Penile Atrophy

The penis is the epitome of masculinity. While most women give secondary importance to the size of a man’s penis (as opposed to his ability to function), men do project their self-worth onto the length and girth of their privates. Penile atrophy can severely limit your quality of life, but – what good news – there are treatment options.

Penile Atrophy

What is penile atrophy?

The word atrophy refers to the pathological loss of tissue in the male sex organ. The word “atrophia” comes from Latin and means “emaciation” or “emaciation”. When the penis shrinks in penile atrophy, it has to do with a reduction in penile tissue – very often with a reduction in penile function. See foodanddrinkjournal for Meatal Stenosis Dictionary Definitions.

Atrophy does not usually occur until old age: men over the age of sixty are affected more often than younger men. That doesn’t mean that younger men can’t see a change in the size and shape of their penises, too. The shape and size of the penis often adapts to external conditions.

Every man knows these changes due to heat and cold or strong or weak blood circulation, but none of them have anything to do with real penile atrophy. The accumulation or reduction of body fat can also appear to change the size of the penis, but its actual size remains the same, so it is not affected by atrophy.

Causes

Penile atrophy can have many causes:

  • Poor Circulation or Circulatory Impairments: Poor blood flow to the penis can reduce its size. Atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders and reduced blood flow due to clothing that is too tight or excessive body weight can cut off the penis from the blood supply necessary for penile tissue.

Men with circulatory problems often also have problems with their erections because the blood that should fill the erectile tissue is not adequate in terms of pressure and volume.

  • Low testosterone levels: Men with significantly reduced testosterone levels suffer from penile atrophy more often than other men. A reduction in the size of the testicles also occurs in the same breath. Testosterone levels fall due to aging, chemotherapy, systemic disease, or radiation therapy, especially when used to treat prostate cancer.
  • Tissue diseases such as Peyronie’s disease (painful erections, extreme curvature of the penis), which affects the tissues surrounding the penis, can also often result in a reduction in size, extreme curvature of the penis, or a loss of erectile function.

Symptoms, Ailments & Signs

The symptoms can be seen immediately on the outside: the penis is more or less reduced in size in relation to its previous condition. Functionality (sexual activity, erection) is often restricted as a result. Very rarely there are restrictions or problems with urination.

Although the symptoms are of a physical nature, the effects on the psyche are much more serious and much more restrictive in terms of the man’s quality of life. Often loneliness stems from shame, a cessation of sexual activity, and a loss of self-esteem. For these reasons, it is very important to seek help as soon as possible.

With every penis change, the family doctor and later a urologist should be consulted without false shame. Penile atrophy is no reason to despair, there are ways and means to alleviate and overcome the symptoms. In addition to conventional medical care, alternative medical treatment or psychological support is almost always useful.

Diagnosis & course of disease

With such a rapidly visible course of the disease, namely the shrinking of the penis, there is no need to describe the diagnostic options. It is more about determining the cause than a diagnosis and treatment can be determined accordingly. As described below, therapies always vary depending on the cause.

Complications

As a rule, penile atrophy does not represent any particular health restrictions, so that the life expectancy of the patient is not restricted due to illness. The person concerned can live a completely normal life. However, the shortened penis can lead to serious psychological problems, so that the patients develop depression or other mental problems.

It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from reduced self-esteem and also from inferiority complexes. Especially in childhood, bullying and teasing can occur, which significantly reduces the quality of life. However, penile atrophy also leads to severe symptoms in adulthood, so that sexual intercourse is hardly possible. This can lead to tensions with your partner.

In many cases, penile atrophy cannot be treated. Most patients are also ashamed of this disease and therefore avoid going to the doctor. Possibly the length of the penis can be increased with the help of hormones. However, a positive course of the disease cannot be guaranteed. Other complications or other special complaints do not usually occur with penile atrophy.

When should you go to the doctor?

Changes in the male sex organs should always be examined by a doctor. There is a particular need for action if they last for a long time or increase in scope and intensity. If irregularities occur in various forms, an extensive investigation is required to clarify the cause. Problems with urination, erectile dysfunction or during the sexual act should be discussed with a doctor.

If the erection cannot be maintained even in situations without another person, a check-up is indicated. There are concerns about optical changes in the tissues, as well as changes in the size of the penis. So that no consequential damage develops, a doctor’s visit is advisable. Discomfort, a feeling of illness and general dissatisfaction are indications of a health impairment. There is a need for action. If there is reduced self-esteem, loss of zest for life and social withdrawal, a doctor should be consulted.

