Old Man Penis: How Your Penis And Sexual Health Changes With Age

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on September 25, 2022

Did you know that heart disease is the second leading cause of death among Canadians? Even COVID-19 deaths, which plagued the entire globe during 2020, were four times less deadly than heart disease in Canada. 

Cardiovascular disease is also one of the leading causes of erection problems among men. If you're wondering how your "old man penis" compares to younger generations, you might want to look at your medical history. 

Circulation problems can change the appearance and function of the penis. Luckily, UPGUYS has compiled a complete guide on aging man's penis and what you can do to start improving your sexual health. Keep reading for more information!

In this article, we talk about the following:

How Does Your Penis Change as You Age?

There are two primary ways your penis changes as you age: appearance and function. The appearance of your penis can alter with age, such as skin elasticity and size. Many times, these are natural changes and do not necessarily cause medical concern.

Read more: 12 Problems That Can Happen To Your Penis

Functional penile changes might include issues with erections, ejaculation, or sensitivity. If you start experiencing sudden changes in how your penis feels and functions, you might have an underlying medical condition that requires seeing a physician. 

Penis Size Changes

One prominent change you might notice is a smaller penis size. Scarring and increases in arterial plaque build-up reduce penis and testicle size. When fatty deposits accumulate in your arteries, it restricts blood flow and causes muscle wasting. 

Your penis also becomes less elastic over time from repeated injuries from sports or vigorous sex and can reduce the size of your penis during erections. Additionally, metabolisms may slow down and lead to obesity. 

While obesity doesn't necessarily cause penis shrinkage, it gives the appearance of your penis and testicles being smaller. Lastly, prostate surgery is more common in older men. Around 70% of men experience penis shrinkage after radical prostatectomy. 

Penis Sensitivity Changes

The glans penis is the most sensitive part of your penis. On average, it takes around five to seven minutes for men to achieve an orgasm and ejaculation. While age can affect orgasm and ejaculation (more on that below), penile sensitivity issues are usually caused by other factors.

For example, increased sensitivity might be from an infection or injury. Reduced sensitivity can also occur from penile injury or reduced testosterone levels.

Testosterone plays a key role in men's sexual health. As you age, testosterone levels naturally drop. 

In return, it is common for you to have less sensitivity as you age and become less receptive to physical touches. However, there are natural ways to improve sensitivity, such as changing positions, using sex toys, and changing lifestyle habits. 

Read more: Supporting Your Husband Through Erectile Dysfunction

Does Your Risk for Sexual Health Disorders Increase?

Common male sexual health disorders include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, low testosterone, and ejaculation issues. Many of these increase in prevalence with age. 

Poor erection quality or lack of erections increases significantly with age and other medical conditions. With age, libido and testosterone levels can naturally decrease. However, medical comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes also increase. 

Erection difficulties are more common in men over 40. In men with coronary artery disease, nearly 50% have erection problems. If you start noticing changes in your erection, it could be time to visit a doctor. 

Is an "Old Man Penis" Fact or Fiction?

An old man's penis is not a complete myth. There are several health conditions that increase with age and affect penile health. For example, cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in men over 65.  

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading conditions that affect your penile function. Another example is testosterone levels, which affect:

1. Libido
2. Sperm
3. Male sex organs
4. Mood

Low testosterone can cause erection difficulties, fertility problems, reduced muscle mass, and more. Normal testosterone levels range between 300 ng/dL and 1,000 ng/dL, but researchers found that these levels decrease in older men. 

How Can You Have a Healthier Penis?

Luckily, there are several ways you can combat the negative effects of an aging penis and experience a healthier sex life. Open partner communication and healthy lifestyle changes play a significant role. 

Read more: The Changes In Men's Sexual Health After 50

If you are experiencing relationship issues, it can affect your erection quality, orgasms, and libido. Other psychological components that affect the health of your penis as you age are stress and depression. Speak to a qualified medical practitioner about healthy coping mechanisms and medication that can help. 

Other changes to make for a healthier penis are exercise and eating healthier. Kegel exercises are particularly helpful for improving sexual function. 

Start Improving Your Sexual Health

Can you reverse your "old man penis"? In short: yes! If you have low testosterone levels, comorbidities, or underlying psychological causes, there are interventions that can help. 

Simply changing how you eat, exercise, and communicate with your partner can make a big difference in your penile health. And if you start noticing functional problems, like erection difficulties, it is time to call your doctor.