According to statistics, reproductive potential in males lasts longer than females. At least a quarter of representatives of the stronger sex over the age of 65 did not reduce potential. Decreased libido after age 40 is more associated with the appearance of comorbidities that affect overall health, as well as social causes. Society’s perceptions of asexuality and cultural taboos of the elderly 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 in the form of decreased sexual desire, potential weakness and erections.
It is possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each representative of the stronger sex:
| Life span, 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 almost the same, but the frequency of orgasms can depend on factors such as the presence of a regular partner. A man becomes more controlled and can control the duration of sexual intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop 1% each 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 lose potential completely, most of whom can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | one | The number of sexual acts decreased mainly because the man himself decided to reject it. 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 the use of stimulants |
The process of age-related impairment of male sexual function is radically different from that of women, and their ability to bear children is not limited by any period of time, as is the case during menopause. Sperm production decreases 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 years. This period can be considered a "borderline", 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 observed:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido to complete impotence, irritability, poor concentration. This phenomenon is associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
- It takes longer to achieve an erection and stronger penile stimulation (in 70% of men).
- Erection severity decreased (in 66%).
- The testicles rise in the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- The amount of semen decreases.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is lengthened.
- During excitation, muscle tone decreases, which is also a characteristic of the organism as a whole.
- For most 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 becomes incomplete. 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 genitals due to a decrease in its 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 research among couples undergoing IVF, after the age of 50, the probability of getting pregnant decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of general and sexually age -related changes experience sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men for this reason have problems in 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);
- obese (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic inflammation of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis;
- stroke;
- malignant tumor;
- kidney disease;
- 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 decreased risk of pregnancy in couples).
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 the study, 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 ability and ejaculation. However, when using restorative procedures, such patients can fully restore sexual function.
Older people are ashamed to go to the doctor about sexual problems, as there is an opinion in society that sexuality over the age of 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, frequent sexual activity during this period of life brings health benefits:
- improve the work of the cardiovascular system;
- decreased pain sensitivity;
- improve skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self -esteem;
- the level of anxiety decreases.
There is an association between increased longevity among the age of one hundred years and sexual activity.
Are there limits to male sexuality?
The world’s oldest father, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is Ramajit Raghav of 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 the age of 60 experience romantic and sexual sensations in the same way as in their youth, but try to suppress them, according to society’s cues.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries confirming the ability of the elderly to live a full sexual life:
- 75% of men regularly visit thinking about sex;
- among people aged 65-97, 52% of men have sex on average 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 had 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 attempt 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 remained sexually active at the age of 90-95 years.
Therefore, there is no difficult age limit for men in terms of maintaining potential. Sexual norms are individual and more dependent on general physical condition in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good potential into old age, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a regular sex life. This is a major factor of male sexuality.
- Follow a proper diet, use foods that stimulate erections: vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Quit 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 in the genitals. At the same time, strenuous physical exertion should be avoided, which leads to general fatigue of the body and deterioration of potential.