Depressive moods, lethargy and a change in weight indicate health problems. A doctor is needed so that there is no further deterioration in well-being. Relationship problems, behavioral problems, general dysfunctions or attention deficits are warning signs of the organism. They should be followed up so that a treatment plan can be drawn up. Persistent emotions such as shame, fear or disgust lead to further problems. To avoid mental illnesses, a doctor should be consulted.

Treatment & Therapy

How penile atrophy is treated depends on the cause, which needs to be clarified immediately. It is advisable for all men who observe a loss of penile tissue to contact an expert. To get blood flow going again, lifestyle changes need to be made, such as weight loss or a healthy diet.

Drugs for vascular diseases can help to rebuild the tissue that has already been lost by increasing blood flow. Men with low testosterone levels can undergo hormone therapy, although the side effects should not be underestimated.

As far as the surrounding tissue is concerned, there are many treatment options here too: the administration of vitamin E, the use of implants or reconstruction using plastic surgery are often of great help.

The penis can be additionally supported and built up from the outside with nutrient-rich penis creams and oils, which stimulate the penis tissue to form new cells through a vitamin formula. This formula is composed of vitamins A, C, E, D and B as well as amino acids, antioxidants and moisturizers.

Outlook & Forecast

The prognosis for penile atrophy is linked to the underlying cause of tissue wasting. Basically, the restriction of penile function in men at an older age is part of a natural course. Therefore, the prospect of an improvement in the situation for men over the age of 60 is severely limited.

If the person concerned suffers from a circulatory disorder, medical care can improve the situation considerably. As soon as the cardiovascular system functions stably and permanently, the functional activity of the male sex usually improves. With a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, significant relief of the symptoms can be observed. If there are disturbances in the hormonal balance, a good prognosis is also possible if medical treatment is sought. By administering hormone preparations, a balance can be established so that freedom from symptoms is achieved. However, when the medication is stopped, relapses are to be expected.

The further prospect is considerably reduced in men who suffer from cancer or a genetic disorder of the tissue. In these cases, the focus of therapy is on alleviating the symptoms of the underlying disease. Penile atrophy is therefore not treated as a priority. Rather, it is an overall improvement in quality of life or, in severe cases, a prolongation of life.

Prevention

It is unlikely that penile atrophy can really be prevented. Aging processes cause tissue deterioration and tissue loss. But older men don’t have to accept their fate either, since lifestyle changes, medication and surgery can both contribute.

For younger men suffering from penile atrophy due to cancer (radiation and chemotherapy) the argument of age is cold consolation, but there are opportunities for help for them too. Efficient prevention through cancer screening is probably the only sensible, viable way to prevent penile atrophy.

Aftercare

In most cases, those affected by penile atrophy have no special or direct follow-up care available. Those affected must therefore consult a doctor very early on, so that there are no complications or other complaints that could further reduce the quality of life of the person affected. Treatment of penile atrophy is usually not always necessary.

It is only necessary if the symptoms are severely disruptive and reduce the quality of life. In general, a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and physical activity has a positive effect on the course of penile atrophy. Above all, losing weight in the case of overweight can greatly relieve the symptoms.

The symptoms can also be alleviated with the help of various medications. The person concerned should always ensure that the dosage is correct and that the medication is taken regularly. Various vitamins can also relieve the symptoms. However, a complete cure cannot always be guaranteed. Penile atrophy itself does not reduce the life expectancy of the person affected.

You can do that yourself

In the case of penile atrophy, the affected person’s self-confidence is often reduced. It is important to build up a personal and professional sense of achievement and to concentrate on positive elements in life. In partnerships, it is helpful if both partners talk openly and honestly about their perceptions, fears and feelings. Otherwise, complications, quarrels or disagreements will arise, which will contribute to the deterioration of the general situation. On the other hand, solutions should be worked out together so that the needs of all those involved can be satisfied in the best possible way.

Sufferers of penile atrophy should consider alternative sexual practices for sexual dysfunction. Sexual satisfaction can come in a variety of ways outside of regular intercourse. Therefore, a further development of the previously known sexual experience can bring about an improvement in the state of mind for the person concerned as well as for the partner. In addition, the patient should reduce existing internal stressors. By using relaxation methods or wellness programs, an inner balance and harmony can be created, which is perceived as helpful in everyday life.

In principle, one’s own self-esteem should not be measured by sexual ability or external physical characteristics. If the person concerned finds it difficult to accept and feel this on their own, it is advisable to use psychotherapeutic services. Cognitive changes and awareness-raising processes help to enjoy a fulfilling life with penile atrophy.