This article may be helpful to old men but definitely, valuable content to middle-aged men that will turn old in the coming day. Our human body is made up of cells. Our age is based on the cycle of the number of cells produced by the body to the number of cells used. During old age, the human body decreases the rate of cell division, causing all the changes you see in an ageing adult.
During the teenage, the pituitary gland releases hormones for producing testosterone. Here, puberty begins, and the body starts to change, such as the scrotum, penis, and pubic hair starts to grow.
The amount of testosterone slightly decreases in the late 20s through 40s. After 40, the total testosterone level drops only by a small amount. But simultaneously, the body slowly begins to produce more protein known as sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG). This protein strikes the testosterone present in the body, lowering its amount.
How is this process related to ageing and its changes (old penis)? The answer is in the next section.
What Makes Penis Changes As You Grow Old?
The process of production of sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG) and the lowering of testosterone causes the following further changes, resulting in:-
- Low blood flow rate: One of the consequences of the above process causes plagues to deposit slowly in the arteries. As a result, the arteries become thick and lose their elasticity. Additionally, decreased blood flow rate increases the risk of dysfunction of the body parts.
- Loss of smooth muscles cells in the penis: Smooth muscles are primarily replaced by collagen cells, says Arab Journal of Urology.
- Low testosterone levels: Low testosterone is associated with men’s health. Know-How? A decrease in the testosterone level lowers the growth cycle of the body, especially in men.
In some conditions, men sometimes face sharp, chronic pain in the penis while urinating. The possible causes of these are:-
- Infection
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Penile cancer
- Priapism
What Changes Occur In Penis During Old Age?
The changes as mentioned earlier within the body will obviously lead to some changes, making your penis look old. Here are they:-
Pubic hair
Like body hair, pubic hair will become thin and grey in colour as a manager.
Penis size
The size may not decrease, but you may notice the penis may not be as large as it used to be. If you have more fat on the pubic bone just above the penis, the area can sag, making your penis appear smaller.
Penis shape
Many old men have experienced a curve in their penis. This is a condition called Peyronie’s disease. It occurs due to physical trauma as the shaft gets to bend, forming scar tissue during rough sex, injury, or as a surgery complication.
Also Read: Refractory Period: Why Aren’t You Ready For The Second Round?
Testicles
They are responsible for sperm production; as a man grows old, this production decreases, causing the testicles to shrink. In the case of hormonal replacement therapy, the pituitary gland will stop signalling to the testicles for producing sperm. This will cause testicles to shrink more.
Scrotum
Its function is to maintain the optimum temperature to store and produce sperm. The scrotum muscles are smooth muscles that can contract and relax as per their surrounding temperature.
In the old penis, these smooth muscles do not work correctly, making the scrotum stay in a more slacked position. Loose skin is a common symptom of old age and now think of a scrotum. The scrotum comprises smooth tissues that get more sagging during the ageing period.
Hydrocele is another risk factor for the sagging scrotum. The cause of hydrocele can be multiple; either your body makes too much liquid to discharge, or your body cannot urinate out the filtered fluid. Contact your doctor if you see any swelling or any other discomfort.
Penis function
As you know, the blood flow rate decreases as we grow, causing plagues deposition. This makes the nerves weak and may even become sensitive, leading to difficulty in arousal and orgasm. As a result, men may lose rigidity but not the ability to have sexual intercourse.
The most challenging part is the ability to hold the blood in the corpus cavernosum, responsible for firmness. This spongy tissue traps the blood in it, providing a firm erection. Unfortunately, during old age, the erectile tissue fails to hold the blood in the corpus cavernosum. As a result, you will attain an erection but may face difficulty maintaining an erection.
Change in sex organs and sexuality is a normal part of ageing. However, if you face much more health complications, consult with the doctor. You can even take his help to avoid these upcoming changes by including certain healthy habits.
Alarming Condition For Old Penis
The following conditions mentioned below are the alarming signs of ageing. Consult with the doctor or urologist:-
- Sudden change in sexual desire
- Bleeding while urinating or ejaculating
- Lesion, rashes, bumps, or any such inflammation around the penis
- Peyronie’s disease
- Uncontrolled discharge from the penis
- Pain in the penis or scrotum
The Bottom Line
Like other parts of the body, the penis also grows old with age. But looks don’t always matter; what matters is their functionality. Therefore, the prevailing health condition of the reproductive and urinary system is essential to seek further treatment for the old penis.
Now you can understand why men have erectile dysfunction as a joint dysfunction during old age. But, even if it’s common, that doesn’t mean every man has to live with it. There are several health treatments for treating impotence.
However, adopting a healthy lifestyle and regular health diagnosis at an early age with consistency will help you prevent erectile dysfunction even during your old age.
