Medication and its impact on Sexual Behavior in the elderly Gero 410 Jan 2011

Introduction Polypharmacy in the elderly is a serious problem. Many seniors take several prescription drugs and add OTC medications themselves. These can include anti- histamines, NSAID’s, Antacids, Analgesics, and Laxatives. If this add on amount is 20% above the general average, then there is concern for medication problems.

Medications Factors contributing to this problem include: Recent hospitalization, Age, Female gender, and mood disturbances. Life satisfaction and Education do not have independent impacts on this profile. Over time there has been a general increase in the use of diagnostic services in the aged, an increase in exposure to specialists (10% per year) and therefore increased exposure to polypharmacy

Medications Estimates are by % of US pop will be aged. We can assume from other studies that this group will have sexual adjustments and difficulties associated with aging. 1-Hormonal transitions-decreases in estrogen and testosterone which decrease libido, sensitivity and sexual response. 2-the Genitourinary effects of menopause. 3-Exposure to medications which inhibit the sexual response, drive, and ability for arousal and orgasm.

Medications Testosterone is given to males as therapy to increase the sex drive. Low levels of testosterone can reduce sexual desire and result in fewer erections. It is also given to females to boost their sex drive if they have sufficient estrogen levels, but it is not given to post-menopausal women. 22% of elderly males surveyed in AARP studies use drugs or other treatments to improve their sexual function

Medications Some medications which can affect performance are SSRI’s used to treat depression and anxiety (impacts libido and ability to experience orgasm). Medications to treat hypertension and a range of cardiac problems can impact the ability to achieve and maintain erections. There are several medications available over the Internet which improve the males ability to obtain and sustain an erection

Medications Viagra/Cialis-ED Levitra-ED Enzoy-Indian aromatic herbs drink to increase sexual desire tending to raise testosterone levels. Noted side-effects of medications- Hypotension, Priapism, Skin irritations/itching, Sneezing, Headaches, Dyspepsia, Palpatations.