Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

As the male reproductive system ages, what is a typical change that may occur?

1. Increase in sperm production

2. Decrease in hormone levels

3. Enlargement of the prostate gland

4. The absence of testicular pain

The correct answer is: Enlargement of the prostate gland

As the male reproductive system ages, one typical change that may occur is the enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition, often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common in older men and can lead to various urinary symptoms such as increased frequency of urination or difficulty in starting and stopping urination. Prostate enlargement is a gradual process linked to hormonal changes that occur with age, particularly the increased ratio of estrogen to testosterone. It's an important aspect of male reproductive health that can impact quality of life, and recognizing this change is crucial for timely management and intervention. The other options do not represent typical changes associated with aging in the male reproductive system. For instance, while there may be fluctuations, sperm production does not generally increase with age. Hormone levels, particularly testosterone, often decrease with aging; however, this change is not associated with the immediate enlargement of the prostate. The absence of testicular pain is not inherently significant with aging, as many older men may still experience various types of discomfort or pain that are unrelated to testicular health.