Sex and sexual health as you age

Your sex life can change over time, but there are many things you can do to maintain a satisfying sex life.

Explore sex and sexual health information

Health

As you get older, changes to your health, or your partner’s health, can impact your sex life. For example, conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse can affect your comfort during sex. If you have pain or mobility issues, you might need to try different ways to enjoy sex and intimacy.

Learn more about enjoying your sex life

Confidence

Some older women say they missed out on important sex education at school and don’t always feel confident talking about sex, their needs or what they do and don’t enjoy.

Learn more about sexuality.

Sex drive (libido)

It’s normal for your sex drive to fluctuate during your life. Lots of things can have an impact on your sex drive, including:

• life pressures
• relationships
• physical health.

Learn more about what can affect your sex life.

Relationships

As you get older, it is normal for your relationships to change. If you’ve been in a long-term relationship and, for whatever reason, you’re ready to start having sex with other people, it’s important to have safer sex.

Safer sex is not just about protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s also about making sure everyone involved feels safe and respected.

Consent is an important part of safer sex. Sex should only happen when the people involved give consent.

Painful sex (dyspareunia)

Physical changes associated with ageing can make sex uncomfortable or painful. For example, vaginal dryness is common after menopause.

These changes can lead to:

• vulval irritation
• vaginal atrophy
• painful sex.