Menopause and your libido – how to enjoy sex as a man or woman in your 50s, 60s and beyond.

It's never too late to bring a little more va-va into your vroom.

Sexual health is important at any age and the desire for intimacy is timeless. However, as you age, your sex drive may decrease. Your penis may take longer to become erect and erections may not be as firm. It may also take longer to achieve full arousal, have an orgasm and ejaculate. Erectile dysfunction is common.

SEXUAL DESIRE DECREASES

Sex and ageing are topics both older women and most men do not want to talk about, according to Dr Jireh Serfontein from My Sexual Health, a sexual health clinic.

The most obvious changes in a woman’s body as she ages come with menopause. “It is normal for sexual desire to decrease when one ages," she says.

Read more | Many men go through it from age 40, but we don’t talk about it – Dr Mkhatshwa on male menopause

"For women, we see on average that they go through menopause around the age of 45 to 55. That results in a drop in all the sex hormones. With a drop of hormones, we see a low libido and virginal dryness that can result in difficulty of getting aroused, pain during intercourse and difficulties of reaching orgasm,” she explains.

She says with men, the testosterone drops and they may also have erectile dysfunction.

“There are also chances of having underlying medical problems in both men and women,” says Dr Jireh.

“Specifically, diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can surface. All these conditions can affect the blood vessels and there won’t be enough blood flow to the genital area resulting in poor arousal.”

HEALTHY SEX LIFE

Dr Jireh says it is possible to have a healthy sex life at any age. It’s just important to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Read more | From adolescence to menopause, each phase of life has different needs for your skin

“A low sex drive doesn’t result in sexual avoidance. If you are still willing to participate, proper sexual stimulation could trigger a responsive desire and you will still have enjoyable sex,” says Dr Jireh.

You may just have to put a little more thought and planning into sex than you did when you were younger.

TIPS FOR BETTER SEX

Get regular exercise to strengthen your muscles.

Nothing kills the mood faster than hurting your back or pulling a muscle. Find the best strength-training exercises for you.

Keep it interesting by trying something new

When you have been with the same partner for a long time, you may want to come up with ideas to add a little variety to your sex life. Set the stage and create a romantic atmosphere... a little planning can go a long way.

Think beyond intercourse

If you or your partner can’t do this anymore, there are other options for you to enjoy closeness and pleasure. The simple but intimate acts of kissing and touching should not be overlooked.

Get comfortable

If arthritis or ongoing pain makes sex less enjoyable, find ways to feel better. Try a new position that’s easier on your body or use pillows for support.