Sexuality at Different Life Stages

Adolescent Sexual Activity

Teenagers who initiate sexual activity are more likely to develop sexually transmitted diseases and an unwanted pregnancy because of failure to use a reliable contraception. According to Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2005, p.445), “Many adolescents use petting to express affection, satisfy their curiosities, heighten their sexual arousal, and reach orgasm while avoiding pregnancy and maintaining virginity.” However, when petting occurs, it could lead to sexual intercourse; so it is important to have a plan so you are not forced into sexual activity that you are not ready to experience.

Hormones such as testosterone are responsible for an increase in sexual arousal, sexual experimentation, and curiosity about sex. As stated by Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2005, p. 447), “Many psychological motives are involved in sexual activity, including love, desire for pleasure, conformity to peer norms, seeking peer recognition, and the desire to dominate someone (Browning et al., 2000; O’Donnell et al., 2003).” Having sex with a partner should not occur because of peer pressure, rewarding a boyfriend, or a way to punish the parents. If the motive to have sex is for any of these reasons, sexual activity should not take place.

Sex and Aging

According to Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2005, p. 479), “Sexual activity among older people…is influenced not only by physical structures and changes but also by psychological well-being, feelings or intimacy, and cultural expectations.” When we age, wrinkles develop, hair turns grey, muscle tone decreases, and we may even put on weight. We may start to feel less attractive, thus, we will start thinking negatively. Negative thoughts about ourselves can inhibit sexual desire and interfere with intimacy.

Although many physical and psychological changes occur as we age, we can overcome anxiety and find a renewed interest in sexual activity. Becoming aware of the potential issues can change the expectations and become accommodating during the aging process (Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Men will need more direct stimulation to become erect and to reach orgasm. Erections will be less firm and may produce less ejaculation, resulting in a less significant orgasm.

According to Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2005, p. 482), “People who overreact to expected changes in sexual response may conclude that their sex lives are over and give up on sexual activity or even on expressing any physical affection.” Although many older people engage in sexual activity less frequently, if they accommodate the changes in their bodies, they will enjoy a greater sense of sexual satisfaction. A supportive and understanding partner is the most important aspect of overcoming physical and psychological changes and reaching sexual satisfaction.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The ability to perform sexually will require a few adjustments and understanding from the partner. “The ability to express sexual feelings and needs depends on the physical limitations imposed by the disability, the adjustment to the disability, and the availability of the partner” (Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus, 2005, p. 484). Because spinal cord injuries are life altering, many people assume they lose interest in sexual activity or will not have any sexual interest. Speaking to a sex therapist or counselor can help adjust to a sexually fulfilling life. Including your partner in a few of those sessions can help increase communication, understanding, and closeness. This will enable you to feel more confident in speaking with your partner alone about your sexual fantasies, thoughts, and feelings.

Speaking to your partner about spinal cord injuries and the effects it has on sexual response and arousal will help her understand what you need for sexual satisfaction. According to Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2005, p. 485), “Men have two erection centers in the spinal cord: a higher center in the lumbar region that controls psychogenic erections and a lower one in the sacral region that controls reflexive erections.” The lumbar center is the place where men can lose the capacity for either or both erection abilities. The nerve connections in the brain are typically severed with a spinal cord injury and the man cannot feel any sensation to the lower region. However, that does not mean he will never have an erection. It is possible for the penis to become erect with the help of sexual aides. Other areas of the body such as the head, neck, and ears are especially sensitive and more responsive to sexual stimulation.