NUR1 239 Chapter Notes - Chapter 24: Urinary Tract Infection, Superficial Inguinal Ring, Urinary Incontinence
Document Summary
The male does not experience a definite end to fertility as the female does. Around age 40 years, the production of sperm begins to decrease, although it continues into the 80s and 90s. After age 55 to 60 years, testosterone production declines very gradually so that the resulting physical changes are not evident until later in life. In the aging male, the amount of pubic hair decreases and the remaining hair turns gray. Penis size decreases to decreased tone of the dartos muscle, the scrotal contents hang lower, the rugae decrease, and the scrotum looks pendulous. The testes decrease in size and are less firm to palpation. Increased connective tissue is present in the tubules, so these become thickened and produce less sperm. In general, declining testosterone production leaves the older male with a slower and less intense sexual response, and an erection takes longer to develop and is less full or firm.
