Over the last few years, both the United States and European Union have seen a rise in the number of older adults living with chronic conditions. While technology has made it easier for people to live independently, the increase in chronic illness has made it more apparent that supporting individuals through the end of life is a growing concern.
Along with this increased life expectancy, there has been a rise in the use of sexual medicine among older adults. As awareness of the harmful effects of living with conditions that affect sexual function have increased, so has the desire to address these issues and improve quality of life. Thankfully, there are now options for older adults who want to improve their sexual function and experience enhanced quality of life during the last years of their life. These options include both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical solutions, so let’s take a look at how each one works.
Pharmaceutical Options
As mentioned above, the increase in awareness of aging issues has led to a rise in the number of older adults choosing to explore alternatives to traditional medicine to tackle their chronic conditions. One of the most popular choices for older adults who want to enhance their sexual function is Sildenafil citrate, more commonly known as Viagra.
While there are a wide variety of non-prescription products designed to improve sexual function, none of them come with the safety and effectiveness of a prescription drug like Viagra.
Viagra is a prescription drug that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 1998. The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil citrate is a substance that boosts blood flow to the penis and, as a result, enhances sexual function. To learn more, you can read the full prescribing information here.
What sets Viagra apart from other medications used to treat sexual dysfunction is its safety and efficacy. Not only does it have proven results in clinical studies, but it also has a favorable side effect profile. In general, the side effects associated with Viagra are mild and transient and, in most cases, can be ignored or minimised
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Flushing
- Photosensitivity (luminous skin)
- GI distress (nausea, vomiting)
Due to its effectiveness and safety, Viagra has become one of the most popular medication options for older adults who want to have more satisfying sex lives. In fact, recent data from the American Association of Health Planners (4As) Annual Health Planning Conference (AHPC) revealed that 85% of attendees would prescribe or recommend Viagra to improve sexual function in older adults. This figure is slightly higher than the 82% who said they would prescribe testosterone injections or topical gels for the same purpose.
Non-Pharmaceutical Options
While pharmaceutical solutions like Viagra are designed to tackle issues related to sexual function, there are also non-pharmaceutical solutions that can be used to improve sexual health and experience. One of the most popular non-prescription products for this purpose is called Pure PEACE by Natural Health Services. This dietary supplement is a combination of vitamins and minerals that help to maintain healthy sex organs and support the body’s natural sex hormones. In order to learn more, visit the Natural Health Services website.
In addition to improving sexual health, vitamins and minerals in Pure PEACE can also be beneficial for bone health, which is vital for older adults as the amount of bone tissue diminishes with age. Similarly, vitamins and minerals can help to maintain a healthy immune system and, as a result, reduce the risk of infection. Overall, this is a safe and effective option for older adults who want to improve their sexual function.
Another non-prescription option that can be used to enhance sex lives is the vitamin E derivative Tocotrienol. This substance can help to improve blood circulation within the penis, resulting in enhanced sexual function. Tocotrienol is approved by the FDA for internal use only and, as such, it is not available for purchase by the public. To learn more, visit the Vitamin E website.
Key Takeaways
To summarize, the above discussion has covered the two most popular medications used to improve sex lives in older adults, namely Viagra and testosterone. While both have proven results in clinical studies and have a favorable side effect profile, they are still prescription drugs and should be handled by a specialist. As a result of its popularity and widespread approval, Viagra is the go-to medication when it comes to treating issues related to sexual function in older adults. Moreover, with the ever-increasing number of older adults seeking alternatives to traditional medicine, it is likely that the use of Viagra will continue to rise.
Meanwhile, non-prescription products like vitamins and minerals and natural health products can be an effective and safe choice for older adults who want to explore options beyond traditional medication. In the next blog post, we will discuss some of the alternatives to traditional prescription drugs that are frequently recommended by sex therapists and physicians. These include vitamin C therapy, phosphatidylserine, and probiotics.