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As men age, their body changes alongside it. This includes the penis.
The penis starts to experience rapid growth and pubic hair during puberty when a male is about 10 to 14 years old.
The male structure continues to grow in the late teens as well, finally reaching its peak size somewhere around their early 20s.
While many men express consciousness regarding their penis sizes, variance and changes in size are completely normal.
Studies have also claimed that there’s no linkage between a man’s ethnicity and race with their penis size.
If you’re concerned about the size of your penis or sexual health, you may bring it up to a licensed medical expert to address these concerns.
What’s the Average Size of a Human Penis?
Men tend to overshoot their guesses when estimating the average adult male penis size.
In truth, the average male population’s penis size is probably smaller than you think.
A study published in the BJU International gathered the measurements of the average penis size of a 15,521-sized adult male sample.
Here are the findings:
- A flaccid penis is measured at about 16 cm or 3.6 inches on average.
- A flaccid stretched penises are 3 inches on average.
- The circumference of a flaccid penis is 7 inches on average.
- Erect penises are2 inches on average.
- The circumference of an erect penis is 6 inches on average.
Should You Care About Your Penis Size?
Aside from sexual desirability, penis size has almost no bearings in terms of function.
You can still enjoy sex regardless of penis size. While a larger-than-average penis may make sex feel more “full”, the function of the package reigns above all.
Certain sex positions are well-suited for smaller penises. These include doggy style and positions that allow you to enter your partner deep.
If your penis is on the thinner end of the spectrum, getting your partner to attain a tighter squeeze can be more beneficial. This means having their legs closer together with positions such as them-on-top, face-down, and missionary.
In essence, unless you fall in the extremities, your penis size plays an insignificant role in its function during sex. While preference is something that matters differently from person to person, having a more hung build isn’t that big of a deal as you may think.
Is Penis Shrinkage Normal?
A growing concern for men approaching their elderly years is penis shrinkage.
The age limit for penis growth is around the age of 21. It doesn’t undergo any drastic development for the next decade or two.
But as you approach middle age, your body may adapt to new changes depending on how well you took care of it in your earlier years.
One sudden development is an increased sagginess and features of a wrinkled penis in your scrotum and penis.
This happens due to the decreased production of testosterone levels over time.
According to a study conducted by Roger Stanworth and T Hugh Jones, around 20% of men aged 60 years and over fall below the normal range of testosterone levels. That figure rises to 50% of men aged 80 years and above.
The fall in the production of testosterone can lead to penis shrinkage — and it’s typically a consequence of ageing.
Why Does Penis Shrinkage Occur?
Several factors affect the shrinkage of a man’s penis.
- Blood flow reduction: Your blood vessels may become less elastic over time. Plaque may also build up in your arteries (called arteriosclerosis), restricting blood flow.
- Declining testosterone levels: This hormone is responsible for sexual appetite.
- High blood pressure: Contributes to a decreased blood flow in the body, affecting penis length.
- Excessive weight: Lose weight to remove belly fat as your penis appears smaller than it is.
Will Penis Shrinkage Affect My Health?
Aside from decreased testosterone levels, senior men may also have to adapt to their bodies when under the act of intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction is becoming an increasingly common disease that can affect the older population, with a study citing that by 2025, approximately 322 million of the world’s population will suffer from the disease.
Aside from erectile dysfunction, other developments may arise and affect your sexual function:
- Less firm erections
- Reduced sensitivity
- Harder time getting aroused
- Enlarged prostate, reducing semen volume
On top of that, some men may develop symptoms of Peyronie’s disease during their older years. Over 1 in 100 men have Peyronie’s disease.
This disease is a condition wherein scar tissue buildup happens around the penis, causing a curved erection. Leaving this build of scar tissue untreated can cause the penis to lose girth and strength—making it increasingly difficult to engage in sex.
Related Health Problems That May Impact Penile Health
If you’ve developed an enlarged prostate over the years, you may have a higher likelihood of developing urinary functions.
For instance, you may expel less fluid during urination, but pee at a more frequent rate.
In addition, you may also develop chronic or temporary medical conditions, which can cause pain and reduced blood flow to the penis.
In rare cases, you could also develop lesions on the foreskin or glans of the penis. These warts may be benign, but it’s always best to check with a medical professional as it can also be a warning sign for penile cancer.
Fortunately, early intervention of this type of cancer can be cured.
Another type of cancer to look out for is prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second-highest cause of death disease behind lung cancer. In 2021 alone, the US has recorded 248,530 people diagnosed with this cancer and 34,130 deaths from it.
While the statistics look harrowing, there are over 3 million prostate cancer survivors in the US today.
Treatment to Improve Penis Health
Improving urinary function entails managing the symptoms of worsening penis health.
Some treatment measures include:
- Kegel exercises
- Antibiotics
- Surgery and injections
- Surgical implants
- Erectile dysfunction programs
- Low testosterone therapy
- Surgery for removal
- Eating a better diet
As always, a male medical clinic can provide medical advice to give you personalized help regarding your health.
Final Words About Penis Growth, Shrinkage, and Penile Health
The penis’s health lies in its urinary and reproductive capabilities. As men age, they’re bound to experience differences in their bodies—including their penis. Some people can live healthy lives without much problem with their sexual health, but a subset of people can develop symptoms as well.
For the best course of action, you should adopt a healthier lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and take nutrition supplements.
Most importantly, obtain professional medical advice to prevent your future self from suffering from the effects of sexual dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Working with the medical professionals at Prestige Men’s Medical Center in Tampa can help you live a healthier, happier life with fewer sexual problems. Give us a call today to chat through your unique problems.
