According to statistics, reproductive potential in men lasts longer than in women. At least a quarter of men over the age of 65 have no reduced potency. Decreased libido after 40 years is more associated with the occurrence of co-morbidities that affect both overall health and social causes. Social perceptions of the asexuality of the elderly and cultural taboos also play a role in this process.
A man of seven years
From the age of 20, the level of testosterone, the main "male" hormone, in a man's body gradually begins to decrease. This can be manifested in the form of a decrease in sexual desire, weakening of potency and erection.
Conventionally, it is possible to distinguish 7 periods in the life of each representative of the stronger sex:
| Life period, years | Average number of orgasms per week | Characteristics of the period |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 3 | At this time, the testosterone level reaches its peak. After ejaculation there is a quick 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 permanent partner. A man becomes more restrained and can control the duration of intercourse |
| 30-40 | less than 3 | Testosterone levels decrease by 1% every 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 potency, most of them can satisfy their partner in other ways |
| 60-70 years | one | The number of sexual acts decreases mainly because the man himself decides to give them up. Erectile dysfunction occurs in about 20%, but some can have intercourse 2 times a day. |
| 70-80 years | less than 1 | In most men, health deteriorates significantly during this period, as a result of which sexual activity decreases. About 70% can have intercourse without using stimulants |
The process of men's age-related decline in sexual function is radically different from women's, and their ability to give birth is not limited to any time frame, as is the case in the postmenopausal period. Sperm production declines after the age of 40, but even after the age of 80 a man can maintain 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 as the "limit", after which the average man starts having problems with potency.
Age changes
The following changes in sexual life are observed in men over 55 years of age:
- About 5% of men have symptoms similar to menopause in women: general weakness, fatigue, decreased libido to complete impotence, irritability, poor concentration. These events 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 erection decreases (in 66%).
- Testicles in the perineum grow only half and more slowly than at a young age.
- Decrease in sperm volume.
- The need for sex decreases, the period between ejaculations increases.
- During excitement, muscle tone decreases, which is also characteristic of the body as a whole.
- For many men, sexual intercourse does not end with ejaculation (62%), which causes psychological problems, because the sexual partner begins to doubt the man's abilities.
- Erection is incomplete before intercourse. The lower corpus cavernosum and head of the penis are less tense than in youth. A soft head is a kind of protective mechanism that prevents damage to the female genital organs due to a decrease in their elasticity.
The quality of sperm also deteriorates, the risk of random genetic mutations in the ejaculate increases, which, when a woman becomes pregnant, leads to the birth of children suffering from autism, schizophrenia and other pathologies.
According to a medical study, among couples who undergo IVF, the probability of conceiving after age 50 decreases by 11% per year.
Some men who are unaware of the general and sexual age-related changes develop sexual anxiety. According to statistics, 44% of men have problems with their partner for this reason.
The following somatic 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 prevalence of these pathologies is due to the fact that men do not consider it necessary to use condoms due to the reduction of the risk of pregnancy in the partner).
Drugs used to treat some of the above-mentioned 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 side effects of drugs.
Prostate surgeries are also common at this age, causing erectile dysfunction and ejaculation. However, when using rehabilitation procedures, such patients can restore full sexual function.
Older people are embarrassed to go to the doctor for sexual problems, because there is a public opinion that sexuality over 60 is inappropriate and even shameful. However, regular sexual activity 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 link between increased longevity and sexual activity in centenarians.
Is there a limit to male sexuality?
The oldest father in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is Indian Ramajit Raghav, who gave birth to a child at the age of 96. However, in modern society there is a stereotype that sexual joy is the norm only for the younger generation.
A 1995 study of 106 countries found that 70% of men remain sexually active into old age. Men and women over the age of 60 experience romantic and sexual feelings just as they did in their youth, but try to suppress them under the guidance of society.
Current statistics collected in the USA and European countries, which confirm the ability of the elderly to have a full sexual life:
- 75% of men regularly visit thoughts about sex;
- Among people aged 65-97, 52% of men have sex 2. 5 times a month on average;
- Most people prefer to do it twice as often;
- 80% of men experience orgasm;
- 16% of respondents have sex 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.
Thus, there are no severe age restrictions for men in terms of maintaining potency. Sexual norms are individual and more dependent on general physical condition in old age.
Recommendations for maintaining sexual longevity
To maintain good potency until old age, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Have a regular sex life. This is the main factor of male sexuality.
- Follow proper nutrition, use foods that stimulate erection: herbs (parsley, dill, celery), honey, pomegranate, fish and others.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. It is scientifically proven that bad habits reduce potency in men.
- Strengthening general physical health, active lifestyle. General muscle tone improves blood circulation, including in the genitals. At the same time, heavy physical exertion should be avoided, which leads to general fatigue of the body and deterioration of potency.