According to statistics, 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 the power. The decrease in libido after the age of 40 is more related to the occurrence of concomitant diseases that affect general health, as well as social causes. Social perceptions of older asexuality and cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
The 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 appear 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 period, 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 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 sexual intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop 1% each year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men control themselves in bed and therefore become capable lovers at this age. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | No more than 7% of men lose potency completely, most can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | A | 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 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 |
The process of age-related decline in men's sexual function is fundamentally different from that of women, and their ability to bear children is not limited by any time frame, as it is in the post-menopausal 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. This period can be considered a "limit", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over 55, the following changes in sex life are observed:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased sexual desire to complete impotence, nervousness, 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 hardness of the erection decreases (to 66%).
- The testicles rise to the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased sperm volume.
- The need for sex decreases, the period between ejaculations lengthens.
- During excitement, 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 sexual intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower corpus cavernosum and head of the penis are less tense than in youth. The soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents damage to the female genital organs due to the decrease in their elasticity.
The quality of the 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 the general and sexual changes associated with age develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men have problems communicating with their partners for this reason.
The following somatic diseases mostly 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 the reduction of the risk of pregnancy in the partner).
Medicines 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 decreased potency due to side effects of drugs.
At this age, prostate surgeries are also common, which lead to the loss of the ability to erect and ejaculate. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are ashamed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, as there is an opinion in society that sexuality over the age of 60 is inappropriate, 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;
- increasing self-esteem;
- anxiety level decreases.
There is a link between increased life expectancy 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 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 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 their youth, but try to suppress them, following the direction of society.
Existing statistics collected in the USA and European countries that confirm the ability of the elderly to have a full sex life:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- at the age of 65-97 years, 52% of men have sex on average 2. 5 times a month;
- most of them would prefer to do it twice as often;
- 80% of men experience orgasm;
- 16% of respondents have sex more than once a week;
- 9 out of 10 sexually active people find their partner attractive;
- 2/3 of married couples continue to experiment with sex;
- men over 65 masturbate on average 5 times a month;
- less than 60% of men over 80 years old 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 strength until old age, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow the right diet, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, fennel, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. It has been scientifically proven that bad habits reduce men's potency.
- 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 strength.