By Dr. Dan Watts and Helena Williams, APRN

Patients in their 60’s and 70’s tell us they enjoy sex more now than when they were younger.  Some people may find this hard to believe and ask,   “I’ve heard that as you get older, you lose it.  What’s their secret?”

Historically, one of the most distressing side effects of aging has been a loss of one’s sexuality, including romance, performance and satisfaction. Many men experience a decrease in erections, while women notice a decline in overall sexual desire and enjoyment. No doubt this can be an area of great frustration!  In turn, relationships are challenged since healthy sexual function is often linked to intimacy.

So, in the battle of the sexes, men vs. women, who wins?  Polling people of all ages reveals some interesting statistics and as it turns out, it’s a tie!

Most men say they think about sex at least once a day, while only a quarter of women say the same.

Of sexual encounters, men experience orgasms at 95% and women at 69%.

Just over half (55%) said men have more fun during sex, compared to 45% for women.

Women’s orgasms last longer, on average 15-22 seconds compared to men’s 5-9 seconds.

Women are more likely to experience multiple orgasms and have a higher number of erogenous zones.

Although women can have multiple orgasms, they tend to orgasm less during penetrative sex.

Most men can orgasm within four minutes, while most women take between ten to twenty minutes.

According to the latest research, active sex lives are common well into the seventies and eighties

                                                How to Have Good Sex at Any Age 

Sex can be a powerful emotional experience and a great tool for protecting or improving health, and it is certainly not only for the young.  The need for intimacy is ageless.  Studies now confirm that no matter what your gender, you can enjoy sex for as long as you choose.  These tips will help you increase intimacy and enjoyment as you age.

1.  Hormones of Love

When low levels or an imbalance of hormones occur, the ability to engage in healthy sex is challenging.  Sex can be unsatisfying, difficult or even impossible.  Correcting the imbalance achieves rejuvenation of the body, brain and other more critical areas.  Simple lab tests can detect these imbalances and natural hormone replacement can correct the problem.  While many hormones are critical for good sex, the leader of the pack is testosterone.  Testosterone ignites the fuel for virility in men (erection), and increases libido, orgasm and brain function in both women and men.

2.  Matters of the Heart

Effectively treating cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes can have positive effects on healthy sexuality.  For men, these conditions can produce erectile dysfunction.  In women, they can lessen desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm.  Diabetes can literally stunt the ability to experience sensuality.  Obesity also affects women’s arousal, orgasm and satisfaction.

3.  Romance, Passion and Fun

John Gray, in his bestseller Mars & Venus in the Bedroom, states that for sex to be great there must be loving and supportive communication in the relationship.  Couples who talk, get to know each other better.  Partners who listen really begin to connect and, with communication, sex improves.

With over 30 years of experience and numerous board certifications and credentials, Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM and Helena Williams, ARNP, MS, are experts in the Science and Art of Integrative Medicine and Bio-Identical Hormone Balancing. Hormones are an essential component of almost every cell and every major function of our body.  Balance is critical and, when achieved, can bring about remarkable improvements in many aspects of life.  Due to the sensitive nature of hormone balancing, it is imperative that you work in partnership with an experienced provider and program.

We know that you can keep that flame alive because we have helped hundreds of patients in these matters!

References:

  1. Sexuality in Later Life. National Institute on Aging.
  2. Christopher Ryan, Ph.D. Who Enjoys Sex more, Men or Women?
  3. Why sex becomes less satisfying with age. Science Daily. The North American Menopause Society.
  4. Sex in later life: Better for women than men? Science Daily. Michigan State University.
  5. Hormones That Affect Sexual Desire. Our Bodies Ourselves.
  6. Who Enjoys Sex More, Men or Women? Zeynep Yenisey. MAXIM.