ICSM 2024

In 2026, the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews published recommendations in the form of a position paper on “sexuality and sexual health in older adults.” It was written by an expert panel of the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). The panel was composed of doctors from many countries, including the United States. In many ways, the document is a comprehensive literature review, with 233 references. The position paper gives 54 recommendations and ten “guiding principles.” It provides a “grade of recommendation” to each one, either weak or strong. The recommendations are focused on health care providers, and many of them address what kinds of information and counseling should be provided. The recommendations cover topics ranging from sexual dysfunction (male and female) and sexual side effects of antidepressants to sexually transmitted disease prevention and sexuality and dementia. The recommendations most relevant to sex and aging biomechanics focus on exercise and fitness:

·      “Patients (and partners) should be counseled that lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol or substance abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with sexual dysfunction in men and women.”

·      “Patients (and partners) should be counseled that moderate or vigorous physical activity at least once per week has been associated with greater odds of sexual activity.”

            The last recommendation listed is not about physical activity but is very important: “Emphasize overall sexual satisfaction: rather than narrowly focusing on penetrative intercourse and sexual function, healthcare professionals should underscore the importance of overall sexual and sensual satisfaction and intimacy.” Thus, the document supports much of what the better lay literature on sex and aging advises (see the review of sex and aging books).