- With Mayo Clinic internist
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
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Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, certified by the American Board of Family Practice, has been practicing medicine at Mayo Clinic since 1995 with special interests in breast diseases and women's health.
She is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. She is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native stresses education and patient-related research and has been active in both areas since joining Mayo Clinic. She is the primary investigator at Mayo Clinic of several clinical trials evaluating new agents for the prevention of breast cancer and identification of biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. Her other research and clinical interests include managing the health of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer, breast pain and hot flashes, and developing patient education decision-making tools for breast-related concerns. She is director of the Breast Diagnostic Clinic and is a member of the Women's Health Executive Committee. Dr. Pruthi has been newly elected as a member to the board of directors for the American Society of Breast Disease. She has assisted with a variety of articles for MayoClinic.com.
"Having an opportunity to share information with my patients in the way that will help them to understand and be able to make educated decisions about their own health is very important to me," she says.
"The Web has become a major information site for people, and I want them to get the best and accurate information to be able to make informed choices for themselves, their family members and friends."
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Question
Sex after years of abstinence: OK to resume?
I'm a 76-year-old female. I haven't been sexually active in many years. But I'm in a relationship now and wonder if I'll be able to resume sexual activity again at this late time?
Answer
from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
You can resume sexual activity at any time, as long as you're willing to invest a little time and patience.
With age, the vagina and vaginal opening often become smaller — especially when estrogen levels are low. As a result, it can take longer for the vagina to swell and lubricate during sexual arousal. Together these changes can make intercourse painful.
To make sexual intercourse more comfortable:
- Begin with foreplay. Foreplay helps stimulate natural lubrication.
- Ensure proper lubrication. Try an over-the-counter lubricant, such as K-Y lubricating jelly. If intercourse remains painful, ask your doctor about vaginal estrogen therapy — available as a vaginal cream, tablet or ring.
- Try various positions. After a long period of abstinence, it may take time to stretch the vagina so that it can accommodate a penis. Talk to your partner about what works best.
Also remember the need to practice safe sex, especially with a new partner. There's no age limit for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use a condom every time you have sex, and discuss STD testing with your partner.
Finally, remember that sex is more than intercourse. Touching and cuddling are an important part of sexual activity — and communicating with your partner is the best way to achieve sexual satisfaction.
Next questionLead in lipstick: A health concern?
- Aging well, living well: Sexual health. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/ow/sexuality/?style=large. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
- Altman A. Patient information: Sexual problems in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
