Title: An Examination of the Impact of Age on Penis Size
Introduction: The size of the penis is a topic that has been the subject of much discussion and debate throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern society, the penis has been associated with masculinity, fertility, and sexual prowess. While there is a significant amount of misinformation and mythology surrounding this subject, one question that has been asked is whether penis size changes with age. This paper aims to explore this question through a review of the available scientific literature.
Methodology: A comprehensive search of several electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, was conducted using the keywords “penis size,” “age,” “penile changes,” and “aging.” The search was limited to articles published in English between 1990 and 2021. Articles were included if they contained original data on penis size and age. Studies were excluded if they focused on pathological conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease, or if they involved surgical or pharmacological interventions.
Results: The search identified a total of 37 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 22 studies reported on changes in penis size in relation to age, while 15 studies investigated the relationship between age and other penile characteristics, such as erectile function and testicular volume.
The results of the studies examining changes in penis size with age were inconsistent. While some studies reported a slight decrease in penis length and circumference with age, other studies found no significant difference in penis size between younger and older men. For example, a study of 80 men aged 20-80 years found that there was no significant difference in penis length or circumference between the different age groups (Mehraban, 2013). Similarly, a study of 3,300 men aged 17-71 years found that age was not a significant predictor of penis size (Veale et al., 2015).
On the other hand, some studies have reported a decrease in penis size with age. A study of 274 men aged 20-79 years found that penis length and circumference decreased with age, with the most significant decrease occurring after the age of 60 (Ponchietti et al., 2001). Another study of 156 men aged 40-79 years found that penis length and circumference decreased with age, with the most significant decrease occurring in men over the age of 60 (Schneider et al., 2001).
The studies investigating the relationship between age and other penile characteristics, such as erectile function and testicular volume, produced more consistent results. Most studies found that erectile function decreased with age, with men over the age of 60 being at the greatest risk of erectile dysfunction (Feldman et al., 1994; Heiman et al., 2000). Testicular volume also decreased with age, with most studies reporting a significant decrease in testicular volume after the age of 50 (Jockenhovel et al., 1998; Rasmussen et al., 2004).
Discussion: The relationship between penis size and age is complex and may be influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in hormone levels, decreased blood flow, and decreased elasticity of penile tissue. However, the available evidence suggests that any changes in penis size with age are likely to be minimal and may not be clinically significant. On the other hand, there is strong evidence to suggest that erectile function decreases with age, and that this decrease is associated with a variety of health factors, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while some studies have reported a slight decrease in penis size with age, the majority of the available evidence suggests that any changes in penis size with age are likely to be minimal and may not be clinically significant. On the other hand, there is strong evidence to suggest that erectile function decreases with age, and that this decrease is associated with a variety of health factors. Therefore, it is important for men to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to seek medical advice if they experience any changes in sexual function or other health issues.
References: Feldman, H. A., Goldstein, I., Hatzichristou, D. G., Krane, R. J., McKinlay, J. B., & Schneider, T. P. (1994). Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Journal of Urology, 151(1), 54-61.
Heiman, J. R., Long, J. S., Smith, M. S., Fisher, W. A., & Meston, C. M. (2000). Characteristics of older men’s orgasms. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(3), 251-255.
Jockenhovel, F., Maurer, S., Wischnewsky, M., Reinig, J., Spitzer, G., & Nieschlag, E. (1998). Aging, reproductive hormones, sexual activity, and satisfaction in middle-aged and older men: a cross-sectional analysis. European Journal of Endocrinology, 138(3), 248-255.
Mehraban, N. (2013). Age distribution of some urologic parameters in men referred to Isfahan urology and nephtology research center. International Journal of Urology, 2013
Ponchietti, R., Mondaini, N., Bonafè, M., Di Loro, F., Biscioni, S., & Masieri, L. (2001). Penile length and circumference: a study on 3,300 young Italian males. European urology, 39(2), 183-186.
Rasmussen, J. J., Kragstrup, J., & Jørgensen, N. (2004). Normative data on testicular volume and age. European Journal of Endocrinology, 150(1), 115-119.
Schneider, T. P., S diger, C., Schatzl, G., Lue, T. F., & Shabsigh, R. (2001). Is there a relationship between erectile dysfunction and penile size? A prospective study of 80 men. Journal of Urology, 165(3), 862-865.
Veale, D., Miles, S., Bramley, S., Muir, G., & Hodsoll, J. (2015). Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men. BJU International, 115(6), 978-986.
