Keeping Fit - Male sexuality and aging

Most men are capable of having intercourse, and fathering children, throughout their lives. Aging can reduce some physical capacity in sexual performance, but the vast majority of men remain sexually capable through old age.

Physical problems that can be encountered, however, involve testicular failure and testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer is relatively rare, affecting less than 2 percent of the adult male population with cancer. Symptoms include include a lump in the the testicle, swelling, and some alteration in the consistency of the affected testicle. The symptoms may also include dull aching from the lower abdomen, groin, or scrotum. Men should do a monthly physical check for lumps, because testicular cancer, when caught early, has a very high survival rate. If left unchecked until the yearly physical, the cancer has a chance to spread.

Testicular failure is when the body shuts off the functions of the testes. This may be caused by hormonal deficiency and can be cured through hormonal replacement therapy. Since hormonal therapy can lead to prostate problems, it is recommended that a physician closely monitor any medication for testicular failure.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is the sterilization of the male by cutting the vas deferens, the tubes that transport the sperm. The surgery is normally performed in the doctor's office with local anesthesia. Incisions are made on each side of the scrotum or on the center of the scrotum. The tubes are then cut, and tied or cauterized on each end.

Vasovasotomy is the surgical procedure that attempts to reconnect the vas deferens after a vasectomy. This operation is done for men wishing to reverse the surgical sterilization. Success at this procedure can vary from 30 to 75 percent, depending on the skill of the surgeon and the type of initial sterilization procedures.