The penis is the epitome of masculinity. Although most women place only secondary importance on the size of a man’s best piece (as opposed to its ability to function), men do project their self-worth into the length and girth of their sexual organ. Penile atrophy can very much limit their quality of life, but – what good news – there are treatment options.
What is penile atrophy?
The word atrophy refers to the abnormal loss of tissue on the male sex organ. The word “atrophia” comes from Latin and means “emaciation” or “emaciation”. When penile atrophy causes the penis to shrink, it has to do with the reduction of penile tissue – very often accompanied by a reduction in penile function. Usually, atrophy only occurs at an advanced age: men over sixty are affected more often than younger men. However, this does not mean that younger men cannot also notice a change in the size and shape of their penis. Often, the penis adapts its shape and size to external conditions. Every man knows these changes due to heat and cold or strong or weak blood circulation, but all of them have nothing to do with real penile atrophy. The accumulation or reduction of body fat can also seemingly change the size of the penis, but its actual size still always remains the same, so it is not affected by atrophy.
Causes
Penile atrophy can be due to many causes:
- Weak blood flow or circulatory problems: When the penis has poor blood flow, it can reduce its size. Arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders and reduced blood flow due to too tight clothing or too much 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 corpora cavernosa is not adequate in terms of pressure and quantity.
- Low testosterone: men with significantly reduced testosterone levels suffer from penile atrophy more often than other men. Testicular reduction also occurs in the same breath. Testosterone levels decrease due to older age, chemotherapy, systemic diseases or radiation therapy, especially when used against prostate cancer.
- Tissue diseases such as Peyronie’s disease (pain during erections, extreme curvature of the penis), which affects the surrounding tissues of the penis, can equally often result in a reduction in size, extreme curvature of the penis or loss of erectile function.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
The symptoms are immediately recognizable externally: The penis is more or less reduced in size in relation to its former state. Often, this also limits the ability to function (sexual activity, erection). Very rarely there are restrictions or discomfort during urination. Although the complaints 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 there is loneliness due to shame, a cessation of sexual activities and a loss of self-esteem. For these reasons, it is very important to seek help as soon as possible. In case of any penile atrophy, the family doctor should be consulted without false shame, and later on a urologist. Penile atrophy is not a reason to despair, there are ways and means to alleviate and overcome the symptoms. Almost always, in addition to conventional medical care, additional alternative medical treatment or psychological support is useful.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
In the case of such an externally rapidly visible course of the disease, namely the shrinkage of the penis, there is no need to describe the diagnostic possibilities. It is more a matter of determining the cause than diagnosis, and treatment can be determined accordingly. As described below, therapies always vary with respect to the cause.
Complications
As a rule, penile atrophy does not represent a particular health limitation, so that the patient’s life expectancy is also not limited due to the disease. The affected person can thus live through a completely ordinary life.However, the shortened penis can cause serious psychological problems, so that the patients suffer from depression or other psychological complaints. It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from reduced self-esteem and also from inferiority complexes. Especially in childhood, this can lead to bullying and teasing, which significantly reduces the quality of life. However, penile atrophy also leads to severe discomfort in adulthood, making sexual intercourse almost impossible. This can lead to tension with one’s partner. In many cases, penile atrophy cannot be treated. Likewise, most patients are 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, no positive course of the disease can be guaranteed in this case. Further complications or other special complaints do not usually occur with penile atrophy.
When should you see a doctor?
Changes in the male sex organs should always be examined by a doctor. There is a particular need for action if they persist over a longer period of time or increase in extent and intensity. If irregularities occur in various forms, a comprehensive examination is required to clarify the cause. Complaints about 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. If there are visual changes in the tissue as well as changes in the size of the penis, there is cause for concern. A visit to the doctor is advisable so that no consequential damage develops. Indisposition, 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 joie de vivre and social withdrawal, a doctor should be consulted. Depressive moods, apathy and a change in weight indicate health disorders. A doctor is needed to prevent further deterioration of well-being. Partnership problems, behavioral problems, general dysfunction or attention deficits are warning signs of the organism. They should be followed up so that a treatment plan can be created. Persistent emotions such as shame, fear or disgust lead to further problems. To prevent mental illness from developing, a doctor should be consulted.
