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 did not reduce their potency. The decrease in sexual desire after the age of 40 is more associated with the occurrence of co-morbidities that affect general health, as well as with social causes. Public perception and cultural taboos about the asexuality of older people also play a role in this process.
Seven ages of man
From the age of 20, the level of the main "male" hormone testosterone in a man's body gradually begins to decrease. This can be manifested by a decrease in sexual desire, weakening of potency and erection.
Conditionally, 7 life periods of each representative of the stronger sex can be distinguished:
| Period of life, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Features of the period |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels peak. After ejaculation, strength quickly recovers |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are almost the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as the presence of a permanent 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, which is why they 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 | alone | Sexual acts are decreasing mainly because the man himself decides to give them up. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some may have intercourse up to 2 times a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | The health of most men deteriorates significantly during this period, which leads to a decrease in sexual activity. About 70% can have sex without using stimulants |
The age-related decline in sexual function in men is radically different from that in women, and their fertility 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 can maintain potency.
According to statistics, the synthesis of testosterone in most men decreases sharply between the ages of 55 and 60. This period can be considered the "threshold" after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
The following changes in sex life are observed in men over 55 years of age:
- About 5% of men experience 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 (70% of men).
- The difficulty of erection decreases (66%).
- The testicles in the perineum rise only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased sperm volume.
- The need for sex decreases, the period between ejaculations increases.
- During arousal, the 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 causes psychological problems, because the sexual partner begins to doubt male 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 injury to the female genital organs due to their reduced elasticity.
The quality of sperm also deteriorates, and the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate increases, as a result of which, when a woman becomes pregnant, children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies are born.
According to medical research, among couples who undergo IVF, after the age of 50, the chance of conceiving 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.
These somatic diseases have the greatest impact on men's ability to maintain potency:
- hypertension (29 percent of patients);
- other pathologies of the cardiovascular system (55 percent of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis;
- stroke;
- malignant tumors;
- kidney disease;
- spinal cord injury;
- sexually transmitted infections (these pathologies spread due to the fact that men do not consider it necessary to use condoms due to the reduced risk of pregnancy of the partner).
Medicines used to treat some of the aforementioned diseases (arthritis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases) have a negative effect on sexual functions. According to research, about 40% of patients complain of a decrease in potency due to the side effects of drugs.
Prostate surgery is also common at this age, leading to loss of erectile function and ejaculation. However, with rehabilitation procedures, such patients can fully restore sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to see a doctor for sexual problems, because the prevailing opinion in society is that sexuality over 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, regular sexual activity during this period of life is beneficial for health:
- improves the work of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- anxiety levels decrease.
There is a link between longer 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 had a child at the age of 96. However, the stereotype that sexual joys are the norm only for the young generation is rampant in modern society.
Research conducted in 1995 in 106 countries shows that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women in their 60s experience romantic and sexual feelings just as they did in their youth, but try to suppress them, following the example of society.
Statistical data collected in the USA and European countries, confirming the possibilities of older people to live a full sexual life:
- 75% of men visit regularly thinking about sex;
- among people aged 65-97, 52% of men have sex on average 2. 5 times a month;
- most of them would like 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 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.
So there is no strict age limit for men to maintain 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 must follow these recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. It is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow a proper diet, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish, etc.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. It has been scientifically proven that bad habits reduce male potency.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves circulation, including to the genitals. At the same time, heavy physical exertion should be avoided, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.