Possible Sex Disasters

2014-09-15

Sex in and of itself is a great exercise for your health. It boosts your mood and your immune system. It lowers your blood pressure and can improve your sleep. But just like any activity, there are possible sex disasters that are afoot. For instance a 2010 survey taken in the UK found that one third of British adults had been injured during sex. Here are some possible sexual disasters that could happen to you. One thing any guy wants to avoid is a fractured penis. Even though there aren’t truly any bones within your member, you can tear the tunica albuginea membrane. This is the core of the penis which allows for erection. Usually, those who are doing very sexually adventurous moves endure this injury. Aggressive masturbation is another cause. It can occur any time the penis is forced against the perineum. This is the fleshy part between the testicles and the anus. Usually a cracking sound will occur when the penis breaks, followed by intense pain. If this occurs get medical attention immediately. A physical exam will determine whether or not it’s fractured. Surgery is often needed. Without treatment, deformity and erectile dysfunction may occur.

Have you ever experienced a headache due to sex? Both men and women can get them immediately following orgasm. Usually they aren’t something to worry about. However, they could be a symptom of high blood pressure, bleeding in the brain or a brain tumor. It’s usually a dull ache, or a sudden throbbing that builds slowly as intercourse becomes more intense. The first time you experience this headache, talk to your physician about it. If confusion, a stiff neck, coordination trouble or confusion follow, be sure to see your doctor right away.Vigorous sex triples your risk of heart attack in the hours just after intercourse, particularly for those who are not used to such rigorous activity according to a 2011 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This is a rare occurrence but it can happen. Warning signs include chest pains that last for a couple of minutes or so. Sometimes these go away and then return. A shortness of breath may accompany the pain. Heart palpitations, meaning a racing or irregular heartbeat, is another sign. Other symptoms include lightheadedness, back or stomach pain, nausea and fatigue. Lastly, people with a minor heart defect, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) have a higher risk of stroke during or after sex.

Getting Rid of a Penis Rash

2014-09-12

Lots of guys get a rash down there. Many freak out but the truth is the causes of a rash are usually not something to worry about. It is still advised to see a physician if it lasts more than a week or two, as it could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Go over your sexual history and think about whether or not you’ve had multiple partners or any unprotected encounters. Genital herpes and genital warts are two conditions typified by a rash. Although it can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing, generally speaking a rash down there isn’t something to worry about. Usually it’s not caused by something else. In this case, good hygiene practices and a few simple steps is all that is needed to alleviate the problem. Here’s how to get rid of a penis rash. First, determine the type of rash it is. Is it being caused by poor hygiene? Poor hygiene can cause rashes and even infections. Another cause is heat rash. What’s the temperature like? Is it humid? During summer the areas in the groin are often moist due to sweat and rubbing together. This can cause a rash. Lastly, if you suffer from dermatitis or eczema that could be what’s going on. Usually the body has a trigger which causes an outbreak, what is really like an allergic reaction, a histamine response. Hay fever and latex sensitivity, say from a condom, can also cause a rash.

Lastly a fungal infection can be the cause. The steps you should take are to first, keep it clean. Wash it gently. Pat dry. Make sure the area down there is completely dry after a shower. Extra moisture down there can exacerbate the problem. Next, try to avoid any potential allergens. If you use condoms and think you are sensitive to latex for instance, switch it up and use a hypo-allergenic variety.Always use protection.Try to isolate and eliminate any other potential triggers or allergens. For heat rash a simple, over the counter salve should do the trick. Ask the pharmacist what he or she recommends for heat rash. Think about when you first developed it. In general wear cloth and underwear that breathe and allow room for air to get in. This is not only better for your overall sexual health but also your sperm count. Go for boxers over briefs. Do not share personal items such as razors, towels, clothing and so forth with anyone. If it fails to get better or gets worse, go see a physician or a dermatologist right away. It may be embarrassing talking about it to a healthcare professional, but everything you tell them is confidential. What’s more, if you leave the problem and it gets worse, the treatment options and outcomes are more complicated. Also, the price will be higher. It’s best to be proactive and advocate for your own health.

