Aging baby boomers and seniors are often leading healthy sex lives as they grow older. But, according to a national medical survey, about half of those sexually active report at least one "bothersome sexual function."

Television and newspaper ads have made it clear almost since Viagra was approved by the FDA in March 1998 that for men the major complaint is erectile dysfunction. Females also suffer from sexual dysfunction, but until recently it hasn't been talked about in public or even in the privacy of a doctor's office. Now one can spot ads for products for female lubricants on TV.

Allegheny General Hospital will try to bring such female problems as low desire, vaginal dryness and inability to climax further into the mainstream during an all-day conference at the hospital March 8.

Titled "Birds do it, Bees do it ..." the program will address topics ranging from how to feel sexy after breast cancer to how various medicines can affect sex. Also on the program: presentations on men's sexual issues, a plastic surgeon speaking on the subject of how to stay young, a physical therapist talking about pelvic floor exercises and staying in shape, and an expert speaking on maintaining youthfulness and managing stress.

Dr. Ana Nunez, an associate professor of medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, will give the main lecture.

"I think probably the take-home message in terms of issues about sex is that it's a wonderful opportunity to get connected with who you are in the world and that it can sort of be fun," she said.

"We get to claim back time and space. It isn't just children running into the bedroom and not having time to be intimate."

AGH sponsors a women's health awareness day each year. Topics have included menopause, urinary incontinence and conception.

"This year we changed the theme and narrowed the topic to what was more relevant and current," said Dr. Eugene Sciosia, chairman of the obstetrics/gynecology department and the person who conceived this year's topic. "All of us generalists in ob/gyn see an increase in the number of questions and concerns about the subject. It only makes sense in light of the baby boom generation increasing in age."

Dr. Sciosia cited statistics from a study on sexuality and health among older adults that was printed in the Aug. 23, 2007 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Surveyed for the study were 1,550 women and 1,455 men between the ages of 57 and 85.

"In that population, especially 65 to 74, 53 percent were still sexually active, and 26 percent between 75 and 85 were active," he said. "Obviously, they're responding to a private questionnaire so they're more likely to provide true answers."

But, the study said, women were "significantly less likely than men of all ages to report sexual activity."

And among those who are active, 43 percent of them reported low desire, 39 percent difficulty with vaginal lubrication, and 34 percent an inability to experience orgasm, as problems.

Among sexually active men, the most prevalent problem was erectile difficulties (37 percent).

Dr. Sciosia said he believes the fact that erectile dysfunction can be treated so easily will just compound the problem of women who experience dryness and pain during sex because men will want to have sex more often.

"This is going to be the issue of its time," he said.

"We are a healthier population than ever before and, consequently, we're living longer, healthier lives, and this [sex] is every bit a part of living healthier lives as everything else."

The program starts with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. and is being held in AGH's Magovern Auditorium. The cost is $20 and reservations are necessary. Call 877-284-2000.