As women age, physiological, anatomical and psychological changes may affect sexual function. They may develop physical illnesses or take prescribed drugs which also affect their sexual functioning. Heterosexual women may be disadvantaged by the relative unavailability of partners. Sexual dysfunction may occur in the context of mental ill-health, particularly the dementias and depressive illnesses. Consent to sexual activity may present ethical dilemmas. Education is an important aspect of management. Psychological and social treatment approaches are often appropriate before consideration of drug treatments. The recognition, assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction in elderly women with mental health problems may improve their quality of life.
Sexuality in elderly men is a neglected area, surrounded by myths and strongly in uenced by psychosocial factors. Despite physiological changes in sexual functioning, many men continue healthy sexuality into late life. Sexual problems are common in the dementias and in depressive illness. They may generate dif cult ethical dilemmas for health and social care staff. Various treatments, psychological, environmental and pharmacological, may be of bene t. Although prescribed drugs may be used to treat sexual dysfunction, they may also cause it. Attitudes towards sexuality in elderly men have a powerful in uence in determining whether sexual behaviours are regarded as dysfunctional, and in the recognition and treatment of sexual dysfunction.
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