Let’s be honest—aging happens to every part of your body. And yes, that includes your penis.It may not be a popular topic at dinner parties, but it’s one worth understanding. Just like your joints might creak and your hair might thin, your penis isn’t immune to the passage of time. But here’s the good news: most of these changes are natural, manageable, and nothing to panic about. Let’s walk through what to expect from puberty to retirement—and what you can do to keep your equipment in good working order.
From Boys to Men: Puberty and Peak Testosterone
Around age 9 to 15, your pituitary gland kicks things into gear, triggering a surge in testosterone production. This hormone is the driving force behind the physical changes of puberty—your testicles drop, your penis grows, and yes, you start noticing a whole lot more interest in sex. Testosterone levels climb during your teen years and usually peak in your early 20s, when everything—libido, energy, erections—is firing on all cylinders.
Your 30s and 40s: Still Going Strong (With Subtle Shifts)
By your 30s, testosterone levels start to dip—but the change is minimal at first. You might not notice much of a difference, aside from perhaps not recovering from workouts as quickly or experiencing the occasional “off night” in the bedroom.But here’s something most guys don’t realize: it’s not just your testosterone level that matters. Your body also starts making more of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which clings to testosterone in your bloodstream and keeps it from doing its job. So even if your total testosterone is “normal,” the usable portion—called free testosterone—may be slipping.
What Happens to Your Penis and Testicles As You Age?
Now, for the real talk. Here’s how your manhood may change with age:
Pubic Hair Gets Thinner (and Grayer)
No surprise here—your pubic hair follows the same rules as the hair on your head. It becomes finer, grayer, and may even thin out over time. Not exactly a crisis, but indeed a sign of the times.
Your Penis Looks Smaller
Spoiler alert: it probably hasn’t shrunk. What’s happening is that the pad of fat above your pubic bone may be growing and sagging with age, making your penis appear shorter. It’s more of an optical illusion than anything else. Maintaining a healthy weight can help keep your appearance.
It Might Start to Curve (Really!)
Suppose your erections are starting to resemble a boomerang. In that case, you could be dealing with Peyronie’s disease—a condition where scar tissue forms inside the shaft of the penis, usually from an injury during sex. This scar tissue can cause curvature, shortening, or discomfort. The good news? There are treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, that can restore function.
Testicles May Shrink
Your testicles’ main job is to produce sperm and testosterone. As you age and testosterone production slows, so does sperm production, and with that, a gradual shrinkage in size. It’s normal. If you’re on testosterone therapy, your brain tells the testes to “clock out,” and they may shrink even more.
Scrotum Becomes… Less Perky
Gravity always wins. The muscles in your scrotum that once kept things tight and temperature-regulated start to slacken. Combined with reduced skin elasticity, your scrotum begins to hang lower. Add in a condition like a hydrocele (fluid buildup around the testicle), and things can look droopier than dignified. If you experience swelling or discomfort, consult your doctor—it’s usually harmless, but it’s worth checking.
Performance Changes: What About Erections?
Here’s where many men start paying closer attention.As you age, the nerves in your penis become less sensitive. Erections might take longer to achieve, feel less firm, or not last as long. Lower testosterone also plays a role in reduced libido and weaker erections.But one of the most common culprits? Blood flow. The smooth muscle around the erectile tissue weakens with age. That means blood may enter the penis but can’t stay there long enough to maintain an erection—the result: loss of rigidity or inability to sustain intercourse.Fortunately, we have excellent treatments—from medications like Viagra and Cialis to testosterone therapy and even advanced procedures like shockwave therapy or penile implants when needed.
Final Thoughts: Aging Happens, but You’re Still in Charge
Look, no one escapes the effects of time. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. If you’re noticing changes in your sexual function or appearance, don’t suffer in silence. Many of these issues are treatable, and consulting with your urologist can be the first step toward feeling like yourself again.After all, a healthy sex life isn’t just about sex—it’s about confidence, intimacy, and well-being.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
