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Senior Citizens & Sex
New Harvard Medical Report on Sex and Aging Finds
Viagra Can Create Problems
When intercourse is suddenly a possibility again,
relationship issues can emerge
 May 1, 2007 - For many men, the
erectile-dysfunction drugs Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are the answer to
their prayers. But, according to Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond,
a new report from Harvard Medical School, these pills offer no help in
untangling the emotional and relationship pressures that frequently
accompany erectile dysfunction (ED).
For one thing, the medications work only if the man
is feeling sexual desire for his partner. If emotional issues are
impinging on libido, the pills wont help. A man struggling with ED may
be so embarrassed that he is no longer willing to attempt sexual
activity, and his partner may mistakenly believe that he is no longer
attracted to her. She may assume that her partners newfound erections
are merely a chemical phenomenon, not the result of his interest in her.
In these cases, sex therapy may be helpful.
When intercourse is suddenly a possibility again,
relationship issues can emerge or resurface, as can dramatic differences
in libido. The bottom line is that couples should try to regard these
drugs as an opportunity to renew their sexual relationship, while
realizing that ED drugs are neither a mandate to have intercourse nor a
panacea for every problem in the bedroom.
Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond is a 48-page
report edited by Alan Altman, M.D., Assistant Professor at Harvard
Medical School, and Suki Hanfling, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W., certified sex
therapist. This report helps readers understand
● sexuality and attitudes about sexuality and
aging, including emotional and social issues
● how health problems, including medications,
affect sexuality
● the pros and cons of treatments for common
sexual problems
● the role of sex therapy and what to expect
● how to use self-help strategies and put the fun
back into sex.
Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond is available for
$16 from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard
Medical School. Order it online at
www.health.harvard.edu/SMB or by calling 1-8776499457 (toll free).
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