improve your sexual health throughout your later years? 

Here are a few more tips: 

-see a sex therapist

-practice safe sex 

-communicate with your partner(s)

-maintain healthy lifestyle habits

-expand your definition of sex

-talk to your primary healthcare provider

All of the above are great places to start when thinking about how to have better sex as you age. Your body may change but your sex life doesn’t have to.

Read more about this at Everlywell’s Blog “Sexuality and Aging: Your Guide to Maintaining Sexual Health”

https://www.everlywell.com/blog/sti-testing/sexuality-and-aging/