Have more sex and quit smoking… how to protect your penis from shrinking with age
OUR bodies all change with age.
Our ears get longer, our skin starts to droop and our muscle mass takes a nose dive.
But one thing you probably didn't know was that your penis can actually shrink as the years pass by.
Fatty deposits build up in the arteries as we age - causing reduced blood flow to the penis.
A lifetime of sporting injuries can also lead to shrinkage due to a buildup of scar tissue.
And getting older is also accompanied by muscle atrophy and a decline in testosterone - both of which can be associated with a slight decline in penis size.
“Some research suggests that when the penis is flaccid for long periods of time — and therefore deprived of a lot of oxygen-rich blood — the low oxygen level causes some muscle cells to lose their flexibility and gradually change into something akin to scar tissue," their report said.
"This scar tissue seems to interfere with the penis’ ability to expand when it’s filled with blood.”
3. Keep cool
It's not just your todger that gets small with age; after 40, your testicles also start to shrink.
To slow their decline, try keeping them cool.
Wear boxers rather than briefs so you're getting more air up there and avoid very tight trousers which may restrict blood flow.
4. Lose weight
Who isn't worried about a growing gut as they age?
But a bulging waist-line won't just put you more at risk of heart problems, diabetes, cancer and fatty liver disease.
Carrying extra padding can make your todger look smaller.
When you're properly hydrated, you also produce more of a hormone called angiotensin, which has been found to be deficient in men struggling with erectile dysfunction.
6. Quit smoking
Smoking is responsible for a tonne of diseases and conditions. Cancer aside, it can also be responsible for shrinking your penis.
The chemicals from cig smoke can damage the blood vessels in the penis - stopping it from filling with blood.
A study carried out in 1998 by the Boston University of Medicine examined the erect penises of 200 men.
Scientists found that smokers had shorter erect penises compared to men who did not smoke. They believed this is because smoking inhibits blood flow, preventing the penis from stretching, which might reduce penis length.
7. Brush your teeth
Blokes who fail to brush their teeth twice a day are more likely to be a flop in bed, a recent study revealed.
Scientists from Jinan University, in China, analysed the teeth and sexual performance of 213,076 men.
They found guys with gum disease were 2.85-times more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction.
9. See your GP
While penile shrinkage does happen with age, it's still definitely worth getting checked out by your GP if you notice an obvious change.
It's all about knowing what's normal for you; if your peeing regime changes, your sex life takes a nosedive or you're worried about cancer, make an appointment to see your GP.
They might suggest other lifestyle changes you could make, put you on medication or refer you for scans and blood tests to see exactly what's going on.
Until then, ditch the cigs, up your H2O and get more active in the bedroom.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours