August 23, 2026, 6:14 am | Read time: 7 minutes

“Sexuality can change over the course of life. What matters is not how often someone has sex, but whether closeness and sexuality are experienced voluntarily, pleasantly, and fulfillingly,” explains Dr. Heidi Gößlinghoff, gynecologist, reproductive medicine specialist, and psychotherapist.

Sex Strengthens Body and Soul

Relaxation and Positive Feelings

Sex is not only good for the soul but also triggers a variety of processes in the body. During touch, sexual arousal, and orgasm, oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine are released. These are all neurotransmitters associated with closeness, well-being, and positive feelings. “Physical closeness can promote connection and trust. Many people also find sex or tenderness relaxing and mood-enhancing,” explains Dr. Gößlinghoff. “However, the strength of these effects varies from person to person. Sexuality is not a therapy for tension, sleep disorders, depression, or pain. But if experienced positively, it can certainly contribute to greater well-being and relaxation.”

Sex Supports Healthy Aging

Sexuality is closely linked to body perception, closeness, and social relationships. Those who experience loving touches, maintain intimacy, and feel comfortable in their own bodies can benefit emotionally. However, this does not mean that people must have sex to age healthily. Longer periods without sexual activity are completely normal and not a health concern.

Sex Improves Body Perception

Many people experience their bodies differently as they age. Weight, skin, mobility, illnesses, or surgeries can influence self-image. “Sexuality can help to perceive one’s body more consciously and kindly again. Attractiveness is not only about appearance but also about charisma, trust, and mutual appreciation,” explains Dr. Gößlinghoff. “Again, sexuality does not have to be a path to a better body image. Everyone decides for themselves what form of closeness feels good and right.”

How Sex Can Change After 60–For Women

More Sensitive Mucous Membranes

After menopause, estrogen levels drop. This can make the mucous membranes of the vagina and vulva thinner, drier, and more sensitive. Some women notice burning, itching, tightness, or pain during sex. Frequent urination and recurrent bladder infections can also occur. These changes are summarized under the term genitourinary syndrome of menopause. They are common but do not have to be simply accepted. Moisturizing products, lubricants, and, if necessary, a doctor-prescribed local hormone therapy can significantly alleviate the symptoms.

More Time for Arousal and Stimulation

Due to the drop in estrogen levels, arousal may take longer. The vagina may not become moist as quickly, and touches may need to be different or more intense. Sexual arousal temporarily improves blood flow in the genital area and supports natural lubrication.

Desire and Closeness Change

Aging does not mean that desire disappears. Many women even report experiencing sexuality more relaxed after menopause. Concerns about pregnancy and contraception often no longer play a role, while experience and communication become more important.

Complaints Are Treatable

“Pain during sex is not a price women have to pay for aging. The earlier complaints are addressed, the more targeted the treatment can be,” emphasizes Dr. Gößlinghoff.

How Sex Can Change After 60–For Men

Changes in Erection

Sexuality also changes for men as they age. An erection often occurs more slowly, may be less firm, and often does not last as long as in younger years.

The Body Needs More Time

Arousal can also change: Direct touches and more time for sexual stimulation may become more important, and the time until a new erection can lengthen. These changes do not fundamentally stand in the way of a fulfilling sex life. Often, it’s more about adjusting expectations and discovering new forms of closeness.

Does Sex Support Prostate Health?

Some observational studies have also found a link between more frequent ejaculation and a lower likelihood of developing certain forms of prostate cancer later.¹ However, no specific medical recommendation can be derived from this so far.

Does Sex Strengthen the Pelvic Floor?

During sexual arousal and orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles contract and then relax again. This can improve the perception of the pelvic floor, but targeted pelvic floor training does not replace sex.

Masturbation Is Part of Sexuality

It doesn’t always have to be sex with a partner. Masturbation is also a natural part of lived sexuality for many people and can contribute to a fulfilling sex life at any age. It allows one to better understand their own body and its reactions. Many people also find it relaxing and pleasant. Aids can also play a role, as long as they are used safely and do not cause discomfort.

How Much Sex Is Healthy?

“There is no fixed number here. ‘Healthy’ does not mean a specific number of intercourses. What matters is that sexuality is experienced voluntarily, pleasantly, and in line with one’s own needs,” says Dr. Gößlinghoff. Some people want sex several times a week, others only occasionally or not at all. Longer periods without sex are also not a health concern. The body does not require a specific number of orgasms to stay healthy.

More on the topic

Among women and men Can Even Prevent Diseases! The Health Benefits of Regular Sex

Advice From a Gynecologist How Menopause Changes the Vagina

Tips for a Fulfilling Sexuality After 60

Stay Curious

Sexuality does not have to continually diminish over the course of life. It can change. New touches, different forms of intimacy, shared fantasies, or more time for each other can open up new possibilities. What matters is that all parties feel comfortable and boundaries are respected.

Talk About Desires

A fulfilling sexuality often begins outside the bedroom. Openly discussing desires, insecurities, and physical changes can reduce pressure. Especially when the body changes, both sides should know what is pleasant and what is not. Intimacy encompasses much more than just intercourse. Kissing, cuddling, massages, and conscious touches can be just as significant.

Let Go of Performance Pressure

Good sex has neither a prescribed pace nor a fixed routine. It’s not about emulating past times or meeting certain expectations. An orgasm is not mandatory, and an erection is not a performance test. Closeness can be fulfilling even when intercourse is not possible or desired.

Use Aids and Treatments

Lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can help with vaginal dryness. For more severe or persistent complaints, further medical treatment options are available. Erectile dysfunction can also often be treated effectively. Complaints should not be hidden out of shame. A medical examination can help determine whether physical causes, medications, hormonal changes, or psychological stress play a role.

Eroticism Can Be Part of It

Sexuality does not begin with intercourse. Erotic literature, films, fantasies, or aids can be part of a lived sexuality. “Eroticism can be a way to better understand one’s own desires. What matters is voluntariness, mutual consent, and respect for the boundaries of all involved,” says Dr. Gößlinghoff.

Protection Remains Important

Even beyond 60, sexually transmitted infections can occur. With new or changing sexual partners, condoms are still advisable. Condoms reduce the risk of many infections but do not provide complete protection depending on the pathogen. In cases of increased risk or unprotected sex, a test for sexually transmitted infections can be useful to identify and treat any sexually transmitted diseases.

Conclusion: Sex Can Change with Age

Sexuality remains a possible part of quality of life, closeness, and well-being even in older age. It does not have to conform to a specific frequency or a fixed image of good sex. Some people discover new freedoms as they age. Others have little or no interest in sex. Both are normal. Physical changes, pain, dryness, or erectile problems should not be simply accepted. Many complaints can be well understood and treated medically.