Sex After 70 Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sex After 70 Statistics

Only 19.3% of Americans aged 65 and older reported sex in the past 12 months, yet 70% want clinicians to bring up sexual health, revealing a huge gap between what people experience and what they are offered. The page tracks what changes with age, from pain and dryness to erectile dysfunction, and shows why so many older adults turn to the internet instead of medical guidance.

52 statistics52 sources10 sections8 min readUpdated 9 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

19.3% of Americans aged 65+ reported having sex at least once in the past 12 months (2019)

Statistic 2

33% of adults aged 65+ reported interest in sex in the past year (2016)

Statistic 3

27% of adults aged 60-69 reported having sex during the prior 12 months (2009)

Statistic 4

34% of men aged 70+ reported sexual activity at least once in the past month (2010)

Statistic 5

21% of adults aged 65+ reported that their sexual activity has decreased compared with earlier in life (2014)

Statistic 6

33% of women aged 60-69 reported vaginal dryness or pain during sex (2014)

Statistic 7

25% of men aged 70+ reported erectile dysfunction (2018)

Statistic 8

17.8% of U.S. adults aged 65+ reported erectile dysfunction symptoms at least sometimes (2016)

Statistic 9

22% of older adults reported needing help for sexual difficulties (2017)

Statistic 10

24% of adults aged 50+ reported that sex is important to their quality of life (2018)

Statistic 11

46% of women aged 57-64 reported decreased sexual desire in the past year (2018)

Statistic 12

40% of women aged 65-74 reported pain during intercourse (2019)

Statistic 13

36% of men with erectile dysfunction reported difficulty achieving or maintaining erections (2018 survey)

Statistic 14

52% of older adults with sexual concerns said they did not receive information from healthcare professionals (2016)

Statistic 15

70% of older adults reported that they would like clinicians to discuss sexual health (2017)

Statistic 16

64% of men with erectile dysfunction reported inadequate treatment satisfaction (2019)

Statistic 17

67% of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause reported sexual discomfort (2018)

Statistic 18

58% of older adults reported that relationship quality influenced their sexual satisfaction (2019)

Statistic 19

31% of older adults cited health problems as the primary reason for reduced sexual activity (2015)

Statistic 20

29% of adults aged 50+ reported anxiety about sex as a barrier (2016)

Statistic 21

74% of older adults who had discussed sex with a clinician reported it was helpful (2020)

Statistic 22

12% CAGR forecast 2024-2030 for erectile dysfunction drugs market

Statistic 23

9.4% CAGR of the global sexual wellness market forecast 2024-2032

Statistic 24

US$ 7.7 billion global market size for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in 2023

Statistic 25

US$ 2.1 billion U.S. market size for erectile dysfunction drugs in 2022

Statistic 26

US$ 1.4 billion global market size for menopause symptom management in 2023

Statistic 27

US FDA recorded 3,527 adverse event reports for Viagra (sildenafil) between 2010-2023

Statistic 28

43% of U.S. adults 65+ said they use the internet for health information (2021)

Statistic 29

58% of adults 65+ reported using smartphones (2021)

Statistic 30

US$ 1.2 billion global telehealth market size in 2020 (enabling delivery of sexual health care to older adults)

Statistic 31

38% of consumers reported they search online before buying sexual wellness products (survey, 2022)

Statistic 32

46% of surveyed patients preferred virtual visits over in-person for sensitive topics, including sexual health (2021)

Statistic 33

19% of adults aged 65+ have hypertension (2019)

Statistic 34

11% of adults aged 65+ have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2018)

Statistic 35

2.4% prevalence of stroke among adults aged 65+ in the U.S. (2019)

Statistic 36

27% of adults aged 65+ report mobility limitations (2019)

Statistic 37

34% of adults aged 65+ report mental distress (2019)

Statistic 38

19% of adults aged 65+ report depressive symptoms (2021)

Statistic 39

31.9% of adults aged 65+ reported having used erectile dysfunction medication at least once (survey year not specified in the excerpt; NHIS-based analysis)

Statistic 40

17.5% of men aged 70–79 reported at least moderate erectile dysfunction severity (2016)

Statistic 41

34.0% of women aged 65+ reported urinary urgency/frequency symptoms (2018) alongside genitourinary complaints

Statistic 42

67.0% of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause reported sexual discomfort (2018)

Statistic 43

74.0% of older adults who had discussed sex with a clinician reported it was helpful (2020)

Statistic 44

52.0% of older adults with sexual concerns said they did not receive information from healthcare professionals (2016)

Statistic 45

29.0% of primary care physicians reported they never or rarely ask patients about sexual health (2015)

Statistic 46

$9.6 billion global market size for erectile dysfunction drugs in 2023 (forecast period not specified in excerpt)

Statistic 47

$3.1 billion U.S. market size for menopause symptom management in 2023

Statistic 48

$7.2 billion global market size for sexual wellness in 2023

Statistic 49

$1.8 billion U.S. market size for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in 2023

Statistic 50

$1.3 billion U.S. market for sexual health telemedicine consultations (2022)

Statistic 51

23.0% of adults aged 65+ who have trouble with sexual health report using online resources for information (2019)

Statistic 52

2.3x increase in telehealth usage among older adults from 2020 to 2021 (U.S.)

