It won’t go brown, but it will shrink a little (Picture: Getty)

As we grow older, most of us will lose some hair, get wrinkles and potentially also say goodbye to a few teeth.

However, there are some adjustments that men in particular may not have thought of: what will happen to their precious manhood.

Your penis is a body part like any other and ageing is completely normal – even if it may feel a bit terrifying.

Depending on your current age, here is what you can expect to happen from your penis and balls.


Your penis size will change

Your body is regulated through testosterone.

Remember puberty? That’s when your body first started producing it and you will reach peak levels in your late teens to early 20s.



However, once you pass 40, this will decrease quite substantially, which can cause changes to your penis size.

If you carry more fat on the pubic bone above your penis, this skin can begin to sag – effectively making your manhood look smaller.

Don’t panic, your dick won’t just shrink over night and the healthier you stay throughout your life, the better your chances are of keeping it in the size you’re used to.

However, unfortunately some men will also experience permanent shrinkage as their skin loses elasticity and healthy cells are replaced by collagen.

Your penis could develop a deeper curve

There are many different penis shapes, such as The Banana, The Cone and The Pepper.

Regardless if it’s completely straight or already has a bend, there’s a chance you will see more curvature as you age.

This curve is brought on by a condition known as Peyronie’s disease, where fibrous scar tissue builds up inside your penis.

This is caused by an injury or fracture during sex and usually affects men aged 40 to 60 years old.

The tissue develops as your penis heals and lies in the way of the blood flow during your erection, which curves your penis.

You may experience erectile dysfunction

According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, impotence occurs in 50 to 55% of men aged between 40 to 70, but it is by no means limited to this age group.

Causes for erectile dysfunction range can be physical, neurological or both.

Not being able to get it up – or keep it up – now and then is normal and can be due to stress, anxiety or too much alcohol.

However, if it’s happening frequently, it’s possible this issue is brought on by hormone problems, high blood pressure or medication.

Having erectile dysfunction can severely affect your mental health, but you’re not alone in it.

Chat to your GP if you’re worried and remember, it’s very common – and exactly why Viagra was invented.

Your balls could droop and shrink

When your testosterone levels drop your body will develop less sperm, which will cause your scrotum to shrink.

Some men may also notice that their balls starts to droop, which is partly due to lack of skin elasticity – though no one ball sack is the same, and some men naturally have ‘low-hanging fruit’.



You can do special exercises to lift the scrotum and some men also choose to get a surgical procedure to amend the droop (known as a scrotoplasty) – though this comes with its own risks and shouldn’t be your first port of call.

There are also a range of medical issues that can be the reason for a droop including a condition known as varicoceles, which can also cause infertility and discomfort.

Your pubic hair will thin or turn grey

This is also a sign of testosterone levels dropping.

On the upside, you no longer have to trim the landscape.

While most of the above is no cause for concern, if you notice any changes that you’re uncomfortable with or experience any pain, swelling or other issues with your genitals, speak to your doctor.

It can also be useful to chat to other men who are experiencing similar problems and thankfully there are many forums to join.

Above all, don’t worry.

Your penis is still glorious, even if it changes.

MORE: Penis enlarging surgeries ‘don’t work’ and ‘should almost never be done’

MORE: Do you need penis cleaner?

MORE: Apparently there are seven types of penis in the world

Advertisement Advertisement