Spice Up the Bedroom — with Science!

For many couples, sex is a big part of their relationship. But if you think your sex life could be improved, you’re not alone! Many couples have problems big or small in the bedroom, and it can be quite frustrating, even awkward, to talk about and deal with.

Sexual frustrations in the bedroom can quickly lead to relationship conflicts. The partner with a higher sex drive may feel neglected by the partner with the lower libido, who may feel unfairly pressured to do things they don’t want to do.

While it’s easy to turn these conflicts into emotional arguments, it’s important to remember that sometimes they’re not anyone’s fault. And it helps to understand how your anatomy works over time.

Don’t Worry Over Anatomy and Age

If you’re an older adult, you may look back wistfully at your younger years when you were always ready and willing to engage in an all-night marathon of sexual fun. Added responsibilities like childcare and mortgage payments may be shifting your focus outside the bedroom, but physical changes may be a factor too. Don’t despair, though. Older adults can have very fulfilling sex lives too!

Aging and Sex

Some facts about older women and sex:

1. Loss of libido can happen, and we’re not quite sure why, but other medical conditions, such as depression, stress, and other medications can have an impact. It doesn’t hurt to check with your doctor about possible medical causes.
2. Older females produce less estrogen, which may lead to reduced vaginal lubrication and elasticity. This is natural, and there are plenty of lubrication products on the market as well as estrogen treatments like VIVELLE-DOT® to help mitigate this issue.
3. Having sex more often may improve lubrication and elasticity.

Some facts about older men and sex:

1. Men begin producing less testosterone at age 30, but when compared to women, men’s sex hormones decrease at a more gradual rate.
2. Male sexual issues can include difficulty sustaining an erection, premature ejaculation, and a longer refractory period. Men can also experience genital pain during sex.
3. Men, too, can experience a lower sex drive and mood changes as they age.

Consider that Erectile Dysfunction Might Happen

Men of all ages can experience erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to maintain an erection.

You may have heard of pharmaceutical drugs like VIAGRA® or Cialis® that could fix your problems. But if you’re interested in ED medication, make sure you understand how they work:

1. These drugs can be very useful in helping you sustain an erection, but they are not recreational drugs and will not enhance your abilities or pleasure in the bedroom.
2. Taking these drugs on their own will not give you an erection. Stimulation is still required.
3. VIAGRA® can be taken as-needed 30 minutes to one hour before sexual activity; Cialis® can be taken up to 36 hours before sexual engagement, so the latter may allow for more spontaneity.
4. ED can be psychologically induced. Don’t be afraid to ask for medical or psychotherapeutic help. Sex therapy can help both partners communicate and confront self-esteem or performance anxiety issues.

You can get ED drugs through online international and Canadian pharmacy referral services like Canada Med Pharmacy.

Beware of sites that claim you can get ED drugs without a prescription; they are likely fraudulent and unsafe. A good sign that a referral service website is a legitimate seller is if they require a prescription.

Try Something New!

Have you always had a sexual fantasy lingering at the back of your mind? Communicate this to your partner! Yes, most of us grew up thinking sexual fantasies and fetishes were odd things to hide, but according to one study, there is likely nothing wrong with your fetish.

In fact, this study found that BDSM practitioners scored higher in terms of psychological well-being. They were less neurotic and rejection-sensitive and more extroverted, open, and conscientious. While those who identified as dominant scored more favorably, those who identified as submissive scored higher than control group individuals with no reported sexual kinks.

As long as no one is hurt and everyone consents to the activity, there is little harm experimenting with sexual kinks. (Just make sure you don’t tie things too tight or hit body parts too hard!)

Remember: Sex Is Not Limited to PIV

When most people think of sex, they think of classic, heterosexual PIV (penis-in-vagina) intercourse. However, remember that this is not your only option. Oral, digital, and other forms of sex can be more practical if, for example, you have a chronic pain condition or injury. Your partner may also have an easier time achieving orgasm through means other than PIV sex.

Sex is an intimate, private experience. You and your partner can define it as you see fit. Don’t let society, media, or even your peers decide what kind of sex is “right” for you, because there’s no such thing as right or wrong intercourse. So get in there and get creative!

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.