How Your Penis Changes with Age (and What to Do About It)

How Your Penis Changes with Age (and What to Do About It)

Written by: Dr. Brian Steixner

Key Takeaways: How Your Penis Changes with Age

Aging doesn’t break your penis—it just changes the game.

Age and testosterone levels are linked, but lifestyle makes a big difference.

Most erectile dysfunction causes are treatable.

Penile sensitivity decline is common, but not irreversible.

Stay proactive: get checkups, communicate with partners, and stay curious in the bedroom.

Your Penis Has a Life Cycle Too

Let’s be real—your penis ages. It’s not preserved in some mythical time capsule while the rest of you battles gray hairs and lower back pain. But before you panic-Google “penile embalming,” take a breath. Aging doesn’t mean your sex life is over. It just means the party has a slightly different vibe (think candles and conversation instead of strobe lights and shotgunning beers).

From your 20s to your 60s and beyond, the penis evolves right along with the rest of your body. Hormones shift. Sensitivity changes. Erections may require more effort than just a gust of wind. But none of it means you're broken—it just means you're human.

So let’s get into the (literal) nuts and bolts of what actually happens as your penis ages—and what you can do to keep things working, feeling, and looking as good as possible.

1. Testosterone and Hormonal Twists

Say hello to the slow decline of testosterone, also known as andropause in men. No, there’s no dramatic menopause-style moment, but starting in your 30s, your levels start dipping by about 1% per year. Over time, that adds up to noticeable changes.

  • Less morning wood: Testosterone drives those sunrise salutes. A decline can dull the frequency or firmness.

  • Libido loss in men: You might still want sex, but maybe not like-you-want-a-bacon-cheeseburger level of urgency.

  • Mood and energy shifts: Low testosterone can leave you grumpier, sluggish, or wondering why that rom-com actually made you cry.

The Fix: If you're feeling off, don’t tough it out. Get tested. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might help—just know it’s not a magical sex potion. Talk to a doc. And if you're not ready for needles and gels, cleaning up your sleep, diet, and stress habits can support more stable age and testosterone levels naturally.

2. Erections: Not Gone, Just Slightly Delayed

Gone are the days of rock-hard readiness on a dime. That’s not dysfunction—that’s biology. Erectile function over time naturally changes as blood flow slows and nerve responsiveness dips.

  • You may need more time, more touch, or a more patient partner.

  • Erections might not be quite as firm—or they may not last as long.

  • The refractory period duration (aka the time between round one and round two) can stretch from “let’s go again” to “let’s take a nap first... and maybe brunch.”

But don’t worry—erectile dysfunction causes are often treatable. Sometimes it’s blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or just too much stress. Not all aging erections are doomed.

Pro Tip: Exercise, quit smoking, limit booze, and manage stress like a grown adult. And yes, supplements like Popstar Delay Spray or Popstar Volume + Taste can support performance and pleasure when used the right way.

3. Sensitivity and Pleasure: When You Need More Than a Breeze

One of the most under-discussed shifts is penile sensitivity decline. It’s not that your penis stops caring—it’s just that the nerves need a bit more encouragement.

  • You may find that orgasms take longer to reach, or feel a little muted.

  • You might need more stimulation or a change in technique (spoiler: that’s not a bad thing).

  • If you’ve got conditions like diabetes or are a smoker, those nerve pathways are even more at risk.

What Helps: Try new forms of stimulation. Use personal lubricants. Experiment with edging or mutual touch. Popstar Personal Lubricant line was made exactly for this kind of pleasure evolution.

4. Peyronie’s, Curves, and Surprise Bends

No, your penis isn’t trying to learn interpretive dance. If you notice a significant bend or curve during erections, it might be Peyronie’s disease. It’s caused by scar tissue forming inside the shaft, leading to curvature that can range from barely noticeable to “whoa, that’s new.”

  • Sometimes it’s painless.

  • Sometimes it’s... not.

  • But it’s always worth checking out, especially if it affects performance or confidence.

When to Act: If your penis starts doing yoga poses you didn’t sign up for—or if pain accompanies the curve—see a urologist. Treatments range from injections to surgery, and early intervention works best.

5. Is It Getting Smaller in Here, or...?

Ah yes, the dreaded penile shrinkage. Let’s clear something up: your penis doesn’t fall off or vanish into the Bermuda Triangle. But yes, some subtle changes in length and girth can happen with age.

Why it happens:

  • Reduced blood flow

  • Lower testosterone

  • Less elasticity in tissues

  • That extra belly fat that starts to “swallow” your shaft (yep, it’s a thing)

It’s not dramatic—think millimeters, not inches—but it can still mess with your confidence.


