Sexual Function, Behavior, And Satisfaction In Master Athletes

Abstract

Sexual function and satisfaction are good indicators of overall life satisfaction and important elements of successful aging. Currently, it is not clear if maintaining habitual exercise in later life would yield the benefits of maintaining sexual activity and satisfaction. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between sustained participation in competitive exercise and its effects on sexual function, behavior, and satisfaction. METHODS: A total of 166 masters athletes (97 men; 57 ± 13 years) who had been training 45.6 ± 15.9 years in various sport disciplines including swimming, cycling, and running completed a comprehensive questionnaire. On average, the participants involved in aerobic and resistance training 5 times and 2 times per week, respectively. The data of the questionnaire response were compared with the existing survey data on the general population. RESULTS: Almost 80% of the athletes reported very good or excellent overall health status, and ~ 75% were married. The presence of impotence emerged in the 50s and increased thereafter with aging. More than 80% of the athletes had sexual desire at least once a week with a large discrepancy between genders (p < 0.01). Over 50% of male athletes and 33% of female athletes over the age of 70 reported sexual intercourse at least 1-2 times a month. ~95% of men and 76% of women reported experiencing orgasms during sexual intercourse. Approximately 70% of the athletes were satisfied with their sexual life compared with ~40% in the general population. Existence of sexual partners was a key factor affecting sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Masters athletes demonstrate high sexual function and satisfaction to later ages.