Prostate Enlargement And Sexual Health

2014-06-02

If you have an enlarged prostate also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) you may be worried about your sexual health (webmd.com). Research has shown that there is indeed a link between erectile dysfunction and BPH. But medical science has yet to determine the reason. Urology professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Kevin T. McVary, MD says of this issue, “It’s a complicated story, but men who get BPH often get ED. And men with ED get BPH.” If you are having sexual issues know that treatment is available. When the prostate enlarges it squeezes the urethra—the vessel that carries urine and semen out of the body. Symptoms of BPH include needing to urinate often or feeling like you do, having a weak urine stream, difficulty beginning and ceasing urination and having to urinate several times a day, even having it wake you up in the middle of the night. The more pronounced the symptoms of BPH the worse generally the sexual side effects. Issues people with BPH experience include difficulty maintaining an erection, less satisfaction during sex and decreased libido.
The risk factors for diabetes and heart disease are often the same for ED and BPH. So eating right, exercising and managing stress not only help you reduce your risk of these dangerous diseases, you are also more likely to be healthy sexually. As Dr. McVary puts it, “It’s very convenient that a heart-healthy lifestyle is identical to an erectile-friendly lifestyle.” Urologist Y. Mark Hong, MD suggests eating a natural diet and limit or eliminate processed foods. Fatty fish and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties which may also aid in this. Eating vegetables like cauliflower, kale and broccoli is also good for prostate health. Dr. Hong also advises men to share their health issues and concerns with their partner. It can help immensely if they know what you are going through. They will be more understanding of the issue and will support you and be there for you. One easy treatment is erectile dysfunction medication. These also reduce the symptoms of BPH. According to Dr. McVary, “When men with BPH take them on a daily basis, their symptoms improve.” These medications may not be suitable however if you’ve had multiple heart attacks, angina, strokes or high blood pressure. Medicines originally used to cope with BPH caused sexual issues. These drugs are alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Besides medications, there is also surgery. Talk to your physician or urologist if you think you are suffering from BPH.

Foods that Damage your Sexual Health

2014-05-27

All of the chemicals and toxins in the environment, especially in the food we eat can damage a man’s sexual health (askmen.com). They also speed up the aging process and make it harder to lose excess fat. The trouble is most men don’t even know they are being affected. Are you experiencing the following symptoms: lowered sex drive, food cravings, digestive problems, weird mood swings, stubborn fat, constipation, allergies, sugar levels that spike or drop precipitously, or blood lipids that are out-of-control? If you are experiencing a few or many of these ailments, it may be coming from the foods you eat. Pharmaceutical and food companies are mostly to blame. Processed foods, supplements, water and air pollution and foods which are commercially grown, particularly dairy and meat, are the culprits. The toxins and chemicals these foods are laden with include lead, aluminum, mercury and other heavy metals, genetically modified foods (GMOs) that can change your DNA, residues for hormones and antibiotics and even xenoestrogens from herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. Since these chemicals are transformed into estrogen in your body they sap your masculinity, make it more difficult to lose weight and speed up aging.

So what are some things you can do to curb this problem and maintain optimal sexual health? First, start by identifying the foods that are dangerous from your diet and supplanting them with healthy ones. Next, detoxify your body. Each morning start off the day with a glass of warm water with one fresh squeezed lemon added to it. This stimulates the liver and the gall bladder which are the organs responsible for removing toxins from the body. It will help them to expel bile full of toxins that have built up from the day before and overnight. Cut out as much processed sugar as you can. It makes insulin and the blood-sugar level spike in your blood. Cut down on wheat products which curb the production of testosterone in the testes. Increase your intake of vegetables. Veggies are natural detoxifiers. Brussel Sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage—even sauerkraut help clean out the nasty chemicals that have built up in your system. Make sure to get plenty of rest. Exercise regularly, at least 20 to 30 minutes of continuous cardiovascular exercise three times per week. Find ways to manage emotional issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. Look for foods in your supermarket that are GMO free. Make sure you use a water filtration system at home. Limit the amount of dairy you eat and try to select meat that is hormone and antibiotic free. Going the extra mile will ensure you are healthy and that your sexual health is optimal for years to come.

