According to statistics, reproductive potential in men lasts longer than in women. At least a quarter of representatives of the stronger sex over the age of 65 do not have reduced potency. The drop in libido after the age of 40 is more related to the occurrence of comorbidities that affect overall health, as well as social causes. Social perception of older people's asexuality and cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
Seven years 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 manifest itself in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, weakening of potency and erection.
Conditionally, it is possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each representative of the stronger sex:
| Period of life, 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 steady partner. The man becomes more restrained 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 become skilled lovers at this age. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | No more than 7% of men completely lose potency, most 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 can 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 sexual intercourse without the use of stimulants |
The process of the weakening of the sexual function of men due to age is radically different from that of women, and their ability to give birth 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. This period can be considered the "limit", after which the average man starts to have problems with potency.
Changes in the years
In men older than 55, the following changes in sex life are observed:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, reduced libido to complete impotence, irritability, poor concentration. These phenomena are associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- It takes more time to achieve 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 way, and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased sperm volume.
- The need for sex decreases, the period between ejaculations increases.
- During excitation, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the entire organism as a whole.
- For many men, sexual intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), which leads to psychological problems, because the sexual partner begins to doubt the male abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower cavernous body and the head of the penis are less strained 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 the sperm also deteriorates, the risk of accidental 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 who undergo in vitro fertilization, 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 ability to maintain potency in men is most significantly affected by the following somatic diseases:
- hypertension (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathologies (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic joint inflammations, 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 mentioned 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 side effects of drugs.
At this age, prostate surgeries are also common, which lead to the loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, when rehabilitation procedures are used, such patients can regain full sexual function.
Older people are ashamed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, because in society there is an opinion 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;
- sensitivity to pain decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- the level of anxiety decreases.
There is a link 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 child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual joys are the norm only for younger generations.
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 sensations in the same way as in youth, but try to suppress them, following the lead 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 have thoughts about sex;
- among people aged 65-97, 52% of men have sex on average 2. 5 times a month;
- most of them would rather 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 sexual 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 the age of 80 do not have a sexual partner;
- 11% of respondents remain sexually active at the age of 90-95.
Therefore, there are no strict 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.
- Adhere to a proper diet, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, 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 to the genitals. At the same time, you should avoid heavy physical efforts that lead to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.