According to statistics, the reproductive potential in men lasts longer than in women. At least a quarter of representatives of the stronger sex over 65 have not reduced potency. The decline in libido after age 40 is more associated with the appearance of comorbidities that affect general health, in addition to social causes. Social perceptions of elderly asexuality and cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
seven ages of man
From the age of 20 onwards, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, begins to gradually decrease in a man's body. This can manifest itself in the form of decreased sexual desire, weakened 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 | Period characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels peak. After ejaculation, there is a quick recovery of strength |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are about 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 intercourse |
| 30-40 | less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop by 1% each year |
| 40-50 | two | 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 | 1 | 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 sex 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 sex without the use of stimulants |
Men's age-related decline in sexual function is radically different from that of women, and their ability to become pregnant is not limited by any period of time, as is the case with post-menopause. Sperm production declines after age 40, but even after age 80 a man can maintain potency.
According to statistics, in most men, a sharp decrease in testosterone synthesis begins at age 55-60. This period can be considered a "borderline", after which the average man starts having potency problems.
age changes
In men over 55, the following changes in sex life are observed:
- About 5% of men experience symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido to complete impotence, irritability, lack of concentration. These phenomena are associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- It takes longer to get an erection and stronger stimulation of the penis (in 70% of men).
- The severity of erection decreases (by 66%).
- The testes rise in the perineum only halfway and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased semen volume.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is prolonged.
- During arousal, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the entire organism as a whole.
- For many men, intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), which leads to psychological problems as the sexual partner begins to doubt male abilities.
- Before intercourse, erection becomes incomplete. The inferior corpora cavernosa and the head of the penis are less tense than in youth. The soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents injuries to the female genitals due to the decrease in their elasticity.
Sperm quality also deteriorates, increasing the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate, 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 age 50, the likelihood of conception decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of age-related general and sexual changes develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men for this reason have problems in communicating with their partner.
The following somatic disorders 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;
- leakage;
- 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 the decreased risk of pregnancy in a partner).
Medications used to treat some of the above conditions (arthritis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases) have a negative effect on sexual functions. According to studies, about 40% of patients complain of decreased potency due to medication side effects.
At this age, prostate surgeries are also common, which lead to loss of erectile capacity and ejaculation. However, by using rehabilitation procedures, these 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 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, regular sexual activity during this period of life has health benefits:
- improves the work 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 son at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual joys are the norm only for the younger generation.
Studies carried out 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 in youth, but they try to suppress them, following the example of society.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries that confirm 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;
- 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 couples continue to experience 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 age 90-95.
So, there are no hard age limits for men in terms of maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on general physical condition in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good potency until old age, you should follow these recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow a proper diet, use foods that stimulate erection: vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. It is scientifically proven that bad habits reduce potency in men.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. Overall muscle tone improves blood circulation, including to the genitals. At the same time, heavy physical exertion should be avoided, leading to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.