An Emotional Hard-on

2014-05-13

Remember the days when you were in school, would look down and realize you had a huge hard-on for no reason at all? You prayed that you wouldn’t be called to the board that day. Embarrassing as a surprise erection is, it usually subsides once adolescence is over. Some guys think that as an adult however they only get erect when they see someone they find sexy (askmen.com). But the truth is lots of guys get what is called an emotional hard-on. The first time saying “I love you” with a partner can bring it on. Staring deeply into each other’s eyes may wake up the beast within. Proposing to someone and having them say yes, hearing your partner profess their most profound love, or even finding out that they want to have a family with you can make your soldier stand at attention. Though some guys find it perhaps confusing or slightly worrisome, it’s actually a very natural reaction to an attractive emotional state. One problem however is often women don’t by the sentimental stiffy. Women can be suspicious of it. In fact, they suspect there is another reason for the male member rising to the occasion, which though would make a hilarious Sitcom plot can also put a damper on your love life. It could lead to an argument. There is an old saying that a “Stiff prick knows no conscience.” But this isn’t always true.

Men’s Health Ontario primary physician Dr. John Aquino states that when we consider an erection we have to consider the mind-body connection. Of course blood flow, hormones and other biological reactions have something to do with it. But within two centers of the brain is where it all begins. The temporal cortex, the part that works and evaluates the stimulus of the senses, is a big part of the erection process. You see a gorgeous, half naked person and the temporal cortex gets things into action. The next thing you know you’re saying to yourself, “What’s happening in my pants?” But the second part of the brain, somewhere between the paralimbic area and the frontal cortex also plays a role. These areas are the home of motivation and our emotions. Dr. Aquino said of this “Sometimes a guy can’t get an erection if he has too much on his mind, even if he is looking at something sexual.” If you’ve ever been grieving, extremely anxious or really stressed out, you know this to be true. Of course, just as in class when you were a teen, the opposite can be true too according to Dr. Aquino. “If the emotional center becomes very active for whatever reason or a man is in a very deep state of relaxation, the whole erectile process can get started from this area all by itself even without sexual stimulus. It’s not as common, and it can take a lot of guys by surprise.” Director of the Toronto Institute of Psychoanalysis Don Carveth summed it up this way, “Most psychiatrists agree that human sexuality is 99% in the mind.”

How to Say what You Like in Bed

2014-05-06

Your partner is great, funny, attractive, charming, easy to get along with, and you two have a lot of fun together (askmen.com). But whether they lack experience or you two just aren’t in sync, either way their performance between the sheets is not exactly up to par. This is a difficult matter to address. You don’t want to offend them, hurt their feelings or make them feel inadequate in the bedroom. Do not tell them what they’re doing isn’t right, unless you never want to sleep with them again. But on the other hand you shouldn’t have to endure an unsatisfying time in the bedroom either. The first step is to talk about sex. This is a lot of fun. It should be done with a purpose, but you don’t have to let on what it is. Simply discuss likes, dislikes, fantasies and so on.You don’t have to lay it all out on the table. Let it slowly unfold. But if you talk about what you like, they’ll take note and try it out on you later. By the way, you should do the same for them as well. If you satisfy and fulfill one of their desires, they will feel obliged and enthusiastic about fulfilling and satisfying yours. Another way to address it is to use “I” statements instead of the accusatory you. “I love when you touch me down there with your hand and you do that circular thing. Sometimes it makes me sensitive though and then it hurts when you stroke too hard. Can you be a little more gentle? But I really love how you do that first part.” This also takes a piece from modern management techniques, couching a suggestion in between two compliments.

Play sex games. Have your partner request an act for you to perform and then share your request with them. This is a fun way to get what you want without any negatives attached at all. Another tactic is to talk casually about sex when you two are just hanging out and talk about your technique with them. Do they like how you caress them? Would they prefer slow or quick motions? Do they like their bodies handled roughly or easily? Your lover will feel special that you care so much about pleasing them and it will make them want to ask you the same types of questions, giving you an in without having to broach the subject. If you have preferences, discuss it with them. Most couples enjoy talking about sex together. If your partner’s antennae go up, tell them how you want to experience everything together, since you love them so much. That’ll smooth things over. Make sure you approach the subject in a relaxed, enthusiastic manner. It should be a fun, laid-back approach. Do not use an accusatory tone. If you find that they are starting to get upset, ask why. Let them know that you are only trying to make your sex lives better and more enjoyable. Be open to their suggestions. Put your hand in your partner’s lap, around their shoulder or hold their hand. Make them feel secure, loved and appreciated.