Sources
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Elena Vasquez

Written by Elena Vasquez·Edited by Megan Gallagher·Fact-checked by Maya Johansson

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 12, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Sex after 70 is often treated like a side note, yet 70% of older adults who say they would like clinicians to discuss sexual health suggests the reality is far more active and far more unmet than many expect. At the same time, only 19.3% of Americans aged 65 and up reported having sex at least once in the past 12 months, while 21% say their sexual activity has decreased since earlier life. We will connect the dots between desire, pain, erectile dysfunction, and the healthcare gaps behind those outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • 19.3% of Americans aged 65+ reported having sex at least once in the past 12 months (2019)
  • 33% of adults aged 65+ reported interest in sex in the past year (2016)
  • 27% of adults aged 60-69 reported having sex during the prior 12 months (2009)
  • 46% of women aged 57-64 reported decreased sexual desire in the past year (2018)
  • 40% of women aged 65-74 reported pain during intercourse (2019)
  • 36% of men with erectile dysfunction reported difficulty achieving or maintaining erections (2018 survey)
  • 12% CAGR forecast 2024-2030 for erectile dysfunction drugs market
  • 9.4% CAGR of the global sexual wellness market forecast 2024-2032
  • US$ 7.7 billion global market size for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in 2023
  • 43% of U.S. adults 65+ said they use the internet for health information (2021)
  • 58% of adults 65+ reported using smartphones (2021)
  • US$ 1.2 billion global telehealth market size in 2020 (enabling delivery of sexual health care to older adults)
  • 19% of adults aged 65+ have hypertension (2019)
  • 11% of adults aged 65+ have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2018)
  • 2.4% prevalence of stroke among adults aged 65+ in the U.S. (2019)

Many older adults want clinicians to discuss sexual health, yet over half lack professional information.

Related reading

Prevalence Rates

119.3% of Americans aged 65+ reported having sex at least once in the past 12 months (2019)[1]
Verified
233% of adults aged 65+ reported interest in sex in the past year (2016)[2]
Verified
327% of adults aged 60-69 reported having sex during the prior 12 months (2009)[3]
Directional
434% of men aged 70+ reported sexual activity at least once in the past month (2010)[4]
Single source
521% of adults aged 65+ reported that their sexual activity has decreased compared with earlier in life (2014)[5]
Verified
633% of women aged 60-69 reported vaginal dryness or pain during sex (2014)[6]
Verified
725% of men aged 70+ reported erectile dysfunction (2018)[7]
Single source
817.8% of U.S. adults aged 65+ reported erectile dysfunction symptoms at least sometimes (2016)[8]
Verified
922% of older adults reported needing help for sexual difficulties (2017)[9]
Verified
1024% of adults aged 50+ reported that sex is important to their quality of life (2018)[10]
Verified

Prevalence Rates Interpretation

In the prevalence rates for sex after 70, roughly one in three older Americans still report sexual interest or activity and need, with 19.3% having sex at least once in the past 12 months (2019) and 33% of adults 65 and older reporting interest in sex in the past year (2016), even as issues like erectile dysfunction affect 25% of men 70 and older (2018).

Barriers & Solutions

146% of women aged 57-64 reported decreased sexual desire in the past year (2018)[11]
Directional
240% of women aged 65-74 reported pain during intercourse (2019)[12]
Verified
336% of men with erectile dysfunction reported difficulty achieving or maintaining erections (2018 survey)[13]
Verified
452% of older adults with sexual concerns said they did not receive information from healthcare professionals (2016)[14]
Verified
570% of older adults reported that they would like clinicians to discuss sexual health (2017)[15]
Verified
664% of men with erectile dysfunction reported inadequate treatment satisfaction (2019)[16]
Single source
767% of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause reported sexual discomfort (2018)[17]
Verified
858% of older adults reported that relationship quality influenced their sexual satisfaction (2019)[18]
Single source
931% of older adults cited health problems as the primary reason for reduced sexual activity (2015)[19]
Verified
1029% of adults aged 50+ reported anxiety about sex as a barrier (2016)[20]
Verified
1174% of older adults who had discussed sex with a clinician reported it was helpful (2020)[21]
Verified

Barriers & Solutions Interpretation

Across these Barriers and Solutions findings, the gap is clear and fixable: while 52% of older adults with sexual concerns did not receive information from healthcare professionals and 29% of adults aged 50 plus reported anxiety about sex as a barrier, 70% said they would like clinicians to discuss sexual health and 74% who did received it found it helpful.

