Would you like to talk with Dr Kuehhas online?
Do not hesitate to get in touch with us, we offer online consultations.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Changes in the penis with age

31.03.2023

Many men notice with increasing age that their penis changes. The fact that the penis shrinks and becomes smaller is often no imagination, it is real. This is due to normal aging processes and changes in hormone levels.

Exact figures are not available. In fact, the length of the penis is likely to decrease by about 1 to 2 centimeters in old age compared to the “best years”, and “man” loses between 0.5 to 1 centimeter in girth.

The good news, however, is that “man” can also actively do something about it.

Testosterone decline makes penis shrink

Testosterone levels in men begin to decline around the age of 40. The decline in this hormone also ensures, among other things, that the body tends to build up fat instead of muscle mass.

This additional fat tends to accumulate in the form of a “beer belly” in the area of the mons pubis. The fat deposit makes the penis look shorter, even though the penis length has not actually changed. Such a “buried” penis can be optically lengthened again by weight reduction, possibly also with the help of a pubic mound reduction, i.e. liposuction in the pubic area.

On the other hand, the drop in testosterone levels also causes a drop in libido. The desire for sexual intercourse as well as for masturbation decreases with age. Because the body gradually reduces what it no longer needs, the “lack of use” can also cause the penis to become smaller and lose both girth and length.

Tissue alteration & Poor blood circulation

With the change in hormonal balance, the tissue of the penis also changes with age. It is important to know that the male member is a complex organ that consists not only of erectile tissue, but also of connective tissue and other functional tissue.

With age, more and more of the functional tissue is transformed into connective tissue. However, this tissue is less elastic than the functional fibers and is therefore less able to fill with blood and expand.

With the decrease in tissue elasticity often come erection problems. Because the blood circulates less well, older men need more time and stimulation to get an erection and reach orgasm. Especially together with other diseases, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, erectile dysfunction can eventually develop. An erection of the member is then hardly or no longer possible.

Other changes of the limb

Away from the penis length, however, usually changes even more with age. Due to poorer blood circulation, the color of the penis can change: Especially the glans may then appear purple or bluish. Because not only the tissue in the limb itself changes, but the connective tissue in general slackens, the scrotum also tends to hang lower in men as they age.

A falling testosterone level also leads to a decrease in pubic hair in the intimate area. The pubic hair becomes thinner and lighter.

A much more disturbing development is a curvature of the penis. If the member suddenly appears crooked or deformed when erect, there is usually a Peyronie´s disease: An acquired curvature of the penis. This can not only be accompanied by pain, but also lead to problems during sexual intercourse, a shortening of the penis and not least to impotence.

What to do about a shrinking penis?

Whether, and by how much the penis really shrinks, varies from man to man. A shrinking penis in old age can therefore also be prevented. And the most effective way is with sports, sex and a healthy diet. Men who follow a healthy lifestyle have less to worry about their limb getting smaller as they age.

Regular sports and physical training help to raise the testosterone level naturally. The most effective are short but intense sessions and interval training.
Targeted pelvic floor training can stimulate blood flow in the penis and also strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. This not only maintains tissue elasticity for longer, pelvic floor exercises have also been shown to have a positive effect on potency.

Those who remain sexually active also ensure that the tissue remains elastic and continues to be well supplied with blood, so that the penis does not become smaller with age. Whether sexual intercourse with a partner or masturbation: Every erection is an elasticity workout for the erectile tissue.

A healthy diet also helps to control the testosterone balance. Healthy unsaturated fats, avoidance of sugared foods and balanced meals in general not only help to manage testosterone levels, but also prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Andrologist helps with problems in old age

It is quite normal for a man’s penis to change as he grows older. If men notice changes in their best piece, they should nevertheless make an appointment with an andrologist or urologist to have them clarified.

Today, modern medicine can successfully treat many male problems. Thus, there are not only therapeutic options for “functional problems” such as erectile dysfunction or penile curvature. Aesthetic procedures, from penis enlargement to scrotum lift, can also restore self-confidence to men in their prime and make them feel good about their own bodies.

If you notice changes in your limb go to an andrologist or urologist early!

Request an appointment now!

Dr. med. Franklin Kuehhas

About the Author

Dr. med. Franklin Kuehhas Dr. Franklin Kuehhas is a medical specialist in the field of urology and andrology. He received his specialization training at the University College London. He also underwent his training at the prestigious University Hospital in Heidelberg (Germany) and at the University Hospital of Vienna (Austria). Dr Kuehhas focuses on the treatment of congenital and acquired penile curvatures (Peyronie’s disease), implantation of penile prostheses and also aesthetic genital surgery in men.