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Keeping Your Sex Life HealthyMost seniors continue to want and enjoy an active sex life with their spouse or significant other. Maintaining an active sex life can be a challenge not because of a lack of desire but because of changes associated with aging. For older women, vaginal dryness can play a part in decreasing desire for sex. What Causes Vaginal Dryness? During a woman's childbearing years hormones helps keep vaginal tissue healthy by maintaining normal vaginal lubrication, tissue elasticity and acidity. Vaginal lubrication protects the tissues against damage and infection. Sexual arousal also increases vaginal lubrication. Those vaginal lubricants also provide a welcoming environment for transportation of sperm and help promote procreation. While other factors can affect vaginal lubrication, this most often occurs because of hormonal changes brought about by menopause. Post-menopause (average age 47-55) the hormone levels drop decreasing the natural production of lubrication. Women who have vaginal dryness report pain during penetration along with vaginal itching and pressure. This can affect pleasure and desire for sexual relations. Fortunately there are some simple solutions that can help increase vaginal lubrication and decrease pain during intercourse.
Treatment of Vaginal Dryness
SOURCES:Medline Plus, National Institutes of Health, 2005 Updated: August 11, 2006 Additional Information About Vaginal DrynessBefore You Buy Vaginal MoisturizersMenopauseMedications That May Cause Vaginal Dryness Additonal Information About Seniors and SexStart a discussion on the Senior Health forums |
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