Question 325 of 433
What do couples actually ask you about sex in midlife?
The short answer
Whether it is normal for things to change, whether it is safe for the heart, and whether anything can be done. Yes, almost always, and yes.
Desire, arousal, and comfort all shift with age, hormones, medications, sleep, stress, and the state of the relationship. For men, erection quality is a vascular sign, so it belongs in a heart checkup. For women, dryness and pain are treatable with vaginal estrogen and moisturizers, and low desire that causes distress has options. Blood pressure pills and antidepressants are common culprits and can often be changed. Sleep apnea, alcohol, and inactivity matter for both partners.
The most important treatment is the conversation, with each other and with your doctor. Intimacy is part of connection, and connection is cardiovascular.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
CLINICAL GUIDANCE — Midlife sexual concerns: diagnosis and condition-specific treatments, not a single longevity intervention.Evidence grade (draft mapping)GGuideline-based / consensusPart 21, Q325 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.