Aging Changes in the Lungs: What Older Adults Should Know

Understanding aging changes lungs seniors is important for seniors and their caregivers. aging changes in the male reproductive system may include changes in testicular tissue, sperm production, and erectile function. Instead, changes occur gradually during a process that some people call andropause.

Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur primarily in thetestes. These changes usually occur gradually.

Information

Unlike women, men do not experience a major, rapid (over several months) change in fertility as they age (like menopause). The level of the male sex hormone,testosteronedecreases gradually. Testicular tissue mass decreases. This is a general slowing, instead of a complete lack of function.

FERTILITY

The tubes that carry sperm may become less elastic (a process called sclerosis). There may be problems getting an erection. The epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland lose some of their surface cells. The testes continue to produce sperm, but the rate of sperm cell production slows. This condition, calledbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH), affects about 50% of men. But they continue to produce the fluid that helps carry sperm.

URINARY FUNCTION

The prostate gland enlarges with age as some of the prostate tissue is replaced with a scar like tissue. Age does not predict male fertility. BPH may cause problems with slowed urination and ejaculation.

In both men and women, reproductive system changes are closely related to changes in the urinary system.

EFFECT OF CHANGES

Fertility varies from man to man. A man can father children, even if his prostate gland has been removed. Prostate function does not affect fertility. Sexual responses may become slower and less intense. Some fairly old men can (and do) father children.

The volume of fluid ejaculated usually remains the same, but there are fewer living sperm in the fluid.

Some men may have a lower sex drive (libido). It may also result from psychological or social changes due to aging (such as the lack of a willing partner), illness, long-term (chronic) conditions, or medicines.

Aging by itself does not prevent a man from being able to enjoy sexual relationships.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Erectile dysfunction (ED)may be a concern for aging men. This may be related to a lower testosterone level. Aging men are often less able to have repeated ejaculations.

ED is most often the result of a medical problem, rather than simple aging. It is normal for erections to occur less often than when a man was younger. Disorders, such asdiabetes, can also cause ED.

ED that is caused by medicines or illness is often successfully treated. Ninety percent of ED is believed to be caused by a medical problem instead of a psychological problem.

Medicines (such as those used to treathypertensionand certain other conditions) can prevent a man from getting or keeping enough of an erection for intercourse. The enlarged prostate partially blocks the tube that drains the bladder (urethra). Talk to your primary health care provider or a urologist if you are concerned about this condition.

BPH may eventually interfere with urination. If this is not treated, it can eventually lead tokidney failure.

Prostate gland infections or inflammation (prostatitis) may also occur.

Prostate cancerbecomes more likely as men age. Changes in the prostate gland make older men more likely to haveurinary tract infections.

Urine may back up into the kidneys (vesicoureteral reflux) if the bladder is not fully drained. Getting treated for health disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes may prevent problems with urinary and sexual function.

Changes in sexual response are most often related to factors other than simple aging. It is one of the most common causes of cancer death in men.Bladder canceralso becomes more common with age.Testicular cancersare possible, but these occur more often in younger men.

PREVENTION

Many physical age-related changes, such as prostate enlargement or testicular atrophy, are not preventable. Neuroendocrinology of aging. Older men are more likely to have good sex if they continue to be sexually active during middle age.

RELATED TOPICS

– Aging changes in hormone production
– Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
– Aging changes in the kidneys

Alternative Names

Andropause; Male reproductive changes

– Young male reproductive system
– Aged male reproductive system