Does women’s interest in sex go down after 40? Find out here

Getting older doesn’t mean saying goodbye to sex. Though society tends to hold the idea that ageing people may not perform or enjoy sex compared to younger people, but hey, it’s physically possible for the elderly to be sexually active. There are no boundaries to it. Your sexual desires are not supposed to fade away with your age. It is such common myths and misconceptions around sex and ageing that we are here to break for you today.

HealthShots spoke to Dr Sanjay Kumavat, Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, to get to know about some common myths around sex and ageing.

Here are myths around sex and ageing:

Myth 1: Beyond 40, interest in sex goes down

Fact: Sex is not bound to the young generation only! According to Dr Kumavat, “It’s not the age but overall satisfaction in sexual life depends upon the quality of the relationship the partners possess, about the bond that they share with each other.” Though ageing body may face some physical complications and decline sexual functioning, but the desire and the interest remain the same. To stay sexually active, stay physically active!

Myth 2: Women’s interest is affected by psychological factors only

Fact: In older people, a sexual relationship can be affected by both physical and psychological changes in the body. So, psychological factors affect women’s interest in sex, but a major role is played by hormones. For example, low estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness, causing painful intercourse. In fact, “there are some whose interest increases in sex after menopause and also due to hormonal imbalance,” says Dr Kumavat

Myth 3: Woman loses her ability to orgasm with ageing

Fact: First of all, a less intense orgasm doesn’t mean you’re losing your interest in sex or losing your ability to enjoy sex. Less intense is sometimes an issue among the younger generation as well. It is not bound by age. All women and men regardless of their age, can achieve or enjoy orgasm. However, age-related hormone fluctuations, especially during menopause, can cause low libido, making it tough for you to reach orgasm.

Myth 4: As man ages, he loses his capacity to get a penile erection

Fact: The erection of the penis is independent of the age factor. In many cases, men who face erection difficulties may be suffering from medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, circulatory disorders, and other health conditions which can interfere with the blood flow to the penis. In addition, according to Dr Kumavat, “A drop in hormone levels can also cause some functional changes, leading to problems in achieving erections. At the most, a man may need more physical stimulation for the desired erection.”

Myth 5: Inability to get an erection is an emotional problem

Fact: No, it’s a myth! Actually physical causes such as circulation problems, prostate disorders, and side effects associated with prescription medication are the possible causes at this age range are more prevalent.

Myth 6: Masturbation diminishes sexual erection in later ages!

Fact: This is an interesting myth, many people keep blaming themselves for this. But masturbation can increase sexual pleasure, both with or without a partner, says Dr Kumavat. For women, it helps keep vaginal tissues moist & elastic and boosts hormone levels, which fuels sex drive.

Myth 7: Older people shouldn’t have sex!

Fact: Don’t fall for this myth. Many people even believe having sex after a certain age is dangerous. But that’s not true. As we’ve already said, sex does not belong to the young generation only. So, you’re at any age enjoy sex if you’re physically fit and healthy without any health issues which can make it harder for you to have sex.

So, keep yourself informed with the right information and enjoy your sex life!