Getting To Know The Penis

2014-09-29

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.