Getting Over a Dry Spell

2014-05-05

Though many are embarrassed to admit it, lots of guys go through a dry spell from time-to-time. It’s normal. Sometimes it’s when he gets dumped by someone he really liked. He walks around in a cloud. He’s bitter about relationships. Or he just might need to get his mojo back. There’s trying to cope after a bitter divorce. Then there are those guys who are amazing but people seem to never notice. And the guy who was a catch but got sucked into a career and now has no time to meet anyone. You could have even moved to a new city and just haven’t run into anyone with potential. Whatever your situation, don’t fret. You can and will get over a dry spell and will be overwhelmed with a lover’s affections before you can say “Ah.” First, take notice of where you are right now mentally and physically (care2.com). From the physical standpoint, do you need to take part in a little exercise? Perhaps eat healthier and get more sleep. Try to change up your regime. The truth is, other people want to be with someone attractive as much as you do. Thankfully, men generally aren’t  evaluated as strictly. But still, everyone wants to be with someone who takes care of themselves.

Now what about mentally? If you are moping around depressed or anxiety ridden, you aren’t going to look attractive. People are drawn in by confidence, energy and passion. Do not change your personality, but if you are depressed explore why and get some help in managing it, and bringing it under control. What happened recently in your love life? Are you still getting over an ex? If it’s been a couple of months, realize that not every breakup is the same. Some take longer to get over than others. But it’s important to get out there and start fresh, rather than to wallow in self-pity. Make it a point to take stock. See what singles are out there. Who would be into you? Practice flirting. Express confidence. Be relaxed with who you are. Project your better qualities. Are you funny, witty, smart, inspiring or passionate? Let it shine through when interacting with anyone you are interested in. Show them your best side. Dress the part. People love a guy who looks good and smells good. Get yourself some good cologne. Be subtle with it. Don’t go overboard or you’ll turn them off. Elicit friends to set you up on blind dates. Try online dating. Lots of people are on there. You’re bound to find someone into you sooner or later. Find out where the cool places are if you’ve moved to a new city and strike up a conversation with someone who you will have something in common with. It’s all up to you. But don’t sit around waiting for it to happen, get out there and mix it up. It will happen for you.

Become an Expert in the Bedroom

2014-04-30

If you want to be the kind of guy that elicits smiles and second looks, no matter how good you are in the bedroom refining your repertoire and technique is always advised (askmen.com). Besides, what’s more fun than learning more about sex, and driving your lover wild with some new knowledge or a scintillating new technique? If you want singles approaching you, giving you the eye and wondering with piqued enthusiasm if perhaps you might want to give someone new a try, or you just want to give your special someone a night to whisper and brag to their friends about, here are some ways to become an expert in the bedroom, and leave them begging for more. First, slow down on the porn. There is a controversy stirring as to whether impressions men get from watching porn are hurting their sex life. Another issue is that over-masturbation due to porn may be ruining the mood when you get together with someone offline. So limit your intake. Decide what would be a good level of consumption and stick to it. Next, consider what may happen if you are lucky enough to find yourself in the middle of a threesome. Whether planned or not, most guys focus on the fantasy without any thought to the logistics. You need to please each one and make them feel special. Your goal should be to make sure everyone climaxes at least one time.

Some men suffer from a low sex drive, or trouble maintaining their sex drive when in a long-term relationship. They expect to feel desire often. But the truth is, especially in a long-term relationship, sometimes you need to get the engine running before you can take them out on the road. That requires some effort. Turn your lover on first, or if you aren’t feeling it for a while and you know you should be, find ways to interact with your partner in a sexy way. Relationships change, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a robust sex life. Instead of moping about it, get to work on switching things up, surprising them with something sexy, or just doing things to get you two in the mood. Study up on sex a little. Get some books at the bookstore. Read articles online. Check out the Kama Sutra. Read up on Tantric sex and see if it’s for you. Really important advice, get to work on doing a little manscaping. Hygiene and good grooming are the number one turn-ons. Dress well and look like someone who they’d be attracted to. Wear a little cologne, do not bathe in it. If you’ve got some close male or female friends, talk to them about what they like and don’t like and what technique blew them away. This last one a lot of guys are embarrassed to try, but it will sharpen your game like nothing else can. Read women’s magazines and websites for advice. They read and talk about this stuff all the time.

