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ISSN 0188-9796 (Print)

2007, Number 4

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Rev Endocrinol Nutr 2007; 15 (4)

Physiological changes during the aging of the male reproductive system

Lamm WL, Porias CH

Language: Spanish
References: 71
Page: 207-216
PDF size: 141.77 Kb.


ABSTRACT

The advances in the medical research have provided a greater life expectancy as much in men and women, and consequently it has brought a better understanding of the physiological and degenerative basis for the aging process. Recently, interest has been gained in this field, particularly in elderly men. There are too many alterations in different organs and systems as a result of the ageing process and great part of these are consequence of the experienced changes in the male reproductive system. All the described alterations involve changes that can occur at any level of the hypothalamic-hypophysis - gonadal axis. Nevertheless, it is the testicle which displays the greatest degenerative changes resulting in structural alterations, deficient hormonal production, semen quality and sexual function. On the other hand, the penis also experiences changes related to the erectile function, that beyond being a consequence of associated co-morbidities and relative hormonal deficiency, it is also the result of its own degenerative process due to aging.


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