Jennifer Hope | Director, Marketing, ARTA
Sexual health can be an uncomfortable (or even taboo) subject at any age. However, it’s an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to managing our overall health and well-being. Studies show, from a purely physiological perspective, remaining sexually active as you age can benefit your cardiovascular health, strengthen your immune system, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and more.
Despite these benefits, aging can bring on a variety of natural hormonal changes that can make it difficult for both men and women to prioritize their sexual health. Some of these challenges can be managed by medication and lifestyle choices to help maintain sexual intimacy for you and your partner, leading to better overall health — that’s why sexual health coverage is included in ARTA’s benefit plans.
Sexual Health in Men
“For men, aging can bring on a decline in the testosterone levels, leading to lower energy levels, erectile dysfunction (ED), and lower interest in intimacy,” says Kavita Mali, a pharmacist with ARTARx. “ED is quite common and can also result from health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, a lack of physical activity, and a poor diet can also play a role in ED.”
The good news is that there are treatments available to help. Diagnosing ED in men involves a physical exam by a doctor, blood tests, urine tests, and any additional tests that your doctor may suggest. Kavita notes that there are many common medications available after a diagnosis is given, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). In some cases, she says, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help with low libido and energy levels, although careful monitoring is needed due to potential side-effects. If you are participating in the Health Wise Plus or Ultimate Health benefit plan, you can receive 50% coverage for ED medications; Complete Health and Health Wise Rx coverage is 80%.
Sexual Health in Women
In November 2024, at the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans conference, I attended a session on women’s health and discovered that, in contrast to men’s health, women’s sexual health is often overlooked as we age. Women experience many changes, including that dreaded word: menopause. Menopause is the transition period where women stop experiencing menstrual periods. There are three stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Kavita notes, “As a result of menopause, women produce less estrogen and progesterone, often leading to changes in sexual health including vaginal dryness, thinning of tissues, itching, pain during intercourse, urinary urgency or burning, and more frequent bladder infections.” Lucky us!
Thankfully, there are treatments available for women to help manage the symptoms that come with sexual health as we age. Vaginal estrogen therapy (creams, rings, or tablets) can ease dryness and discomfort. Non-hormonal options like lubricants, moisturizers, and medications such as ospemifene (Osphena) can also help. In some cases, systemic hormone replacement therapy might be considered, although it requires careful evaluation of risks and benefits. Visit your physician to see what treatment is right for you. All ARTA benefit plans cover these prescriptions (under the general prescription drug coverage maximum) if they have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and are prescribed by your doctor.
When it comes to lifestyle changes, Kavita also recommends strengthening the pelvic floor through Kegel exercises or specialized physical therapy to improve comfort and function. There are physiotherapists who specialize in women’s pelvic floors, and these treatments are also covered under your ARTA benefit plan under the paramedical practitioner annual maximum.
Breaking the Stigma
Unfortunately, sexual health in older adults is often stigmatized in clinical or social settings for both men and women. Many are reluctant to bring up sexual concerns due to embarrassment or the false belief that sexual activity is no longer appropriate or possible with age.
However, in addition to the health advantages already mentioned, maintaining a healthy sex life in older adulthood can improve emotional intimacy, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. So why be embarrassed about your health and well-being? Open discussions with health-care professionals are key components of healthy aging.
Sexuality is a lifelong aspect of health. Embracing that knowledge can empower you to enjoy and benefit from intimate relationships at every stage of life.
Jennifer is ARTA’s Director of Marketing. She holds a management degree from the University of Lethbridge with a major in marketing and has a Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation, giving her a particular insight into the world of health benefit plans.