The Bent Penis and Connective Tissue Disorders

A bent penis is often a source of anxiety to many men. Some curvature of the penis is perfectly normal; most men do not have a perfectly straight tool, and a slight bend or curve in one direction or another is no cause for concern. However, a severely curved penis may indicate that a man may be affected by or at risk of developing a connective tissue disorder that can affect other parts of the body, as well. This again demonstrates that focusing on penis health, which is important in itself, can also provide insights into health issues that may occur in other parts of the body.

The bent penis
Curvature occurs in the penis for a variety of reasons. In most cases, the curvature is not so severe that it causes any issues; however, in some cases it can cause pain and/or interfere with the successful performance of basic sexual activities. In such cases, a man is often diagnosed with a condition called "Peyronie's disease."

Peyronie's disease
Named after François Gigot de la Peyronie, an 18th-century French surgeon, Peyronie's disease is usually caused by the build-up of plaque on the penis. This build-up creates a hard lump in the layers of the penis' erectile tissue. As the plaque forms and grows, it hardens into a scar; the scar then has a negative effect on the natural elasticity of the penis.

If, for example, the scar tissue build-up occurs on the top side of the penis, it creates an imbalance, especially when blood flows in and creates an erection. The underside of the penis retains its natural elasticity and grows as usual. But the top side of the penis has a hampered elasticity and responds to the underside growth by bending upward.

This can not only cause difficulty in performing intercourse, but can be physically painful as well - often intensely so, making erections quite uncomfortable.

Connective tissue disorder
Peyronie's disease is considered a connective tissue disorder - that is, a condition in which tissue which performs a connecting function between structures of the body is impacted; connective tissue is made up of collagen and elastin, and includes cartilage, tendons, bones, etc. Some common connective tissue disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about 30% of men with Peyronie's disease are or will be affected by other connective tissue disorders. Often, the disorder is localized in the hands and/or feet.

Treatment for connective tissue disorder can vary widely, depending on the form of disorder and what tissues are involved. Most often, the goal of the treatment is to reduce the inflammation that is keeping the collagen and elastin from functioning properly. A man with Peyronie's disease should check with his doctor to see if he is likely to develop any connective tissue disorders in other parts of his body; similarly, a man who finds he has a connective tissue disorder not localized in the penis may want to be on the lookout for signs that Peyronie's disease may be developing.

Treating Peyronie's disease
In very mild cases of Peyronie's disease, the inflammation may resolve by itself and the excess curvature then gradually goes away, as well. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to correct painful cases.

Many men find relief from the bent penis caused by Peyronie's disease through the application of a high quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). The key here is to use a cream that includes ingredients proven to have an impact on the causes of penile connective tissue disorder. It is essential that the cream includes acetyl L-carnitine, which is a neuroprotective ingredient that helps heal peripheral nerve damage and can impact the scar tissue build-up that causes curvature. Also essential: a cream rich in vitamin C, which is very important in the production of collagen; as healthy collagen is a major component of connective tissue, this can significantly influence treatment of Peyronie's disease.

Oral Sex Tips for Men - 6 Steps to Send her Over the Edge

When it comes to oral sex, it seems most guys fall into one of two categories: 1) Totally awesome, confident and comfortable with it; 2) Scared and doesn’t know what he’s doing.  For men fitting into the second category – read on!  And, just in case, men in the first category should also take a peek, because they might learn something new.  And don’t forget - regardless of whether a man is a self-proclaimed sex genius or an inexperienced amateur, learning how to maintain penis health and performance is just as important to a couple’s sex life.  After all, if the equipment is failing, no other magic moves will save the night.

1)      Make her comfortable:  No matter how orally skilled a man is, a woman will have a very hard time getting there if she isn’t able to relax.  Helping her to get comfortable is essential to a good end result; so dim the lights, turn on some music, light some candles, and make sure she knows it is all about her. 

2)      The pillow prop: To make sure she is at the perfect angle, place a small pillow under bottom to elevate the pelvis and help open her up; this adds to the sensation for many women.

3)      Take it slow: Just like jumping into the deep end of a cold swimming pool can shock the body, so too can diving into her a little too quickly.  Instead, help her warm up by taking it slow and gentle.  Adding a tickle to her thighs or gently licking and teasing her allows her to get used to the sensation before building up speed and pressure.

4)      Pay attention: It’s pretty easy to tell if a woman is having a good time – unless she is very adept at faking it.  Watch for changes in her body response such as wiggling, breathing harder, or increased heart rate.  If she jolts suddenly or flinches, that probably means a guy made a wrong turn somewhere.

