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Why Should Older People Be Concerned About Their Reproductive Health?

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Sexuality and reproductive health affect people throughout their lives. In adolescence and young adulthood, being proactive about lifestyle choices that affect reproductive health can have some impact on a couple’s ability to conceive. As people age, they go through life changes that give them a chance to redefine what role their sexuality plays in their lives. Once the childbearing years have passed, why should older people be concerned about their reproductive health?
A large number of older people continue to be sexually active well into their golden years and many feel it’s a way to create or maintain intimacy with a partner. The team at the Center for Reproductive Health aims to provide guidance on reproductive health care for people from adolescence through old age.

Hormonal Changes

Both men and women go through hormonal changes as they get older, and these changes can affect libido and the desire for intimacy. During and after menopause, women experience a wide variety of symptoms including hot flashes, irritability, and decreased vaginal lubrication. In some women, these changes can interfere with the amount of sexual pleasure they experience.
As men age, they experience reduced testosterone levels which may cause them to need more stimulation to attain an erection. Erectile dysfunction is common in older men and may be related to health problems, medications, or emotional health problems such as depression or anxiety, but there are treatment options that may help.

Protection From STIs

People frequently assume that older people no longer have sexual desires, and the topic of sexuality in old age is often considered taboo. It’s important for older people who are sexually active to understand that just because the chance of pregnancy has passed, the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) still exists. Another thing to consider is that immune system function can decline with age and make people more susceptible to contracting infections including STIs.
Using condoms is just as important for older people as it is for young people. They should be used correctly and consistently as a tool for preventing the spread of chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs. Older people should be familiar with symptoms that may indicate they have contracted an STI. Examples of these symptoms include discharge, lower abdominal pain, or painful urination.

Other Age-Related Changes

The body has several complex systems that work together for overall health. Poor lifestyle choices can affect the body in many different ways from energy level to libido. Many older people have health problems that affect their overall quality of life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. When illness or chronic pain develops, it can affect sexual desire and the ability to have sex. Some people find that age-related changes make them feel less desirable.
Older adults need to have a safe place to discuss their sexuality and reproductive health. If you’re looking for a safe and supportive environment to discuss health concerns related to sex in your later years, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Center for Reproductive Health.

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
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FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

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