Aging is a natural process. One of the most notable changes that occur with age is a decline in testosterone levels. This decrease in hormone levels can affect a man’s sexual performance and ejaculation. With this in mind, we should understand the biological clock and the age at which a man stops ejaculating. Besides testosterone, other factors can also impact when a man stops ejaculating.
This article will give you an overview of how ejaculation in men can be influenced by factors as they get older.
Male Ejaculation: Basics and Factors at Play
Men undergo ejaculation during sexual activity. It is a natural physiological process that releases semen from the penis.[1] Ejaculation involves intense muscle contractions and produces a pleasurable sensation. A complex interplay of hormones, nerves, and muscles also regulates this process.
Several factors can impact male ejaculation, with age being a primary one. As men age, their testosterone levels decline. This can affect the frequency and intensity of ejaculation.
At What Age Does A Man Stop Ejaculating?
The age at which a man stops ejaculating can vary from individual to individual. While there is no specific age that can be pinpointed as the exact cutoff for ejaculation. Similarly, there is no set age at which most men stop having sex.
There is also no definitive response to the question, ” At what age does a man stop being sexually active?” Yet, research indicates that the average man has a “sexual life expectancy” between 75 and 85 years.[2] So to what age a man is sexually active is hard to determine. But there are certain trends and factors to consider.
As men get older, hormonal changes contribute to a decrease in ejaculation. The main hormone responsible for men’s sexual drive and function is testosterone.[3] It also manages ejaculation.
Male testosterone levels reach their peak in the late teens. The early decline has little to do with physical impact before the age of 30. A man’s testosterone levels decline by around 1.6% annually between the ages of 30 and 40.[4] The consequences are rarely of concern. However, after age 40, males may experience a decreased sex drive. This is due to further declines in testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels can influence health. They can also cause symptoms that immediately impact sexual performance. These symptoms include decreased sex drive, erection dysfunction, and reduced sperm count. Age-related testosterone decline is a regular phenomenon. Yet, a sharp decline in testosterone might cause a reduction in libido.
One concern that some individuals may have is decreased ejaculation force with age. As testosterone levels decline, the intensity and force of ejaculation may also decrease. This can lead to a perceived decrease in sexual satisfaction for some men.
Another common concern is the impact of a long period of time without ejaculation. Many people may question what happens if you don’t ejaculate and stay abstinent for a long time. While there is limited scientific research on this specific topic. It is believed that occasional ejaculation is healthy for maintaining optimal sexual function.
Not everything is biological. Both physical and psychological aspects influence your sex drive as well. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can affect your sexual response. These factors can further make it harder to ejaculate. Moreover, these psychological factors can affect men of all ages, not just older men.
Additionally, health conditions and lifestyle choices can affect ejaculation as men age. Certain medical conditions can impact ejaculation. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and prostate problems.
Men tend to have these chronic illnesses more after they reach their 60s. These may also have an impact on sex drive. Some men may have reduced testosterone levels due to diabetes or heart disease. These conditions may also cause ED as they alter the blood arteries in the penis. Hence, making it harder to get or keep an erection.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and an unhealthy diet are some habits that can affect sexual function.
Hence, it is important for men to be aware of these factors and how they can impact ejaculation as they age. This understanding can further help you realize age-related changes. As men age, they can have a good and healthy sex life by addressing changes in hormones, emotions, and health.
Causes of Sexual Health Problems
- There are numerous reasons why male sexual health and performance deteriorate over time. These include:[5]
- Prostate cancer surgery and/or treatment
- Enlarged prostate
- Low testosterone
- Performance anxiety
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Heart attack or heart condition
- Vascular diseases that affect blood loss and flow[6]
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Nerve damage
- Atherosclerosis
- Alcohol
- Sports Injury
- Stress
Furthermore, issues with sexual function can lead to difficulties in ejaculation. Hormonal imbalances stand out as a key contributor to sexual health problems. Hormones actively regulate sexual desire and play a vital role in this aspect. They also impact sexual function and ejaculation in men. With advancing age, men experience a natural decline in testosterone levels. Low levels of thyroid hormones or imbalances in sex hormones can also affect ejaculation.