5)      Finding a rhythm: Just like a man falls into a certain rhythm when masturbating, a woman will most likely need a steady, consistent rhythm to take her over the edge, too.  Watch her body language for cues into the speed, pressure and type of stimulation she needs.  Don’t be afraid to ask her what is working and what isn’t; ultimately, that will make it more enjoyable for both parties involved.

6)      When in doubt, vibe it out: It is not always an easy task bringing a woman to orgasm orally – in fact – it takes an average of 20 minutes, so it is not for the faint of heart.  If fatigue starts to set in, or a man really wants to give her a big finish, don’t be afraid to bring a vibrator into the action.  By maintaining control of it, a man still has the element of surprise and is responsible for giving her pleasure.

Staying Sex-Ready

Perfecting one’s oral skills is an important part of a well-rounded sexual repertoire, but so is having a healthy manhood. Numerous sexual injuries and conditions can put a man on the bench for days or weeks at a time.  A sexual snafu can range from penis pain or skin discomfort from rough masturbation, to a sex injury that requires a trip to the ER, to an unfortunate sexually transmitted infection that sidelines a guy for weeks and needs medication to clear up.  While some sexual problems are unavoidable, a man can put his best foot forward by improving his penis health regimen.  By being careful with his sexual health, a man can protect himself from the major penis pitfalls, as well as the minor setbacks. Men who are sexually active – especially in non-monogamous relationships – should always use a condom to reduce his chances of picking up an undesirable infection.  Additionally, the use of a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing essential vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin E and Shea butter can help repair and recover the penis skin when it has gotten a little too much action, so he can be back in the game in no time.

Normal Penis Size and Appearance - Answers to Men's Most Common Concerns

On the outside, guys can be full of bravado about the impressive powers of their manhood, especially in the company of other men. But on the inside, there are few men who have not secretly wondered whether their package is really up to par, or whether those bumps, blemishes and variations in skin tone are just plain weird. The answers to these common concerns about what makes for a normal penis are revealed here.

1. Normal Penis Size - Starting with perhaps the biggest concern men have about their penis, the answer is that unless the erect penis is under an inch or two long, it is most likely normal. Of course, normal can encompass a wide range of sizes and shapes, and some guys are certainly more visibly endowed than others. On the other hand, the average erect penis size is about 5 to 51/2 inches, so guys who are not sporting the fabled nine-incher are in good company. In fact, since women only actually have any significant feeling near the vaginal opening - and lots more in the clitoris, the saying that size doesn’t matter is really true.

2. Normal Penis Skin Color - There are nearly as many penis skin tones as there are penises. Some men’s skin color is similar to the rest of their body, but it can be much lighter or much darker. Some men have more than one color - for example, darker at the base of the shaft and lighter toward the tip - all of these variations are perfectly normal. Men with very light patches of skin may have a benign condition known as vitiligo; if so, it is probably present on other parts of the body, as well. A condition known as lichen planus can also cause discoloration - usually whitish or gray, spreading patches on the skin.

3. Bumps and Blemishes - The skin is rarely, if ever, perfectly smooth, and the penis, like other parts of the body, can be affected by bumps and blemishes. Pimples and overactive follicles may abound in this area; and a large number of men may have a ring of clear or flesh-colored bumps surrounding the crown of the penis. This condition, known as pearly penile papules, is perfectly normal, harmless, and not contagious. On the other hand, open sores, lesions, and warts that have a rough surface should be checked out by a doctor.

4. Bends and Curves - Almost no penis is perfectly straight; it may hang to one side while flaccid and show a distinctive bend or curve when erect. Unless the bend appears following an injury, is painful, or interferes with normal intercourse, there is absolutely no reason to worry.

TLC for a Healthy, Well-adjusted Penis
Unless a guy has very obvious problems or concerns about his penis that fall well outside of the norms described here, chances are that his tool is perfectly normal. In that case, a little self-confidence boost may be all he needs to quit worrying about whether his penis is up to par.
Some guidelines for increasing confidence are as follows - and they may sound simplistic, but the positive effects can’t be denied:

- Keep it clean. A freshly washed manhood is more pleasant for both the owner and any potential partners; on the other hand, a penis that has not seen a shower for three or four days is unlikely to be attractive to anyone.

- Trim the hairs. An overgrown mass of pubic hair may not necessarily be off-putting for a partner, but trimming it down to size can actually make the penis appear longer - a nice confidence-booster for any man.

