Keep your penis in shape

Read about the author Samantha Evans

Sexual function declines as we age, but there are ways to slow or even halt this process to ensure that you enjoy sex into your advancing years. As a person’s testosterone levels drop, they may take longer to become aroused, to get an erection and to achieve orgasm. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with the ageing process and many people notice their sexual function may start to decline between 40-70 years.

Physical changes of the penis

Colour

The penis undergoes several physical changes as people get older. Reduced blood flow to the penis can cause the head or glans of the penis to lose its purplish colour and just like the hair on our head and under our armpits, pubic hair becomes thinner and more sparse.

Size

As a person gains more weight around their middle they may notice that their penis appears to be shrinking, but this pre pubic pad of fat only makes the penis appear shorter when the base of the shaft is, in fact, buried in the fat pad. Losing weight will reveal that the penis has not shrunk.

Shrinkage

As a person gets older, their penis may shrink in size as a result of the slow deposit of fatty plaques in tiny arteries in the penis which reduces blood flow. Known as arteriosclerosis, this process also occurs in the blood vessels surrounding the heart. The build up of inelastic collagen (scar tissue) inside the stretchy fibrous sheath that surrounds the erection chambers can lead to smaller erections.

Surgical intervention can cause the penis to shrink such as after having a radical prostatectomy. Around 70% of prostate owners who undergo this type of surgery to remove prostate cancer experience penile shrinkage but the amount of shrinkage varies between people, some experiencing more shrinkage than others.

Decreased sensitivity

As a person gets older they may notice that they have decreased sensitivity in their penis, making it harder to achieve an erection and have an orgasm. This doesn’t usually affect sexual function or make sex less pleasurable.

Keeping your Penis Healthy.

In addition to doing regular testicular self examination, it is important to check your penis health by noting any skin changes, lumps, bumps, abrasions and unusual discharge. Generally the majority of symptoms are benign and simply treated, some may be symptoms of a sexual transmitted disease and although rare it could be a symptom of penile cancer so always seek medical advice, don’t put it off because you are too embarrassed.

There are many other conditions that cause lumps and swellings, many of which are easily treated.

Simple ways to overcome these problems and improve your sex life

Penis owners can benefit from using sex toys to keep their penis in healthy working order, enjoy stronger orgasms and bigger erections.

Penis exercisers

Penis exercisers or pumps are good for improving the circulation with the tissues of the penis and if used daily can improve the size and quality of erections, which can lead to stronger orgasms. The Bathmate Hydromax uses water to ensure that a safe, even vacuum is applied over the entire penis without requiring a constriction ring.

Using warm water relaxes the tissues of the penis and enhances blood flow throughout the penis, while the vacuum opens up the tissues and blood vessels. Whilst inside the Hydromax, the volume of the penis will usually be over 25% bigger than your normal erection, which refreshes the penis with fresh oxygenated blood and helps enlarge the corpora cavernosa – the spongy tissue that holds blood during an erection.

By using a hydropump you reduce the risk of over pumping, a problem which can occur with other devices. By using Bathmate for 15 minutes as part of your daily shower or bath routine, you can help avoid erectile dysfunction.

Vibrators for a Penis

There are many cleverly designed products available to offer vibratory stimulation to your penis, increasing your sensitivity and sexual pleasure.

Fun Factory Cobra v2

The Cobra v2 has been designed specifically to stimulate the head of the penis. The smooth silicone opening is designed to hug the end of the penis, whilst offering powerful sensations through two motors. Cobra v2 also has 11 different speeds and stimulation modes, meaning that you can enjoy a variety of sexual pleasure.

Rocks Off Hand Solo

The Rocks Off Hand Solo gives a masturbation experience like no other, a hand held vibrating sleeve, light enough for people with manual dexterity problems. With a vibrating, open-sleeved design, the Hand Solo hides secret ridges and contours in its inner sleeve, providing pleasurable sensations in every stroke. The device is also 100% waterproof.

The Pulse Solo Essential by Hot Octopuss

The Pulse Solo Essential can be used whether the penis is erect or flaccid, meaning those with erectile dysfunction can still enjoy the scintillating sensations. It firmly holds the penis within its wings, the oscillating plates massage the frenulum for sensations like never before.

Penis Masturbators

The Fleshlight is one of the most popular masturbators, offering different designs and textures. It has a silky smooth interior which is perfect for people of all sizes and ideal for those who are extra sensitive and want to last a little longer during their solo sessions. The Fleshlight Vibro also offers vibrations to increase your sexual pleasure to the next level.

Fun to use, the quirky Verspanken penis masturbator offers a simple design and interchangeable inserts to meet all your masturbatory needs. The plastic outer case holds the two sausage shaped “weiners” which act as lips, hugging your penis tightly. The FoamWeiners are soft and spongy and the WaterWeiners can be warmed or cooled to your specific needs. Both offer differing textures: Smooth, Bumpy and Wavy.

Cock rings

Wearing a cock ring during sexual intercourse can increase the size of your penis and make your erection last longer. Cock rings come in many designs, from simple stretchy silicone rings like the Rocks Off Rudy Rings, Dr Roccos The Cog’s Cox to vibrating rings such as the Je Joue Mio which offer waves of vibrations through your penis and your partner. They are not suitable for people who experience circulatory problems and should never be worn for more than 30 minutes.

Pelvic Floor exercises

People with a penis have a pelvic floor too, just like vagina and vulva owners but very few are aware that doing pelvic floor exercises can increase penile hardness and rigidity, improving the quality of your erections in addition to aiding continence and those night time trip to the toilet. It is recommended that you seek advice from a physiotherapist, trained in pelvic health to instruct you how to do these exercises correctly.

Great sex beyond penetration

Even if you are no longer able to enjoy penetrative sex with a partner there are so many ways to remain intimate and enjoy sexual pleasure together. It just takes a littel creatvity, imagination and sexploration to discover a whole new world of sexual stimulation so why not give it a go. Sex is good for you, whetehr with a partner or for solo enjoyment whatever your age so if you want to continue to enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure, explore what sex toys can offer you.

Lubricant isn’t just for women

Using lubrication whilst receiving manual masturbation not only feels good but also allows their partner to become sexually aroused too. Having a well-lubricated penis or vagina not only enhances sexual pleasure but also prevents damage or abrasion to the delicate tissues of the vagina and penis. It can also help make sexual intercourse last longer if it feels good.

Older people face different sexual challenges in the form of erection and arousal problems. They often find it takes longer to become aroused . Requiring longer genital arousal to gain erections and to be turned on, the use of lubrication can intensify the feeling of sexual pleasure, helping to make erections last longer.

“Wetter is better for men as well as women.” (Marty Klein, sex therapist, Palo Alto, California, USA)

Incorporating toys into your sex play and daily routine can help to prevent erectile dysfunction problems and keep the ageing process at bay. Enjoy satisfying sexual pleasure for years to come and keep your penis in excellent working order!

Useful Websites

College Of Sex and Relationship Therapists : www.cosrt.org.uk
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy : www.csp.org.uk
Relate : www.relate.org.uk