Older adults

Promoting and maintaining sexual and hormonal health throughout the lifespan.

Sex and sexual activity

As we age, our bodies, hormones, and sexual needs and desires change. Sexual health is an important component of health throughout our lifetime.

Aging and human sexuality resource guide - American Psychological Association
Senior sex: Tips for older men - Mayo Clinic
Sexuality and aging - Centre for Sexuality
Sexuality and physical changes with aging - My Health Alberta
Sex and older adults - Ottawa Public Health
Sex after 50: How our changing body affects our sexual health - National Council on Aging
Sexual health - American Geriatrics Society: Health In Aging

Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause is the natural progression leading up to menopause when ovarian function reduces and eventually stops. This transitional time can last 2 to 10 years and is characterized by specific symptoms that are the result of changing and waning hormone levels in the body.

Menopause is the retroactive diagnosis that comes after 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

First signs of perimenopause - Franciscan Health
Menopause and Perimenopause - HealthLink BC
Menopause and U
Menopause Foundation Canada
Mood changes during perimenopause are real. Here’s what to know - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Perimenopause - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Perimenopause symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Featured resources

Medicine bundle – Community Based Research Centre (CRBC)
SmartSex Resource
Sexual and reproductive health care and education - Options for Sexual Health
Chee Mamuk - BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)

Featured NH Stories

For more information

Email us at sexualhealth@northernhealth.ca
Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional
Virtual Clinic - Northern Health
Clinic Finder - SmartSex Resource
Clinic Finder - Options for Sexual Health
For First Nations Individuals (patient/clients) looking for care and/or testing who do not have easy access to a primary care provider or community health nurse: FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day

If you do not have a doctor of your own or have lost access due to the COVID-19 pandemic; call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment. Medical Office Assistants are available to help you seven days per week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.