Aging and sexual activity: gynecological, sexological and psychological aspects

Abstract

SummaryAging brings about a number of physical and psychological changes that can have an impact on sexual performance and pleasure. Sexual activity is a natural and important part of a healthy lifestyle, no matter what women's or men's age is. Although the amount of sexual activity generally declines with age, sexual interest and ability can remain fairly constant. While the need for and interest in sex vary widely in people, most people experience sexual desire throughout life. A diversity of complex controlling factors as well as an abundance of ways in which human sexuality is expressed remains an important methodological problem which impedes a scientific description of the phenomenon in question. In modern society many aspects of lifestyle, including physical activity, love, sex, fashion, learning and others have crossed the border set in the past. More attention needs to be paid to sexual problems of our aging patients.Key words: women, sexology, gynecology, aging. StreszczeniePrzekwitanie stanowi okres przejściowy w życiu człowieka między okresem reprodukcyjnym a okresem starzenia się. Zazwyczaj starsi ludzie rzadko wypowiadają się na temat swojego życia seksualnego, nawet pytani o tę sferę przez lekarzy. Są jednak osoby w okresie przekwitania, które w swojej ocenie są atrakcyjne seksualnie, będące zdania, że doświadczanie uczucia i zmysłowej przyjemności to cenna część starszego wieku. Zagadnienia te są bardzo istotne zarówno w aspekcie seksuologii, jak i ginekologii.

Overweight, obesity and female sexuality in perimenopause: a preliminary report

“…Human sexuality is an important element of the development of the personality. As a rule, it is a positive driving force in the human population, motivating individuals to engage in interaction and to form interpersonal relationships [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…It is initially signalled by irregular menstrual cycles and then their final termination, i.e. menopause [ 6 – 8 ].…”

“…Women during the period suffer from hot flushes and hyperhidrosis (more commonly known as the night sweats), constant fatigue and apathy, dejection, loss of libido, irritability, nervousness, problems with concentration and memory, sleep disorders, vaginal dryness, problems with sexual intercourse, and stress urinary incontinence. The intensity and duration of these ailments vary among women and they might appear as soon as 5 years before menopause and last for up to 5 years after the termination of menstrual cycles [ 6 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…One must bear in mind that one of the sources of oestradiol is the adipose tissue. The functioning of the human body is conditioned by each hormone and the mutual relation between hormones, which in turn is controlled through the process of conversion [ 6 , 10 ].…”

Quality of the relationship and menopausal symptoms of menopausal women

“…It is the degree of intimacy on which the ability to satisfy the sexual needs of oneself and the partner depends, together with taking the initiative as well as the frequency and satisfaction from sexual intercourse. Good marital relations based on good communication, mutual acceptance and having common interests are cited as factors determining good sexual functioning of women during menopause (Ling, Wong, & Ho, 2008;Jarząbek-Bielecka, Sowińska-Przepiera, & Pawlaczyk, 2012). Sexual satisfaction correlates with the satisfaction with the relationship, so if one is reduced, the other decreases also (Lew-Starowicz & Szymańska, 2012).…”