Aging Midlife

1. Women in midlife, age 40 to 65, can use guidance
regarding the impact of chronic illness, hormonal
changes, and medications on sexual functioning.
Women at this age may be experiencing changes
in family structure and the psychosocial
adjustments these demand. The variety of needs is
amazing. Midlife women may be trying to become
pregnant, be menopausal, be widowed, or caring
for young children or grandchildren.
2. Women may express fears about the effect of time
and hormones on their self-image and desirability.
Information about physiological changes that do
occur and exploration of the woman’s beliefs
about sexuality at this age are essential.
3. Most physiological changes associated with aging
affect the sexual response cycle of the older woman.
Estrogen-deficient vaginitis, insertional dyspareunia,
and reduced lubrication are common complaints
associated with menopause. The use of artificial
lubricants can reduce the symptoms and pain.
4. As women age, the excitement phase of the sexual
cycle can occur more slowly. For many
menopausal women, it may take 5 minutes rather
than 10 to 15 seconds in the excitement phase to
achieve lubrication. More and more direct genital
stimulation may be needed during the arousal
or excitement phase.
5. The plateau phase may also become longer. The
orgasmic phase may become shorter and orgasms
may be painful. Contraction may be spasmodic
rather than rhythmic. Nonetheless, women retain
the potential to return to the excitement phase and
to experience multiple orgasms.

Posted in: Health,Sexuality,Sexuality through the life-cycle