Discuss STDs With A New Partner Before Sex

2014-10-13

Most men usually know when it is coming. You have been out a few times and really like each other. It is only a matter of time before you sleep together. But before you two get between the sheets, you need to find out more about your partner, to safeguard your health and theirs. It’s important to discuss STDs with any new sex partner before you engage in intercourse. It can be really uncomfortable doing so. But if the conversation is approached in the right manner, they will know that you have both of your best interests at heart and they may even grow fonder of you. First, let them know if you have ever been tested for an STD. Everyone should be tested at least once in their life for HIV, for instance. Those who take part in risky sexual behavior should be tested more often. If you haven’t had such a test, get one. But you should talk to your partner-to-be about getting tested too, if they haven’t already done so. Some women believe they are tested as part of their annual exam. But this is not true. Most physicians don’t screen for STDs unless specifically asked to do so, or if their patient comes in complaining of particular symptoms.

A good place to start the conversation is to let them know how you feel about them, and that you think they feel the same way. Since your relationship is progressing into a new area, it’s important that the two of you know certain details about one another. Let them know when your last HIV test was, if you are seeing anyone else and if you have ever had an STD. After divulging such information and telling them you are letting them know because you care about them, they will naturally feel obligated to follow suit. Instead of asking them to divulge first and being thought of as rude or too forward, you’ve disarmed them because you’ve told them your side first. Since you have shown openness and vulnerability, they will feel comfortable enough, obliged even to do the same. Let them know how you feel about them, that you want your relationship to be open and honest. You want to take all measures to make sure both of you will be healthy, safe and happy. This doesn’t mean you are moving into a committed relationship per se. But it does mean, if you are planning to sleep together, that your relationship is moving to a different level and this is the way to make sure that the transition is done in the best possible way for the two of you.

Accommodating Sex With A Curved Penis

2014-10-09

Having a slight curvature up or to the side is really quite normal. But if your penis hurts when an erection comes along, you have a problem. You aren’t alone, however. Five to ten percent of men have this condition, known as Peyronie’s disease. This is when scar tissue residing within the penis causes it to bend when it becomes erect. The angle can make intercourse difficult or even painful. The degree in which Peyronie’s disease interferes with your life depends on how much it interferes with intercourse, and if it causes pain. Assistant professor of surgery at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Ryan Berglund told WebMD, “If somebody has a 10-degree curvature, it will have little impact on function. But when you get to 30 degrees or more, that’s when it starts to become significant.” With a big enough angle, penetration may become unmanageable. What’s more, Peyronie’s disease can be painful, according to Drogo Montague, MD. He is the director of the Center for Genitourinary Construction at Cleveland Clinic. Luckily, Montague said, “When healing is complete, pain always goes away.”

Lots of guys who have Peyronie’s disease also suffer some form of erectile dysfunction (ED). Berglund said, “Having Peyronie’s disease doesn’t mean you have ED, and having ED doesn’t mean you have Peyronie’s disease, but very frequently, someone with Peyronie’s disease will have ED.” He elaborated, “A classic example of that would be somebody who can get rigidity closer to the body than the scar, but beyond the scar, they don’t really get the rigidity necessary for [sex].” In this way, Peyronie’s disease is causing ED. Medications such as Viagra can help in certain instances. Although the disorder may be uncomfortable to talk about, there is treatment and a better quality of life, just the other side of a conversation with your doctor. Ian Kerner, PhD a noted sex therapist said, “It’s not unlikely for men with Peyronie’s disease to have a high degree of shame and embarrassment around this.” Communication with your partner however is critical. Kerner says, “Let your partner know what’s going on and what feels good and what doesn’t, and let your partner also have the experience of giving you pleasure, even if it’s in a nontraditional way.” Another tip from Kerner, “maybe focus a little more on the giving of pleasure as opposed to the receiving of pleasure.”

