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 65 years of age have not reduced potency. The decrease in libido after the age of 40 is more related to the appearance of comorbidities that affect overall health, as well as social reasons. Society's views on the asexuality of the elderly and cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
Seven years old man
From the age of 20, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, begins to decrease gradually in a man's body. This can manifest itself in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, impairment 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 | 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 relations |
| 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 skillful lovers. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | Not more than 7% of men completely lose potency, most can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | any | 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 intercourse up to 2 hours a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | In most men, there is a significant decline in health during this period, resulting in reduced sexual activity. About 70% can have intercourse without the use of stimulants |
The process of age-related impairment of the sexual function of men is very different from that of women, and their ability to have children 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 men, a sharp decline in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60 years. This period can be considered as a "limit", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over 55 years of age, the following changes are noticed in the sex life:
- About 5% of men have menopause-like symptoms: 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.
- The erection of the penis takes longer and is more strongly stimulated (in 70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (by 66%).
- The testicles in the perineum rise only half and slower than at a young age.
- Reduced semen volume.
- 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, intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), which leads to psychological problems, because the sexual partner begins to doubt male abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower cavernous body and the head of the penis weather less than his youth. The soft head is a type of defense mechanism that prevents injuries to the female genital organs due to a decrease in their elasticity.
Deteriorating the quality of the sperm also increases the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate, which, when a woman becomes pregnant, results in 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 changes associated with age develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men have problems communicating with their partner for this reason.
The following somatic diseases 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;
- a 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 reduction 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 the drugs.
At this age, prostate surgeries are also common, causing loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are ashamed to go to the doctor about sexual problems, because 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 is reduced;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- the level of anxiety is reduced.
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 gave birth to a child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual pleasure is 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 suppress them, following the dominance of society.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries confirm the ability of older people to have a full sex life:
- 75% of men regularly revisit thoughts about sex;
- among 65-97 year olds, 52% of men have sex 2. 5 times a month on average;
- most of them would prefer to do it 2 times more often;
- 80% of men have an orgasm;
- 16% of respondents have sex more than once a week;
- 9 out of 10 sexually active people are attractive to their sexual partner;
- 2/3 of married couples continue to experiment sexually;
- 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.
Therefore, there are no hard age limits for men when it comes to maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition in old age.
Tips for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain a good capacity 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, which will lead to general exhaustion of the body and decline in potency.