According to statistics, the reproductive potential in men lasts longer than in women. At least a quarter of the representatives of the stronger sex over the age of 65 do not have reduced potency. The decline in libido after age 40 is more associated with the appearance of comorbidities that affect general health as well as social causes. Social perceptions of asexuality and cultural taboos of older people also play a role in this process.
Seven ages of man
From the age of 20, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, gradually begins to decline in a man's body. This can manifest itself in the form of decreased sexual desire, weakening of potency and erection.
It is conditionally possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each of the representatives of the stronger sex:
| Life span, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Characteristics of the period |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels peak. After ejaculation, there is a rapid recovery of strength |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are almost the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as having a lifelong partner. A man becomes more restrained and can control the length of intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop by 1% every year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men control themselves in bed, and therefore at this age they become capable lovers. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | No more than 7% of men completely lose potency, most can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | one | The number of sexual acts decreases mainly because the man himself decides to reject them. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some are able to have sex up to 2 times a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | In most men, health deteriorates significantly during this period, as a result of which sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have sexual intercourse without the use of stimulants |
The process of age-related weakening of the sexual function of men is radically different from that of women and their capacity for pregnancy is not limited by any time span, as happens in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production decreases after 40, but even after 80 a man can maintain potency.
According to statistics, in most males, a sharp decrease in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60. This period can be considered a "frontier", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over the age of 55, the following changes in sexual life are noted:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido to complete impotence, irritability, poor concentration. These phenomena are associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- It takes longer to achieve an erection and stronger stimulation of the penis (in 70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (in 66%).
- The testicles ascend into the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased sperm volume.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is lengthened.
- During arousal, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the whole organism as a whole.
- For many men, sexual intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), which leads to psychological problems, as the sexual partner begins to doubt male abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The inferior corpus cavernosum and the head of the penis stiffen less than in youth. The soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents injuries to the female genital organs due to a decrease in their elasticity.
The quality of sperm also deteriorates, the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate increases, which, when a woman becomes pregnant, leads to the birth of children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies.
According to medical research among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization, after the age of 50 the probability of conception decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of general and sexual age-related changes develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men for this reason have problems communicating with their partner.
The following somatic diseases most significantly affect the ability to maintain potency in men:
- hypertension (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathologies (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic inflammation of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis;
- stroke;
- malignant tumor;
- kidney disease;
- spinal cord injury;
- sexually transmitted infections (the spread of these pathologies is due to the fact that men do not consider the use of condoms necessary due to the decreased risk of pregnancy in the partner).
Drugs used in the treatment of some of the above diseases (arthritis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases) have a negative effect on sexual functions. According to studies, about 40% of patients complain of a decrease in potency due to the side effects of drugs.
Prostate surgeries are also common at this age, leading to loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, as there is an opinion in society that sexuality over the age of 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, regular sexual activity during this period of life brings health benefits:
- improves the work of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- higher self-esteem;
- the level of anxiety decreases.
There is a relationship between the increase in longevity among centenarians and sexual activity.
Is there a limit to male sexuality?
The oldest father in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is Indian Ramajit Raghav, who conceived a son at 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual joys are the norm only for the younger generation.
Studies conducted in 1995 in 106 countries show that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women over 60 experience romantic and sexual feelings in the same way as they did in their youth, but try to repress them, following the example of society.
Existing statistics collected in the United States and European countries confirming the ability of older people to have a full sex life:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- among people aged 65 to 97, 52% of men have sex on average 2. 5 times a month;
- most of them would prefer to do it 2 times more often;
- 80% of men experience an orgasm;
- 16% of respondents have sex more than once a week;
- 9 out of 10 sexually active people find their sexual partner attractive;
- 2/3 of married couples continue to experience sex;
- men over 65 masturbate on average 5 times a month;
- less than 60% of men over 80 do not have a sexual partner;
- 11% of respondents remain sexually active at the age of 90-95.
Therefore, there are no difficult age limits for men in terms of maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition of old age.
Recommendations for the maintenance of sexual longevity
To maintain good potency until old age, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Having a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. Bad habits have been scientifically proven to reduce potency in men.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. Overall muscle tone improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, intense physical exertion should be avoided, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration in potency.