Does sex have age? These are the four stages of sexual life

Yes, the same as the life cycle of the person. We are sexual beings from before we are born until we die. Throughout our existence we are having sex.

Staying active, each in the sex you feel, is related to the pleasure and well-being of the person e.

Even in the presence of very adverse factors you can have a satisfying sex life. Only with death we stop being sexual persons. In times when some question the simple knowledge of what we are, it is worth remembering that our sexuality is present throughout the entire life cycle. Just change the expression focus

In childhood, bodily sensations and the need for contact linked to parents and peers predominate. In puberty and adolescence, guided by physiological changes, solo sex and peer training predominate. From youth to adulthood, all the components of sexuality are present: contact, sex, erotica, lovemaking, mostly linked to a couple. And in old age, some sexual manifestations decline, but sexual interests and enjoyment of sex continue to be maintained, depending on the opportunities and the context.

The four sexual ages

Guided by its most important expressions, we distinguish, then, four ages in the life cycle of sexuality:

1. Childhood. Sexuation is a process of development. The sexual manifestations and responses are present from before birth. At this stage, secure attachment relationships with parents seem to be very important for the development of a positive sexuality. They experience pleasure by stroking the genitals, initially exploratory and, around 2-3 years old, intentionally. During early childhood (3-7 years), they gain experiences with genital self-stimulation and interest in discovering the genitals of others. During these ages it is common to adjust to established gender roles. Towards the end of childhood, the changes associated with puberty and increased sexual interest begin to appear.

2. Puberty and adolescence. It is a long process of sexual maturation (10-18 years, approximately). The discovery of sex is guided by anatomical and physiological changes (puberty) and the adjustment and identification with one’s own sex until its consolidation (adolescence). Young people at this age frequently wonder what is happening to them. Puberty (10-14 years) involves changes in hormonal functioning, maturation of the sexual organs, appearance of secondary sexual traits, beginning of reproductive capacity (around 10.5 years for the first menstruation, menarche, and 11, 5 years for ejaculation), giving rise to the development of a new body figure. In this period, sexual identity and gender role are consolidated, feeling that they belong to a group of equals that reinforces their identity. The physiology of pleasure acquires much more vigor, emotional and social significance. They learn to recognize sexual arousal, its bodily manifestations, and the different components of their own and others’ human sexual response. In adolescence (15-18) physical development is complete, although emotional development continues. More mature sexual forms emerge. Hormone levels, sociocultural variables, and cognitive dispositions influence sexual feelings and behaviors. It is the time of intimacy and friendship. Affection, desire, attraction and falling in love are especially relevant. They experiment with their own body, masturbation and orgasm, as well as their first coital experiences with other people. Many social and cultural conditions can interfere with erotic experiences, even in later times.

3. Youth and adulthood. During youth (from 18 to 40 years) the levels of sexuality referring to identity and orientation are established. At this stage, the couple is the main area of ​​erotic expression, which will depend on personal history, their attitudes towards sexuality, synchrony with the couple, etc. There seems to be a different assessment between men and women. Men, more focused on sex and women on sensuality and affectivity. In adulthood (45 to 60 years) important bodily changes begin, motivated by hormonal decline in both men and women. With menopause, the last period, the reproductive activity ends. In men, physical vigor and erectile capacity decrease, and desire in women. Aging begins to become evident, therefore, there is a redefinition of sexual expression.

4. Old age. Related to the normal aging process, responses to sexual stimuli vary. To a greater extent if there are symptomatic factors or chronic diseases. In older people, some sexual behaviors such as intercourse decrease, but not enjoyment. Until advanced ages, the delight in erotica has no end. Other influential factors in the sexual functioning of the elderly are “opportunities”, either due to the availability of partners, lovers, as well as psychosocial variables and external conditioning factors, one’s own or that of the couple. Cultural myths and experiential and care contexts can interfere with the experience erotica of the elderly. Older people who live with their children or in centers for the elderly do not have the most adequate environment of intimacy to have sexual relations. Among the influential factors we can highlight the adjustment of the elderly to beliefs and prejudices that in old age, sexuality ends or ceases to be of interest, the objections that family members or caregivers may show towards their sexual expressions, or due to the poor adaptation of healthcare centers to the true needs of users in favor of their autonomy and privacy.

Sex, therefore, has no age. He just has circumstances.

Pilar Soria and Natalia Domínguez, psychologists and sexologists, members of the Asexórate de Albacete association, have collaborated in this article.

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