Women aged 60 years and older may experience loss of libido, but both partners can play a role in improving sex drive.
Women 60 years of age and older are at high risk for experiencing low sex drive, or a lack of libido. Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) may be concerned about their role in their partner’s low sex drive. However, there are many reasons for women middle aged and older to experience low sex drive that have nothing to do with their partner’s ED.
Read below to learn more about the causes of low sex drive in women and how both partners can work to treat or prevent the problem.
Potential Causes of Low Sex Drive
Women over the age of 60 are often dealing with the aftermath of menopause. Hormonal changes that accompany menopause may include vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and lower sex drive. These hormonal side effects may cause women to refrain from sex, but are not the only factors to consider when one is dealing with a loss of libido.
A series of surveys with 24,000 women aged 50 to 74 revealed a variety of reasons for a decline in sexual activity. The surveys also revealed the vast majority of participants were not discussing their problems with libido with their medical providers. Women cited the following reasons for a decline in libido and sexual activity:
- The loss of a partner
- Life stress
- Busy schedules
- Their own or their partner’s physical health problems
- Mental health or addiction problems for self or for their partner
- Loss of interest
- Menopause-related symptoms
A recent study involving focus groups and interviews with older women found five key themes related to low libido. The five themes were as follows:
- Postmenopausal symptoms
- Partner’s erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue or bodily pain
- Life stressors
- Negative body image
Having a healthy sexual partner and being in good health are key factors in maintaining a healthy sex life and sustaining libido as women age.
Potential Solutions
Reasons for the decline in sex drive or sexual activity may vary for each woman, but there are several solutions that are effective for multiple causes. Women may want to explore the following to improve or maintain their sex drive:
- Reframing the definition of satisfying sex: A satisfying sexual experience does not always have to result in the completion of intercourse. Couples can reframe what they define as satisfying sexual activity in order to maintain sexual intimacy and decrease pressure related to performance.
- Improving partner communication: It is recommended that sexually active couples of all ages communicate about sex, including, but not limited to sexual health, expectations, likes and dislikes, and frequency of sexual intercourse. Communication is key to maintaining and improving sexual intimacy and libido for older adults.
- Medical treatment: Many women benefit from hormonal treatment during or after menopause. Some women may wish to seek medical treatment for a loss of libido or satisfaction during sex. The FDA has approved two medications for increasing libido in women.
It Takes Two to Tango
It is natural for erections and sex drive to change with age. Middle-aged men may find they suffer from erection dissatisfaction rather than ED. Some men may assume ED is at fault for any change in their erectile health or change in their partner’s sex drive, but it takes both partners to maintain sexual intimacy throughout the lifespan.
In addition to improving partner communication regarding sex, men may wish to seek treatment for ED. Speaking to a medical provider about sexual concerns is a great first step in determining whether or not medication is needed to improve sexual ability and performance. Couples looking for a convenient way to order sexual health and erectile dysfunction medications should visit eDrugstore.com to learn more about their options.
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).