Sex

Sex Over 50

Contraception

But I’m too old to get pregnant! Not necessarily. A woman’s ability to get pregnant has to do with her reproductive cycle and the levels of hormones running through her body. As women age, their reproductive cycles begin to wind down until there are no eggs left. Skipped or infrequent periods are signs of perimenopause, the period leading up to full menopause when periods stop all together. However, women enter this phase at very different ages, some as early as their late 30s and some not until they are in their 60s.  

Remember, though uncommon, it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. The only way to tell for sure that you are in menopause (and therefore can’t get pregnant) is if you have not had your period for more than a year and your doctor has tested your hormone levels. This will help rule out any underlying health reasons for the cessation of your period.

So, contraception is still an issue, until you are sure you are in menopause.

And I’m too old to be a father! Never! That’s one of the perks – or drawbacks, depending on your point of view – of being a guy. You can always procreate. It is true that your sperm count decreases, but you are still producing fertile sperm (unless there are other underlying health problems related to fertility), you’re just producing fewer of them. So contraception will always be an issue. Discuss your choices and options with your partner.   

Freedom at 65. If you or your partner has reached menopause and is no longer fertile, contraception may not be an issue. But don’t assume menopause, always check with your partner to ensure that there is no possibility for pregnancy – unless pregnancy is what you are aiming for. Remember to practice safer sex, whatever your age.

We’re Done. If you feel you are done having children, but are still able to have children, you might want to look at sterilization options. Many couples in their 40s and 50s choose sterilization for a number of reasons. There are basically two choices. Vasectomy for him. Tubal ligation for her.

Some couples say that the freedom from worrying about a possible pregnancy increases their sex drive. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections:

Sex at any age is risky. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t respect age boundaries. While many couples don’t need to use contraception to prevent pregnancy, many should consider some form of protection against STIs.

To protect yourself against STIs, practice safe sex.

• Stay monogamous with your partner or limit the number of sexual partners that you have (of either sex).
• Talk to any possible sex partners about whether they may have an STI because they have taken part in sexual activities in the past that may have put them at risk. Ask if they have been tested for HIV and other STIs. Older adults are less likely than are younger adults to have ever been tested, but they are still able to contract HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
• If you don’t know your partner’s past sexual history, play it safe and use a condom.
• Use lubricated, latex condoms and inspect them for damage before use.
• Avoid using drugs or drinking too much alcohol in social situations, as this may affect your judgement about taking part in risky behaviours.

 

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Last Modified: February 6, 2008