sexual health Flashcards
what are some health aging tips
- drink water every day - thrist signals decrease in the older adult
- understadn your response to meds - kidneys
- urinary incontinence is not normal
- screenings
- it is normal to desire sex, it is also normal to have little interest if it is a long term pattern for you
- if you are sexually active, protect yourself
what are some changes in the female body that occurs with age
- vaginal shortening and narrowing
- vaginal walls are thinner and stiffer
- less vaginal lubrication (may take time to warm up, consider lube)
- dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- menopause (less estrogen = less sensitve = less aroused)
what are some meds that may help with female dyspareunia
- ospemifene (kinda like hormone replacement, increased risk for blood clots and strokes)
- prasterone (vaginal suppository)
- desensitization therapy (vaginal relaxation techniques)
what are some changes in the male body that occur with age
- impotence (ED)
- meds may help but there are considerations to take
describe impotence
- loss of ability to have and keep erection
- increased time to arousal, ejaculation, refractory period
- decreased firmness of erection
- decreased force of ejaculation
name some drugs for erectile dysfunction
- sildenafil (take 1hr before sex)
- vardenafil (one hour before sex)
- tadalafil (effective for up to 36hrs)
what are some considerations for erectile dysfunction meds
- do not take with nitrates, hypotension, uncontrolled HTN, severe liver disease, renal failure w dialysis
- side effects include flushing, HA, indigestions, vision changes, back pain
- serious side effects include and erection that doesnt go away
what is menopause
- end of menstrual cycle
- diagnosed when you havent had a period in 12 months
- average age in US is 51
what are some symptoms of menopause
- irregular periods
- hot flashes/night sweats/chills
- sleep problems
- mood changes
- weight gain and slowed metabolism
- thinning hair and dry skin
- loss of breast fullness
what are some complications of menopause
- CVD
- osteoporosis (at risk for fractures)
- urinary incontinence
- sexual dysfunction
- weight gain
what are some treatments for menopause
- hormone therapy
- vaginal estrogen
- low dose antidepressants
- gabapentin/clonidine
- prevent/treat osteoporosis
what should be included for patient teaching with menopause
- help with hot flashes (tiggers, layers)
- decrease vaginal discomfort (lubes)
- sleep hygiene (avoid stimulants before bedtime)
- relaxtion techniques
- stengthening pelvic floor
- good diet, exercise, and quit smoking
what is andropause
gradual decline in hormones in males
what are some signs and symptoms
honestly doesnt matter bc it goes unnoticed for most people
same symptom situation as with menopause except they are slow
what are some treatments for andropause
- healthy diet, adequate sleep, exercise, stress reduction
- hormone replacement dangers