What Happens If A Man Stops Ejaculating?
When a man ceases to ejaculate, it can have different impacts on his sexual function. Ejaculation is not only a pleasurable experience. It is also an important physiological process that allows for the release of semen and the potential for reproduction.
Not ejaculating can lead to a reduction in sexual satisfaction. Ejaculation is often associated with feelings of pleasure and release. The absence of these feelings can lead to decreased sexual satisfaction for some men. It can also impact the intensity and force of orgasms. Hence, making them less intense or pleasurable.
Moreover, plenty of men experience difficulty ejaculating with age. A study found that the problem affects 16% of men in their early 60s, 23% between ages 65 and 74, and 33% of men 75 and older.[7] As men get older, the muscles that make ejaculation happen become weaker. When these muscles deteriorate, semen leaks out, and orgasms may not be pleasurable.
Not ejaculating for an extended period of time can also have an impact on sexual health. It may lead to a decrease in sexual desire or libido. It can also cause issues with Erectile Function. Regular stimulation is vital to keep the muscles and nerves involved in ejaculation active.
Furthermore, hormonal changes can occur when a man stops ejaculating. Hormones strongly influence sexual desire and function. Lack of ejaculation can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. This can lead to a decrease in libido and sexual desire. It can also impact other aspects of sexual health.
As men age, it is normal for changes to occur in their ejaculation. These changes can be frustrating or concerning for some individuals.
But there are ways to cope with them and maintain a satisfying sexual experience. One important aspect to consider is the role of hormones in ejaculation. As men get older, their hormones can become imbalanced, causing a reduction in libido and sexual desire. It may be helpful to consult a doctor to address hormonal imbalances. They can guide you with potential treatment options.
Coping with Changes in Ejaculation as You Age
Another important aspect of coping with changes in ejaculation is communication. Discussing any concerns with a partner can help reduce anxiety or pressure. It can help you create a more supportive and understanding environment. Exploring new sexual techniques or incorporating different forms of intimacy can also help enhance the sexual experience. It can further compensate for any changes in ejaculation.
Besides hormonal and communication strategies, maintaining health and wellness is crucial. This includes
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Consume a balanced diet.
- Keep stress levels under control.
- Stay away from harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol intake.
Taking care of one’s physical and mental well-being can contribute to sexual health. It can also enhance the experience of ejaculation, regardless of age. Approach these changes with patience and understanding. Seek appropriate support if needed.
At What Age Do Men Lose Their Sex Drive?
The age at which men may experience a decrease in sex drive can vary widely. There is no specific age at which all men lose their sex drive. Sexual desire is enormous at the age of 18 to 30 years. To achieve arousal, relatively little stimulation is usually required. You wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning with a rock-hard penis. The orgasm is strong at the climax. Many times you ejaculate an impressive volume of semen with an arc-like trajectory. Levels of testosterone are at an all-time high.
After age 30, things start to change for males. While your sexual desire is still strong, it is no longer as “all-consuming” as it once was. The blood flow is brisk. The amount of testosterone is high. Your masculinity is strong, but it might not become hard as quickly as it used to. Some contact and stimulation may be required to achieve an erection. Your pelvic muscle strength declined, even though you might not be aware of it.
Men start to experience Erectile Dysfunction by the age of 40 years. Each decade that goes by sees a 10% growth in this figure.[8] While you may still need and want sex, it usually isn’t with the same intensity as it was 20 years ago. The penis now needs more stimulation to get a good erection. Sometimes, you may lose it before completing the sexual act. Climax has gotten a little weaker. Orgasms have lost some of their energy compared to earlier decades. After an orgasm, a second erection might be challenging to achieve.
