Plenty of men say their best sex happens after 40. But as
you rack up years, you'll probably notice some changes to your libido, your
erections—and your ejaculations. Eruptions that once had the volume and trajectory
of a fire hose may now have the intensity of a coiled-up garden hose, which can
cause you to worry.
But don't.
Experts suggest that a decrease in ejaculation volume or
intensity as you age is rarely cause for alarm. But at what age does a guy stop
ejaculating, and more significantly, what happens if he does so permanently?
Here are some tips for protecting your ejaculations from the
damaging effects of aging and how it affects them.
What Is Ejaculation, Exactly?
Before we talk about how and why your emissions might change
as you get older, it's worth going over what happens when you ejaculate. Ejaculation
is a complicated dance controlled by your central nervous system. It involves
your brain and muscles in your pelvic region.
There are two phases to every ejaculation.
Phase 1:
In the first phase, after an appropriate level of arousal is
reached, the vas deferens—tubes that collect sperm from your testicles—receive
signals from the central nervous system. These tubes deposit the sperm produced
in the testicles into the urethra, where they combine with seminal vesicles and
prostate fluids (semen) to form ejaculate.
Phase 2:
In the second phase, your bulbocavernosus muscles (BC) which
cover the base of your penis—along with the levator muscles in your
pelvis—rhythmically create wave-like contractions that move the ejaculate down
and out of the urethra. These contractions happen every 0.8 seconds during
ejaculation, forcing semen out of your penis in up to five spurts.
At What Age Does A Man Stop Ejaculating?
There’s no specific age when men stop ejaculating. Lower
ejaculate force and volume are expected as you age. Here’s what to expect.
Your Ejaculations Might Feel Less Forceful As You Age
What makes your member erupt like a geyser? Muscles.
Specifically, your BC muscles and pelvic floor muscles. And like other muscles,
they weaken with age. As they decline, so too does your ejaculatory force.
Pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, can strengthen your
pelvic floor muscles.
Kegels are discrete and easy. You can do them while watching
TV or driving in your car. Just clench the muscles in your pelvic floor that
you’d tighten to stop the flow of pee mid-stream.
Regularly doing three sets of 10 reps three times a day can
strengthen your BC and pelvic floor muscles.
You May Ejaculate Less As You Age
While porn sets have you believe you ejaculate buckets, five
cubic centimeters (cc) —the higher end of average ejaculate volume—only equals
one teaspoon. On average, the volume of an ejaculation is between 1.5 cc and five
cc.
One study published in the Journal of Andrology, with
participants ranging in age from 45 to 80 years, did find that semen volume and
sperm motility—the sperm's ability to move efficiently—declined with age.
How hydrated you are is a significant factor in ejaculate
volume. Drinking more water can increase your semen volume because you have a
higher fluid content in your body, he says.
What Happens If A Man Stops Ejaculating?
Nothing. Remember, more isn’t necessarily better. Higher
volumes of semen do not mean higher testosterone levels, greater virility, or
even increased fertility.
What Makes Up Your Ejaculate?
Only a tiny percentage of ejaculate is sperm. The majority
of semen is a milky fluid made by the seminal vesicles—a pair of ducts that sit
behind your prostate and bladder and help produce semen—and the prostate gland.
Fluid from the seminal vesicles contains fructose—to help fuel sperm cells—and
has an alkaline pH component. The prostate contributes an acidic protein called
prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
These fluids all combine to optimize the likelihood that
sperm is transmitted as high up into the female reproductive tract as possible.
So, what happens to these reproductive parts with age?
In about 50 percent of men, a condition called benign
prostatic hyperplasia occurs where your prostate enlarges and impedes the flow
of urine from the bladder. While an enlarged prostate doesn’t stop you from
ejaculating, treatments for enlarged prostates—like medications (including
finasteride), can lead to ejaculatory troubles.
Your seminal vesicles may also become less elastic with age.
Ejaculate volume may decline slightly because of this, but this doesn’t happen
with every guy. Age-weakened bulbocavernosus muscles can also mean less
ejaculate force.
What About Erections?
Erectile dysfunction is prevalent in older men, and many men
believe that an erection is necessary for climax and ejaculation. False. However,
you and your partner have options if the idea of experiencing an orgasm and
ejaculating without an erection disturbs you.
PDE5 inhibitors are a type of drug that urologists employ to
treat the underlying physical reason for erectile dysfunction. See a sex
therapist or other mental health specialist if the issue is more cerebral than
emotional (your doctor can assist you in determining this). Speaking with a
mental health expert can help you find ways to talk to your partner about
performance anxiety and can also help you become more confident.
Why Does Ejaculation Decrease With Age?
The decrease in ejaculation volume and changes in sexual
function that can occur for several reasons cause us to age. These might
include factors like hormonal imbalances, aging of reproductive organs, and
reduced sensitivity of the penis. Certain medicines, health issues, and
psychological factors can also lead to decreased ejaculation.
Hormonal changes
Testosterone levels gradually diminish as men age, affecting
sexual function and decreasing sperm production. Testosterone is essential for
sperm production and the general health of the male reproductive system.
Aging of reproductive organs
The aging process can cause changes in the form and function
of reproductive organs such as the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and
ejaculatory muscles. These variations can affect the volume and power of
ejaculation.
Reduced penile sensitivity
Reduced penile sensitivity, also known as diminished penile
sensation or Hypoesthesia, is a condition in which a man's penile sensitivity
is reduced. It might present as a loss of touch, pressure, warmth, or sexual
excitement. As men age, some may lose penile sensitivity, which can influence
sexual excitement and the intensity of orgasms and ejaculation.
Medicines and health problems
Certain medicines, such as those used to treat prostate disorders
or Hypertension, might cause ejaculatory adverse effects. Some medical
diseases, such as Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological illnesses,
can also lead to alterations in sexual function.
Psychological aspects
Aging can cause psychological variables such as Stress,
Anxiety, and Depression, affecting sexual function and arousal. These variables
might have an indirect effect on ejaculation.
Conclusion
There is no standard age at which all males stop ejaculating. Ejaculation is a typical physiological function that occurs throughout a man's life. There is no specific reason that governs at what age a man stops ejaculating. However, changes in ejaculation patterns, such as decreased volume or intensity, can occur as men age due to hormonal changes, the aging of reproductive organs, and potential health issues.
Individuals' ages at which these changes occur might vary considerably. It's crucial to remember that sexual health is very individual, and if there are any concerns regarding changes in ejaculation or sexual function. They will suggest you personalized assistance and evaluation.