Misconceptions about Male Sexuality

Most of what we take as common sense about men and their sexuality doesn’t actually stand up in the real world. In fact, there are a lot of misconceptions about male sexuality. Abraham Morgentaler, M.D. is well aware of this fact. He is an associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School, the director of Men’s Health Boston and the author of the book Why Men Fake It: The Totally Unexpected Truth About Men and Sex. Both men and women are caught up in the gender stereotypes society places on men and their sexuality. Luckily Morgentaler has been on the case dispelling myths and helping men with their sexuality for 25 years. So the first one, in the title of Morgentaler’s book, is a shocker to some people. Men do fake orgasm. Often they do it for the same reason women do. They don’t want to be embarrassed or disappoint their partner. Having consumed too much alcohol, stress, depression and anxiety can all make it difficult to orgasm. Some people think a man’s orgasm must have produced a result. But that’s not always the case. A man doesn’t have to ejaculate to orgasm.Men who have diabetes or are taking certain medications may ejaculate within the bladder.What’s more, practitioners of tantric sex can orgasm without ejaculation as well.

A common myth is that men are always ready to jump in the sack. For one thing the emotional situation has to be right. For another, as a man gets older his testosterone level drops. What’s more, life’s responsibilities can weigh heavily on his mind. Men who are overly burdened by work-related or relationship-related stress, who have depression, anxiety, are just too worn out or tired may pass on sex. It doesn’t make him less of a man, it only makes him human. Men are often stereotyped as selfish in the bedroom, concerned for their own pleasure over their partners. Over the years in his practice Morgentaler has found that the vast majority of men are focused on pleasing their partner. There are lots of men whose sexual dysfunction is rooted in a negative comment a lover once made about his equipment or bedroom proficiency. Men are sensitive to any negativity attached to sexual performance since our society places one’s very manhood on virility and performance. Lastly, it’s often believed that men naturally have a stronger sex drive than women. Lots of couples deal with a discrepancy in sex drive, and this is negotiated in a way that best fits the couple. But it’s not always the man who is more libidinous. Since women are more communicative about their bedroom needs and desires, a man can feel diminished if his lady has a stronger sex drive. But it’s actually quite common. However, just because her drive is stronger doesn’t make him any less of a man.

The Latest on ED

Years ago erectile dysfunction was called impotence. It wasn’t treatable and men felt ashamed of this condition. In the 1990’s Viagra and a new term, erectile dysfunction (ED), which was meant to take out the sting and stigma attached to the condition, were created. Today, there are many ways to treat ED, and many more are in the works. What’s more, there is a lot more awareness and acceptance of the condition nowadays. So men should feel more comfortable discussing the issue with a doctor or urologist. Due to the saturation of ED advertising campaigns taken up by big pharma lots more research has been and is being conducted in the area of erectile dysfunction.  2013 itself offered a whole host of anniversaries to landmark breakthroughs in the field. It was the 15th anniversary since the time Viagra was approved by the food and drug administration. It was the thirtieth anniversary of penile injections and the fortieth anniversary of implants. Recently the director and president of the San Diego-based Institute for Sexual Medicine, Irwin Goldstein, gave an interview with U.S. News uncovering the latest on ED. “The most studied drug on the planet” is Viagra according to Goldstein. He was the lead researcher in an initial study of ED’s most famous treatment.

Viagra itself has proven very safe and effective. The doctor does say to steer clear of operators selling knockoff drugs online. Counterfeit drugs may contain dangerous ingredients. Printer ink and commercial grade paint are just some of the examples of substances that have been found in these drugs. 77% of the time these shady operators say they are selling Viagra but send a counterfeit instead says Goldstein, which he uncovered in his work with mega drug company Pfizer. Any online site selling drugs should be accredited through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, via their system called the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. Remember that ED can be the early symptom of a more important underlying health issue. Goldstein says, “We call it the canary in the coal mine. It is an early glimpse of the health of your vasculature.” As one ages, the chances of developing ED are greater. As you get older your blood vessels get more clogged up with plaque, limiting blood flow to the penis. If there is one thing an erection needs it’s blood flow. 80-90% of men who have a heart attack have ED.Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are so important.An “explosion” of research according to Goldstein is leading to the development of new medications. One called avanasil is taken right as one is engaging in activity, not like current medications which you take in hopes that intercourse will occur.

