Page 28 - Seniorstoday December 2023 Issue

much the penis expands. Peyronie’s disease (an abnormally bent or
Will I still have erections?
Erectile dysfunction affects 15% of men in
their 50s to almost 90% of men over 80,
according to an English study of more than
6,000 people. Existing health conditions
increased the risk significantly, and the
risk was more than doubled in those who
rated their health as fair to poor.
Medications such as sildenafil (Viagra)
and tadalafil (Cialis) can help. But they do
not reverse the underlying blood vessel
and nerve damage that cause erectile
dysfunction. Eventually other treatments
– such as injections or penile pumps – may
be options.
Other changes that occur with age include
decreased penis sensitivity, which might
reduce arousal. Ejaculation is delayed and
happens less often.
Semen volume and the force of ejaculation
decrease with age. The time taken to
“recover” from ejaculating and become
sexually responsive again (known as the
post-ejaculatory refractory time) also
increases with age.
Reaching orgasm is “impossible” or
“moderately difficult” for 33% of men in
their 70s.
Will the shape of my penis change?
The shape of your penis is not usually
expected to change with age. However,
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curved penis) becomes more common with
age. This may be because of accumulation
of damage from minor injuries over time.
This condition affects 6.5% of men over
70 and can cause short-term pain and
long-term erectile dysfunction.
Will I pee more?
Lower urinary tract symptoms such
as incontinence, a weak urine stream,
problems with starting and stopping
peeing, and nocturia (frequent night time
urination) increase as we get older.
These symptoms are moderate to severe
in almost 50% of men over 65, and in 70%
of men over 80. This is likely due to higher
rates of benign prostatic hyperplasia
(enlarged prostate) as men age, which has
various effects, including on urine flow.
Changes can take their toll …
Physical and functional changes in
the penis can affect a man’s health and
wellbeing.
Problems with erections or ejaculating
can reduce someone’s quality of life if they
still want to have sex. So open discussion
with a partner, seeking support and
professional advice can help.
Lower urinary tract symptoms can also
affect a man’s mental health and personal
relationships.
… but can be sign of disease