- Exercise. Getting plenty of exercise is not only beneficial in terms of better blood flow (and therefore, better erections). The feel-good hormones that are produced by exercise can leave a man feeling energized, happy and full of confidence in himself and his ability to perform, regardless of any perceived oddities about his manhood.

- Nix the booze. While a few drinks with a potential partner can help to ease the way into a more intimate encounter, it can also impair a man’s ability to perform. The immediate embarrassment can be bad enough, and the after-effects of this chemical downer can leave a man feeling depressed and unhappy.

- Add nutrients to the penile care regimen. A penis vitamin crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that is enriched with rejuvenating vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids can leave the penile skin looking vibrant, feeling supple, and responding to a partner’s touch like never before. Adding a penis cream to the mix after a daily shower can leave a man feeling positive and confident when it comes to unveiling his tool.

Penis Pain and Discharge? It Could be Thrush

Yeast cells are amazing. Without them, there would be no wine, no bread and no beer. In short, they play an important role in the development of some of the things that men find so important. On the other hand, certain types of yeast cells can cause uncomfortable issues. When they run rampant on the skin of the penis, a condition known as thrush can develop. Thankfully, by altering a few penis care habits, men with thrush can almost certainly get better.

What Thrush Feels Like
The yeast cells responsible for thrush live on the surface of the skin all the time. When there are a reasonable number of these organisms in place, they are unlikely to cause pain or discomfort. But when changes in body chemistry trigger an overgrowth of these organisms, a number of really nasty symptoms can take hold, including:

- Inflammation of the head of the penis
- Swelling of the foreskin
- Lumpy, chunky discharge
- Pain during sex
- Discomfort during urination
- Itching
- Dry, cracked skin.

The signs might be mild at first, but if the infection continues, the problem might become impossible to ignore. The foreskin can swell to such a degree that it can't be retracted from the tip of the penis, for example, and the pain during urination could become breathtaking.

Treating Thrush
Since thrush can look like other types of conditions, including certain sexually transmitted diseases, the right diagnosis is vital for men, particularly those who haven't ever struggled with yeast in the past. A trip to the doctor is warranted for anyone struggling with uncomfortable penis symptoms. With a simple swab of the discharge, a medical professional can confirm that yeast is behind the discomfort, and they can recommend the right kind of product to apply to the area.

A doctor might also help men who constantly deal with thrush, as the condition can sometimes crop up due to an underlying health condition. Men who have a weakened immune system due to an infection might be more vulnerable to thrush, for example, as might men who have diabetes. If the problem keeps coming back, over and over again, these men might need to get the rest of their health in order before they begin to attack their penis care woes.

Men who don't have an underlying health problem could be causing thrush by their penis-washing techniques. Scrubbing and scraping at intimate tissues with heavy soaps can remove healthy bacteria and allow yeast cells to take over. Sticking with softer, kinder cleansing techniques is the preferred method for male hygiene.

Similarly, some men get thrush from their sexual partners. Women, for example, tend to struggle with yeast more often than men do, and they can pass on the problem to their partners during unprotected sex. Sometimes, partners pass thrush back and forth, as one person is treated while the other continues to harbor the disease. Treating both partners at the same time could keep this issue from constantly reappearing.

Caring for the skin of the penis could also be a vital thrush-busting technique. Skin that is soft, smooth and well cared for has fewer cracks for yeast to hide in, and it has all of the tools it needs to stop an attack in progress. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. These products support the health of the tissues of a man's vital tool, and their mix of vitamins and supplements ensures that the skin can protect and defend as it should. While these products can't treat a thrush attack in the works, they could provide that little bit of protection that keeps skin safe in the future.

Penile Cancer Alert - What All Men Should Know About Their Sexual Health

Penile cancer is relatively rare, but according to research, incidence of cancer of the penis has increased by 20% over the last few decades. There are several potential reasons for this alarming statistic, and men’s sexual health may play a role. In order to avoid the long-term complications of cancer, all men should be aware of the connection to sexual health. In addition, they should pay close attention to proper penis care, making it a priority in their daily routine.

Why is penis cancer becoming more prevalent?
Researchers are not completely sure why this is the case. There are several possibilities. These include more accurate diagnosis of symptoms; the fact that men are living longer and are thus more likely to develop some form of cancer over a lifetime; and the fact that men may be engaging in risky sexual behavior that can lead to cancer over the long term.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Cancer of the penis may be characterized by any of the following:

• Bumps or warts;
• Bleeding;
• Rash;
• Change in color;
• A foul-smelling discharge;
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin.

