Q: It is true that as you get older you loose interest in having sex?
A: It is a common misconception that older couples do not have sex or hardly have sex at all. Studies have shown that couples who are not limited by their health, have sex just as often as couples who may be half their age. A more accurate explanation for this stereotype is that we become more susceptible to illnesses and injury as we get older. As a result activities that we once enjoyed are now difficult or even painful to participate in. A specific example for women is menopause. The changes to the body that happen as a woman experiences menopause can effect her abilities to have sex as easily as she did when she was younger. Menopause slows a woman's abilities to produce personal lubrication in preparation for sex. Without that lubrication, sex is uncomfortable and un-enjoyable. If a woman chooses to purchase a lubricant and is comfortable using that, her sexual experiences can be more frequent and more enjoyable. Likewise as men age, erectile dysfunction becomes more likely and it too can discourage sexual relations. Medications are available to assist a man in achieving the natural response that he desires. The amount of sex that is healthy for a couple in this type of situation will depend on how open they are to using other medications or products to supplement the functions their bodies have become slower at producing.

Q: How much sex can my body actually handle?
A: Most people's first introduction to sex is through some sort of Hollywood created fantasy scene. However, there is only so much our bodies can handle in any given night. The reality of the situation is that sex can become uncomfortable, messy, and the body becomes less and less stimulated as a night goes on. It takes time for a woman's body to produce the lubrication needed. Likewise, once a man looses an erection or ejaculates, it takes time for the body to rebound. A healthy sexual relationship does not usually involve night after night of marathon sex.

Q: Is your sexual experience robotic or romantic?
A: As was alluded to earlier in the article, sexual health also has its emotional considerations. It is unhealthy to a relationship to not have mutual desire. Pushing sex on partner or using guilt to get your way is hazardous to the relationship.

Q: What kind of a relationship are you in?
A: If you have multiple sexual partners your concern for sexual health should be more serious. As you are intimate with people, make sure that you are practicing safer sex principles. The likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases increases with the number of sexual partners you choose to have. Know your risk and know how to reduce them. Try to make each sexual encounter as healthy and safe as you possibly can.

If you have any physical limitations that make having sex painful, consult your physician.