Women considering a planned pregnancy should talk with their doctors six to 12 months before they begin trying to conceive. Couples can prepare ahead by minding nutrition, quitting smoking, and exercising. Also important are disease prevention and diagnostic exams, including annual pap smears, monthly breast self-exams and quick attention to vaginal or male or female urinary tract infections. Any symptoms associated with sexually transmitted disease, left untreated, could also impair fertility. Most women will experience some perimenopausal symptoms, including irregular menstruation, fluctuations in sexual appetite and mood swings.
Many men notice a decrease in their libido.
As in so many other stages of life, the key to positive, healthy sexual relationships, both physical and emotional, is communication. Sharing experiences, feelings, concerns and changes promotes respect and understanding, and positive relationships. While many senior couples enjoy regular, satisfying sexual relations, others may begin to experience obstacles as they age, often related to disease, surgery or medications. For example, drug therapies associated with diabetes and hypertension can cause loss of sexual interest or erectile dysfunction. Talk to a knowledgeable physician.