Men who notice these symptoms should keep in mind that many other conditions, most of them minor, may have a similar presentation, so it is best not to panic and assume the worst. On the other hand, it is very important to get them checked out to ensure proper treatment.

Risk factors
The most common risk factors for penile cancer include smoking, family history, and exposure to HPV, or human papillomavirus (a disease spread by sexual contact). Because of the HPV-cancer connection, doctors generally recommend that boys be vaccinated in their early teens, before they become sexually active. Vaccination later in life, especially after a man becomes active, will not provide immunity.

Penis care for long-term health and quality of life
As with other forms of cancer, there is no bullet-proof solution to avoiding this potentially deadly disease. However, men can greatly reduce their chances of developing tumors in the area by following some common-sense guidelines:

1. Practice good hygiene. Men who are uncut have a slightly greater chance of developing cancerous lesions, due to an increased risk of developing infections. Washing the area carefully and gently removing any built-up material underneath the foreskin can help to keep the area clean and reduce the chances of developing infections. All men should wash the private area carefully at least once every day.

2. Practice safe sex. Because cancer of the penis has been linked to the HPV virus, which is easily transmitted between sexual partners, men should be sure to use barrier protection such as a condom for each and every encounter. Even if neither partner has symptoms of HPV, the virus can be present in a dormant state for years; this also means that men should use protection in a monogamous relationship unless both partners have been given a clean bill of health.

3. Get tested regularly. Ideally, all men who are sexually active should be tested approximately every six months for sexually transmitted infections. Early detection and treatment of numerous types of STIs are crucial in the fight against penile cancer.

4. Perform monthly self-exams. The majority of cancerous tumors are detected by men themselves. Conducting a monthly self-exam, looking out for any unusual bumps, lesions, warts or other changes to the skin. While any of these symptoms can occur for a variety of other reasons, anything unusual warrants a trip to the doctor for evaluation.

5. Use a penis nutrient cream. A formula that is enriched with powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid may offer extra protection against damage to the penile tissue. A top-notch penis nutrient cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) is also indicated for maintaining smooth, healthy penile tissue and an overall youthful and vibrant appearance.

Penis Health Awareness - Essential Men's Checkups According to Age

Unfortunately, most men take better care of their cars than they do of their own bodies.  Just as no man would skip an oil change or 50,000-mile tune-up, he shouldn’t skip out on important annual physical exams and health screenings.  Physical health is very closely tied to penis health, making these check-ups vital to a healthy sex life, as well. Learn what health screenings every man needs throughout each decade of his life in order to keep everything under the hood running smoothly. 

In the 20s

Though men are hopefully at the pinnacle of health at this age, it’s still important to make time for an annual visit with the doctor.  Here’s a list of everything the doc should check regularly during this decade:

• Annual physical with blood pressure check
• In-office screening for testicular cancer
• Cholesterol testing every 5 years
• Yearly skin cancer screening
• Depending on family history, screening for other conditions such as thyroid, diabetes, heart conditions, liver conditions, or anemia
• Screening for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, every 3-6 months for men who are not in monogamous relationships

At home:

• Monthly testicular self-exams to monitor for changes
• Monthly skin cancer self-exam to check for changes

In the 30s

Not much changes between these two decades; all of same in-office and at-home screenings from the 20s would be carried on in the 30s, with these add-ons:

• More intensive visual health screenings
• Screenings for coronary heart disease – particularly in men with a strong family history of heart problems

In the 40s

While the 40s used to be considered “over the hill,” it is far from it these days.  Still, make sure the doc is continuing all of the above health screenings as well as adding on a few more. Keep up on those monthly self-exams, too:

• Screenings for prostate cancer
• Possible screenings for colon cancer, depending on risk factors and family history
• Diabetes screening every 3 years once a man has reached age 45

In the 50s

Whether a man is considering early retirement or still going strong in his career, his health is as important as ever.  A doc will keep all the previous health screenings going, as well as the following:

• Yearly blood draw screening for Type II diabetes
• Yearly electrocardiogram
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Screening for lipid disorders
• Colon cancer screening, including blood testing and colonoscopy starting at age 50
• Evaluation for depression

In the 60s

Reaching the 60s is reason to celebrate, not to slow down; so maintain an active lifestyle and make sure the doc continues all the essential exams while adding the following.  If those monthly self-exams are getting more difficult, feel free to enlist a partner for help:

• Screenings for coronary heart disease, as well as preventative screenings or ultrasounds for carotid artery and abdominal aortic aneurysm, especially for men with other existing cardiovascular conditions
• Osteoporosis screening
• Lung cancer screening – depending on risk factors and family history
• Screening for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in addition to depression or anxiety issues

In the 70s and beyond

By this time the doc has probably run about every preventative screening there is.  Depending on previous results and personal health history, the doc may increase or decrease the frequency of certain studies and screenings.  A thorough discussion with a doctor who is familiar with one’s entire history is important to determine what health exams should be conducted both in-office and at home.

