According to statistics, men's reproductive potential lasts longer than women's. At least a quarter of the representatives of the stronger sex over the age of 65 have not reduced potency. After the age of 40, the decrease in libido is more often associated with the appearance of comorbid diseases that affect general health, as well as social reasons. In this process, the ideas accepted by the society about the asexuality of the elderly and cultural taboos also play a role.
Seven years of man
From the age of 20, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, in the male body begins to gradually decrease. This can manifest itself in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, potency and erection.
In the life of each representative of the stronger sex, 7 periods can be conventionally distinguished:
| Life cycle, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Features of the era |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels peak. There is a rapid recovery of strength after discharge |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are almost the same, but the frequency of orgasm may depend on factors such as having a regular partner. A man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of sexual intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels decrease by 1% every year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men are self-controlled in bed and therefore become competent lovers at this age. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | More than 7% of men do not lose their potency completely, most of them can satisfy their partner 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 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 sex without the use of stimulants |
The process of men's age-related decline in sexual function is fundamentally different from women's, and their ability to have children is not limited to any time frame, as in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production decreases after 40 years, but a man can maintain his potential even after 80 years.
According to statistics, a sharp decline in testosterone synthesis in most men begins at the age of 55-60. This period can be considered the "borderline", after which the average man begins to experience problems with potency.
Age changes
The following changes in sex life are noted in men over 55 years of age:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido up to complete impotence, irritability, poor concentration. These events 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 intensity of erection decreases (66%).
- The testicles rise in the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased sperm volume.
- The need for sexual intercourse decreases, the time between ejaculations increases.
- During excitement, muscle tone decreases, which is characteristic of the whole body.
- 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.
- Erection is incomplete before intercourse. The lower cavernous body and the head of the penis are less tense than in youth. A soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents damage to the female genital organs due to a decrease in elasticity.
The quality of sperm also deteriorates, and the risk of accidental genetic mutations in ejaculation increases, which leads to the birth of children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies when a woman becomes pregnant.
According to medical studies conducted among couples undergoing IVF, after the age of 50 the probability of conceiving decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of general and sexual age-related changes develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men have problems communicating with their partner because of this.
The following somatic diseases most 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 prevalence of these pathologies is due to the fact that men do not consider it necessary to use condoms due to the reduced risk of pregnancy in a partner).
Medicines used in the treatment of some of the above-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.
Prostate surgeries are also common at this age, causing erectile dysfunction and ejaculation. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, such patients can regain full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor about sexual problems, because society has the idea that sexuality over the age of 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, regular sexual activity during this period of life has health benefits:
- improves the work of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- anxiety level decreases.
There is a link between increased longevity and sexual activity among centenarians.
Is there a limit to male sexuality?
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest father in the world is the Indian Ramajit Raghav who gave birth to a child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is such a stereotype that sexual joys are the norm only for the younger generation.
A 1995 study of 106 countries found that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women over the age of 60 experience the same romantic and sexual feelings as they did in their youth, but they try to stifle them by obeying the guidance of society.
Available statistics confirming the ability of older people to have a full sexual life in the USA and European countries:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- Among people aged 65-97, 52% of men have sex 2. 5 times a month on average;
- most of them prefer to do it 2 times more 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 have 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 potency preservation. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain a good potential until old age, you should follow the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow a proper diet, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish, etc.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. Bad habits have been scientifically proven to lower potency in men.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including the genitals. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid heavy physical exertion, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potential.