email: info@glowcounseling.com | phone: 303-399-2314

Sex and Aging

Contrary to stereotypes, aging does not eliminate a person’s sexuality. Mid-life and elderly Americans care deeply about their sexual experiences and relationships. Not uncommonly, as a result of the aging process, men past midlife experience a reduction in sexual desire as a result of decreased levels of testosterone and sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction and prostate problems. Men with erectile difficulties often react with feelings of failure, anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem. These feelings may be compounded by their partner’s disappointment or anger.

 

In older women, while the hormonal and physiological changes associated with menopause are factors, the predominant correlation with decreased libido, arousal, orgasm, and sexual enjoyment is relationship difficulties. Most female sexual problems are associated with anxiety, depression, and the loss of a partner. Sex therapy is useful in helping individuals and couples adjust to the various physical changes and the effects of medical treatments that come with aging.
 

Some tools to enhance sexual function and expression in older adults:

  • First and foremost, communication, communication, communication.
  • Counseling and sex therapy.
  • Sexual activity in the morning when an erection is more likely.
  • Avoid times when your partner is stressed or tired.
  • Ample amount of tactile stimulation, manually or orally, before and during intercourse.
  • Ample use of sex-specific lubricants.
  • Consider prescription vaginal estrogen cream.
  • Positions in which vaginal tension is increased for heightened stimulation.
  • Spending more time on sexual activities other than intercourse.
  • Focus on sensuality and intimacy rather than sex.
  • Achieving orgasm via other techniques.
  • Trying new sexual activities outside of the usual repertoire.
  • Encouraging the partner to experience sexual pleasure regardless of sexual difficulties.
  • Taking turns at giving or receiving sexual pleasure.
  • Consulting with a doctor about oral medications and impact of prescriptions.
  • Genital devices for blood flow (vacuum pump).
  • Over the counter supplements that impact the arousal pathway.
  • Mechanical devices (vibrators) and sex toys.
  • Other mediums for sexual outlets and support: self pleasure, videos, magazines, etc

 

Growth, Liberation, Opportunity & Well-being

Psychotherapy for emotional, sexual, spiritual, and mental health



Moshe Rozdzial, LPC


GLOW Counseling offers sex addiction counseling, intervention and recovery from compulsive sexual behaviors

Addiction Intervention
Anger management
Dealing with sexless relationship
Debting, shopping & compulsive spending
Depression treatment
Disability and sex
Erectile dysfunction
HIV-AIDS and STD’s
Infidelity and affairs
Love addiction
Low desire or libido differences
Maintaining healthy sexuality in relationships
Men's issues
Overcoming childhood sexual abuse
Performance anxiety
Porn and Cybersex addiction
Sexual orientation
Sexual disorders
Sex therapy and sexuality issues
Women's issues