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Lose An Erection During Masturbation?

Lose An Erection During Masturbation?

2014-09-22

Have you ever lost an erection during masturbation? It could be a sign of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent Italian study. This research published in the journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine found that out of 2,500 participants, 45% failed to remain erect during a masturbatory session. After examining these men, University of Florence researchers found that those who experienced the problem were at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. They also had a lower libido and fewer erections in their sleep. So when should a man begin to address the issue? The most common cause is a lack of interest. You may just not be in the mood. But if this becomes a common occurrence you should see a doctor or urologist. Erectile dysfunction can happen with one’s self or one’s partner. Of course every man experiences it once in a blue moon. But when it becomes a common occurrence is when it is a cause for concern.

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Giulia Rastrelli, M.D. was the lead author of this study. He says that it is important to evaluate the quality of one’s erection. Of course, as a man ages, an erection may not be as rock hard as it once was. But if something seems not quite right it’s important to bring it up with your doctor. Lifestyle choices are to be considered in terms of erectile dysfunction. An Emory University study found that those who exercised regularly cut their chances of developing ED by 50%. Lots of men are embarrassed to discuss the issue with a physician. However, ED can affect your self-esteem and your relationship. Moreover, a serious health issue may be the root cause of ED. Notice if it occurs due to any changes in medication, if you have had a mood disorder lately such as depression or a lot of stress. These can also cause ED. Most people think of ED as a problem a man has with his partner. But what we never think about is when it happens with one’s self. However, ignoring the issue can be just as negligent to one’s own health.

Things You Need To Know About A Vasectomy

Things You Need To Know About A Vasectomy

A vasectomy is by far the most reliable type of birth control. But there are a few things you should consider before getting one. If you are of a certain age and do not want to have children, or are done reproducing a vasectomy can make a whole lot of sense. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes. The vas deferens are each cut, there are two, disallowing sperm from exiting the body. Sexual functioning however will remain the same. Urologist and head of Southern Illinois University’s fertility division Dr. Tobias Köhler said, “There is no safer or more reliable form of birth control apart from abstinence.”

Still there are things you need to know about having a vasectomy. Though a slight chance, there is still a risk that you could still impregnate your partner. Köhler says that after a vasectomy the chances of pregnancy are 1 in 2,000. Though they are very small, the surgery is not infallible.

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A vasectomy doesn’t make you sterile immediately. Köhler says that you still have, “bullets in the chamber.” He adds, “You need to ejaculate 20 or 30 times after the procedure to clear out your existing sperm reserves.” At least now you have a good excuse. Lots of men fail to remember that they aren’t automatically infertile. Each year, a flurry of lawsuits occur over so-called failed vasectomies when in reality the patient should have used the couple’s normal form of birth control until the time when his chamber was clear. There are a few minor risks. Köhler says, “Don’t Google ‘vasectomy risks’ because you’ll see all kinds of crazy stuff.”

There is a small chance of infection and of developing hematoma, a condition where blood collects in the scrotum. If this occurs, a second minor procedure may be necessary. There are zero long-term negative effects to your equipment and performance from a vasectomy. You won’t find any drop in testosterone either. Insurance companies love to cover this procedure since children are expensive to them. Make sure your decision is final. A reversal surgery can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. There is no rush to decide. Köhler says, “If it’s been a while since you had your vasectomy—like, more than eight years—you only have about a 50-50 shot of regaining your ability to reproduce.”

Personal Activity Tracker for the Male Member

Personal Activity Tracker for the Male Member

2014-09-16

Personal activity trackers are all over the fitness world today. Computer technology has exploded over recent years. These devices help track your progress day-to-day and week-to-week to help you stay on top of your fitness goals. Most of the things on the market today are supped up pedometers. Today, these devices are linked up to an app or a website account and can show metrics such as blood pressure, calorie consumption, sleep patterns, heart rate and more. Fitbit is one of the most popular, but Samsung, Nordic track and many other companies have their own version. But this trend hasn’t stopped at fitness. A device has popped up for bedroom rather than running track use. Instead of your legs, it records the activity of a different body region. That’s right, a personal activity tracker for the male member. U.K. company Bondara created “SexFit,” a device that not only records but increases your pleasure. It looks very much like a vibrating ring. Durex and other companies sell them in pharmacies. It has a loop that fits over the penis. You push it down to the edge of the shaft. During intercourse, the vibrations stimulate both parties.

SexFit

But SexFit doesn’t only offer pleasure. It has Bluetooth connectivity and built in WiFi. It connects to a free smart phone app that lets you know how many calories you’ve burned during your session and how many thrusts per minute you’ve initiated. It even has performance indicator lights. According to the press release, “Much like other similar fitness tracker innovations, the SexFit allows the most dedicated users to share and compare their favourite sessions and impressive individual milestones with their peers on social media.” It’s wondered how many men will feel comfortable sharing that information on social media, and what’s more how many partners will allow them to, or continue to see them once they have. Louise Bagley, a sex toy buyer for Bondara, said in the company’s release, “Historically, sex toys have always evolved with technology. Our device is a natural next step alongside the influx of personal health trackers and with the added benefit of improving an individual’s sex life. We expect it to be a huge hit.” One has to wonder however if this will enhance the bedroom experience, or if a competition will arise with virile males or competing couples trying to out-do one another. What’s more, this device could usher in a whole new generation of males with performance anxiety, legions of men secretly worried not only that their member isn’t sufficient but that their stats don’t measure up to those of their friends.

