According to statistics, the reproductive potential in men lasts longer than in women. At least a quarter of the representatives of the stronger sex over 65 years of age have not reduced potency. The decrease in libido from the age of 40 is more associated with the appearance of comorbidities that affect health in general, as well as with social causes. Social perceptions of older people's asexuality 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 decline in a man's body. This can manifest itself in the form of decreased sexual desire, weakening of potency and erection.
It is conditionally possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each of the representatives of the stronger sex:
| Life span, years. | Average orgasms per week | Characteristics of the period |
|---|---|---|
| 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 sexual intercourse. |
| 30-40 | less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop 1% each year |
| 40-50 | two | Many men control themselves in bed and thus 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 | a | The number of sexual acts decreases mainly because the man himself decides to reject them. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some may have sex up to 2 times a day. |
| 70-80 | less than 1 | In most men, health significantly deteriorates during this period, as a result, sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have sex without the use of stimulants |
The age-related process of weakening men's sexual function is radically different from that of women, and their ability to procreate is not limited by any time frame, as it is in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production decreases after the age of 40, but even after 80 a man can maintain potency.
According to statistics, in most men, a sharp decrease 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 changes
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, lack of 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 (in 70% of men).
- The severity of the erection decreases (by 66%).
- The testicles rise in the perineum only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decreased semen volume.
- The need for sex is reduced, the period between ejaculations is lengthened.
- During arousal, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the entire organism as a whole.
- For many men, sexual relations do not end with ejaculation (62%), which generates psychological problems, since the sexual partner begins to doubt the male capabilities.
- Before intercourse, the erection becomes incomplete. The lower corpus cavernosum 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 decreased elasticity.
Sperm quality also deteriorates, the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate 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 conception decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of the general and sexual changes related to age develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men for this reason have problems communicating with their partner.
The following somatic diseases more significantly affect the ability to maintain potency in men:
- hypertension (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathologies (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- diabetes;
- chronic joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis;
- race;
- 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 the use of condoms necessary due to the reduced risk of pregnancy in the couple).
The drugs 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 decreased potency due to drug side effects.
Prostate surgeries are also common at this age, leading to loss of erectile capacity and ejaculation. However, when rehabilitative procedures are used, these patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, as there is an opinion in society that sexuality from 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 decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- the level of anxiety decreases.
There is a relationship 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 son at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual joys are the norm only for 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 romantic and sexual feelings in the same way as in their youth, but try to suppress them, following the example of society.
Existing statistics collected in the US and European countries that confirm the ability of older people to have a fulfilling sexual life:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- Among people aged 65 to 97, 52% of men have sex on average 2. 5 times a month;
- most would prefer to do it 2 times more often;
- 80% of men experience 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 are still experimenting in sex;
- men over 65 masturbate an average of 5 times a month;
- less than 60% of men over the age of 80 do not have a sexual partner;
- 11% of respondents are still sexually active at the age of 90-95 years.
Therefore, there are no strict age limits for men in terms of potency maintenance. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical state in old age.
Recommendations to maintain sexual longevity
To maintain good potency until old age, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Have a normal sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranates, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and tobacco. It is 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, intense physical exertion should be avoided, which leads to general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of potency.