Tips For Overcoming Performance Anxiety

In movies the leading man always carries his lady off to the bedroom, and often our mind does the rest. But what goes on is thought to be absolute heaven, where there is never any problem, misstep, worry or care. The truth is both men and women suffer from performance anxiety. It is very common amongst men who feel a lot of pressure to perform in the bedroom, and who wrap their entire masculinity into their prowess. A lot of guys suffer from performance anxiety. It’s actually quite common. If you fear not being able to satisfy your partner, and it’s killing your sex life, here are some tips for overcoming it. First, talk to your partner about your problem. Most men close up, avoid sex and shut their partner out. But this is the worst thing you can do. If you share your problem with your partner, it will bring you two closer together. Your partner will encourage you and it will take the edge off the entire situation. Bring them in and try to work the problem out together. What could be causing you this anxiety? Can you two brainstorm ways to overcome it?

Next, consider whether the cause is medical or psychological. Go see a doctor to rule out any physical causes. Your physician may also have some advice on overcoming this issue, or can refer you to resources for doing so. Try to change your mindset in the bedroom. Go slowly. Focus on foreplay and how good it feels. Make a solemn vow that you won’t judge each other, but will instead focus on your love for one another, your enjoyment, what feels good and pleasure. Now it’s time to think about other ways to please one another besides penile penetration. Oral or digital stimulation, role play, fantasy, the use of toys and erotica—such as erotic literature or films, can all be important parts of the experience, and can place less pressure on you. If you have been in this rut for some time, take a break from sex. Two or three weeks may make you return with a new outlook and a revving engine. If the problem continues, seek out a mental health professional such as a psychologist or sex therapist. The problem may be deep seeded and require talk therapy. Some men have found hypnosis helpful as well.

Ways to Increase your Sexual Stamina

Some men worry about satisfying their partners. Others just want to gain an edge in the bedroom, and impress. Whatever your reason, there are ways to increase your sexual stamina. First, consider how you approach the bedroom. Lots of men have all kinds of expectations. If you do, you can be disappointed. It can also limit the spontaneity of the situation. Jettison these expectations. Instead, be open, giving, loving and receptive to your partner and their needs. Next, take a look at the lubrication situation. Lots of guys who use condoms don’t think extra lube is necessary. Condoms often come lubed. But a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that those men who used lube, in addition to a condom, lasted longer in bed. One thing women often complain about is that men don’t spend enough time on foreplay. But a guy who really wants to satisfy should listen and include more of it into his repertoire. Kissing, touching, digital and oral stimulation can all add to the experience, and heighten her arousal. The more aroused she gets, the more likely she is to climax.

Many guys masturbate but without much purpose save that it feels good. Instead, why not use masturbation as a way to learn about your body? What areas are the ones that feel the best? What area of your penis, when stimulated, causes you to orgasm? The more you learn about your body, the easier it will be to control your own orgasm or stave it off, if need be. Sometimes when we have a romantic night planned, we go out to dinner with our lover and consume way more than we should. Too much food can make you drowsy and not in the mood for love. An overindulgence of alcohol also kills one’s performance. Try not to overeat or drink too much, and see an improvement in relations later on in the evening. There are exercises you can use to stave off orgasm, if you come too quickly. Kegel exercises for instance, can help avoid peaking too soon. Learn how to strengthen your pelvic floor by using them. Lastly, get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can make you irritable and obliterate your sex drive.  Follow this simple advice and stay attuned to your partner and you both will soon be enjoying explosive, life-affirming sex whenever the mood strikes.

Are You Using A Condom Correctly?

Condoms are one of the most common forms of birth control, and the only one for men. When used correctly, a condom is 82% effective as a birth control method. In terms of preventing STDs, latex condoms are the most effective. For those who are allergic to latex, polyurethane is a good alternative. It gives protection though not as much as latex. So-called “natural” condoms such as lamb’s skin are porous and provide little if any barrier. The way condoms deter infection is they obstruct microbes from entering the body. But with lamb’s skin and their ilk, viruses such as HPV, herpes and HIV, and bacteria such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can pass through the pores and cause infection. It is best to purchase either latex or polyurethane condoms. Having the right condom isn’t the only issue. It’s ever so important how you use it. Failure can result in infection or pregnancy, making the effort pointless.