The development of Peyronie’s disease due to scar tissue and penile trauma, increased weight, being out of shape, taking medication that impairs erectile function and reduces blood flow, and weakening pelvic muscles results in Erectile Dysfunction as well as Premature Ejaculation.
The most substantial changes occur beyond the age of 50. There is a decline in sexual performance and function. Erections at night and in the morning become infrequent. You lose your erection before you or your partner climaxes. Your orgasms are different and far less powerful. Both the amount of semen and the ejaculatory force decrease. Penis size starts to decline. The penis receives less blood flow. The amount of testosterone is dropping. Declining prostate health, prostate surgery, and prostate cancer treatment cause these alterations. All of these further contribute to ED in millions of men.
After the age of 60, testosterone levels start to decline, leading to decreased desire. Although a firm penis is attainable, it frequently demands significant coaxing and coercion. During intercourse, your penis may soften at any point. Penis size reduction may be evident. Orgasms are no longer as exciting as they once were, and powerful ejaculations are a thing of the past. You might not see any results from ED drugs.
Approximately 50% of men benefit from these drugs. Yet, millions more cannot take them due to underlying medical issues. Further shrinkage of the penis may cause it to appear smaller after 70 years. The most you can do at times is a partially inflated erection. No matter how hard you try, it won’t penetrate this time.
It is natural to have fewer sexual encounters as you age. The correct combination of healthy habits, a happy mindset, and medicines can help you maintain a healthy sex life as you age.
At What Age Does A Man Stop Being Hard On?
The age at which a man may experience difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection can vary. There are several factors that can affect erectile function as men age, including hormonal changes, health conditions, lifestyle choices, and psychological factors of ED.
The Final Thought
There is no specific age at which a man will stop ejaculating. However various factors can impact his sexual function as he ages. Men need to focus on their health and wellness to maintain healthy sexual function as they get older. Seeking support and treatment options can help men manage any changes they experience in their sexual function. By staying informed and proactive, men can continue to enjoy fulfilling and satisfying sexual experiences throughout their lives.
References:
- Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF. Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation. Fertil Steril. 2015 Nov;104(5):1051-60. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033. Epub 2015 Sep 16. PMID: 26385403; PMCID: PMC4896089. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4896089/
- Lindau, S.T. and Gavrilova, N. (2010) ‘Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: Evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing’, BMJ, 340(mar09 2), pp. c810–c810. doi:10.1136/bmj.c810. https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c810
- Understanding how testosterone affects men (2016) National Institutes of Health. Available at: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men (Accessed: 20 August 2023). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men
- Qaseem, A. et al. (2020) ‘Testosterone treatment in adult men with age-related low testosterone: A clinical guideline from the American College of Physicians’, Annals of Internal Medicine, 172(2), pp. 126–133. doi:10.7326/m19-0882. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/m19-0882
- Home (no date) Sexual Dysfunction | Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction Causes | Beaumont Health. Available at: https://www.beaumont.org/conditions/male-female-sexual-dysfunction-causes
- Solomon, H., Man, J.W. and Jackson, G. (2003) Erectile dysfunction and the cardiovascular patient: Endothelial dysfunction is the common denominator, Heart. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. Available at: https://heart.bmj.com/content/89/3/251?ijkey=cc7181b6f7d5130ba0fb41e3a670f74a439d48fd&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha
- Castleman, M. (2010) Older men sex problem, decline in orgasm, ejaculation – men sex advice…, AARP. https://www.aarp.org/relationships/love-sex/info-11-2010/men_sex_problem_cannot_climax.html
- Ferrini MG, Gonzalez-Cadavid NF, Rajfer J. Aging related erectile dysfunction-potential mechanism to halt or delay its onset. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Feb;6(1):20-27. doi: 10.21037/tau.2016.11.18. PMID: 28217447; PMCID: PMC5313305. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313305/
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