Weak Erections – Another form of ED

2014-09-09

A weak erection is another form of erectile dysfunction (ED). Oftentimes as a man ages, his erection may not be as hard as it used to be. Erectile dysfunction affects 40 million men worldwide. It isn’t a normal part of aging, though the body does change. Erections become softer, they may take longer to achieve and the refractory period, which is the period between ejaculating and the time it takes to achieve another erection, may become longer. But if it is impeding intercourse it’s an issue that should be addressed with a physician or a urologist. Some men ignore the issue. But ED can be a sign of a far more serious health problem underneath, such as cardiovascular disease or type-2 diabetes. What’s more, it can hurt a man’s self-esteem and his relationship. Luckily for most men weak erections are reversible.There are ED drugs like Viagra and Cialis.What’s more, physicians say 80% of ED cases can be reversed merely by changing one’s lifestyle. Here are some strategies you can apply to help restore your erections. But make sure to see a medical professional. One thing to do is take notice of your diet. Foods high in sugar decrease your testosterone level. A higher glucose level in the blood makes the insulin level spike, zapping your testosterone. Try to lower your sugar intake.

Watch how much salt, fat and other unhealthful foods you eat, and instead take part in a healthy diet. Get your cholesterol level checked. If you have high cholesterol ED may be just one result. Adjust your diet and talk to your doctor about what foods you can eat to supplant those in your diet with high cholesterol. There are two things that lead to stronger erections, more blood flow and a higher testosterone level. For both, take part in cardiovascular exercise. Make sure to work your way up to at least 30 minutes a day, five days per week. Get down to and maintain a healthy body weight. Extra fat, especially around the waist, kills your testosterone level. Fat traps testosterone and tells the body to stop producing more. If you smoke, quit. See your doctor about the different cessation options and which one is right for you. Smoking increases the buildup of plaque in the arteries, including those that supply the penis with blood. Watch your alcohol intake. Alcohol can affect one’s performance. One to two drinks per day is all that is recommended. Are you taking an antidepressant or heart medication? The unintended side effect of these may be ED. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you may be experiencing ED due to your medications.

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery For ED

It used to be that implants were the go-to procedure for erectile dysfunction. Today, for erectile dysfunction, nonsurgical options are always attempted before surgical ones. But when these options don’t work, there are a few surgical options to choose from. The first is surgical implants. These can be semi-rigid rods, inflatable implants or vascular reconstructive surgery for ED. With the rods, you always have an erection. It can be difficult to conceal. It can be painful and do damage to the skin. It may injure the erection bodies. And if the implantation is not successful, it can get in the way of other treatments. There is also the risk of infection. With inflatable implants the downsides are that they are expensive, they are the most likely method to fail, it can injure the erection bodies or alter them permanently, and it can also impede other treatments if it is not successful. For these reasons some patients opt for the third option, vascular reconstructive surgery for ED. This is reconstructing the blood vessels within the penis. The object is to increase blood flow in order to help a man create and sustain an erection.

Another way it is done is by blocking the veins in the penis. When blood can’t leave the penis, a man can create and sustain an erection. It’s important that no matter what type of surgery you go for, that you discuss your options in depth with your physician or urologist. Be sure to do some research on the internet or in your local library. Talk it over with your partner or loved one before you make your decision. Have a good grasp on the advantages and disadvantages of each one. What’s more, make sure your physician has a good reputation and has performed the surgery many times before undergoing it. The advantages to this type of surgery include not having any implant, having a natural look and a natural erection. If this type of surgery isn’t successful it won’t impede other types of treatment. One drawback is that not many men are good candidates for this type of surgery. You also must undergo extensive testing before the surgery can be performed. There aren’t many medical centers who have experience with this surgery. So you’ll have to do a lot of research and perhaps even travel to the nearest one in order to receive the best care. Though it can be effective, it only lasts for two years, or even less. The price tag is worrisome as well. There are other side effects including numbness, shortening of the penis, risk of infection, painful erections and a distortion of the penis. Talk to your doctor or urologist about this surgery if you are interested in it. See if you might be a good candidate.