First, be careful when opening the wrapper.  Taking a corner and tearing across the top is perhaps the best method. Your rings, fingernails or teeth may rip a hole in the condom, so be careful. Next, determine which side is the outside. The condom rolls down from the top. If you place it on top and it doesn’t want to roll down, turn it over. Be sure to pinch air out of the tip before slipping it past the head and shaft. It you don’t, trapped air in the tip can make a little balloon, which will rupture during sex. Be sure to push it all the way down to the bottom of your shaft. The pressure of ejaculation could cause the condom to come off inside of her if it isn’t on all the way. Use a new condom each and every time you engage in intercourse. Only a water-based lubricant will do. Oil-based ones such as body lotions, Vaseline or massage oil can cause the condom to break. Never use two condoms. They will rub against one another and rip each other open. Condoms with spermicide decrease the risk of pregnancy. But they may also increase the risk of STDs, according to some studies. Store condoms properly. Do not keep them somewhere hot like a wallet or a car’s glove compartment. Check the expiration date before use. If it is past the date do not use it. Lastly, make sure the size you are using fits correctly. If it is too large or too snug it won’t work, defeating its purpose.

Men’s Clinic Finds Link Between ED And Blood Pressure Meds, Offers Alternatives

2014-09-29

The Carolina Men’s Clinic staff sees erectile dysfunction (ED) cases daily. Because of this, Dr. Hansen and his crew have a deep understanding of the condition and what might be causing it. Medication as a cause of ED has become a preoccupation of the organization. The clinic’s Matt Gillogy told WKRG News, “Erectile dysfunction often has a psychological component, but in the case of high blood pressure medications and their side effects, the root of the problem is entirely chemical.” So how does the clinic help? Gillogy says, “We offer solutions that allow men to keep taking their prescribed medications while also recapturing some of their lost masculinity. No referral is needed, and our team respects the privacy of all patients.” Being unable to get enough blood to the extremities, including the penis, is one of the big causes of erectile dysfunction. Men age 50 and above often deal with high blood pressure. “High blood pressure and its consequences are something we see every day at the Carolina Men’s Clinic,” Gillogy says. “Men don’t realize that a pill they’re taking to treat one condition may be exacerbating another one.”

Gillogy says that taking high blood pressure medication itself may sap a man’s confidence and in this way undermine his bedroom performance. There is usually a mechanical reason at work however. But each medication affects the body differently. Beta blockers for instance are a typical treatment for hypertension. The way these medicines cause ED is that they block the signals to the brain that ask it to initiate an erection. Those who take beta blockers are also often deficient in the mineral zinc, which is critical in the production of testosterone. Those who take a water pill, also known as a diuretic, decrease blood flow in the body, including to the penis. Some men who experience ED do anything they can to alleviate the symptoms. Others clam up and go into denial. Some men scour the internet for online pharmacies and purchase unregulated alternative supplements. Gillogy warns against these, as they may have dire consequences to your health. Lots of men wait and see if the issue will improve on its own. Clinicians warn however that serious health issues can underlie the problem. It is a medical issue so it is important to see a physician right away if you are experiencing ED.

Getting To Know The Penis

You’ve had it all your life and it’s given you hours upon hours of pleasure. But besides human anatomy 101, what do you really know about your penis? For instance, can you break your penis? The answer may surprise you. You can break it, even though it contains no bones. An erection is caused by chambers in the male member filling with blood. How it happens then is if you end up bending it too far forward or pushing it too far you can risk tearing one or more of those chambers. It can also happen during intercourse should you slip out and be crushed against your partner. This experience can be quite painful. You may even hear a popping sound. The penis will be bruised and swollen afterward. Treatment may require surgery. Here are some other interesting facts you run into when getting to know the penis. The age when erection first occurs is generally under one year of age. Babies can even have them in the womb, viewed under ultrasound. Any stimulation can cause them. They aren’t sexual. Even a diaper change can make it happen. What do you do if you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours? You physician may suggest getting up and climbing the stairs. The reason is exercise such as this can pull blood away from the penis and get the erection to go down.

