Aging Changes in the Male Reproductive System

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Common problems

Impotence may be a concern for aging men. It is normal for erections to occur less frequently than when younger, and aging men often have less ability to experience repeated ejaculation. However, impotence is most often the result of a medical or psychological problem rather than simple aging, and 90% of impotence is believed to be of medical rather than psychological origin.

Medications (especially those used to treat hypertension and certain other conditions) can cause some men to be unable to develop or maintain an erection that is sufficient for intercourse. Disorders such as diabetes mellitus can also cause impotence.

If impotence occurs, it can often be treated. Some medications can be changed, and other impotence treatments may be helpful. The primary health care provider or a urologist should be consulted if a man is concerned about impotence.

BPH can eventually interfere with urination. The enlarged prostate partially blocks the tube that drains the urinary bladder (urethra). Changes in the prostate gland predispose elderly men to urinary tract infections.

Vesicoureteral reflux (backup of urine into the kidneys) can develop if the bladder is unable to drain adequately, eventually resulting in kidney failure.

Prostate gland infections or inflammation (various forms of prostatitis) may also occur.

Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age. It is one of the most frequent causes of cancer death for men. Bladder cancer is also a common cancer in older men. Testicular cancers are possible, but these more often occur in younger men.