Sexuality and Aging
Introduction
As we age, we will encounter a variety of physical setbacks. We may have decreased mobility, problems performing ADL, or various conditions such as Alzheimer’s occurring. What we seldom seem to focus on though are the conditions that effect sexuality when aging. This paper will be focusing on two conditions that effect sexuality when aging. These two conditions are erectile dysfunction in males and menopause in women. We will focus on what these are, how they occur, and what interventions can be implemented by nurses for those experiencing these conditions.
Purpose and Development of Issue A problem with males as they age that relates to sexuality is erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is when a person …show more content…
Some may have problems related to cardiovascular health, such as high blood pressure (Next Avenue, 2012). Medications given for high blood pressure may also cause problems. Some may have problems related to diabetes and insulin resistance. Some may have problems related to neurological health such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and so on (Next Avenue, 2012). People may have issues related to life choices such as too much caffeine, smoking, obesity, or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment choices for those who are suffering from erectile dysfunction. There are medication options. The most commonly prescribed are selective enzyme inhibitors, which help muscles relax and blood flow. Examples of selective enzyme inhibitors are Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis (Next Avenue, 2012). If a person is not comfortable taking medications, they may be able to fix erectile dysfunction through lifestyle modification. Some lifestyle modifications that can be made are quitting smoking, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and avoiding substances such as alcohol (Next Avenue, …show more content…
They can provide patients with all the information they need to get through this time in their life. Menopause and erectile dysfunction are difficult to deal with, because they can hinder a part of a person’s life where they had never had issues before, such as with sexuality. Nurses can provide patient teaching on what a patient is experiencing as well as help them decide on interventions appropriate for them specifically. Nurses can also be a supportive hand for the patient and provide them with additional resources they may need.
Conclusion
A variety of physical setbacks may come about as we age. While we seem to focus on things like decreased mobility or conditions such as Alzheimer’s, problems with sexuality are also serious for our aging population. This paper specifically focused on how things like erectile dysfunction and menopause can affect the sexuality of geriatric patients. Nurses can play a role in this though by providing education and treatment, so that these people can function normally again and lead happier
Introduction
As we age, we will encounter a variety of physical setbacks. We may have decreased mobility, problems performing ADL, or various conditions such as Alzheimer’s occurring. What we seldom seem to focus on though are the conditions that effect sexuality when aging. This paper will be focusing on two conditions that effect sexuality when aging. These two conditions are erectile dysfunction in males and menopause in women. We will focus on what these are, how they occur, and what interventions can be implemented by nurses for those experiencing these conditions.
Purpose and Development of Issue A problem with males as they age that relates to sexuality is erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is when a person …show more content…
Some may have problems related to cardiovascular health, such as high blood pressure (Next Avenue, 2012). Medications given for high blood pressure may also cause problems. Some may have problems related to diabetes and insulin resistance. Some may have problems related to neurological health such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and so on (Next Avenue, 2012). People may have issues related to life choices such as too much caffeine, smoking, obesity, or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment choices for those who are suffering from erectile dysfunction. There are medication options. The most commonly prescribed are selective enzyme inhibitors, which help muscles relax and blood flow. Examples of selective enzyme inhibitors are Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis (Next Avenue, 2012). If a person is not comfortable taking medications, they may be able to fix erectile dysfunction through lifestyle modification. Some lifestyle modifications that can be made are quitting smoking, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and avoiding substances such as alcohol (Next Avenue, …show more content…
They can provide patients with all the information they need to get through this time in their life. Menopause and erectile dysfunction are difficult to deal with, because they can hinder a part of a person’s life where they had never had issues before, such as with sexuality. Nurses can provide patient teaching on what a patient is experiencing as well as help them decide on interventions appropriate for them specifically. Nurses can also be a supportive hand for the patient and provide them with additional resources they may need.
Conclusion
A variety of physical setbacks may come about as we age. While we seem to focus on things like decreased mobility or conditions such as Alzheimer’s, problems with sexuality are also serious for our aging population. This paper specifically focused on how things like erectile dysfunction and menopause can affect the sexuality of geriatric patients. Nurses can play a role in this though by providing education and treatment, so that these people can function normally again and lead happier