Have you ever noticed what appear to be little bumps, like goose bumps running down the shaft? Some guys get nervous about these. The truth is they are quite normal. They are usually either ingrown hairs or acne. Little rings may inhabit the head of the penis as well. These are called pearly penile papules. If new bumps form below the skin’s surface or something begins to ooze, bleed or hurt see a doctor right away. Many guys, especially after watching porn with the humongous trunks those guys have feel inadequate about their size. But most guys don’t have a clue what the average size even is. Five to seven inches is the average. A lot of this too has to do with point of view. It looks bigger to a partner than to you. Since you’re looking down and there’s an angle there is sort of an optical illusion at play from your perspective. It’s normal to feel a slight concern. But some guys get obsessed. Enter a psychological condition called penile dysmorphic disorder. This is when a normal sized guy is obsessed with the feeling that he doesn’t measure up. This condition is quite similar to those suffering from anorexia and think that no matter what they just aren’t thin enough. Lastly, there is an old saying that the size of a man’s feet, hands, or other body parts correspond to his penis size. This is unduly false. There is no correlation.

What is killing your Sex Drive?

2014-09-26

Lots of men find, at some point in life, that they experience a slump in libido. Guys at this time often go out to a clinic and get testosterone supplements. But a lack of testosterone might not be the real reason behind the problem. In fact, there are a ton of things a lack in sex drive may stem from. The whole prospect can be embarrassing. But it pays to separate your ego, if you can, and find out the real reason. Take a look at these possible causes and see which one may be affecting you. One such problem is erectile dysfunction. A lot of men are in denial about this. Of course, every man encounters such an issue once in a long while. But if it is happening more often than not, it is time to seek out a physician. The penis is considered the dipstick of a man’s health. So ED could mean that you possess a serious and even potentially life-threatening condition. Lots of guys do not like to discuss the problem with their doctor or partner, but it is better than the alternative, the end of one’s relationship and even perhaps, one’s life.

Manopause or significantly low testosterone could be at fault. A man’s level drops slowly throughout his adulthood. But those who have a clinically low level may need a supplement. The best way to find out is to see a licensed physician. Mood disorders can crush your libido like fingers snuffing out a candle. Depression is a serious issue affecting way more men than many first assume. One in ten adults in the U.S. suffer from depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some medical experts say that men on testosterone should really be treated for depression. If you have already been diagnosed with depression, know that antidepressants can also snuff out your libido. Talk to your psychiatrist. A simple dosage change may be all that is needed. A lack of sleep can foul your mood and kill your libido. Make sure to get enough. Parenting, often overlooked, can affect every aspect of your life, including your sex life. A new baby for instance, can consume all of your free time. Try and work in a little alone time if you can, even if it is just a quickie.Lastly, relationship problems can get in the way. Find ways to bridge the gap, have some fun, and reminisce together. It should get the old juices flowing again, and help you two reconnect.

Are You Sexually Normal?

We all have a good idea of what deviant behavior looks like. But have you ever wondered if you are sexually normal? We often wonder how often other people have sex and what kind of things they are up to in the bedroom. Though it may feel wrong, it’s actually perfectly natural to have these thoughts. Most people from time to time wonder about the sex lives of others and where they themselves fit in, in terms of adhering to sexual norms. It’s important to note that sexuality is an ever changing thing. People’s tastes change over time. The types of activities they take part in too may change due to changes in taste, partner, preference, physical ability and many other reasons. Not only does the individual change, but society’s attitudes toward sexuality change over time as well. For instance, talking openly about sex is much more acceptable today than in the past. That said there are still things that are taboo. Scientists have conducted studies to find out what is considered normal behavior and what isn’t. It’s important to keep in mind however not to get too wrapped up in what normal is because there is no hard and fast definition. It always changes. Moreover, some things are just a matter of taste.

How often do people normally have sex? The National Opinion Research Center found that for 18 to 29 year olds sex 84 times per year is average. For those in their 40’s frequency is 63 times a year. For those 70 and up it’s 10 times annually. Most young to middle-aged couples report a frequency of twice per week. An AARP study found that for Americans over age 45, sexuality is an integral aspect of their lives. 50% of participants reported having it at least once per week. Americans between the ages of 14 and 94 have an impressive sexual repertoire, according to The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB). Most sessions don’t comprise of merely one sex act. Oral sex or mutual masturbation is often accompanied by intercourse. Vaginal sex is the most common item on the menu. Still, the survey found that over 40 combinations, including different acts and positions, were reportedly taken part in by participants at some point in their history.