Maintaining Sexual Health

In order to stay sexually active – and healthy – into the 70’s and beyond, men need to be taking care of their bodies their entire life.  In addition to getting plenty of exercise, maintaining regular physicals and other health screenings, men should always use a condom to reduce their chance of transmitting sexual infections. Regular screenings of one’s sexual health is imperative to keep the penis healthy. 

For all men, daily use of a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help reduce daily wear and tear on the penis, reduce the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease – a curvature of the penis that is more common in older men – and keep circulation to the penis strong, which is perhaps the most essential component of a healthy sex life.

Male Sexual Health and Laptop Use – Is His Fertility at Stake?

As the name implies, laptop computers are intended for an individual to use on his or her lap, right?  When purchasing a computer for work or personal use, it is assumed by the consumer that it is safe to use, whether it is placed on the lap, table, or desk.  However, researchers have recently raised concerns about whether or not this is actually true, and there are indications that a man’s sexual heath may even be at risk.  Learn more about the safety of using a laptop on the lap and how it may impact a man’s penis health.

Will a laptop harm the manhood?

As it turns out, some people are saying it can.  But are these opinions merely held by alarmists and whistleblowers looking to create controversy, or is it based in real, hard evidence?  One study published in Fertility and Sterility, a research journal, found that sperm may be damaged by the use of a Wi-Fi enabled laptop.  The study exposed several samples of sperm to the radiation emitted by a laptop for 4 hours and compared it to several samples of sperm that were not exposed to laptop radiation. 

They found that exposing the sperm to the laptop decreased sperm motility – in other words the ability to swim properly – and increased DNA fragmentation or sperm damage.  The researchers are attributing the damage to the exposure to laptop radiation, and they feel it is possible the same happens to sperm held within the testicles when exposed to prolonged laptop use. Scientific mumbo-jumbo aside, the study suggests that resting one’s laptop – while it is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi -- on the junk may harm a man’s fertility by causing sperm damage. 

So does that mean all laptop users will eventually become infertile?

Not in the least.  While studies like this may hit the media and explode, causing people to ban laptops from their homes – or at least their laps -- forever, it is just one study.  The authors believe it to be the first research conducted on the subject, which means much, much more research needs to be conducted before this evidence is accepted as fact.  In fact, if a man asked his doctor whether laptops pose a significant risk, his doctor would likely say no, because there simply is not enough evidence right now to indicate this is a serious risk.

Should a guy ditch his laptop just to be safe?

That is a decision that is best left up to every individual man.  Though men who already struggle with fertility issues, or are trying to get their partner pregnant may want to abide by the rule: better safe than sorry. Before ditching a laptop altogether, there are some protective measures a man can take if he is concerned about the radiation.

1)      Do not place the laptop on the lap when it is using Wi-Fi; rather, connect to the Internet the old-fashioned way using an Ethernet cable.

2)      Get a laptop rest to go on the lap; this will elevate the computer and reduce exposure to the testicles. In fact, it might actually improve posture and reduce neck or arm strain!

3)      Use the laptop only on a desk.

4)      Place the laptop on a nearby desk or table, but use a wireless keyboard on the lap.  This allows the convenience of a laptop but the device that is emitting the radiation is safely away from the testicles.  Studies indicate the radiation field is about one foot in all directions, so simply moving the laptop 12 inches away may be safer.

Keeping the penis healthy

Men who are waiting for more evidence that there is a serious risk before changing their laptop habits can still take other measures to ensure their penis is as healthy as can be.  Using a penis nutrient formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing penis specific vitamins and nutrients can help keep the manhood healthy and active.  Selecting one with ingredients like alpha lipoic acid and acetyl l carnitine can help enhance the sensitivity of the penis, while improving the health of the penis on a cellular level.  Apply after the daily shower for a fast and easy boost to the penis health routine.