Table of Contents
As men age, they may notice some changes in their reproductive system. These changes appear slowly over time—usually ramping up once they hit their 40s or older.
While these changes may start as mild and harmless, they can greatly impact a man’s sexual performance as years pass. They may even cause more severe symptoms that can affect sexual function and fertility.
Fortunately, most of the conditions are reversible and can be treated regardless of severity. However, your body will benefit greatly if you keep an eye out for warning signs and take action to avoid any negative side effects from the onset.
It’s important to stay informed about the aging changes so that you can seek help early. Here are some of the most common ejaculation changes that elderly men can face in their lifetime.
1. Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual dysfunction conditions for males, with one study claiming that about 30% of the global male population—that is 1 out of 3 men—face this condition.
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a condition where men orgasm too quickly during sexual intercourse. While it is not uncommon for men to experience this problem on occasion, patients with PE exhibit the following characteristics:
- Inability to control an orgasm most or all the time (75% to 100%)
- Having an orgasm less than a minute after penetrative sex
- Having an orgasm before engaging in sex
- You or your partner feel distressed over your inability to ejaculate normally
Premature ejaculation can arise from both biological and psychological factors. Some of the common sources of PE are sexual abuse, depression, and performance anxiety. PE can also be genetic or caused by an infection in some cases.
This sexual dysfunction can be either lifelong or acquired. Fortunately, this condition is treatable, so it’s crucial to go see a doctor to help you overcome your symptoms.
2. Delayed Ejaculation
On the other end of the spectrum, delayed ejaculation is a condition in which men have excruciating difficulty reaching a sexual climax. Men with this condition may not be able to ejaculate unless a long period of time has passed, usually more than 30 minutes. Some may not be able to ejaculate at all.
Delayed ejaculation is less prevalent than premature ejaculation—with a global prevalence of about 1 to 4%—but it’s also one of the least studied male sexual dysfunctions.
This sexual dysfunction is different from a normal case of erectile dysfunction since an erection is present. While most benchmarks claim that failure to ejaculate after 30 minutes is a sign of delayed ejaculation, in reality, a diagnosis can be made as long as you or your partner experience significant stress and frustration as a result of your condition.
In addition, delayed ejaculation can be further divided based on two categories.
- Generalized and situational: Situational DE occurs with certain partners and stimulation methods. Generalized DE occurs regardless of the person or stimulation method used.
- Lifelong and acquired: Lifelong DE existed at the beginning of sexual maturity, whereas acquired DE occurs soon after a period of normal sexual stimulation and function.
If delayed ejaculation is causing great distress to you and your partner, consult a doctor. They’ll be able to provide you with prescriptions (or adjust your current dosage) and help you understand and cope with your symptoms better.
3. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to maintain or gain an erection despite sexual arousal. It’s a common sexual dysfunction, with one study citing that it affects nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years old.
Men who have erectile dysfunction have trouble getting an erection suitable for sexual activities. Ejaculating is near-impossible under these conditions since there’s not enough blood flow to the penis that keeps it erect.
Erectile dysfunction is also often connected to other ejaculatory problems, particularly:
- Premature ejaculation
- Delayed ejaculation
- Anorgasmia
In addition, erectile dysfunction is often an indicator of other underlying health problems that aren’t strictly sexual in nature.
For instance, there have been multiple studies that associate ED with chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart problems.
If you are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, get screened by a healthcare provider so that they can give you proper treatment.
4. Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation (or a dry orgasm) is a rare condition where seminal fluid and ejaculate enter the bladder instead of exiting out of the penis. Men with this condition may still have the sensation of a normal orgasm, but there will be very little, if any, semen passing through.
According to a study involving 2,587 infertile patients, 3.2% of patients have retrograde ejaculation, making it a fairly common condition. In the same study, 40% of men with hypospermia—a condition in which men produce an abnormally low volume of sperm—also had retrograde ejaculation.
While having your sperm pass into your bladder may sound alarming, it’s not life-threatening. The only major problem that patients with this condition can experience is infertility. Fortunately, there are clinical ways to treat retrograde ejaculation and restore fertility.
5. Weak Ejaculation
When you grow older, your body’s muscles start to weaken. This change doesn’t only affect your arms and legs, but it also affects the strength and volume of your ejaculation.
A weak ejaculation happens when the urethra’s muscles fail to push semen out forcefully of your penis. The potency of the semen expulsion varies from person to person.
It’s also important to realize that this condition alone doesn’t pose any physical health problems, but it does impact the intensity of pleasure during sexual climax.
However, a weak ejaculation can be problematic if it happens in conjunction with other sexual conditions. If little to no sperm is ejaculated during climax, you might be at risk of male infertility. If your penis has a hard time sustaining an erection, erectile dysfunction might be the condition to worry about.
Contact Orlando’s Leading Men’s Clinic for a Medical Consultation
Your body will undergo drastic changes as you approach your older years. And while you may not be as energetic as you used to be, you don’t have to say goodbye to your sex life forever.
If you want to be a sexually active senior, know that it’s definitely possible to bring passion back to your life again.Contact a doctor to undergo a proper medical evaluation.
The medical professionals at Premier Men’s Medical Center in Orlando specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
