According to statistics, men's reproductive potential lasts longer than women's. At least a quarter of the representatives of the stronger sex over 65 did not reduce potency. The decrease in libido after the age of 40 is more related to the appearance of co-morbidities affecting the general state of health, as well as social reasons. Social perceptions of the asexuality of the elderly 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, begins to gradually decrease in the male body. This can manifest itself in a decrease in sexual desire, potency and erection.
Conditionally, 7 periods can be distinguished in the life of representatives of the stronger sex:
| Life expectancy, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Period characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels peak. After ejaculation, strength is quickly restored |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are almost the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as the presence of a steady partner. The man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of the sexual relationship |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels decrease by 1% per year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men rule in bed, so they become skilled lovers at this age. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | Up to 7% of men lose potency completely, most of them can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | one | The number of sexual acts decreases primarily because the man himself decides to reject them. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some people can have sex up to twice a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | The health of most men deteriorates significantly during this period, and as a result, sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have sex without the use of stimulants |
The process of age-related weakening of sexual functions in men is radically different from that of women, and does not limit their ability to conceive in any time frame, as happens in postmenopause. Sperm production decreases after the age of 40, but a man can maintain potency even after the age of 80.
According to statistics, the sharp decline in testosterone synthesis in most men begins at the age of 55-60. This period can be regarded as the "limit limit", after which the average person starts to have potency problems.
Age changes
The following changes can be observed in the sexual life of men over 55:
- Approximately 5% of men experience menopause-like symptoms in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido up to complete impotence, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These phenomena are associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- Achieving an erection and stronger stimulation of the penis takes longer (in 70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (in 66%).
- The testicles in the perineum rise only halfway and more slowly than when young.
- A decrease in the amount of sperm.
- The need for sex decreases, the period between ejaculations increases.
- During stimulation, the muscle tone decreases, which is characteristic of the entire body as a whole.
- For many men, sex does not end with ejaculation (62%), which leads to psychological problems, as the sexual partner begins to doubt the man's abilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower 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 the sperm also deteriorates, and the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate increases, which, if a woman becomes pregnant, leads to the birth of children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies.
According to medical research among couples who have undergone IVF, after the age of 50 the probability of conception 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 partners because of this.
In men, the following somatic diseases most affect the maintenance of potency:
- high blood pressure (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathologies (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- stroke;
- 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, as the risk of partner pregnancy decreases).
Medicines used to treat some of the above diseases (arthritis, high blood pressure 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 drugs.
Prostate surgeries are also common at this age, which lead to loss of erectile ability and ejaculation. However, during the application of rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are ashamed to go to the doctor with sexual problems, because the prevailing opinion in society is 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 functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- anxiety levels decrease.
There is a correlation between the increased lifespan of 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 Ramadjit Raghav from India, who conceived his child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual pleasures are only characteristic of the younger generation.
Studies conducted in 1995 in 106 countries show that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women over 60 experience the same romantic and sexual feelings as they did in their youth, but try to suppress them, following the example of society.
Existing statistics collected in the United States and European countries confirm that the elderly are capable of a full sexual life:
- 75% of men regularly revisit their thoughts about sex;
- among 65-97-year-olds, 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 several times a week;
- 9 out of 10 sexually active people find their sexual partner attractive;
- 2/3 of married couples are still experimenting with 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 active even at the age of 90-95.
Thus, there are no strict age limits for men in terms of maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition of old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
In order to maintain good potency, you should follow the following recommendations until old age:
- Have a regular sex life. It is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Quit alcohol and smoking. It is scientifically proven that bad habits reduce the effectiveness of men.
- Strengthen your general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including to the genitals. At the same time, high physical exertion must be avoided, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.