Get the Facts on Vitamin-D

Get the Facts on Vitamin-D

2014-09-15

ust fifteen minutes in the sun can give you a daily dose of vitamin-D. But what’s so special about it? Medical researchers have found that vitamin-D protects against heart disease, M.S., stroke, diabetes, depression and more. This essential nutrient can even help you shed a few pounds. Besides sunlight exposure, there are supplements and a few foods that contain vitamin-D. But will you benefit from adding these to your daily routine? Get the facts on vitamin-D and see if you are at risk for becoming vitamin-D deficient. Whether you are an infant, elderly or something in between, vitamin-D is critical for bone health. This nutrient allows the bones to absorb calcium. In the 1930’s scientists added this bone building vitamin to milk to help people avoid getting rickets, bowed legs and more. For M.S. scientists have long noticed that those who get the autoimmune disorder are more than likely to grow up away from the equator. Though it may help prevent it there is no way scientists can use the vitamin to help treat M.S. patients today, at least not with the techniques that are available currently. Research has shown a link between type-2 diabetes and a low vitamin-D level. There is no proof that the supplement can help prevent diabetes. Scientists believe the link between this form of diabetes and a vitamin-D deficiency is obesity.

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The obese often have low vitamin-D levels studies have shown. The fat in the body traps this key nutrient. But scientists still don’t know which comes first, the fat or the vitamin deficiency and what role one plays on the other. One small study does seem to suggest that adding more vitamin-D to a calorie restricted diet could help dieters lose weight. Vitamin-D is essential for brain function. What’s more, a lack of it may cause depression. One study showed taking vitamin-D could decrease one’s depression-related symptoms. Other studies however haven’t shown a clear link. Sun exposure is a good way to get vitamin-D. For fair skinned people, 5-10 minutes of bright sunlight a day three times per week is sufficient. For most other skin types, 15 minutes a day is recommended. Low light in winter, cloudy days and sunblock which is important can impede this process. Better to get vitamin-D through your diet or perhaps supplements. Egg yolks, oily fish like salmon and sardines, beef liver, sunflower seeds and peanuts have natural vitamin-D. Milk, soy milk, bread and cereals are fortified with it. Cheese and ice cream don’t often have vitamin-D. Check your labels and start your day with a diet including vitamin-D. Perhaps some cereal with milk? Certain yogurts contain vitamin-D. Yogurt and fruit is good. Or how about some eggs? Talk to your doctor to see if you are vitamin D deficient and if you should take a supplement. Most experts agree that normally, it’s best to get nutrients from your diet.

An Overactive Bladder (OAB)

An Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Don’t feel embarrassed. Almost 33 million in the U.S. have an overactive bladder (OAB). But medical experts believe that this number is conservative. A lot of men don’t like to talk about OAB. Yet 30% of them have it. Don’t put off speaking to your doctor about this problem. There are many treatment options available and they are effective. Symptoms include frequent urination, feeling like you need to go often, urinating several times during the night, even leakage.Not every man has every symptom. You may have just one or two. Sometimes the urge is so strong you can’t control it. Some men urinate up to eight times a day. Having to go at least two times at night is also a strong sign, an experience dubbed nocturia. Urge incontinence is another common symptom. This is when some leakage occurs when you feel like you have to go. Physical exertion, laughing or sneezing can also make leakage occur. An enlarged prostate makes for two thirds of OAB cases in men. The urethra passes through the prostate gland. When the prostate swells it puts pressure on the urethra. An enlarged prostate can also cause a blockage, resulting in OAB symptoms.

Though most men experience OAB due to an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostate hypoplasia (BPH), it isn’t the only cause. Other causes includebladder cancer, bladder stones, an infection, stroke and even Parkinson’s disease. Stroke and Parkinson’s can cause nerve damage which may lead to OAB.  If you tell your doctor you think you might have OAB he will want to perform an exam. You will be tested for infection and bladder stones. There are also lots of tests to check you bladder’s functioning. One of these may be performed. One test includes seeing how much urine remains within your bladder after urination. Another will measure the urine stream. The doctor could also see how much pressure there is in and around the bladder. The results of these efforts should give the physician enough information in order to make a diagnosis. There are some lifestyle changes that can improve the symptoms of OAB. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and drinking the right fluids will all be recommended. You may need to keep a record of urination. A bathroom schedule could be imposed. If you are overweight or obese, it can affect the condition and the doctor may recommend a program to help you lose weight. A bladder training routine may be initiated. There are medications for OAB. There is a device for those who are getting mixed up signals in the brain going to the bladder. If none of these options work, there is surgery.

Possible Sex Disasters

Possible Sex Disasters

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.

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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

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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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.