As time marches on, leaving its unmistakable footprints all over your body, even your prized 'buddy' doesn't escape the wrinkle-inducing grasp of aging!
As you reach your 40s, the production of testosterone in your testicles decreases, which is the hormone responsible for the growth of your penis during puberty and the driving force behind your sex drive. This decline in testosterone, combined with other factors associated with aging, can lead to alterations in the size, shape, and function of this crucial organ.
Here are 7 changes you may notice when you hit your 40s:
Silver Linings Down There
Just like a chameleon, your pubic locks also seem to have a flair for the dramatic, transforming into a stylish shade of gray as you age!
The pigment cells within each pubic hair follicle produce melanin, the chemical responsible for the hair's color, whether it be blond, brown, or black. As you grow older, these pigment cells gradually diminish, leading to a slowdown in melanin production and resulting in the graying or whitening of your pubic hair.
The timing of this change can vary significantly, influenced largely by the genetic inheritance from your parents. However, studies have shown that most people start seeing greying at the age of 40. But, this is a highly individualized process, so if you haven’t spotted a silver streak just yet, go ahead and celebrate!
Similar to the hair on your head, pubic hair may also become thinner with age. Although less noticeable than scalp hair loss, some men may consider hair transplant as an option if they are sensitive to baldness in the pubic area.
Decreased Size
Is your buddy down there feeling a bit smaller than usual? You might be right...
But don’t worry. It typically loses less than an inch over your lifespan, while other medical professionals have stated that ½ inch is actually more realistic. But why is this happening? Well, there are a bunch of different factors that can contribute to the shrinkage of your penis, including:
- High blood pressure
- Prostate surgery
- Clogged blood vessels (a.k.a. arteriosclerosis)
- Lower testosterone
- Peyronie’s disease.
- Medication side effects (Aderral, anti-depressants, medications to treat enlarged prostates)
While tiny changes in the penis are to be expected as part of the aging process. However, if this is something you've noticed, it's always best to check in with a healthcare professional to make sure everything is okay down there!
Curvature
After spending over 40 years of quality time with your penis and testes, it is fair to assume that you would notice any change in the curvature of your penis. So if your member has been looking a bit more curvy than usual, it's probably not your imagination!
Your penis may (literally) be carrying some battle scars from rough bedroom romps, untimely nether region mishaps, and high-intensity sports.
As men reach their 50s or 60s, they may accumulate enough scar tissue to cause the penis to bend or curve slightly during erections. Usually, it is not enough to cause any significant lifestyle challenges.
However, if it is causing significant discomfort and interfering with your boudoir experiences, you should consult a doctor. There is a condition known as Peyronie's disease which can cause an uncomfortable curvature. It is often accompanied by pain and discomfort during sexual activity, due to the curvature of the penis. Treatments, ranging from injections to surgery, can help reduce the curvature and restore comfort during sex.
Testicular Size Reduction
Just like the penis, those two loyal companions down under also shrink with age due to decreased testosterone levels.
Injuries, reduced blood flow, and the use of anabolic steroids (synthetic testosterone) can also contribute to testicular size reduction. Sometimes, a smaller testicle can be a symptom of testicular cancer, so it's essential to seek medical attention if other symptoms like swelling, a lump, or a feeling of heaviness are present.
Scrotal Sagging
Like a well-worn rubber band, your skin may gracefully bid farewell to its youthful bounce, embracing the natural process of losing elasticity.
Sagging is a common function of the testicles from a young age. The testicles naturally sag or retract depending on the temperatures. However, when we talk about age-related sagging testicles, it's more about the skin losing its elasticity.
This aging process can lead to wrinkles and permanent sagging, even in the skin that covers your testicles, resulting in a low-hanging scrotum. If you're noticing severe sagging, it's best to consult your doctor as it may be a sign of something else going on!
Reduced Sensitivity
Naturally, as men age, the penis may lose some sensitivity. This is a normal occurrence. A study on Ageing and Sexuality found that the older man gets, the more elusive an orgasm becomes. As you age, the orgasms may become less frequent and less intense.
With normal aging, it might take more time and stimulation to become aroused and reach orgasm. If this issue affects your sex life, it's essential not to overstimulate the sensitive skin of the penis, and instead, consider discussing possible treatments with a doctor.
Change in Penis Color
As you age, fatty deposits may accumulate inside the blood vessels, restricting blood flow. Blood flow contributes to the pink color of the penis head, and a slowdown in circulation can cause the head to appear lighter in shade.
While rarely, a change in penis color could be a sign of cancer, it's important to consult a doctor if there are other concerning symptoms present, such as a bump or sore on the penis.
Alas, all is not lost! Being informed about the changes empowers you to go out looking for solutions to these nether jewels’ aging challenges. Wearing comfortable and supportive men’s underwear can help you feel confident.
