When we get older, our skin wrinkles, our hair turns gray, our body fat is redistributed… AND the penis ages. If the whole body does it, why shouldn’t the genitals do it? Both the vagina and the penis experience some changes with age and it is good to know them, to know what is normal and what should be consulted with a doctor.
Therefore, three experts on the subject, Rob McLachlan and Jighang Luofrom the Hudson Institute, and Tim Mossfrom Monash University, have published in The Conversation an article in which they point out some of the normal features when the penis ages.
Here we are going to focus above all on what can be seen. That is, if it is normal for the penis to change size or shape as we age. Also, to what extent is it normal for erection to become difficult when the penis ages. Because yes, this is something widely known, but does it happen as frequently as it is often said? And is it something purely associated with age or other factors come into play? Let’s see the answer, but let’s start at the beginning.
When the penis ages, does it get smaller?
It is often said that when the penis ages it changes size. But this, as the three authors explain, It is not entirely true.
You can’t know for sure; But, as soon as possible, there are no studies that confirm this change in size. The thing is that in the past some research has produced confusing data, mainly for two reasons. On the one hand, because follow-ups are not carried out for years of the same person. That is, young men are compared with older men, but it is not taken into account what the penis size of these older men was when they were younger.
On the other hand, when comparing studies on penis size in different age groups there may be confusion due to the use of different measurement methods. That is, what is the best way to measure the penis? From the base or higher up? Erect or flaccid but stretched? All of that can make a difference.
Another reason why it may be thought that when the penis ages its size reduces is that there are external factors that can make it appear smaller. That is, it seems smaller, but it is not.
For example, many men tend to fatten when they get older. Especially in the abdomen area. The Abdominal fat It can cover part of the base of the penis, causing the optical effect that it is smaller. In fact, it is the reason why many men who want to undergo a penis enlargement procedure are recommended to start by losing weight. In this way, they discover that their member is bigger than they thought.
Furthermore, with age elasticity is lost in the skin. That of the penis is no exception, which is why when it is stretched it appears smaller than before.
What about the shape?
In principle the shape should not change as the penis ages. Although it is true that in some cases it can do so. For example, there is something known as Peyronie’s diseasewhich becomes more common with age and does affect the shape of the penis.
This condition consists of the accumulation of fibrous scar tissue, which causes an alteration in the curvature of the penis, sometimes very severe. When exceeds 30º, the disease causes pain and erection problems. It can appear at any age, but it is more common in older people, since scar tissue accumulates from small microlesions accumulated over time.
Sometimes it is not very severe and you simply see changes in the curvature of the penis, so you could say that the shape has changed, but in reality It is not exclusively a sign of age.
Figures about erections when the penis ages
Yes, erections become more difficult as the penis ages. It is estimated that 15% of men over 50 and 90% of men over 80 They have erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is something multifactorial. Numerous factors intervene in it, such as obesity, smoking, nerve damage, high cholesterol or cardiovascular problems. All of this is more common in older people, which is why the percentages skyrocket as the penis ages. But it can also occur in young men, in reality it is not something purely associated with age.
In short, yes, the penis ages and there are morphological issues linked to it. But there are others that should be consulted with a doctor. Drastic changes in shape, problems urinating, erectile dysfunction, pain or reduced sensitivity are features that should be seen by a specialist. For the rest, we must assume that everything ages and that no part of the body is saved. Although with some parts of the body it is more embarrassing than with others.