According to statistics, men's reproductive potential lasts longer than women's. At least a quarter of men over the age of 65 have not lost their potency. After the age of 40, the decrease in libido is more related to the occurrence of additional diseases that affect general health, as well as social causes. Societal perceptions of the asexuality of the elderly and cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
Seven years of age
From the age of 20, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, in a man's body begins to gradually decrease. This can be manifested in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, weakened potency and erection.
Conventionally, 7 periods can be divided in the life of each representative of the stronger sex:
| Period of life, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Features of the season |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | This is when testosterone levels are at their peak. After ejaculation, there is a rapid recovery of strength |
| 20-30 | 3 | Testosterone levels are about the same, but orgasm frequency depends on factors such as having a steady partner. A man can be restrained and control the duration of intercourse |
| 30-40 | Less than 3 | Testosterone levels drop by 1% every year |
| 40-50 | 2 | Many men are reserved in bed, so at this age they become skilled lovers. |
| 50-60 | 1. 75 | No more than 7% of men lose their potency completely, most of them can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 | one | The number of sexual acts decreases, because the man himself decides to refrain from them. Erectile dysfunction affects about 20%, but some can have intercourse up to 2 times a day. |
| 70-80 | Less than 1 | Most men's health deteriorates significantly during this period, resulting in decreased sexual activity. About 70% can have sex without using stimulants |
The process of age-related decline in male sexual function is markedly different from that of women, and their fertility is not limited to any time frame like postmenopause. After the age of 40, sperm production declines, but even after the age of 80, a man can maintain his potency.
According to statistics, a sharp decline in testosterone synthesis in most men begins at the age of 55-60. This period can be considered "border", after which the average person begins to have problems with potency.
Age changes
Men over 55 years of age experience the following changes in their sexual life:
- Approximately 5% of men have symptoms similar to those of menopausal women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido up 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 strong stimulation of the penis (in 70% of men).
- Hardness of erection decreases (66%).
- The testicles rise partially and slowly in the perineum compared to young age.
- The size of the seed is reduced.
- Sexual desire decreases, the period between ejaculations increases.
- During excitement, muscle tone decreases, which is characteristic of the whole body.
- For many men, sexual intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), which leads to psychological problems, because the sexual partner begins to doubt the man's ability.
- Erection becomes incomplete before sexual intercourse. The inferior corpora cavernosa and head of the penis are less tense than in young people. A soft head is a type of protective mechanism that protects against injury due to the reduced elasticity of the female genital organs.
The quality of sperm also deteriorates, the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate increases, which leads to the birth of children with autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies when a woman is pregnant.
According to medical research among couples who have undergone IVF, the probability of conceiving after age 50 decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of general and age-related changes develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men have difficulty communicating with their partner for this reason.
The following somatic diseases significantly affect the preservation of potency in men:
- hypertension (29% of patients);
- other cardiovascular pathology (55% of cases);
- obesity (24%);
- Diabetes mellitus;
- chronic inflammation of joints, rheumatoid arthritis;
- stroke;
- malignant tumors;
- kidney diseases;
- spinal cord injury;
- sexually transmitted infections (because of the spread of these pathologies, men do not consider it necessary to use condoms due to the reduced risk of pregnancy in the partner).
Medicines 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 studies, about 40% of patients complain of a decrease in potency due to side effects of the drug.
Prostate surgeries are also common at this age, which can lead to erectile dysfunction and ejaculation. However, using rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are shy about seeing a doctor about sexual problems, because society believes that having sex over the age of 60 is wrong or even shameful. However, regular sex during this period of life has health benefits:
- improves the work of the cardiovascular system;
- pain sensitivity decreases;
- improves skeletal muscle tone;
- increased self-esteem;
- anxiety levels decrease.
There is a correlation between longevity and sexual activity.
Is there a limit to male sexuality?
According to the Guinness Book of Records, Indian Ramajit Raghav became the oldest father in the world at the age of 96. However, in today's society, there is a stereotype that sexual pleasure is the norm only for the younger generation.
A 1995 study of 106 countries found that 70% of men remain sexually active in old age. Men and women over 60 experience the same romantic and sexual feelings as when they were younger, but follow society's lead and try to suppress them.
Current statistics collected in the US and European countries confirm the ability of the elderly to have a full sexual life:
- 75% of men have regular sex;
- Among people aged 65-97, 52% of men have sex 2. 5 times a month on average;
- most of them want to make 2 times more;
- 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 couples continue to experiment 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 sexually active at the age of 90-95.
Thus, there are no age restrictions for men in terms of maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and depend more on the general physical condition of aging.
Recommendations for maintaining the longevity of sex life
To maintain a good potential until old age, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Have regular sex. It is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Maintain proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: vegetables (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Quit drinking and smoking. Scientifically proven, these harmful habits reduce potency in men.
- Improving general physical health, leading an active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, you should avoid heavy physical exertion, which leads to general weakening of the body and the potential for deterioration.