… is really difficult to define how people become interested in possible sexual activity and the Arousal that follows this. Different factors such as the ease, frequency and intensity of these feelings come into play. Where one step leads into another can be hard to decide. Libido is the term generally used to describe Sex drive, the urge to sexual fantasy or activity. It varies between individuals and there is no identifiable “normal” level of intensity; there is a range of …
… be off-putting too, especially if sexual activity results in pain.
Difficulties with Arousal are discussed more fully at the Sexual Difficulties section of this web site.
The most common treatment for post-menopausal difficulties is Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the main aim of which is to replace the oestrogen now no longer available. As with any treatment, there seem to be both advantages and disadvantages. The possible advantages include a reduction in urinary …
… several reasons why pain of any level can occur in relation to sexual activity:
Lack of arousal – resulting in lack of vaginal lubrication i.e. dryness and engorgement of the genitalia.
Skin conditions - including thinning of the skin after the menopause.
Endometriosis – this usually causes pain deep inside the vagina.
Infections – sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ) or non-sexually transmitted genital infections e.g. …
… to be so.
Physical causes of anorgasmia can include hormonal imbalance resulting in a lack of arousal, or insufficient engorgement of the female genitalia in arousal to provide lubrication or increase sensitivity to stimulation. As in men, the equivalent being erection, this may be the result of other conditions such as vascular disease or the impairment of the nervous system for various reasons.
Lack of lubrication and changes to the lining of the vagina can result from the …
… pain. When painful penetration has been experienced e.g. as the result of an infection, lack of arousal or poor lubrication, this pain may be expected in further activity although the original cause of the pain has been cured. This fear may be enough to cause some degree of vaginismus. This may then confirm the expectation when pain is experienced because of the vaginismus. The degree of vaginismus may then increase, and a vicious circle is established.
It may be caused by other past …
… man is aroused in the lead up to sexual activity. With physical or mental stimulation leading to arousal, signals are sent out via the nervous system to release chemicals which enable an increased blood supply to flow into the penis.
The blood is not allowed to leave the penis very easily and this congestion, or engorgement, is what makes the penis hard enough to allow penetration. If any part of this process is interrupted then the inability to attain or maintain an erection can …
… your sex life in later years.Routine can lead to boredom, which in turn can lead to a lack of arousal. Experimenting may intensify stimulation, and this can be as simple as changing the location in which sex usually takes place. The use of erotic materials or sex toys might also introduce an element of novelty and enhance arousal.
Sex requires some expenditure of energy – which can be in shorter supply than when younger. It stands to reason then that activity is likely to be more …
… It is extremely dangerous to swallow this liquid. Poppers can enhance the feelings of sexual arousal and also act as a muscle relaxant which can be used to make anal sex easier.
It is thought that poppers can cause serious health problems if used with other drugs. In fact using poppers after taking erection drugs such as Viagra may cause a fatal drop in blood pressure. So-called ‘recreational’ drugs such as ecstasy, speed, cocaine or crystal meth all put a strain on the …
