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 have not reduced potency. The decline in libido after age 40 is more associated with the appearance of comorbidities that affect overall health, as well as social causes. Societal perceptions of older people's asexuality and cultural taboos 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 decrease in a man's body. This can manifest itself in the form of a decrease in 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:
| Period of life, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Period Features |
|---|---|---|
| 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 the presence of a permanent partner. A man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of sexual intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop 1% every year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men control themselves in bed, and therefore at this age they become skillful 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 refuse them. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some are able to have sexual intercourse up to 2 times a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | In most men, health deteriorates significantly during this period, as a result, 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 childbearing ability is not limited by any time frame, as happens in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production decreases after 40 years, 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 years. This period can be considered a "frontier", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over 55 years of age, the following changes in sexual life are noted:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido up 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 erection decreases (in 66%).
- The testicles rise in the perineum only halfway and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased volume of semen.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is lengthened.
- During excitation, 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 the male abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower cavernous body and the head of the penis tense 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 IVF, 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 in 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 joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis;
- stroke;
- malignant tumors;
- kidney disease;
- spinal cord injury;
- sexually transmitted infections (the spread of these pathologies is due to the fact that men do not consider it necessary to use condoms due to a decrease in the risk of pregnancy in a 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.
At this age, prostate surgeries are also common, which lead 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 about 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 functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- the level of anxiety decreases.
There is a relationship between increased 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 child at 96 years old. 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 sensations in the same way as in their youth, but try to suppress them, following the lead of society.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries that confirm the ability of older people to have a full sexual life:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- among people aged 65-97, 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 experiment in sex;
- men over 65 masturbate an average of 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.
Thus, there are no hard age limits for men in terms of maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good potency until old age, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. It has been scientifically proven that bad habits reduce potency in men.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, heavy physical exertion should be avoided, leading to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.