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 did not reduce their potency. Decreased libido after age 40 is more associated with the onset of comorbidities that affect general health, as well as social causes. Societal perceptions of older adult 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 the body of a man. 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 of the representatives of the stronger sex:
| Period of life, 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 almost the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as the presence of a permanent partner. A man becomes more sober and can control the duration of 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 their potency, most can satisfy their partner in some other way |
| 60-70 | a | The number of sexual acts decreases mainly because the man himself decides to refuse them. Erectile dysfunction affects around 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, which leads to a decrease in sexual activity. About 70% can have sex 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 ability to procreate is not limited by any delay, as it occurs in the post-menopausal period. Sperm production decreases after 40, but even after 80 a man can maintain his potency.
According to statistics, in most men, a sharp decrease in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60 years. This period can be considered a "border", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over 55, the following changes in sex life are noted:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, reduced libido which can go as far as 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 the erection decreases (in 66%).
- The testicles rise in the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased semen volume.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is lengthened.
- During excitement, 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, as the sexual partner begins to doubt male abilities.
- Before sexual intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower corpora cavernosa and the head of the penis stretch less than in young people. The soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents injury to the female genitalia due to a decrease in their elasticity.
Sperm quality 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 conducted with couples undergoing IVF, after age 50, the probability 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 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 inflammation of the joints, 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 reduced 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, resulting in loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, these patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, because there is an opinion in society that sex after 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 decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- the level of anxiety decreases.
There is a relationship between increased longevity in 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 the age of 60 experience feelings of love and sex in the same way as in their youth, but try to suppress them, following the example of society.
Existing statistics collected in the United States 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 65-97, 52% of men have sex an average of 2. 5 times a month;
- most would prefer to do it twice as 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 with sex;
- men over 65 masturbate an average of 5 times a month;
- less than 60% of men over 80 have no sexual partner;
- 11% of respondents remain sexually active at the age of 90-95.
Thus, there is no strict age limit 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 well into old age, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. It is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: green vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. Bad habits have been scientifically proven to 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.