Do Male Enhancements Work?

There are lots of male enhancements out there from ointments to pills, devices to supplements. Some say they enhance libido, others bedroom proficiency and stamina, and still others claim to elongate the penis. Men are insecure about their size and sexual performance. But do male enhancements work? Some could be effective while others could be dangerous to your health. One system that some medical sources have given a nod to, though it hasn’t been tested extensively is the FastSize Extender. This acceptance by many in the medical community is actually a rare occurrence. Most male enhancement systems don’t work and there are those that are even hazardous. Medical experts believe that instead of turning to gimmicks in magazines why not discuss the issue with your doctor? Though it can initially feel embarrassing, your physician is there to help and will give you expert analysis and information. What’s more, sexual issues can sometimes be early warning signs to serious health issues.  So sharing this information with your physician can actually help stave off or mitigate a more serious problem. Erectile dysfunction for instance can be a warning sign for cardiovascular disease. But catching it early can not only reverse the problem, it could even save your life.

Besides the FastSize Extender, there is penis –lengthening surgery. This procedure however is controversial. The most common form which cuts the ligament supporting the penis is not recommended by The American Urological Association as it hasn’t been proven to be safe or effective. There is another surgery which injects fat cells into the penis in order to increase its girth. But this procedure isn’t backed by the AUA either. In fact many physicians think the risks outweigh the benefits. One study conducted in 2006 found that only 35% of men were satisfied with penis elongating surgery. Most only gained about half an inch. What physicians say is that these men have unrealistic expectations. They should seek counseling for this over-preoccupation with penis size. Though many herbal supplements are on the market today, most have not been tested by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. In terms of size, it’s important to note that one study has shown 85% of women are satisfied with the size of their partner. Somehow this doesn’t jive with the 45% of men who want a bigger penis. Since most men are between 5.5 inches and 6.2 inches, the vast majority are average. What’s more, most of the nerves in the vagina are near the surface, so most men carry the right equipment to satisfy their partner. It is how they use that equipment that really matters.

How good is Sex for Men?

2014-09-01

Sexual health is a big concern for many men that is seldom spoken about. Prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and contracting a STD are all problems that carry an embarrassing social stigma. Recent studies have found some very interesting information; sex, besides being extremely satisfying, is also good for prostate health.

Ejaculation has been proven to reduce stress and help a man’s immune system. This in turn assists in preventing cancer. Sex itself is good for cardiovascular health, which will not only help someone’s entire body but prevents erectile dysfunction. Lack of sexual activity can also be problematic for males. This can cause shortening of the penile tissue, and like previously mentioned, erectile dysfunction. On top of that, it can affect a man’s psychological health which may leak into a relationship, generating tension.

It is not suggested for anyone to have as much sex as time will allow. On the contrary, that puts you at a higher risk for contracting STDs or Prostatitis (a painful bacterial infection). Examiner.com states “men between the ages of 20 to 30 were at a higher risk of developing prostate problems when they experienced an ejaculation more than 20 times a month” while “Men who were over the age of 40 experienced none of the risk associated with prostate problems and masturbation, and simply were at a lower risk.”

There are many things that modern medical science must look into before any of this information can be completely validated. The study does show a correlation between prostate cancers and testosterone levels, though research is still debating the effect. What is known is that sexual activity is good for men’s health, but many things must be taken into consideration. First, use protection, especially if you’re having sex with a new partner and are unaware of their STD status. Limiting your partners will greatly reduce risks. Second, try to find a balance; too much sex can increase your chance to develop prostate cancer while too little is just as bad and may cause other complications. Sex is fun and something two people can enjoy together. Even masturbation can help you relax, or deter cancer. Just don’t overdo it. The key to a healthy life is a healthy, balanced lifestyle.