Different life stages and sex

Different life stages and sex

Sexuality is present in all phases of life. Curiosity starts early, insecurity can be dominant in the teenage years and hopefully self-confidence comes as an adult. Different life phases can present small and large challenges for your sex life.

Children

Children's sexuality is mainly about exploring their own bodies through seeing and touching. Throughout childhood there are ups and downs with periods of sexual exploration.

The teenage years

The teenage years are a time of change. The hormones roar throughout puberty, women get their period and men produce sperm. Most people have sexual experiences with themselves in their teens. Uncertainty about oneself and one's own sexuality is very common in teenagers.

Young adult

Being a "young adult" is the period between the ages of 18 and 35 approximately. This is a period when most people make their sexual debut and also a period when many have sex more regularly. During this period, you become more confident about your own sexuality and what you like. Young adults are the group most often affected by sexually transmitted diseases.

Start a family

Many young adults choose to start a family. The transition from two to three can be big, and can present challenges for your sex life. A pregnancy, childbirth and the breastfeeding period change the female body and sex life can be challenged during this period.

Pregnancy

Sex is necessary to get pregnant, but what about your sex life once you get pregnant? The desire pregnant women have for sex varies from woman to woman. Some people experience increased sex drive, while others are not interested in sex at all. This also varies through different parts of the pregnancy. Uncertainty about sex can harm the fetus and can also affect sex life.

In a normal pregnancy, you can have sex without it being dangerous for you or the foetus. But certain complications, or the risk of complications, can mean that you are advised by a doctor or midwife not to have intercourse.

• If there is a risk of premature birth, one should be careful with intercourse in the last weeks of pregnancy.

• If you have had unexplained vaginal bleeding early or late in pregnancy, intercourse is not recommended.

• If you have previously had cervical insufficiency (the cervix opens too early), sex can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

• In the case of a multiple pregnancy, some doctors may recommend not having sex in the last part of the pregnancy to prevent premature birth, although it has not been shown that intercourse increases the risk of premature birth.

Birth

After giving birth, the body needs time to recover. Many doctors and midwives recommend waiting six weeks after giving birth before having sex again. When you have sex again after giving birth, it is wise to start slowly and use a safe contraceptive method.

The breastfeeding period

When breastfeeding, estrogen production falls, which can cause a dry vagina. A dry vagina can, among other things, cause discomfort during intercourse, in which case a lubricant can be tried, an aid for problems with a dry vagina.

In the middle of life

In their 40s, a new life phase begins for many. The children "leave the nest" and more time for themselves and the partner can be good for sex life. In the late 40s and early 50s comes menopause, which in turn changes the female body and can lead to sexual problems.

Menopause

During menopause, estrogen production falls, which can cause problems with vaginal dryness. Lubricant is a good aid for problems with a dry vagina.

Old

Many people remain sexually active as they get older, and have a positive relationship with sexuality. A common sexual problem for older men is impotence or erection problems. Women may have problems with a dry vagina, in which case lubricant can be of great benefit.

Sources:

The article is based on RFSU's brochure Sex through life. Norwegian health informatics.