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Sexual health

Sexuality is a fundamental part of humanity at any age. There are many changes that can affect sexual function and pleasure for older adults. Menopause and impotence are common health conditions that can affect sexual health. Check out our resources for tips on how to maintain your sexual capacity.

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Vaginal estrogen relieves common menopause symptoms
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  • Evidence Summary

    Testosterone replacement in men with sexual dysfunction.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2024)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea: Consumer fact sheet

    U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
    Sexually active women over 24 years old who do not use condoms or have more than one sexual partner should get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
  • Evidence Summary

    Social-capital interventions appear to help improve health outcomes in older individuals

    Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (2016)
  • Web Resource Rating

    Vaginal dryness

    UpToDate - patient information
    Vaginal dryness can affect any woman but it is most common after menopause. Symptoms may include burning, itching, pain during sex and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatments include vaginal moisturizers, vaginal lubricants and vaginal estrogen. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which treatment might be right for you.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Vaginal atrophy

    Mayo Clinic
    Thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls is known as vaginal atrophy, and generally occurs after menopause due to decreased levels of estrogen. Vaginal atrophy is accompanied by urinary symptoms and painful intercourse. The term Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is used to refer to this combination of issues. Over-the-counter treatments, such as vaginal moisturizers or water-based lubricants, topical estrogens, and vaginal dilators are a few treatment options for GSM.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Fertility Problems: Should I Have a Tubal Procedure or In Vitro Fertilization?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps women who have a fallopian tube problem that have been unable to get pregnant decide on whether to have a tubal procedure or in vitro fertilization (IVF) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Erection Problems: Should I Try Injection Treatments?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with erectile dysfunction who cannot take pills decide on whether or not to try injection treatments by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative options such as counseling, sex therapy, or seeking other ways to express intimacy.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    HPV: Should I Get the Vaccine?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps people under 26 who have not had the vaccine decide on whether or not to get the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Sexual health and aging: Keep the passion alive

    Mayo Clinic
    Sexual feelings don't disappear as you age. Illness, medications and health conditions can affect your sexual life. Talk with your partner and remember that people of all ages should practice safe sex.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Uterine (endometrial) cancer

    Patient.co.uk
    Uterine cancer is most likely to occur in women between the ages of 75 and 79. If uterine cancer is found at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding past menopause, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Male menopause: Myth or reality?

    Mayo Clinic
    Low testosterone causes changes in sex and sleep patterns. A healthy diet and exercise can help maintain your strength and energy. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns and be wary of herbal supplements.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Male condoms

    Our Bodies, Ourselves
    Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections. Carry condoms with you and use them correctly. This resource includes frequently asked questions about using condoms.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Penis health: Identify and prevent problems

    Mayo Clinic
    Problems of the penis include issues with erections, with the foreskin, discharge or blood from the penis, pain, rash or swelling and can be a sign of other health conditions or medication side-effects. Practice good hygiene, safe sex and stay active to maintain your penis health.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

    Mayo Clinic
    Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Testosterone therapy can increase the risk of sleep problems, blood clots, enlarged breasts and more. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits if considering this type of hormone therapy.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Risk reduction strategies for vaginal cancer

    Canadian Cancer Society
    Get the HPV vaccine, limit your sexual partners and use a condom to lower your risk of vaginal cancer. Have regular pap tests and avoid smoking. This resource includes questions to ask your doctor about vaginal cancer.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    STI Testing: Should I Get Tested For a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to get tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Evidence Summary

    There is a need for gender-sensitive health- and social-care services for aging individuals

    Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services (2012)
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Infertility: Should I Have Treatment?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps couples decide on whether or not to try infertility treatment by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Fertility Problems: Should I Be Tested?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps people with fertility problems decide on whether or not to have tests to find the cause of infertility by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options.
  • Patient Decision Aid

    Erection problems: Should I take medicine?

    OHRI
    This patient decision aid helps men with erection problems decide on whether or not to take medicine by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
  • Web Resource Rating

    Rx for change: The low-down on low-t (or menopause for men)

    National Women’s Health Network
    Be skeptical about testosterone products for men with 'Low-T' (low testosterone or late-onset hypogonadism). Testosterone levels fluctuate and commonly decrease as men age. Low testosterone is normal among older men and 'Low-T' products can increase the risk of heart problems.
  • Blog Post

    Aging and HIV: A challenge for geriatricians

    HIV-geriatric medicine is intended to be collaborative work between HIV specialists and geriatricians. It is a fairly young discipline which aims to ensure a global and specific approach to elderly patients with HIV, focused on function and the continuum of care. How geriatricians envisage care older people living with HIV?
  • Blog Post

    Love in the digital age

    The way we look for our soul mate has evolved in the last few years at the same pace as technology. Several platforms to find love have been created. The same is true for other stages of a couple's life cycle: whether it is to maintain a relationship or to regain autonomy after the dissolution of a couple.
  • Blog Post

    Older LGBTQI women: facing barriers to accessing adequate care

    Older LGBTQI women experience more discrimination than men because they find themselves in a “triple minority” situation, based on their gender, age and sexual orientation. How can we redefine health and social care to make them more accessible to older LGBTQI women?
  • Blog Post

    Aging and HIV: Meeting the unique care needs of older adults and fighting discrimination

    A greater number of older adults are now living with HIV. Yet, knowledge of HIV and uptake of testing among Canadians over 50 is is still low.
  • Blog Post

    The up-and-up on treating premature ejaculation

    Premature ejaculation is a frustrating experience that can bring any man down. On the up-side, there are many treatments that can help.
  • Blog Post

    Beyond taboos: The sexual life of older adults

    While certain health conditions can affect libido and sexual capacity, many people still want and need intimacy, or have sexual desires, as they grow older. However, there seem to be taboos and preconceived ideas about the sexuality of older adults.
  • Blog Post

    Are we equal in the face of aging? Challenges faced by LGBTQ2 older adults

    Although attitudes are changing and there is a growing recognition of the need to adapt the care provided to them, LGBTQ2 older adults (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans, queers and two-spirited) still face negative experiences, including problems related to access to health and social services.
  • Blog Post

    Vaginal estrogen relieves common menopause symptoms

    Menopause may be a natural and inevitable phase in a woman’s life but it often comes with uncomfortable and irritating symptoms. Vaginal estrogen is an effective treatment option.
  • Blog Post

    Erectile dysfunction treatment options

    Erectile dysfunction may be an awkward topic of discussion for some, but it’s a very common condition that affects up to half of all men over the age of 40. Find out what the research says about erectile dysfunction treatment options.