Changes in Men Caused by Aging
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Changes in Men
This section focuses on the sexuality of the older male. There are lots of jokes about how older men are less interested in sex or have difficulty getting erections. It is true there are changes in a man’s sex drive, sexual interests, changes in his ability to achieve and maintain an erection, changes in his fertility, and even changes in the risk of birth defects of any children he might father in his middle or older years. Older men are more likely to have difficulties with their prostate gland which might affect sexual function. They are also more likely to face other health issues or have medication side effects that might impair sexual desire or performance. In addition, older men are more likely to have had a vasectomy — a permanent way to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Fertility Changes
Changes occur most often in the testes (the testicles). The tissue that makes up the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles may become less elastic or flexible. Levels of the male hormone testosterone may decrease slightly. So although the testes continue to produce sperm, the rate of sperm production slows and there are fewer living sperm in the fluid that is ejaculated.
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Libido Changes
Because some men experience a decrease in the hormone testosterone, some men may experience a decrease in their sex drive. Response to sexual stimulation may also be slower and become less intense. These changes in sex drive can also be the result of stress, certain medical conditions, and certain medications.
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ED – Erectile Dysfunction
As men age it is normal for erections to occur less frequently and sometimes it takes longer for a man to achieve an erection. Men also may be less able to experience repeated ejaculation. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is different. A man has ED when he has difficulty or he cannot get an erect or hard penis. ED is usually the result of a range of medical problems, from medications such as antidepressants, to serious conditions like diabetes. That is why it is important to be evaluated by a health care provider if experiencing ED.
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Prostate
It is common for the prostate gland to become larger with age. This is called an enlarged prostate. This occurs when prostate tissue is replaced with a scar-like tissue. Enlarged prostate is a condition that affects about half of all men. A man’s prostate usually starts to enlarge after he reaches age 40. An enlarged prostate may also make it difficult for a man to ejaculate (come).
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Risks for Birth Defects
As men age, the quality of their sperm declines, increasing the risk of fathering children with genetic problems. Researchers have found that older men have a greater chance of sperm with genetic defects. A man’s fertility affects the ability of couples to successfully conceive and carry the pregnancy to term.
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Vasectomy Information
As men and women become older, they may be looking for more permanent methods of birth control. Men looking for a permanent method may consider vasectomy. Vasectomy is an operation that stops sperm from getting in their semen. The procedure is simple, usually performed in a doctor’s office or clinic, under local anesthesia. Recovery time is short and men can return to sexual activity as soon as they are comfortable, usually in about one week.
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