Quick Fixes:

  • Lose the gut. More pubic fat = more hidden penis.

  • Improve circulation with exercise.

  • Keep testosterone in a healthy range.

  • Stay hydrated and moisturized to prevent penile skin changes like dryness, thinning, and visible veins.

And yes: good grooming matters. Less pubic hair (totally normal as testosterone levels drop) plus dry, flaky skin is not the look.

6. The Prostate Is Loud, Proud, and Annoying

Welcome to middle age’s least fun party guest: your prostate. Prostate health becomes a major theme after 40. An enlarged prostate (aka benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) can cause:

  • Frequent peeing, especially at night

  • Trouble starting or stopping urination

  • Dribbling or weak stream

  • Sexual discomfort

Don’t ignore it. A cranky prostate can impact erections, libido, and even cause backdoor pressure during climax.


What helps:

  • Regular checkups

  • Hydration (but maybe cut fluids before bed)

  • Pelvic floor exercises (seriously, kegels aren’t just for women)

  • Diet low in red meat, high in veggies

And no, peeing 4 times during the night isn’t “just aging.” It’s worth getting checked.

7. Sex After 50: Still Hot, Just... Warmer

Let’s be clear: sex after 50 can still be amazing—it just comes with a few new rules.

  • It might take longer to get turned on

  • Erections may be less spontaneous, but more meaningful

  • Orgasms might not knock your socks off like they used to—but they still feel great

  • You may rely more on intimacy, emotional connection, or toys/lube than before

And you know what? That’s a win. You’re not 22 anymore. And that’s not a bad thing.


Tools for Thriving:

  • Talk to your partner. They’re aging too.

  • Prioritize foreplay like it’s the main event.

  • Try new positions or toys that work with your flexibility (or lack thereof).

  • Keep communication open and honest—performance anxiety fades when expectations are realistic.

8. Libido Goes Missing? File a Report

If your sex drive has packed up and moved to a desert island without you, don’t ignore it. Libido loss in men can be temporary—or a signal of something deeper.

Common causes:

Solutions:

  • Mix up the routine

  • Talk to a doctor about underlying causes

  • Use it or lose it: sexual activity itself helps maintain libido and function

  • Don’t wait until it becomes a source of resentment or shame

9. When to See a Doctor

Some issues you can troubleshoot with hydration and a solid multivitamin. Others need real medical attention. Here’s when you should call your provider, no excuses:

  • Sudden erectile dysfunction causes with no obvious explanation

  • Painful erections or curvature (hello again, Peyronie’s)

  • Unusual discharge, sores, or color changes

  • Trouble urinating or frequent nighttime trips

  • Big libido crash out of nowhere

It’s not embarrassing. It’s smart. Your penis is trying to tell you something—don’t leave it on read.

10. Penis Health Tips That Actually Work

Aging happens, but decline is optional. These are your non-negotiables for keeping your penis in fighting shape:

Also, keep quality lubes, communication skills, and an adventurous mindset close by. That combo is unbeatable.

Conclusion: Aging Like a Legend

Getting older isn’t the end of your sexual story—it’s a new chapter. One with more self-awareness, deeper connection, and yes, a little more lube.

If you stay informed, take care of your health, and remain open to change (and a few new toys), you can keep showing up in the bedroom like the rockstar you are—no matter your age.

Because a great sex life doesn’t peak at 25. With the right mindset and support, it just keeps getting better.

FAQs: Your Penis, Aging & What’s Totally Normal

Q: Is it normal for my penis to look smaller as I age?

Yes—and not just because of shrinkage. Weight gain and lower elasticity can make it look shorter even if it hasn’t actually lost size.

Q: Should I worry about changes in sensitivity?

Not unless they’re sudden or severe. Penile sensitivity decline is normal, but if it’s dramatic or affecting orgasm, talk to your doctor.

Q: Can Peyronie’s disease go away on its own?

Sometimes. Mild cases improve without treatment, but noticeable curvature or pain deserves medical attention.

Q: How long should I wait before worrying about ED?

If it’s occasional, don’t stress. If it’s persistent over several weeks—or getting worse—get checked for cardiovascular issues or hormone imbalances.

Q: Will supplements actually help?

They can, especially if they target blood flow or libido.

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez is a board-certified urologist who is fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine and specializes in the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions. He completed his medical education at Columbia University and his urological residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has focused on advocating for sexual health and providing improved healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Brian Steixner

Dr. Brian Steixner

Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.