Sex is Still Confusing

In one of my HECOL classes, we discussed the topic of Viagra. I decided to summarize our thoughts and fndings on the use of Viagra in later life.

 The debut of Sildenafil Citrate, better known as Viagra, has left heterosexual couples ranging in agefrom their late 50’s to their 70’s, perplexed on whether the usage of this blue pill enhances or strains their relationship, in and out of the bedroom. There has been evidence of positive influences on sexual intimacy when Viagra is present, extending from the obvious reason of the ability of penile penetration; the secrecy of active sexuality among elders has been exposed through the availability of Viagra. Gullette discloses in a study that “sexuality diminishes with age and this decline is framed as an inevitable and ‘negative’ outcome of ageing” (in Vares, Potts, Gavey, & Grace, 2007, p. 153), thus, supporting the dependency of Viagra to transform their sex life into something positive. On the other hand, the use of Viagra has been seen as a violation of societal norms and natural processes within intimacy associated with elders. The negative influence that Viagra has on couples in later life shifts the dynamics of the relationship ties they have with their partners. Though couples in later life suggest that Viagra has enhanced their intimate relationship with their spouse, it can be strongly argued that the ambiguity of this issue is the dominant standpoint.

Figure 1. Box of viagra. Adapted from "Most Popular 9 Questions Responded Regarding the Wonder Blue Pill - Viagra," Unknown author, Blue Viagra Pill. Retrieved April, 6, 2012, from http://blueviagrapill.com/most-popular-9-questions-responded-regarding-the-wonder-blue-tablet-%E2%80%93-viagra/. Copyright n/d by Unknown.

Among couples in later life, three important trends have risen in support of viewing the use of Viagra as beneficial to the relationship. The first trend is the most predictable when examining Viagra use among couples in later life; the fact that greater “physical stimulation is required to maintain erections” and less intense orgasms come with ageing (Morgentaler, 2000). Viagra has proven to dampen such erupting frustration, allowing women to have their sexual desires met. Secondly, the ability to explore sexual intercourse in later life has fuelled elders to utilize their past experience, gained knowledge of their body and sexual confidence in performing sexuality in more pleasurable ways.Lastly, there is a strong sense of youth reminiscence that partners the existence of Viagra. As told by an elder examined in one study, Viagra has “allowed us [elders] to enjoy sex again – make us mentally feel younger” (Loe, 2004, p. 308). Ageing has developed the mournful loss of sexual capacity among older men. Aiding these feelings, Viagra has instilled “hope of revisiting the ‘firmness’ and ‘energy’ of adolescent erections” (Potts, Grace, Vares, & Gavey, 2006, p. 314). The prospect for males to live sexually in later life through youth’s opportunities is most evidently seen through the Playboy icon, Hugh Hefner. In a TIME magazine interview, he revealed that “the happiest times…were the times in the early stages of romantic love, it keeps you young; young love, new love, keeps you young” (Statemen, 2008). 

Viagra has placed elderly men and women under immense pressure to perform sexual activities with one another even when the act is undesirable; men become worried about lost masculinity and women become alert from the lack of emotional intimacy. The reappearance of a firm penis is not likely to compromise both concerns. In addition, when conforming to Viagra’s suggestive possession of high levels of sexual fitness, the concern for the health of men in later life is degraded. Viagra is seen as a solution to sexual decline, rather than medication; it has transformed into a scapegoat for needing or wanting sex. Because of this, the health risks Viagra potentially carries is overshadowed by the excitement of regaining erectility.Lastly, the ego boost which men gain from the usage of Viagra has caused older women to develop marital insecurity in fear of infidelity.   

The ambivalence Viagra carries is projected onto intimacy among older couples. This causes discrepancies within relationship ties between partners and other family bonds. As ambivalence becomes a known trend of sexual ties in later life, one can justify that expressing sexuality among older generations will prevail in reflecting both positive and negative outlooks.

References:

Vares, T., Potts, A., Gavey, N., & Grace, V.M. (2007). Reconceptualizing cultural narratives of mature women's sexuality in the Viagra era. Journal of Aging Studies, 21,153-164.

Morgentaler, A. (2000). The Viagra myth: The surprising impact on love and relationships. Mama’s Health.Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://www.mamashealth.com/book/viagra.asp

Loe, M. (2004). Sex and the senior women: pleasure and danger in the Viagra era. Sexualities, 7(3), 303-326. 

Potts, A., Grace, V.M., Vares, T., & Gavey, N. (2006). ‘Sex for life’? Men’s counter-stories on ‘erectile dysfunction’, male sexuality and ageing. Sociology of Health & Illness, 28(3), 306-329.

Statemen, A. (Interviewer) & Hefner, H. (Interviewee). (2008). 10 Questions for Hugh Hefner [Interview video]. Retrieved from TIME website: http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,7586064001_1872206,00.html