Danielle Evensen 06/23/2018 FHS Human Sexuality U2E2 Aging & Sexual

Arousal

Question: Word Count: 607

Think about what you read in the chapter about aging and sexual arousal and response. Has what
you've learned changed any stereotypes or attitudes that you've held about older people and
sexual activity? Explain.

Answer:

As humans get older, their body systems begin to decrease in function such as the
cardiovascular system, nervous system, etc. This decrease is commonly known and talked about
among the entire population. However, we rarely discuss how sexual function, arousal, and
response are affected by age. In this essay, I will explore the effects of age on sexual function
and arousal, as well as how older people can maintain a good sex life.
Like the other body systems mentioned previously, the body’s ability to perform and be
aroused sexually decreases with age. These decreases can also be the result of diseases, drugs, or
psychological issues. However, according to the textbook, “Age is also a factor in sexual
dysfunction. As the body ages, so do the physical underpinnings of sexual functioning” (Knox &
Milstein, 2017, p. 350). Males and females are both affected sexually from age and experience
different issues. For women, menopause is a major contributor to the decline in sexual function
and response. This happens because the women’s body is producing less estrogen and becomes
estrogen deficient.
The change in hormones in a women’s body causes her to have a harder time feeling
aroused and can affect the way she can perform sexually. According to SexInfo, “The biological
changes from menopause often lead to dramatic physical changes that can impair one’s ability to
have sex naturally” (SOC, 2018). One of these changes is the ability to maintain vagina wetness
because of the lack of estrogen. Another effect of age on females is they have a difficulty to stay
aroused and may need significantly more stimulation to maintain a high intensity of pleasure
(SOC, 2018). Another issue addressed is the lack of elasticity in the vagina which can lead to
pain during intercourse. These effects can have a detrimental impact on women’s mental health
and can cause a lack of confidence.
In Men, there is a disorder that can occur called the male hypoactive sexual desire
disorder. The symptoms included in this disorder are loss of sexual interest, lack of confidence in
their performance, and erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a health problem for men that
affects their sexual life and performance. In the textbook, it says, “The older the man, the more
likely he is to report difficulty creating and maintaining an erection” (Knox & Milstein, 2017 p.
364). This quote shows the connection that age has on the physical ability of a male. Because of
the inability to get erect, males tend to have a harder time achieving an orgasm. This can lead to
mental health issues and lack of confidence comparable to females.
Although age can be discommoding to female and male’s sexual health, there are still
solutions that can alleviate at least the physical issues. For example, in the case of vaginal
dryness, lube can be used to increase comfort during intercourse. Symptoms of menopause and
hormone imbalance can be treated with medications. In males, medications can be useful as well
with disorders like erectile dysfunction. The most important solution to these problems is to
maintain a good sex life and never give up on your sexual health. Most of what I read from the
textbook and my online source, I already knew before. I knew that there would be evidence of an
increase in sexual function and arousal in older people. However, I did not think that women had
these problems as often as men do. I thought this because men’s sexual inabilities are talked
about more often than women’s. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while also keeping
in mind the changes our bodies will go through as we get older.
 References:

Knox, D., & Milstein, S. (2017). Human Sexuality: Making Informed Decisions (5th ed.) [with
Salt Lake Community College supplement]. Redding, CA: BVT Publishing.
SOC. “Aging and Sexual Response Cycle”. SexInfo Online, 30 Jan. 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/aging-and-sexual-response-cycle.