In movies and on television the message is loud and clear, “sex is only for the young and beautiful.” “Don't believe it” says Dr. Janice Swanson of the Mayo Clinic. The need for intimacy is ageless, and sexual health is important at any age.

In a recent article, Dr. Swanson shared some useful information on how aging affects sexuality, and what we can do to about it. “Sex may not be the same as it was in your 20’s, but it can still be as fulfilling as ever.” Swanson says. But what aspects of your sex life are likely to change, and how can you maintain a satisfying sex life as you get older?

When confronted with the physical (not to mention, emotional) changes of aging, you may feel as awkward and scared about sex as you did when you were a teenager. One simple way to overcome this anxiety is to talk with your partner. Set aside some quiet-time to be sensual together. When you're spending intimate time together, you and your partner can share your thoughts about lovemaking; what you want from each other; and talk honestly about what you're experiencing emotionally and physically. Don’t aim for the sexual activity levels you experienced in your twenties; instead, find ways to optimize your body's response for greater sexual experiences now. Ask yourselves what's satisfying and what’s not.

How Aging Impacts Men's Sexual Function?

With the promotion of drugs like Viagra and Cialis, the effects of aging on men’s sexual health have come out of the shadows and into the limelight. So how does age impact a man’s sexual function? Well, testosterone, which plays a critical role in a man's sexual experience, reaches peak levels when a man is in his late teens, then gradually declines thereafter. The more we age, the more we begin to notice the effects of this decline on our sexual health and performance. It takes longer to achieve an erection, and these erections are not as firm as they were in our youth. It may also take longer to achieve full arousal. Erectile dysfunction also becomes more common.

With testosterone treatment, a patient’s attitude improves, promoting self-esteem and self-confidence in the boardroom and in the bedroom. Most men receiving testosterone therapy feel more vigorous, with increased energy levels, sharper concentration, and improved sex drive and sexual performance. The addition of drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) help men achieve an erection adequate for sexual activity.

How Aging Impacts Women's Sexual Function?

Estrogen production decreases as women approach menopause. As a result, most women experience vaginal dryness, which can affect a woman’s sexual experience. Many women may also experience emotional changes that affect their sex life. Changes in body shape and size that occur, naturally, with age, may cause some women to feel less sexually attractive, and subsequently, less desirable.

Conditions That Can Cause Sexual Health Concerns.

Any illness or medical condition that affects your overall health and well-being can also affect your sexual health. Hormonal problems, ailments of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety, and the medications used to treat these conditions, can contribute to sexual health problems. For example, high blood pressure, and certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, can affect your ability to become aroused.

Some prescription medications can interfere with your sexual response. They may affect your sex drive, your ability to become and remain aroused, and negatively affect orgasmic function. If you suspect that your medications are causing sexual side effects, consult your doctor. It may be possible to switch to a different medication; one with fewer sexual side effects.

Don't let embarrassment keep you from asking your doctor for help” says Dr. Swanson, “and don't stop taking prescribed medication before discussing it with your doctor.”

Silybum marianum [Milk Thistle] is an herb that has been used for thousands of years. It is a tall, stocky, plant that is native to the Mediterranean.

Milk thistle has been used to enhance liver function. The plant contains flavonolignands which are responsible for its benefits. Milk thistle is a very powerful antioxidant which acts to remove toxic elements from the body. When the liver is damaged by pollutants, or any other environmental factor, Milk thistle helps the liver to generate new cells. Its ability to cleanse the liver is well-documented in scientific literature, and it may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing gallstones.

Research has suggested that milk thistle, used in combination with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Recent studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes who were supplementing with Milk Thistle. These studies indicated that milk thistle improved insulin resistance, a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Of course, diabetes is a serious condition, so be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, since they may interfere with your medications.

Side Effects?

Few, if any, side effects have been reported with milk thistle. Milk thistle may cause diarrhea; more rarely, it may cause nausea, bloating, gas, and upset stomach. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take milk thistle. If you have a ragweed allergy, you should avoid taking milk thistle. Remember, always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.