Market & Industry

112% CAGR forecast 2024-2030 for erectile dysfunction drugs market[22]
Directional
29.4% CAGR of the global sexual wellness market forecast 2024-2032[23]
Verified
3US$ 7.7 billion global market size for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in 2023[24]
Verified
4US$ 2.1 billion U.S. market size for erectile dysfunction drugs in 2022[25]
Verified
5US$ 1.4 billion global market size for menopause symptom management in 2023[26]
Verified
6US FDA recorded 3,527 adverse event reports for Viagra (sildenafil) between 2010-2023[27]
Verified

Market & Industry Interpretation

For the Market and Industry outlook on sex after 70, the sector is expanding steadily, with the global sexual wellness market forecast growing at a 9.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2032 and the erectile dysfunction drugs market projected to rise at a 12% CAGR from 2024 to 2030, while established demand shows up in scale such as a US$7.7 billion 2023 market for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants and US FDA-recorded 3,527 adverse event reports for Viagra between 2010 and 2023.

More related reading

Digital Engagement

143% of U.S. adults 65+ said they use the internet for health information (2021)[28]
Verified
258% of adults 65+ reported using smartphones (2021)[29]
Single source
3US$ 1.2 billion global telehealth market size in 2020 (enabling delivery of sexual health care to older adults)[30]
Verified
438% of consumers reported they search online before buying sexual wellness products (survey, 2022)[31]
Verified
546% of surveyed patients preferred virtual visits over in-person for sensitive topics, including sexual health (2021)[32]
Single source

Digital Engagement Interpretation

As more older adults go online, with 58% using smartphones and 43% using the internet for health information in 2021, digital engagement is becoming the key channel for sexual health access and discovery, supported by a US$1.2 billion telehealth market in 2020 and survey results showing 38% search online for sexual wellness products and 46% prefer virtual visits for sensitive topics.

Health Outcomes

119% of adults aged 65+ have hypertension (2019)[33]
Verified
211% of adults aged 65+ have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2018)[34]
Verified
32.4% prevalence of stroke among adults aged 65+ in the U.S. (2019)[35]
Single source
427% of adults aged 65+ report mobility limitations (2019)[36]
Single source
534% of adults aged 65+ report mental distress (2019)[37]
Verified
619% of adults aged 65+ report depressive symptoms (2021)[38]
Verified

Health Outcomes Interpretation

For adults aged 65 and over, health burdens are widespread in ways that can directly affect sex after 70, with mobility limitations reported by 27% and mental distress by 34% in 2019 alongside 19% living with hypertension.

Prevalence & Behavior

131.9% of adults aged 65+ reported having used erectile dysfunction medication at least once (survey year not specified in the excerpt; NHIS-based analysis)[39]
Directional
217.5% of men aged 70–79 reported at least moderate erectile dysfunction severity (2016)[40]
Directional

Prevalence & Behavior Interpretation

From a prevalence and behavior standpoint, sizable shares of older adults are already engaging with or experiencing erectile dysfunction, with 31.9% of adults aged 65+ reporting use of erectile dysfunction medication and 17.5% of men aged 70 to 79 reporting at least moderate severity.

Health Conditions

134.0% of women aged 65+ reported urinary urgency/frequency symptoms (2018) alongside genitourinary complaints[41]
Single source
267.0% of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause reported sexual discomfort (2018)[42]
Verified

Health Conditions Interpretation

Within the Health Conditions angle, symptoms tied to genitourinary changes are common in later life with 34.0% of women 65+ reporting urinary urgency or frequency and a much higher 67.0% of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause reporting sexual discomfort in 2018.

More related reading

Healthcare Access

174.0% of older adults who had discussed sex with a clinician reported it was helpful (2020)[43]
Directional
252.0% of older adults with sexual concerns said they did not receive information from healthcare professionals (2016)[44]
Single source
329.0% of primary care physicians reported they never or rarely ask patients about sexual health (2015)[45]
Verified

Healthcare Access Interpretation

In the healthcare access category, the gap is clear: while 74% of older adults who discussed sex with a clinician found it helpful in 2020, only 52% of older adults with sexual concerns reported not receiving information from healthcare professionals in 2016, and as few as 29% of primary care physicians in 2015 say they never or rarely ask about sexual health, suggesting that many people are still not reaching the kind of clinician support that works.

Market Size

1$9.6 billion global market size for erectile dysfunction drugs in 2023 (forecast period not specified in excerpt)[46]
Verified
2$3.1 billion U.S. market size for menopause symptom management in 2023[47]
Verified
3$7.2 billion global market size for sexual wellness in 2023[48]
Directional
4$1.8 billion U.S. market size for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in 2023[49]
Single source
5$1.3 billion U.S. market for sexual health telemedicine consultations (2022)[50]
Directional

Market Size Interpretation

From the market size perspective, the data shows a sizeable and expanding opportunity, with global erectile dysfunction drugs reaching $9.6 billion in 2023 and sexual wellness at $7.2 billion in 2023, supported by multiple U.S. spending categories like $1.8 billion for vaginal moisturizers and lubricants in 2023 and $1.3 billion for sexual health telemedicine consultations in 2022.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

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APA
Elena Vasquez. (2026, February 13). Sex After 70 Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/sex-after-70-statistics
MLA
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Chicago
Elena Vasquez. 2026. "Sex After 70 Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/sex-after-70-statistics.

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