4 Reasons Why Sex Toys are Important as We Age

As we get older, our bodies change. And, keeping yourself sexually active through this process is super important. Every human deserves pleasure and that doesn’t stop as we get older — but how one achieves said pleasure may evolve over time. According to E.J. Emanuel, aNY Times reporter, seniors are choosing sex over golf or tennis. He says, “retirement communities and assisted living facilities are becoming like college campuses. They cram a lot of similarly aged people together, and when they do, things naturally happen. But what if you don’t want a new sexual partner or risk an STI and still want the benefits from sexual pleasure? We may not be able to stop the changes as we age, but we can embrace the tools at our fingertips to enhance pleasure and sexual expression as the years pass. Here are four reasons why sex toys are extra important as we age— and some questions to ask yourself about what type of sex toy you want. 

1. You Can Lower the Risk of Vaginal Prolapse (for Vulva-Owners)

A vaginal, or pelvic organ prolapse, is when one of the organs in the pelvic floor slips down into the vagina — and then sometimes protrudes outside of the vagina (which often grabs the vaginal walls down with it). This happens due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and the latest statistics say that up to 40% of vagina-owners will be affected by prolapse by the time they hit 60! The good news is that you can help prevent prolapse. You can go to a pelvic floor physical therapist, do kegel exercises, decrease stress with yoga or meditation, have good posture, and orgasm! If you are already experiencing prolapse, go see your doctor. If you’re not, try some or all of the above and bring yourself to orgasm regularly so that your muscles are contracting! 

2. You Can Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer (for Penis-Owners)

Research suggests that the more a penis-owner ejaculates, the less likely they are to develop prostate cancer. How? A 2016 study tracked 32,000 men for 18 years and found that men who masturbated at least 21 times a month had a 20% lower chance of prostate cancer, compared to those who did it less (4 to 7 times a month). The cool part? The exact number of times didn’t matter — the more men ejaculated in a month, the less likely they are to develop prostate cancer. 

3. The Older You Are, the More Stimulation to Get Aroused (& the Longer You Need to Reach Orgasm!)

As you age, the blood that flows and fills your genitals travels slower, which means that you need more time, more stimulation, and may not experience the same level of sensitivity. For clitoris-owners, this typically looks like more direct and intense stimulation of the clitoris (hello, Zumio!) and for penis-owners, that looks like needing more continuous and intense penis-stimulation, however feels best. Then, add in arthritis and more limited mobility and you have a recipe for giving up — enter sex toys!!

4. Women’s Estrogen Levels Decrease

Vagina owners often experience a drop in their estrogen production, which can result in the vaginal tissues being more fragile which can result in painful penetrative sex and/or reoccurring urinary tract infections. Talk to your medical provider about ways to keep your hormones in check, and, to help yourself, use a good lubricant when you’re masturbating or having any type of penetrative sex. There are even ‘intimate serums,’ like GoLove CBD, which helps the vaginal muscles relax and decreases the risk of pain or tearing of the vaginal tissues. 

A well-chosen, well-placed, and easy-to-use sex toy can be the diffrence between orgasm and no orgasm — and orgasms are so beneficial for your overall well-being and health. If after reading this, you want to try a sex toy, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do you want a penetrative or non-penetrative sex toy? (Or both!)
• Do you want broader or more pinpointed stimulation?
• Do you want a more phallic looking toy or something that could sit out on your nightstand and could go unnoticed?
• Do you want patterns and/or different levels of intensity?
• Do you want a simple on/off toy or one with more technology?
• Do you have any physical ailments or mobility restrictions to take into account?
• Does noise level matter to you? 
• How do you want it to feel in your hand and on your skin and vulva?
• What gender are you purchasing this sex toy for? (A sex toy for a penis-owner is going to be a bit different than one for a vagina-owner)
• Do you want to involve your booty in your sex toy adventures?
  
  

If you decide you want a non-penetrative, pin-pointed, non-phallic looking, easy-to-use, various intensity levels, and want something quieter for a clitoris, try a Zumio! Almost anyone can use it — no matter what your physical ailments or mobility restrictions are. Have fun!