Reproductive Changes and Sexuality in the Elderly

Question 1

Anatomical changes in men?

Answer 1

• decrease in secretion of testosterone
• testes get smaller
• tubes more elastic
• rate of sperm production decreases
• prostate enlarges

Question 2

Sexual changes?

Answer 2

• sexual response is slower and less intense
• decreased amount of sperm
• decreased libido due to variety of different reasons

Question 3

Common problems for older men?

Cause and treatment?

Answer 3

1. Erectile dysfunction
   - caused by vascular disease, trauma, medication
   - treated with drug therapy, penile prothesis, vascular surgery
2. BPH
   -enlargement of prostate
   -leads to urinary obstruction
   treated? with drugs or surgery
3. Andropause
   - due to decline in testosterone
   - similar symptoms to what women have

Question 4

Changes to the breasts?

Answer 4

• decreased muscle tone, ligaments relax

- nipple atrophy

Question 5

Changes to ovaries?

Answer 5

-egg supply declines, prolactin supply decreases

Question 6

uterus

Answer 6

muscle atrophy, lining more elastic

Question 7

vagina

Answer 7

shorter and narrower, less elasticity, dryer

Question 8

Common problems in aging females?

Answer 8

1. vaginitis
2. vaginal infections
3. disorders of the pelvic floor

Question 9

Convoy model

Answer 9

• an individual is enmeshed in a social network of emotionally close others that moves with them
• convoys chosen by early 30s

Question 10

Social exchange theory

Answer 10

-engage in relationships that bring us most profit

Question 11

Equity theory

Answer 11

• maintain relationships that are fair and just
• females=communal
• males-exchange