Ejaculation, the forceful expulsion of semen from the male body, changes predictably as men age, and the answer to whether volume decreases is yes. This shift is a normal part of the male aging process, often referred to as andropause, which involves a gradual decline in various physiological functions. The changes are typically subtle at first, but they become more noticeable over time, impacting the physical characteristics of the ejaculate and the overall sexual response.
The Specifics of Age-Related Ejaculation Changes
The most observed change is a measurable reduction in the total volume of semen produced per ejaculation. Studies indicate that men over the age of 45 often produce a smaller semen volume, with some research suggesting a decline of about 0.15% to 0.2% per year of age. Other findings suggest that men over 45 may experience a 20% to 30% reduction in volume compared to younger men.
This volume decrease is often accompanied by a change in the physical properties of the ejaculate. The semen may appear thinner or more watery due to changes in the fluid contribution from accessory glands.
Furthermore, the physical force of expulsion lessens due to weakened muscular contractions. The expulsion force can be reduced to the point where the ejaculate may simply seep out rather than being projected with power. This transition is usually gradual, with men in their 40s and 50s often beginning to notice these shifts in volume and force.
Physiological Causes of Volume Decrease
The reduction in ejaculatory volume is largely tied to three biological mechanisms: hormonal decline, reduced glandular output, and muscular weakening. The hormonal driver is the gradual decrease in free testosterone levels, a process that typically begins around age 40. Since the reproductive tract relies on testosterone to maintain its function, this decline impacts the production of seminal fluid.
The majority of semen volume comes from the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles, and their output diminishes with age. The seminal vesicles are particularly implicated in the volume reduction, as their fluid makes up approximately 65% to 75% of the total ejaculate. Age-related changes, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or smooth muscle atrophy, can also contribute to a reduced volume or less efficient expulsion.
The force of ejaculation relies on the strong, rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, specifically the bulbocavernosus muscle. As men age, these muscles can weaken, leading to fewer and less forceful contractions during the expulsion phase. Fewer contractions mean less pressure is generated to propel the semen, resulting in a weaker stream and less intense orgasmic sensation.
Related Changes in the Male Sexual Response Cycle
Beyond the physical volume, aging also introduces changes in the timing and sensation of the overall sexual response. A notable change is the lengthening of the refractory period, which is the time required after an orgasm before a man can become aroused again. For older men, this recovery time can extend from minutes to many hours, compared to the brief period experienced in youth.
The intensity of the orgasm itself may also change, often becoming less pronounced. This diminished sensation is related to the weaker muscular contractions and the decrease in overall physiological response during climax. While the ability to achieve orgasm remains, the experience can feel less powerful than it did in earlier decades.
Another shift is in ejaculatory latency, which is the time it takes to reach climax from the point of sexual arousal. Some men may find it takes longer to reach the point of inevitable ejaculation. Simultaneously, the feeling of the “point of no return,” the sensation preceding ejaculation, may become less distinct or even fade entirely.
Lifestyle Factors and Ejaculatory Health
While age-related biological decline is inevitable, external factors can significantly influence the severity and timing of ejaculatory changes. Chronic health conditions, especially those affecting blood flow and nerve function, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, can worsen sexual health. These conditions compromise the vascular integrity required for optimal function of the reproductive organs and muscles involved in ejaculation.
Certain prescription medications are known to impact ejaculatory function. Drugs used to manage high blood pressure or mood disorders, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to reduced semen volume or difficulty achieving orgasm. It is important for men experiencing these side effects to discuss their medications with a healthcare provider.
Men can support ejaculatory health through lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, which benefits sexual function. Furthermore, exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor, such as Kegels, can help maintain the muscular control necessary for a more forceful expulsion. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also beneficial, as these habits are linked to a decline in semen quality and volume.