Performance-enhancing drugs may compromise sexual health of older individuals

Some people believe that erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra have significantly improved the sex lives of older Americans. However, a recent article published by MSNBC News highlighted a few potential downsides of these types of drugs.

While men may be glad to experience increased libido and sexual performance after taking erectile dysfunction pills, the medications do not treat age-related reproductive changes among women.

"Viagra has been liberating for men, but unless a woman is taking hormone therapy, she may have vaginal dryness and really not be that interested in the kind of driving, pounding intercourse [her male partner is] now capable of," one Santa Monica physician told the news organization.

The news provider explained that older women who engage in sex without proper lubrication are at risk of suffering from vaginal abrasions, which may increase their chances of developing yeast infections or contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that many senior citizens are not tested for STDs because they do not speak to their doctors about sexual health. The organization notes that individuals over the age of 50 account for nearly 20 percent of new HIV cases annually in the U.S.