What do erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and vaginal dryness have in common?
A couple of things. Number one, they’re incredibly common after age 50. Startlingly so, in fact.
Number two? None of these issues are very sexy. In fact, they can potentially stand in the way of maintaining a satisfying sex life.
Thirdly, people are often reluctant to talk about these issues with anyone, including their primary care provider.
And that’s a shame, because the fourth trait these three conditions share is that they’re all treatable.
You can read about it in this piece I wrote for Good Times’ summer 2022 issue: ‘Better Sex After 55’.
My heartfelt thanks to the interviewees who so generously shared their time and expertise:
Dr. Jeffrey Campbell, a urologist specializing in men’s health and reconstructive urology at St. Joseph’s Healthcare London, and an assistant professor in the Division of Urology at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine in London, Ont.
Dr. Natalie Rosen, an associate professor in the departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS.
Sue McGarvie, a clinical therapist, and sex and relationships counsellor, in Ottawa, ON.
Dr. Wendy Wolfman, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and the director of Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Menopause Clinic.
Sheela Zelmer, a registered physical therapist and pelvic health physical therapist at Aurora Prime Physiotherapy, and an assistant instructor and teaching assistant with Pelvic Health Solutions in Toronto.
Additional Resources
Erectile Dysfunction
Incontinence
Vaginal Dryness
- middlesexmd.com
- sogc.org (search for ‘Brand Recognition Program’)
Photo by SHVETS production, courtesy of pexels.com