How Sex is Good for You

2014-11-19

A recent study out of the University of Montreal claims that regular ejaculation lowers the risk of prostate cancer. But there are many other ways that sex is good for you, too. For instance, a 1999 study found that those who have sex twice per week helped protect their body against colds. Men who engaged in intercourse at this frequency had 20% more immunoglobulin in their bloodstream, which helps fight off sickness promoting bacteria and viruses. De-stress with sex, and if your partner doesn’t believe you, point them to a study in the journal Biological Psychology. Touching, kissing, holding one another, and other physical closeness lowers cortisol—the stress hormone. It also boosts oxytocin, a powerful, depression fighting hormone that helps us bond and feel connected. Want to look younger?  Getting some one-on-one time with your partner could mean preserving the impish rogue in the mirror, instead of seeing him turn into an old devil too soon. According to a study out of Royal Edinburgh University, those who had sex four times per week or more released higher levels of the hormones norepinephrine, dopamine, and adrenaline. This relaxes muscles and preserves skin cells, staving off wrinkles. Players beware. For this benefit “loving intercourse” was found more beneficial than simple promiscuity.

Want to protect your ticker? Spend more time between the sheets. Those men who had sex twice per week had a 45% less chance of having a serious heart attack, according to the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts. 1,000 men participated in the study. These results are now prompting doctors to ask patients about their sex lives. Looking to get a little more physical fitness in your life? Twenty four minutes in bed with a lover burns 104 calories, so say researchers at the University of Montreal. You should plan for a longer session to receive the full benefit. A quickie burns only 20 calories.  As we age, weakened bones become a serious concern for both sexes. Luckily, testosterone helps to strengthen them. Sex boosts testosterone which can in turn protect your bones. Trouble sleeping? A roll in the hay puts most guy’s right to sleep. French medical institute Inserm confirmed this. The release of the neurotransmitter serotonin makes you both happy and relaxed post-coitus. So the next time you are putting the moves on your partner, let them know your motives aren’t selfish, merely health-related.

The Not-So-Incredible Shrinking Penis

2014-11-12

The size of a man’s member means a lot in our society. Most men know about shrinkage. Whether or not women do is another matter. That famous episode of George Canstanza being walked in on, on “Seinfeld” comes to mind. Most men know that cold water temporarily causes shrinkage. This is because the cold forces the penis to move closer inside the body, in order to remain warm. Of course, this state causes no permanent damage whatsoever. There are other causes however, which can also affect both length and width. Some are temporary. Taking care of your member and your health can help you avoid it. One place not to worry about this phenomenon is when working out. During exercise, blood rushes to the muscles to give them oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, other areas become smaller. That doesn’t mean any damage is dealt. In fact, exercise overall is one of the healthiest things you can do.

Being overweight may make the penis look smaller. But the extra fat around the pubic area doesn’t actually shrink the organ. It just hides it, somewhat. In fact, losing weight will make it look bigger. These have been temporary issues so far. Instead, long-term shrinkage is actually penis atrophy, and that spells trouble. The tissue of the penis reduces due to a serious health issue. One such thing that can cause it is smoking. Not only does ingesting tobacco hurt performance, and cause ED, it can also create visible shrinkage in girth and length. This is because toxins in tobacco hurt nerves, muscles, and blood vessels in the penis, and elsewhere in the body. Quitting may restore lost size. Penis tissue needs a constant supply of blood to bring it oxygen and nutrients. Poor circulation can limit these things, causing there to be less tissue in the most important of areas. Eating healthier and exercising can help improve circulation. A low level of testosterone limits the amount of erections a man has. Without a periodic rush of blood to the area, the tissue atrophies. Peyronie’s disease, usually an arc to the penis due to a buildup of scar tissue, can cause the inability to have sex, pain, and shrinkage. If you have this, see a doctor right away. Lastly, simple aging shrinks many areas of the body. The penis is sometimes one of them. Keep up a healthy lifestyle and you will maintain sexual and overall health. And the next time you change after swimming, make sure the door is locked.

Are any Penile Enhancement Products Effective?

2014-11-06

“Penis enhancement” products are all over the internet. Put that phrase into Google and some 4.28 million search results come up. The most common methods include pumps, drinks, and pills that claim to elongate and widen the male member. Most are illegitimate. But are any of these products effective? According to the director of the University of Washington’s Men’s Health Center, Thomas J. Walsh, M.D., “To date there’s never been a cream, a pill, or anything of that nature that’s been shown to benefit phallus size.” He added, “There’s no quick, one-shot way to increase the size or the function of the male penis.” There are pills that can engorge the penis with blood faster, but that won’t increase size. The good news is, most men who think they are small aren’t, at least according to Larry Lipshultz, M.D. He is the chief of male reproductive medicine and surgery at Baylor College. Lipshultz says, “The majority of men who come in seeking penile enlargement are average.”

Marketers of such products pray on men’s feelings of inadequacy to make sales. Lipshultz says, “I just don’t think men have a realistic idea of what normal is. Hence they think that they are below normal when actually they’re average.” According to research published by the Journal of Sexual Medicine the average size is just 5.6 inches, which it turns out is plenty to satisfy a woman. One way to make it seem larger is to lose weight. Look at the area and notice if you have “suprapubic fat.” This can make the penis appear smaller. If it is in fact getting smaller, this is a sign of a serious medical issue. Difficulty creating or maintaining an erection is an issue to address with a physician or urologist. Dr. Walsh says, “There’s a very strong association between new erectile dysfunction and subsequently experiencing a cardiovascular event.” If you really want to be a superstar in the bedroom, avoid enhancement products. Instead, follow Dr. Walsh’s advice, “Improving your overall physique, reducing body fat, increasing lean muscle, and improving cardiovascular health have all been shown to enhance sexual performance.” The takeaway, “Anything you could think of to improve your overall health outlook is going to improve your sexual function and your sexual appearance,” Walsh said.

Penis Transplants may soon be a Reality

2014-10-20

A penis grown in a lab may sound like something out of a weird movie, created by some deranged mad scientist, but in fact it may be reality soon. Two trials to cultivate the male member in a lab are in the works, the price tag taken care of by the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine. The studies are being conducted by Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Their spokesperson Karen Richardson told the Huffington Post via email, “The goal is to conduct a clinical trial within the next four to five years.” In 2009 the institute created a “functional engineered solid organ.” This was penile erectile tissue for rabbits. But now they are ready to construct a human penis. The results, if successful, could help men who have lost their member to an injury, cancer, who have intractable erectile dysfunction, or even congenital defects. Lead researcher and director of the institute Dr. Anthony Atala said that a donated organ is pivotal to this research. It must then be broken down to its basic structure.

Researchers use it like scaffolding. Cells are grown on top of the structure. Once the organ is fully grown, it can be attached to the man who requires it.  Dr. James Yoo is also working on this project. He told The Guardian, “Think of it like a building. If you remove all the furniture and the people, you’re still left with the main structure of the building. Then you replace the tenants with new ones. That’s the whole idea. It’s just that the building is a penis and the tenants are cells.” Researchers note that this won’t work for transgender men who generally select confirmation surgery as “this method requires the use of the patient’s own penile cells.” Though it could feel like something out of a science fiction movie, in another series of experiments, scientists have attached four lab-created vaginas to women. One wonders whether in the far off future, if these penile researchers are successful, if men will be able to have larger organs surgically attached to replace their original equipment, and what impact this may have on society.

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.