How To Maintain Optimal Sexual Health

2014-04-29

The best way to maintain optimal sexual health is to keep the rest of your body healthy. Health issues in other areas of the body affect your sexual health, especially the genital area (menshealth.com). Certainly your age may not have as much to do with it as you think it does. According to assistant professor at the New York University School of Medicine and author, Steven Lamm, M.D., “A 50-year-old man who is healthy is probably performing as well sexually as an out-of-shape 30-year-old who smokes and drinks.” Dr. Lamm has written a book called, The Hardness Factor: How to Achieve Your Best Health and Sexual Fitness at Any Age. If you want to have a healthy and consistent sex life, pay attention to blood flow. Being overweight or eating a poor diet not only is bad for heart health, it’s bad for sexual health as well. In fact it’s a little known rule in medicine that what’s good for the heart is good for the genitals and visa-versa. Remember, too, that not only physical but mental health plays a big role in your bedroom ability. Anxiety, stress and depression can have just as much to do with the ability to have an erection and to sustain it, as well as remaining lubricated, as physical obstacles do.  Drug and alcohol addiction are both libido killers. By enacting a lifestyle that is both physically and emotionally healthy, you should be able to enjoy sex even into your eighth decade of life, and perhaps even beyond.

Abdominal fat is the worst kind of fat for sexual health. It absorbs testosterone, the hormone responsible for sex drive. The penis, for instance, is the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” for cardiovascular health. This is due to the fact that the coronary artery is slightly bigger than the penile artery. If your arteries are hardening or plaque is becoming a problem, it will first affect your erection. Eating a high fruit and vegetable, whole grain and low fat diet with lean meats and healthy proteins is one way to ensure you stay healthy. Also get plenty of exercise.

Aerobic exercise of some type for twenty to thirty minutes three times per week will keep you and your sex life healthy. Exercise increases not only blood flow but nitric oxide, a key ingredient in the formation of erections. Of this Dr. Lamm says, “The healthier a man is, the more nitric oxide he produces, and the harder his erection is.” Don’t smoke, and if you do, quit. Nicotine makes erections softer by restricting blood flow. Not only that, but according to Dr. Lamm, “Smoking just clenches down on your blood vessels and prevents them from being reactive.” If you are a male between 18 and 40 years of age, check your testicles often for testicular cancer. The disease affects 8,000 men per year but can be easily detected as an unusual lump in the testicles. If caught early, treatment is 95% effective. Go easy on the alcohol. More than one glass can affect your erection. Finally, eat fatty fish once or twice per week. The omega-3 fatty acids not only help your heart, they support healthy sexual function as well.

Chlamydial Urethritis

Are you experiencing a painful burning sensation when you go to urinate? Are you have trouble urinating? If you’ve experienced tender or swollen testicles, a discharge from the penis, itching, and swelling or redness at the hole in the tip of the penis, you may be experiencing chlamydial urethritis (nih.gov). Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Colloquially it is sometimes called “the clap.” The bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis causes the disease. Chlamydia is passed on from person to person through sexual contact, generally from unprotected sex. This disease often goes hand-in-hand with gonorrhea. The difference is that symptoms will remain even after the treatment for gonorrhea has been administered. Those who have many sexual partners are at the highest risk of contracting these diseases. Chlamydia can often cause the urethra or the tube which exits the penis at the tip (a vessel for semen and urine) to swell. This is called chlamydial urethritis. There are different strains of this bacteria and each causes a different infection. One infects the eyes, another the lungs, another the genitals and still another the lymph nodes. A woman who gives birth to a child and has chlamydia of her cervix may give the child a lung or eye infection, for instance.

There are many tests that can be administered by your healthcare provider in order to determine whether you indeed have chlamydia. A simple urine test, genital fluid testing such as testing the urethral discharge, and something called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which is taking a sample from the patent’s penis and sending it to a lab. A culture will be done to determine which microbe is present. Luckily the treatment for chlamydia is merely oral antibiotics. The common types prescribed are Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Tetracyclines and Quinolones. Both or all partners must be treated, even those who do not show symptoms of the disease as each partner will continue to re-infect the other if left untreated. One possible complication that can occur is called strictures or a narrowing of the urethra. Surgery may be required to reverse this issue. If your sexual partner or partners remain untreated or you do not take the medication as prescribed, the infection can return. If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, it’s important to get a screening for HIV, syphilis and other sexual transmitted infections as well. Monogamy is often recommended. Using a condom properly each time and with each partner can prevent the contraction of chlamydia.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts

2014-04-21

Have you ever had a wart on your feet or hands? If so, you may have had human papillomavirus (HPV) (Young Men’s Health Site). The sexually transmitted disease version causes genital warts. Few people know this but HPV is the most common form of sexually transmitted infections (STI). There are over 40 different types of HPV that can cause warts that can infect the genitals as well as the throat and the mouth. Since there are so many variations the different types are labeled with numbers. Varieties six thru eleven cause genital warts for instance. There is a rumor that only girls can contract HPV. At least half of sexually active men and women will contract HPV sometime in their lives. 20 million in the U.S. are currently infected.  The most common way to catch HPV is via sexual intercourse. Vaginal and anal intercourse is the most common points of contact. HPV can be curbed via condom use. But HPV can also spread by penetrating skin that a condom doesn’t shield. Symptoms vary. Generally, the main symptom is developing genital warts. Some people never do develop them although they are still a carrier. They can still infect others even if they are unaware that they have the disease.

Genital warts look like tiny little cauliflowers. They can be so small you may not even see them. They can cover the penis, groin, scrotum, anus, thighs, mouth, throat, lips and tongue. There are several treatments available. Visiting your physician is the first step. Since HPV is contagious, treatment may be necessary. The human immune system can handle HPV. Your doctor may tell you to merely wait for them to go away on their own. There is prescription medication as well, and a treatment your doctor can apply in his or her office. Do not use over the counter wart remover, however. These medicines are for different types of warts. You may cause further damage rather than alleviating the issue. Though you may see the warts go away, remember that you still may be carrying HPV in your system. The virus may be eliminated, but it may also hide in your system to spring forth at a later date and bring your symptoms back. You can also be re-infected.

HPV can cause cancer in both women and men. Though the cause is higher for women, it has been known to cause anal and penile cancer. 400 males have contracted penile cancer through HPV and 1,500 have developed anal cancer. 5,600 men have contracted oropharyngeal cancer or cancer of the throat, tonsils and tongue. Abstinence gives 100% protection. Condom use for sexual intercourse and a dental dam for oral sex are the best ways to protect against HPV.

Penile Fracture

It was an injury that got famous on the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy (Scientific American), but the truth is that this condition isn’t uncommon. There are no bones in the penis, so how can it break? A “penile fracture” can occur during sexual intercourse when a membrane called the tunica albuginea rips. This membrane envelops the corpora cavernosa. This is the soft, porous substance that becomes engorged with blood when an erection occurs. If the tunica albuginea rips, blood fills other areas causing swelling and bruising to occur. When a penile fracture occurs, generally it is announced by an unusual popping sound. If great pain occurs followed by swelling, bruising and erection loss, seek out your healthcare service provider.

Generally it happens during regular vaginal intercourse with the woman on top. The man slips out and she comes crashing down upon it, crunching it into the perineum or the area between the vagina and anus. It can occur when aerobatic, dangerous, or risky behavior is incorporated into missionary position as well. Fixing the tear may require surgery. General anesthesia is given and one or more incisions may be performed. The torn area is found and then sewn up with sutures. For a severe tear, up to ten stitches covering the circumference of the penis may be required. Normally tears run clockwise. This is often same day surgery. Sexual intercourse can be resumed once the wound heals. It generally takes about one month.

Without surgery complications can occur. Whether the tunica albuginea is partially torn or ripped completely, internal scarring may occur. Scar tissue buildup can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or a curvature of the penis that is unhealthy. This is when an erection goes sideways. Some have even been seen to go at a 45 degree angle. Urology department chair at the School of Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, Dr. Hunter Wessels, says that when he worked at Harborview Medical Center in the Emerald City he would encounter one or two cases every month. Guys in their 20’s and 30’s are at the highest risk as they take part in far more vigorous sexual activity. Older men in their 40’s and 50’s have sex less often, are more risk averse in the bedroom, and their penis tissue doesn’t get quite as hard. So what happens when the penis is bent but no ripping of the tunica albuginea occurs? A bending of the penis or missing penetration that does not cause tearing should not be a cause for concern. There are, however, men who do suffer bending injuries which could lead to Peyronie’s disease later on. This is a bending of the penis due to scar tissue buildup. This becomes a problem when intercourse becomes painful. But science is still unclear whether one leads to the other.