Treatment and therapy
How penile atrophy is treated depends on the cause, which must be clarified immediately. It is advised to all men who observe a loss of penile tissue to contact an expert. To restart blood flow, lifestyle changes must be made such as weight loss or healthy diet. Medications for vascular disease can help rebuild the tissue already lost through increased blood flow. Men with low testosterone can undergo hormone therapy, although the side effects here should not be underestimated. As for the surrounding tissue, there are many treatment options here as well: Often the administration of vitamin E, the use of implants or restoration by means of plastic surgery are a great support. The penis can be additionally supported and built up externally through nutrient-rich penis creams and oils that use a vitamin formula to stimulate penile tissue to produce new cells. This formula is composed of vitamins A, C, E, D and B, as well as amino acids, antioxidants and moisturizers.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for penile atrophy is tied to the presenting cause of the tissue loss. Basically, the reduction of penile function in men at an older age is part of a natural course. Therefore, the prospect of improvement in men beyond the age of 60 is severely limited. If the affected person suffers from a disorder of the blood circulation, a considerable improvement of the situation can be achieved with medical care. As soon as the cardiovascular system functions stably and permanently, the functional activity of the male sex normally improves.With a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, significant relief of symptoms can be observed. If hormonal imbalances are present, 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 can be achieved. However, with the discontinuation of the drugs, relapses are to be expected. The further outlook is considerably limited in men who suffer from cancer or a genetic disorder of the tissue. In these cases, the focus of therapy is directed toward alleviating the symptoms of the underlying disease. Penile atrophy is therefore not treated as a priority. Rather, the overall goal is to improve the quality of life or, in severe cases, to prolong life.
Prevention
Whether penile atrophy can really be prevented is unlikely. Aging processes do, after all, cause tissue deterioration and loss. However, older men do not have to resign themselves to their fate, as both medications and surgery can contribute, in addition to lifestyle changes. For younger men suffering from penile atrophy due to cancer (radiation and chemotherapy), the age argument is of little comfort, however there are ways to help them as well. Efficient prevention through cancer screening is probably the only sensible, viable way forward in terms of preventing penile atrophy.
Aftercare
In most cases, there are no special or even direct measures of aftercare available to those affected by penile atrophy. Therefore, affected individuals need to see a doctor at a very early stage to avoid complications or other conditions as the condition progresses, which could continue to reduce the quality of life of the affected individual. Treatment of penile atrophy is usually not always necessary. It is only necessary if the symptoms severely disturb the affected person and reduce the quality of life. In general, a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and sports activities has a positive effect on the course of penile atrophy. In this context, especially the loss of weight in case of overweight can greatly alleviate the discomfort. Likewise, the symptoms can also be alleviated with the help of various medications. The affected person should always pay attention to a correct dosage and also to a regular intake of the medicines. Various vitamins can also alleviate the symptoms. However, a complete cure cannot always be guaranteed. The penile atrophy itself thereby also does not reduce the life expectancy of the affected person.
What you can do yourself
With penile atrophy, the self-confidence of the affected person is often reduced. It is important to build up a sense of achievement, both privately and professionally, and to focus on positive elements of life. In partnerships, it is helpful if both partners speak openly and honestly with each other about their perceptions, fears and feelings. Otherwise, complications, disputes or disagreements arise, which contribute to a worsening of the general situation. Solutions, on the other hand, should be worked out together so that everyone’s needs can be met in the best possible way. Affected individuals with penile atrophy should explore alternative sexual practices when experiencing sexual dysfunction. Sexual satisfaction can occur in a variety of ways outside of common sexual intercourse. Therefore, further development of the previously known sexual experience can bring about an improvement in the state of mind for the affected person as well as the partner. In addition, the patient should reduce existing internal stressors. By using relaxation procedures or wellness programs, an inner balance and harmony can be established, which is perceived as helpful in everyday life. As a matter of principle, one’s own self-worth should not be measured by sexual ability or external physical characteristics. If the affected person finds it difficult to accept and feel this independently, the use of psychotherapeutic services is advisable. Cognitive changes and awareness processes help to enjoy a fulfilled life with penile atrophy.