How does aging affect sexuality?

As people age, hormone levels go down, especially the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Among other effects, this leads to a marked decrease in the level of desire.

It may also cause a woman's vagina to lubricate less successfully, possibly requiring the use of artificial lubricants. Men will find it more difficult to get and sustain an erection, which may require them to use prescription erectile dysfunction products.

Both genders are likely to engage in sexual intercourse less often, replacing it with alternative activities such as intimate cuddling, or activities usually associated with sexual foreplay (such as massage, or manual genital stimulation).