As November approaches, many of us are familiar with Movember, and the sight of men growing moustaches aimed at raising awareness about men’s health issues. Whilst this campaign constantly sheds light on topics like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and preventing suicide, it’s important to remember that men’s sexual health is another crucial aspect that deserves our attention, especially among those aged 50 and above.  

Therefore, to celebrate Movember, let’s explore sexual health and some common sexual health problems that men over 50 may struggle with…

Sexual Health and Movember Campaign 

Movember has significantly raised awareness on important men’s health topics, such as cancer awareness and mental health, however, one important aspect of men’s health can sometimes be overlooked; men’s sexual health. Sexual health is an important part of a man’s overall well-being and quality of life and is crucial for several reasons; breaking taboos, overall well-being and age-related concerns - let’s explore these areas in a little more detail. 

Breaking Taboos: 

Talking openly about men’s sexual health helps break down social taboos and stigmas and creates an environment where shame and embarrassment is reduced, making it easier for men to seek help when needed and improving overall well-being. Feeling comfortable having open conversations about sexual health can help men realise that they are not alone in their experiences. Conditions such as erectile dysfunction or sexually transmitted infections carry with them a large amount of stigma, so being able to talk openly about men’s sexual health helps to humanise these conditions, making it easier to seek help without judgement. Men who feel more comfortable discussing their sexual health are more likely to seek help when they encounter issues, with early intervention often leading to better treatment outcomes

Overall Well-Being:

Sexual health is a large part of our physical, mental and emotional well-being and can affect every aspect of our lives. This Movember, let’s explore a few ways that men’s sexual health can contribute to overall well-being;

• Physical well-being:

Sexual health is linked to reproductive health. Fertility issues, sexually transmitted infections and sexual function can all affect our physical health. When we have an enjoyable and regular sex-life, it can also have positive effects on cardiovascular health, helping to promote blood flow, reducing stress and helping to maintain physical fitness. 

• Mental well-being:

Sexual health can influence our mental well-being in several ways. Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction can often lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Being able to have open conversations about sexual health can help both in managing mental health and gaining early intervention and necessary support. 

Age-related men’s sexual health conditions

It’s really common for men over the ages of 50 to experience sexual-related issues, not just in Movember. A few challenges that men may experience:

Erectile dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that causes difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection for sexual activity. This can arise through a number of reasons, such as; reduced blood flow, hormonal changes and psychological factors - it’s a really common sexual health condition among older men, and addressing and seeking help can significantly improve their quality of life. 

Medication side effects

As we get older, medications might need to be taken for a wide number of health conditions. These medications can sometimes impact on men’s sexual health and sexual function, causing lower levels of libido, and issues such as erectile dysfunction. Talking to the doctor about any possible side effects or exploring alternative medications may help to reduce the side effects that impact on sexual function. 

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like during sexual activity. As men get older, they may have less penile sensitivity or experience age-related concerns that may contribute to it. In addition, anxiety, stress and performance pressure can sometimes cause premature ejaculation. Talking to your doctor can help to reduce premature ejaculation who may recommend psychological therapy or medications. Also, our Infinity delay condoms have been specially formulated with non-spermicidal Lidocaine Hydrochloride (1%) that can help to reduce the risk of premature ejaculation. 

Our Movember gift for you

Between the 24th - 27th November, stock up on your favourite condom or lubricant with 20% off on all condoms and lubricants.