Introduction
Over the years, it has been well established that men experience a certain degree of penile shrinkage as they age. Penile shrinkage is a very difficult thing to deal with, and it is a major issue for men worldwide.
Because men can be diagnosed with various underlying conditions, it is important to rule out other causes before assuming the relation of shrinkage to some medical issue. While it is not uncommon for older men to experience this condition, it is still worth mentioning because underlying causes may require interventions.
What Is Penile Shrinkage?
Penis shrinkage is the medical term for when the penis loses some or all of its size. This can be due to several factors, including age, weight gain, and even certain medical conditions. Sometimes, penis shrinkage is temporary and will resolve itself over time. However, in other cases, penis shrinkage may be permanent. If someone is concerned about penis shrinkage, it is important to speak with a doctor to find out the underlying cause and whether or not there is any treatment available.
What Is the Cause of Penile Shrinkage?
There are a few potential causes of penile shrinkage, including low testosterone levels, aging, and obesity. Low testosterone levels can cause a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased muscle mass. Aging can also lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and a loss of elasticity in the penis, making it appear smaller. Obesity can cause the penis to appear smaller due to the extra fat tissue in the pubic area. Other factors include:
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Stress.
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Anxiety.
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Mental health issues such as depression, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
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Medication side effects such as antidepressants, chemotherapies for cancer or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) treatment, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and calcium channel blockers that may cause erectile dysfunction in some cases of mild diabetes mellitus type 2 in men over age 50 years old who take them regularly.
How does Peyronie’s Disease Affect Penile Shrinkage?
Peyronie’s disease is when the tissue of the penis becomes hardened and distorted. This can cause the penis to become bent or curved during an erection. Peyronie’s disease can also cause the penis to shrink in size. In severe cases, the penis may become so small that it cannot become erect. The symptoms of Peyronie's disease include pain and difficulty with sexual intercourse. The exact cause of Peyronie's disease is unknown. It is thought to be the result of injury to the penis. Peyronie’s disease is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
Does Prostate Surgery Affect Penile Shrinkage?
Prostate surgery can affect penile shrinkage in a few ways. First, the surgery can cause tissue damage and scarring, leading to a loss of penile tissue. Additionally, the removal of the prostate gland can damage the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections, resulting in a loss of function. Finally, the loss of testosterone often accompanies prostate surgery and can lead to a loss of penile tissue. The combined effects of all of these factors can cause a decrease in penile size.
What Are the Symptoms of Penile Shrinkage?
Penile shrinkage is a medical condition in which the penis becomes smaller and softer.
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Pain, swelling, redness, and irritation.
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Itching.
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Ulcers or infection.
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Decreases in penis size.
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A loss of erection quality.
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Decrease in sexual desire.
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Loss of sensation in the penis.
What Is the Diagnosis of Penile Shrinkage?
The diagnosis of male genital shrinkage is based on a patient’s symptoms and physical examination. In addition to these tests, there may be blood tests, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, and biopsy that help confirm the diagnosis. Other tests can be used to rule out other conditions like Peyronie's disease or cancer. However, these do not have a high accuracy rate and should only be used if the patient has strong symptoms of penile shrinkage.
What Is the Treatment of Penile Shrinkage?
While there is no cure for penile shrinkage, treatments can help improve the symptoms. Depending on the cause of penile shrinkage and medical history, the doctor may recommend any combination of these treatments. These treatments include medication, surgery, and therapy.
Surgery:
If someone has an infection or other medical condition that can be treated with surgery, this option may be right. Surgery can correct the curvature in some cases. However, it is typically used as a last resort when other treatments have not worked well enough to restore erections.
Medication:
If a medication helps improve erectile function but does not help with shrinkage, talk about it with the doctor.
When to See a Doctor for Penile Shrinkage?
There are a few instances when one should see a doctor for penile shrinkage. If someone notices a sudden or significant decrease in size, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. If one is experiencing pain or discomfort, this is also a reason to seek medical attention. If one has noticed that the erections are not as strong or as lasting as they used to be, this could be a sign of a problem. Lastly, if someone has difficulty urinating, it is recommended to see a doctor to rule out any potential urinary issues.
Conclusion
The good news is that there are many possible causes of penile shrinkage which can be treated. Consulting with the doctor is the first step to determining what treatments are right. Surgery may be required if the shrinkage is severe enough or has lasted for a long time. In some cases, penile surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques with fewer complications than traditional surgical techniques.
