Andropause
Monday, January 4th, 2010
Male reproductive changes
Ageing gracefully is a boon given to some, may be, not to all. Aging is a process of gradual and progressive changes through the several phases of life – child hood, puberty, teen age, adult hood, middle and old age.
While your age is what your mind thinks it is, traditionally it is around 60 that one ‘retires’ and leaves his ‘work’ for a retired life.
With age, many of the body’s functions decline. Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur gradually during a process called ‘Andropause’
For women, the stoppage of ‘fertility’ – menopause – is definife. For men it is not the same way. The decline occurs gradually.
Aging changes in the male reproductive system
1. Prostate enlargement & Urinary function:-
The prostate gland enlarges with age as some of the prostate tissue is replaced with a scar like 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.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) may 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) may develop if the bladder is inadequately drained, eventually resulting in kidney failure if untreated.
Prostate gland infections or inflammation (various forms of prostatitis) may also occur.
Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age. It is one 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.
2. Fertility:-
Fertility varies from man to man, and age is not a good predictor of male fertility. Prostate function is not closely related to fertility, and a man can father children even if his prostate gland has been removed. Some fairly old men can ( and do) father children.
The volume of fluid ejaculated usually remains the same, but there are fewer living sperm in the fluid.
3. Decrease in libido:-
Decrease in the sex drive (libido) may occur for some men. Sexual responses may become slower and less intense. This may be related to decreased testosterone level, but it may also result from psychological or social changes related to aging (such as lack of a willing partner), illness, chronic conditions, or medications.
Aging by itself does not necessarily prevent a man from being able to enjoy sexual relationships.
4. Testicular dysfunction:-
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.
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.
5. Erectile dysfunction:-
Erectile dysfunction may be a concern for aging men. It is normal for erections to occur less frequently than when a man was younger, and aging men often have less ability to experience repeated ejaculation. However, erectile dysfunction is most often the result of a medical or psychological problem rather than simple aging, and 90% of erectile dysfunction is believed to be of medical rather than psychological origin. Age may cause decreased blood flow to the penis.
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 can also cause erectile dysfunction.
If erectile dysfunction occcurs, it can often be treated. Some medications can be changed, and other erectile dysfunction treatments may be helpful.
6. Prevention:-
Many physical age – related changes, such as prostate enlargement or testicular atrophy, are not preventable. Early and proper treatment of underlying health disorders such as hypertension and diabetes that may be responsible for changes in urinary and sexual health may prevent later problems with urinary and sexual function.
Erectile dysfunction that is caused by medications or illness is often successfully treated. Sexual response changes are most frequently related to factors other than simple aging. Satisfactory sex in older men is more likely if sexual activity has continued during middle age.
Aging may be retarded to certain extent by “clean” living. Moderation in any thing, in any phase of life, is the “mantra”. Ayurveda has excellent herbal medicines that boosts the Immunity defence of the body. It has systematic rejuvenation therapies, which can make you younger than your age. Starting with “Chyavana Pras” there ae several natural medicines that restore health and help to live longer.
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