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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Special Topic > Aging Changes in the Male Reproductive System: Description

Aging Changes in the Male Reproductive System

Provided by A.D.A.M.

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Definition

Andropause, Normal male reproductive changes

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Young Male Reproductive System
Young Male Reproductive System

Aged Male Reproductive System
Aged Male Reproductive System

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Description

Unlike women, who abruptly stop being fertile with menopause, men do not experience a sudden change in fertility as they age. Instead, changes occur gradually during a process that some people refer to as andropause.

Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur primarily in the testes. Testicular tissue mass decreases and the level of the male sex hormone testosterone stays the same or decreases very slightly. Erectile function may also be impaired

Fertility:

The tubes that carry sperm may become less elastic (a process called sclerosis). The testes continue to produce sperm, but the rate of sperm cell production slows. The epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland lose some of their surface cells but continue to produce the fluid that helps carry sperm.

Urinary function:

The prostate gland enlarges with age as some of the prostate tissue is replaced with a scarlike fibrotic tissue. This condition, called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), affects about 50% of men. This may cause problems with urination as well as with ejaculation.

In both men and women, reproductive system changes are closely related to changes in the urinary system.


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Definition
Description
Effect of changes
Common problems
Prevention
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Review Date : 10/28/2002
Reviewed By : David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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