Does a woman's sexual desire and enjoyment start a downhill slide at midlife?

The answer is no. Sexual feelings are part of our entire lives.

Sexuality at midlife is as much a mix of attitude, self-esteem, our partner and circumstances as it has been all of our life. Some women begin to lose interest. Others' appetite for sex increases, sometimes dramatically. Many stay sexually active well into their senior years.

Self-image often plays a larger role in our sexuality at midlife than in our earlier years. If we feel unattractive because of gray hair, wrinkled skin, sagging breasts and abdomen, then we're likely to  be less enthusiastic about having sex. Health concerns – incontinence, hot flashes, stress, lack of sleep - can also affect our sexuality. If however, we address these concerns, keep a positive outlook about our bodies, and have the love and support of our spouse or partner, sexual enjoyment can be ours to enjoy for many more years.

Biologically speaking, there are problems facing women and men  at midlife. For women, reduced estrogen levels may lead to  vaginal dryness which can cause intercourse to become difficult  and painful. There are many  vaginal lubricants on the market  to help resolve this problem. Ask your pharmacist for assistance. Men may begin to experience decreased capacity for sexual  activity or erectile dysfunction. Understanding these realities, accepting them as normal and  discussing them with your partner can help maintain a healthy sex  life. It's true that sexual  drive generally  decreases gradually with age. Loving and intimate  relationships, however, never go out of style.

 A word of warning. Sexually  transmitted diseases (STDs) are prevalent in today's society and they can strike women of every age. The best defense is to learn about these diseases, their signs, symptoms and prevention, and to be sexually responsible. Women have every right to know about the sexual history of their partners, any drug use, and prior and current infections. These topics may not be easy to bring up or discuss, but your health and your life, can depend on it. Remember...it's okay to ask your partner to be tested  for STDs.