What causes shrinkage? A few things could be the culprit.
Not every man will experience the same changes in life – and this extends to, well, your extension. While bodies do change as we age, sometimes other causes need to be considered.
If it happens, does shrinkage go away? That depends on the root cause, alongside factors such as age, health and lifestyle.
It’s always worth mentioning any changes to a GP. Too often, it turns out they could help, but reticence to discuss intimate details holds patients back from seeking advice.
Age
This is a big one (excuse the pun). Your face isn’t the only part of you that loses elasticity – and with less blood flow as you age, it’s less likely all of you will be standing to attention.
The tissue can suffer the effects of old age, including less oxygen passing through. Reduced testosterone is another culprit. Hormone imbalances play havoc with bodies too.
Also, your penis has had a somewhat rough and active life, and resultant minute scarring that accumulates over the years, can impact performance as time goes by.
It’s worth emphasising that you should always speak to a doctor when issues develop, as it may be the result of a recent injury or possible complication of a known or undiagnosed disease.
While less testosterone can lead to shrinking testicles, shrinkage may be a sign of testicular cancer, and worth mentioning to a GP, especially if you have other symptoms.
On a side note, good news – you know how people get facelifts when faces sag? Your scrotum can get the same treatment, especially if sagging skin down there causes you pain.
Medical conditions
Good general health is also good for your genitals. High blood pressure is linked to male genital shrinkage, and as most become more sedentary with age, blood pressure can rise.
Diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes can also play havoc with your penis. Keep an eye on blood sugars, and take steps to maintain balanced levels.
Obesity may be another troublemaker. Blood flow can be impacted by clogged arteries throughout the body; you’re protecting more than your heart when you protect your arteries.
While a curved penis can occur naturally, a medical condition called Peyronie’s disease is more common in men over 40, resulting in a curved penis, and potential shrinkage.
If this sounds like you, speak to your GP, as there are treatment options.
In some cases, depression and anxiety result in penis shrinkage, but it may only be temporary. For example, your penis can momentarily retract as a result of a panic attack.
If you had surgery for prostate cancer, you could notice shrinkage, but this is not always permanent. Give your body 12-18 months to recover, and see how it goes.
What you’re taking or imbibing
Don’t assume penis shrinkage or penile dysfunction is from ageing. What you’re swallowing may also be having an impact (not a pun, I swear).
A number of common medications can be responsible. Check the listed side-effects. You’d be surprised how treatment for another part of your system has a flow-on effect.
Steroids, recreational drugs, herbal supplements – all have the potential to cause havoc, depending on dosage and possible interactions.
A life of excessive alcohol consumption may adversely affect nerves in your penis. Cigarettes introduce a heap of chemicals into the system that are nobody’s friend, including your penis.
Lack of action
What is penile disuse atrophy? This is when atrophy or reduction of the penis may occur after a long period without sexual stimulation or relations.
Reasons for this abstinence vary for every individual. Your life is your own. The good news is, getting back in the saddle, as it were, makes a difference in most cases.
Remember how your arms sag and get floppy when you stop going to the gym? Okay, not quite the same but you get the gist.
Despite the bad rep, masturbation will not shrink your penis. In this scenario, erections are like stretching muscle: good for your body and penis health.
If lack of activity is a result of erectile dysfunction, talk to your GP to see if they can recommend treatment.
Do you talk openly with your doctor about all aspects of your health? Let us know in the comments section below.
