Sexual Difficulties

Our interest in sex varies from person to person and changes from time to time. It is normal for us to experience highs and lows in our sex drive at various points in our lives.

The word ‘arousal’ is used to describe the physiological changes that occur when we are sexually stimulated. Arousal is noticeable in the man when he gets an erection. When a woman is aroused there is increased blood flow to the genitals resulting in vaginal wall thickening, lubrication and swelling of the clitoris. In both men and women, heart rate and breathing quicken and there is a feeling of being “turned on”. Without this arousal, sexual activity is possible but tends to be less enjoyable, and achieving orgasm will be difficult.

Many things can cause a problem with sexual desire or stimulation, any illness, for instance, can have a knock-on effect on sexual ability at all ages. As you grow older you become more prone to those illnesses, including; heart disease, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, prostate problems and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It is illnesses like these which can have a detrimental effect on your sexual capability. Some illnesses can be treated more successfully than others, but the treatments themselves can have an adverse effect on sexual function. You should not automatically accept a poorer sex life as a result however if you do not want to. There are many treatments for sexual difficulties which can restore sexual capacity, although it may feel embarrassing, speak to your GP or staff at a local sexual health clinic confidentially for support and advice.