According to statistics, the reproductive potential in men lasts longer than in women. At least a quarter of the stronger sex over 65 do not have reduced potency. The decline in libido after age 40 is more associated with the occurrence of comorbidities affecting general health as well as social causes. Societal perceptions of the asexuality of older people and cultural taboos also play a role.
Seven ages of man
From the age of 20, 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 a decrease in sexual desire, a weakening of potency and erection.
It is conditionally possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each representative of the stronger sex:
| lifespan, years | Average number of orgasms per week | period characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 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 steady partner. A man becomes more reserved and able to control the duration of intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop by 1% every year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men master 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 of them 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 may have intercourse up to 2 times a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | For most men, during this period, health deteriorates significantly, as a result of which sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have sexual intercourse without stimulants |
The process of age-related decline in sexual function in men is fundamentally different from that in women, and their reproductive capacity is not limited by any time frame as is the case in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production decreases after 40 years, but even after 80 years a man can maintain his potency.
According to statistics, a sharp decline in testosterone synthesis begins in most men by the age of 55-60. This period can be considered the "limit" after which the average man has problems with potency.
age changes
In men over 55 years of age, the following changes in sex life are noted:
- About 5% of men have similar symptoms to women during menopause: general weakness, tiredness, reduced libido up to complete impotence, irritability, lack of concentration. These phenomena are associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- It takes longer to achieve an erection and to stimulate the penis more (in 70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (in 66%).
- The testicles rise only halfway up the perineum and more slowly than when they were young.
- Decreased amount of semen.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is increased.
- During arousal, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the whole organism as a whole.
- For many men, intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), leading to psychological problems as the sexual partner begins to doubt male abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower cavernous bodies and the glans tense up 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 accidental genetic mutations in the ejaculate increases, which in pregnancy leads to the birth of children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies.
According to medical research in couples who undergo IVF, the chance of conception after the age of 50 decreases by 11% per year.
Some men, unaware of general and sexual age-related changes, develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men have problems communicating with their partner because of this.
The following somatic diseases most severely affect the ability to maintain potency in men:
- hypertension (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathologies (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes mellitus;
- 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 the use of condoms necessary due to a reduced risk of pregnancy in a partner).
Drugs used in the treatment of some of the above diseases (arthritis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases) negatively affect sexual functions. According to studies, about 40% of patients complain of a decrease in potency due to side effects of drugs.
Prostate surgery is also common at this age, leading to loss of erectile function and ejaculation. However, with the use of rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, since there is a societal opinion that having sex 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;
- sensitivity to pain decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- the fear level goes down.
There is a link between increased life expectancy in centenarians and sexual activity.
Is there a limit to male sexuality?
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest father in the world is Indian Ramajit Raghav, who fathered a child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual pleasures are the norm only for the younger generation.
Studies conducted in 106 countries in 1995 show that 70% of men remain sexually active as they age. Men and women over 60 experience romantic and sexual feelings the same way they did when they were young, but try to suppress them by following society's lead.
Existing statistics from the US and European countries confirming older people's ability to have fulfilling sex lives:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- among 65-97 year olds, 52% of men have sex an average of 2. 5 times a month;
- most would rather 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 sex partner attractive;
- 2/3 of married couples continue to experiment with 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 those surveyed remain sexually active through the ages 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
In order 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: vegetables (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 overall physical health, lead an active lifestyle. The general muscle tone improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, heavy physical exertion, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration in potency, should be avoided.