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 potency. The decrease in libido after the age of 40 is more related to the occurrence of concomitant diseases that affect overall health, as well as social reasons. Public perceptions of older 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 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 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 are at their peak. After ejaculation there is a quick recovery of strength |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are about the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as having a steady partner. The man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop by 1% each 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 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 of which sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have intercourse without the use of stimulants |
The process of age-related decline in sexual function in men is fundamentally different from that in women, and their reproductive capacity is not limited by a time frame, as it is in the post-menopausal period. Sperm production declines after 40 years, but even after 80 a man can maintain potency.
According to statistics, in most men, the sharp decrease in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60 years. This period can be considered a "limit" after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over 55 years of age, the following changes in sex life are noted:
- 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 longer to achieve an erection and stronger stimulation of the penis (in 70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (at 66%).
- The testicles rise into 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 excitement, the muscle tone decreases, which is 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 the male abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The inferior corpus cavernosum and head of the penis are less tense than in youth. The soft head is a type 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 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 partner for this reason.
The following somatic diseases to the greatest extent 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;
- blow;
- 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 a 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 a decrease in potency due to the side effects of the drugs.
At this age, prostate surgeries are also common, which lead to loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, when rehabilitation procedures are used, such patients can regain full sexual function.
Older people are afraid to go to the doctor for sexual problems, because there is a public 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;
- anxiety level 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 the Indian Ramajit Raghav, who conceived 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 showed that 70% of men remained 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 guidance of society.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries that confirm the ability of older people to have a fulfilling 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 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 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, 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 potency until old age, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: vegetables (parsley, fennel, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. Bad habits have been scientifically proven to reduce potency in men.
- Strengthening general physical health, leading 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.