According to statistics, the 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 reduce potency. Decreased libido after the age of 40 is more related to the emergence of comorbidities that affect overall health, as well as social causes. Public perceptions of asexuality and parental cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
Seven human ages
From the age of 20, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, gradually begins to decline in the male body. This can manifest itself in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, a weakening of potency and an 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 | Period Features |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels are at their peak. After ejaculation, there is a rapid recovery of strength |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are about the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as the presence of a regular partner. A man becomes more in control and can control the duration of sexual 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 skilled lovers. |
| 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 sexual intercourse 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 using stimulants |
The process of age-related weakening of sexual function in men is radically different from that of women, and their childbearing ability is not limited by any time frame, as is the case in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production declines after 40 years, but even after 80 a man can maintain his potency.
According to statistics, in most men, a sharp decline in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60 years. This period can be considered a "frontier", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age change
In men over 55 years of age, the following changes in sexual life are noted:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido to total impotence, irritability, poor concentration. This phenomenon is associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- It takes longer to achieve a stronger erection and penis stimulation (in 70% of men).
- Severity of erections decreased (within 66%).
- The testes rise in the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased sperm volume.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is extended.
- During excitation, muscle tone decreases, which is also 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 sexual partners begin to doubt a man's abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection is not perfect. The lower cavernous body and head of the penis are less tense than in youth. The soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents injury to the female genital organs due to a decrease in their elasticity.
Sperm quality also deteriorates, the risk of random genetic mutations in ejaculation increases, which, when a woman becomes pregnant, leads to the birth of children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies.
According to medical studies among couples undergoing IVF, after the age of 50, the chances of conception decrease by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of these common and age-related changes in sexuality develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men for this reason have problems communicating with their partners.
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 arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- blow;
- malignant tumors;
- Kidney illness;
- spinal cord injury;
- sexually transmitted infections (the spread of this pathology is due to the fact that men do not consider it necessary to use condoms due to the reduced risk of pregnancy in partners).
Drugs used in the treatment of some of the above diseases (arthritis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases) have a negative effect on sexual function. According to research, about 40% of patients complain of a decrease in potency due to side effects of the drug.
At this age, prostate surgery is also common, leading to loss of erectile and ejaculatory abilities. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, the patient is able to fully restore sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor about sexual problems, because there is a perception in society 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;
- reduced pain sensitivity;
- increase skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- reduced anxiety level.
There is an association between increased longevity between centenarians and sexual activity.
Are there any limits to male sexuality?
The world's oldest father, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is Ramajit Raghav from India, who is pregnant with a child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual pleasure is the norm only for the younger generation.
A study conducted in 1995 in 106 countries showed that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women over 60 years experience romantic and sexual sensations in the same way as in their youth, but try to suppress them, following in the footsteps of society.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries confirm the ability of parents to have a full sexual 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 prefer to do it 2 times more often;
- 80% of men have 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 in sex;
- men over 65 years masturbate an average of 5 times a month;
- less than 60% of men over 80 have no sexual partners;
- 11% of respondents remained sexually active at the age of 90-95 years.
Thus, there is no hard age limit for men when it comes to maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and more dependent on general physical conditions in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good potency into old age, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is a major factor in male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: green vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Stop drinking alcohol and smoking. It has been scientifically proven that bad habits reduce potency in men.
- Strengthens general physical health, leads an active lifestyle. Muscle tone in general improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, strenuous physical exertion should be avoided, which leads to general fatigue of the body and a decrease in potency.