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 do not have reduced potency. The decrease in libido after the age of 40 is more associated with the occurrence of co-morbidities that affect general health, as well as social causes. Society's 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 a man's body. This can manifest itself in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, weakening of potency and erection.
It is possible to conditionally distinguish 7 periods in the life of each of the representatives of the stronger sex:
| Lifetime, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Period characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels 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 permanent partner. A man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of 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 skillful lovers. |
| 50-60 | 1, 75 | No more than 7% of men completely lose potency, most can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | a | The number of sexual acts decreases mainly because the man himself decides to refuse them. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some can have intercourse up to 2 times a day |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | In most men, health deteriorates significantly during this period, resulting in reduced sexual activity. About 70% can have intercourse without the use of stimulants |
The process of decline in sexual function in men due to age is radically different from that of women, and their reproductive capacity 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 potency.
According to statistics, in most men, a sharp decline in testosterone synthesis begins at the age of 55-60. This period can be considered a "borderline", after which the average man begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
In men over 55, the following changes in sex life are noted:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido to complete impotence, irritability, poor concentration. These phenomena are related to 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 erection is reduced (to 66%).
- The testicles rise in 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 lengthens.
- During stimulation, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the entire 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 lower cavernous body and head of the penis are less stretched than in youth. The soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents injuries to the female genitalia due to the reduction of their elasticity.
The quality of sperm 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 research in IVF couples, after the age of 50, the chance of conception decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of general and sexual changes associated with age develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men for this reason have problems communicating with their partner.
The following physical 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 inflammation of the joints, 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 due to a reduction in 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 drugs.
At this age, operations on the prostate are also common, which lead to loss of erectile capacity and ejaculation. However, when using restorative procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, as there is a societal view 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.
- pain sensitivity is reduced.
- improves skeletal muscle tone.
- increased self-esteem;
- the stress 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 done in 1995 in 106 countries show that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women over 60 experience romantic and sexual sensations in the same way as in their youth, but try to suppress them, following the example of society.
Existing statistics collected in the USA and European countries confirm the ability of the elderly to have a full sex life:
- 75% of men regularly visit 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 2 times 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.
So there are no hard age limits for men when it comes to staying power. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good strength until old age, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow the right diet, use foods that stimulate erection: greens (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Cut out alcohol and smoking. It has been scientifically proven that bad habits reduce potency in men.
- Strengthen general physical health, lead an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including the genitals. At the same time, intense physical exertion, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of strength, should be avoided.