Answer:
Sexual desire in individuals over 70 is not uncommon. Many believe old age signifies an end to desire, but this is not always true. While sexual desire in older adults may decrease, change, or be less overt, it does not disappear for everyone.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine indicated that more than half of individuals aged 65 to 74 remain sexually active; in the 75-85 age group, this proportion is about one-fourth. This demonstrates that age does not mean an intimate desire completely ceases.
However, a father's continued desire does not obligate the mother to comply if she no longer wishes or is unable to have intercourse. In a marital relationship, even after decades of commitment, consent remains crucial. If the wife experiences pain, fatigue, fear, vaginal dryness, or has a medical condition preventing intercourse, her wishes must be respected.
The concept of "sexual suppression" often mentioned is not a suitable medical solution in this situation. There is no simple procedure to eliminate a person's "desire" merely because a family finds it awkward. A vasectomy (male sterilization) only prevents pregnancy; it does not diminish desire or reduce sexual need.
Medications or interventions to reduce desire are only applied in very specific medical situations, requiring thorough assessment by a doctor regarding physical health, mental state, and cognitive ability. A family cannot make such a decision on behalf of an individual who is mentally sound and capable of self-determination.
More importantly, the situation should be viewed holistically. If the father exhibits personality changes, excessive demands, loss of behavioral control, or causes the mother distress, the family should discreetly arrange for an andrology or psychological consultation to assess his general health, endocrine, and neuropsychiatric status.
Conversely, the mother should also be examined if her inability to have intercourse is related to pain, vaginal dryness, gynecological conditions, chronic illness, or psychological fear. Sometimes the issue is not a lack of desire, but rather that the body is no longer suitable as before.
In summary, the idea of "sexually suppressing" the father should not be considered simply because he still has sexual desire in his seventies. Instead, the focus should be on respect, dialogue, and finding appropriate solutions for both individuals. Old age does not eliminate the need for intimacy, but intimacy at this stage must be based on consent, understanding, and mutual care.
Doctor of Medicine, Specialist Level 2 Tra Anh Duy
Men's Health Center
