5 Common Myths About Sex and Aging—Debunked

There are many persistent myths surrounding sex and aging, often rooted in outdated cultural beliefs rather than medical reality. One of the most common misconceptions is that sexual desire and satisfaction naturally disappear with age. In truth, research consistently shows that many adults remain sexually active and satisfied well into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, particularly when physical health and hormonal balance are supported (Lindau et al., 2007; Gewirtz-Meydan & Ayalon, 2019).

Sexual activity in older adults has been linked to greater happiness, emotional intimacy, improved cardiovascular health, and even longevity. Understanding what truly changes with age—and what does not—can help couples maintain a fulfilling sex life throughout midlife and beyond.

Myth 1: Sex Isn’t Pleasurable for Older Adults

This is not true.

As couples age together, many report greater emotional intimacy, communication, and sexual satisfaction compared to earlier stages of life. Knowing a partner’s preferences and feeling emotionally secure often enhances pleasure (Fileborn et al., 2017).

That said, hormonal changes can affect comfort and desire:

• Declining estrogen in women may cause vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Lower testosterone in men and women may reduce libido and arousal

These are treatable physiologic changes, not inevitable barriers. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) have been shown to improve lubrication, desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction when hormone deficiency is present (Kingsberg et al., 2019).

Myth 2: Older Adults Are Too Weak or Fragile to Have Sex

Sexual activity is considered a moderate form of physical activity, comparable to climbing stairs or brisk walking. For individuals with stable cardiovascular health, sex is generally safe regardless of age (Levine et al., 2012).

While arthritis, joint pain, muscle loss, or fatigue may require adaptations, they do not eliminate sexual ability. Couples can explore:

• Different positions

• Supportive pillows or furniture

• Slower pacing and longer arousal phases

BHRT can help address joint stiffness, muscle loss, fatigue, and reduced stamina, making physical intimacy more comfortable and enjoyable (Stuenkel et al., 2015).

Myth 3: Older Adults Don’t Desire or Need Sex

Sexual desire does not automatically disappear with age. Studies show that many adults over 50 maintain regular sexual interest and activity, though the expression of desire may change (Lindau et al., 2007).

What often declines is not desire itself, but:

• Hormonal support for libido

• Vaginal lubrication

• Erectile rigidity

Testosterone plays a key role in libido for both men and women. Declining testosterone levels are associated with reduced sexual desire, decreased arousal, and diminished orgasm quality. TRT and BHRT can restore desire when deficiency is present (Wierman et al., 2014).

Myth 4: “The Equipment Doesn’t Work, So Sex Is Over”

Age-related changes in sexual function are common—but they are highly treatable.

For men:

• Erectile dysfunction may result from vascular changes, low testosterone, or metabolic conditions

• Treatments include oral medications, TRT, lifestyle optimization, and regenerative therapies

For women:

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort can be treated with local estrogen therapy, lubricants, or regenerative options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

• Estrogen therapy has been shown to restore vaginal tissue elasticity and lubrication (Kingsberg et al., 2019)

Sexual intimacy is not limited to penetrative intercourse. Many couples expand their definition of sex, discovering new forms of intimacy that enhance satisfaction.

Myth 5: The Aging Body Isn’t Attractive or Sexy

Aging changes the body—but attractiveness is not defined by youth alone. Confidence, emotional connection, and comfort with one’s body often deepen with age, enhancing sexual intimacy (Gewirtz-Meydan & Ayalon, 2019).

That said, hormone decline can contribute to:

• Weight gain (especially abdominal fat)

• Muscle loss

• Reduced energy

Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to:

• Improve lean muscle mass

• Reduce fat accumulation

• Enhance energy and physical confidence

These changes can significantly improve self-image and sexual confidence (Basaria, 2014).

Hormone Therapy and Sexual Health as You Age

Hormonal balance plays a central role in sexual desire, arousal, performance, and satisfaction for both men and women. When appropriately prescribed and monitored, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help:

• Improve libido and arousal

• Reduce vaginal dryness and discomfort

• Enhance erectile function

• Increase energy and stamina

• Support emotional intimacy

Expert Sexual Wellness & Hormone Care

At Hormone Treatment Centers, we offer comprehensive hormone optimization and sexual wellness care for men and women. Our personalized approach addresses the root causes of sexual changes associated with aging—not just the symptoms.

If aging-related changes are affecting your intimacy or confidence, support is available.

Contact Hormone Treatment Centers today to learn more about our full range of hormone replacement therapies and sexual wellness treatments.

References

Basaria, S. (2014). Male hypogonadism. The Lancet, 383(9924), 1250–1263.
Fileborn, B., et al. (2017). Sex and pleasure in later life. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 32(3–4), 328–344.
Gewirtz-Meydan, A., & Ayalon, L. (2019). Perceptions of sexuality in older age. Journal of Sex Research, 56(2), 164–177.
Kingsberg, S. A., et al. (2019). Female sexual dysfunction—medical and psychological approaches. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(4), 842–856.
Levine, G. N., et al. (2012). Sexual activity and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 125(8), 1058–1072.
Lindau, S. T., et al. (2007). A study of sexuality and health among older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 357, 762–774.
Stuenkel, C. A., et al. (2015). Treatment of menopausal symptoms. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(11), 3975–4011.
Wierman, M. E., et al. (2014). Androgen therapy in women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99(10), 3489–3510.