According to statistics, men's reproductive potential lasts longer than women's. At least a quarter of the representatives of the stronger sex, older than 65 years, do not have reduced potency. The decrease in libido after the age of 40 is more related to the appearance of co-morbidities that affect general health, as well as social reasons. Public perceptions of the asexuality of older people 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, in a man's body gradually begins to decrease. This can manifest itself as a decrease in sexual desire, potency and weakening of erection.
It is conditionally possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each representative of the stronger sex:
| Life period, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Features 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 orgasm can depend on factors such as the presence of a constant partner. The man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels decrease by 1% every year. |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men control themselves in bed, and therefore at this age they become skilled lovers. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | No more than 7% of men lose their potency completely, most of them can satisfy their partners in other ways |
| 60-70 | one | The number of sexual acts decreases mainly because the man himself decides to give them up. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some are able to have intercourse up to 2 times a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | For most men, their health deteriorates significantly during this period, as a result of which sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have intercourse without the use of stimulants |
The age-related decline in male sexual function is radically different from female sexual function, and their reproductive capacity is not limited by any period of time, as is the case in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production decreases after 40 years, but even after 80 a man is able to maintain potency.
According to statistics, for most men, a rapid decline in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60. This period can be considered a "threshold" after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men older than 55 years, the following changes in sex life are observed:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general malaise, fatigue, reduced libido to complete impotence, irritability, 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 (70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (66%).
- The testes in the perineum rise only halfway and more slowly than in youth.
- Decrease in sperm volume.
- The need for intercourse decreases, the period between ejaculations increases.
- During excitement, muscle tone decreases, which is characteristic of the whole body 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 the man's abilities.
- Before sexual intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower part of the cavernous body and the head of the penis are less tense 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 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 studies, after the age of 50, couples who undergo IVF have an 11% annual drop in their chances of conceiving.
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 partner for this reason.
Men's ability to maintain potency is most affected by the following somatic diseases:
- hypertension (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathologies (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis;
- a stroke;
- malignant tumors;
- kidney disease;
- spinal cord injuries;
- sexually transmitted infections (the prevalence of these pathologies is due to the fact that men do not consider it necessary to use condoms, as the risk of pregnancy of the partner decreases).
Medicines used in the treatment of some of the aforementioned 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 the drug.
Prostate surgery is also often performed at this age, which causes loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, with the help of rehabilitation procedures, such patients can fully restore sexual function.
Older people are shy to consult a doctor about sexual problems, because the society believes that sexuality after the age of 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, regular sexual activity during this period of life has health benefits:
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- anxiety level decreases.
There is a link between increased longevity among 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 conceived a child at the age of 96. However, in today's 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 are sexually active in old age. Men and women over 60 experience romantic and sexual feelings just as they did when they were younger, but try to suppress them by following society's lead.
Existing statistics collected in the USA and European countries, which confirm the ability of elderly people to live a fulfilling sex life:
- 75% of men regularly attend thoughts about sex;
- among people aged 65 to 97 years, 52% of men have sexual intercourse on average 2. 5 times a month;
- most would prefer to do it 2 times as often;
- 80% of men experience orgasm;
- 16% of respondents engage in sexual intercourse more often 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 80 have no sexual partner;
- 11% of respondents remain sexually active at the age of 90-95.
Thus, men have no strict age limits for maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and more dependent on the general physical condition in old age.
Tips for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good potency until old age, you should follow the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. It is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow a proper diet, use foods that promote erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. Bad habits have been scientifically proven to reduce male potency.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid heavy physical exertion, which causes general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.