The ability to ejaculate does not cease at a specific age; a healthy 70-year-old man can certainly continue to ejaculate. There is no set biological cutoff point where the function stops entirely, unlike the clearly defined onset of menopause in women. However, the experience of ejaculation changes considerably over the decades as a result of natural physiological aging. These changes affect the physical force of expulsion, the volume of fluid produced, and the time required for sexual recovery. Understanding these natural shifts and recognizing potential medical complications can help manage expectations.
The Mechanics of Ejaculation and Age
The physical process of ejaculation relies on a coordinated series of muscle contractions, which tend to become less vigorous with age. The muscles of the pelvic floor, particularly the bulbocavernosus muscle responsible for the expulsion phase, naturally weaken over time. This muscular deconditioning results in a noticeable decrease in ejaculatory force and the distance the semen is propelled. The feeling of orgasm itself may also become less intense and feature fewer rhythmic contractions compared to earlier in life.
Another significant change is the lengthening of the post-orgasm recovery period, known as the refractory period. This is the span of time required before a man can be sexually aroused again and achieve another erection. While a younger man’s refractory period may last only minutes, a man in his 70s might find this period extends to several hours or even up to 48 hours.
The physical event of ejaculation should be separated from the feeling of orgasm, as they are distinct physiological processes. Some men may experience sexual climax, an orgasm, without the expulsion of semen, a “dry orgasm.” This phenomenon is often linked to age-related issues, such as certain medications or surgical procedures. Additionally, delayed ejaculation, where an unusually long time is required to reach climax, becomes more prevalent with advancing age.
Changes in Seminal Fluid Production
The volume and consistency of the fluid produced during ejaculation are directly influenced by the function of several accessory glands, which change with age. The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland contribute the majority of the fluid that makes up semen. As a man ages, the function of these glands can decline, leading to a reduction in the overall volume of the ejaculate.
The seminal vesicles may become less elastic, and the prostate gland’s output may diminish, both contributing to less fluid. This decrease in volume is a normal part of the aging process. The fluid may also appear thinner or less viscous due to changes in the glandular secretions.
Hormonal shifts, particularly the gradual decline in testosterone levels that begins after age 30, also play a role in fluid production and sexual desire. Lower testosterone can influence the output of the accessory glands and may reduce the sexual urge (libido). While the testes continue to produce sperm well into old age, the rate of production slows, and the quality, including sperm motility and viability, declines.
Common Age-Related Obstacles to Ejaculation
While ejaculation remains possible, certain health issues common in men over 70 can significantly impair or eliminate the expulsion of semen. One frequent mechanical issue is retrograde ejaculation, where the semen travels backward into the bladder instead of moving out through the urethra. This occurs when the bladder neck muscle, which normally closes during orgasm, fails to contract properly, allowing the fluid to be diverted.
Retrograde ejaculation is often a side effect of treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects many older men. Surgical procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can damage the nerves or muscles controlling the bladder neck, leading to this condition. Certain medications used to manage BPH, such as alpha-blockers, can also cause retrograde ejaculation.
Other common medications may interfere with the ejaculatory process. Certain classes of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are known to cause delayed ejaculation or anejaculation (the complete inability to ejaculate). Some blood pressure medications are also linked to ejaculatory dysfunction. Individuals experiencing a sudden change in function should consult a healthcare provider to review their current medications and check for underlying conditions like BPH or diabetes, which can affect the nerves controlling the process.