Penis Problems: What Happens with an Aging Penis?

There’s no way to stop aging; growing older is simply a fact of life. But while men worry about aging issues like losing their hair or gaining weight, they tend to forget that there can be some penis problems that arise as one gets on the farther side of mature. Knowing what those potential penis problems are is important, as it enables a man to take steps to better maintain his all-important penis health as he ages.

Penis problems related to aging
One thing to remember: not every man is going to encounter all possible penis problems as the aging process accelerates. Indeed, there are some men who live a full, long life and find relatively little difference between their penis health at age 20 and again at age 70. But most men will discover that there are at least some changes.

With that in mind, what are some of the common penis problems that may develop as one grows older?

The penis may shrink - or at least appear smaller
Yes, it’s true. Many an older man has looked upon his proud manhood and been shocked to discover it seems a tad smaller than it did a few years ago. Sometimes it’s just an illusion, brought about by weight gain. When there are extra folds of fat about the penile area, it tends to cover up the base of the shaft. The full penis is still there, but enough of it is hidden that it seems smaller. And in some cases, a man can indeed lose length and girth. This happens due to the loss of testosterone that is common with older age, as well as with blood flow issues which keep the penis from puffing up to its former fuller size.

But it’s not just the penis that may be affected. Testicles tend to diminish in size during the aging process, with some men finding testicular shrinkage of as much as a third.

Shrinkage can also be due to a man feeling colder, since the equipment tends to naturally contract when cold. Decreased blood flow is again a culprit, but so is the fact that men tend to lose some of their pubic hair over time. Without that extra warmth, the penis may typically feel cooler more easily.

Sex drive may decrease
Many men experience a natural loss of testosterone when they reach a certain age. Since testosterone is a key component of a healthy libido, this may mean that the urge is not as strong as it used to be.
As a corollary of this, it may mean that more stimulation is needed to obtain and maintain a really hard erection. Men who normally were "up and at ‘em" at the drop of a hat may find that focused foreplay becomes more important - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many men find that their sexual lives are improved by taking more time with the prelude process.

The need to urinate may increase
Enlarged prostates are a common issue for older men. The growth in the prostate often squeezes the urethra, resulting in a need to urinate more frequently. It also may result in a difficulty in starting and/or stopping urination, as well as a tendency to dribble. Sometimes soreness may result.

Men who experience significant penis problems from aging should consult with a doctor to determine a course of action. Working to maintain proper penis health throughout life can help diminish problems later on, so regular use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) may be a good idea. Look for one with both vitamin C and L-arginine. Both of these help to improve that all-important penile blood flow, and vitamin C is also involved in collagen production, which impacts penile firmness. The best crème will also include vitamin D, the acclaimed "miracle vitamin" that fights disease and supports healthy cellular function in the penis.

Small Penis Pride: The Joys of a Modest Endowment

It’s no news bulletin that penis size is a concern for many men, yet it may come as a surprise to learn that not every man is obsessed with sporting a penis of mammoth proportions. In fact, there are men with what might be considered a small penis who take considerable pride in their equipment and are in no way embarrassed or concerned about it. Such men know that, as long as they practice good penis care, there’s no need to be packing a python when a garter snake can do just as well.

What is a small penis anyway?

Just what constitutes a small penis is a matter of some debate. One man may think it means anything under, say, six inches, while another may argue it’s a penis that doesn’t break the four inch barrier, and a third may boastfully state it’s any penis smaller than his own. With unrealistically endowed porn stars setting a high bar, most men of average penis size might feel dwarfed in comparison - and so, to some extent a small penis is any penis the owner of whom feels it is small.

However, in general it’s safe to say that most people would consider a three or four inch erect penis to be small. But that doesn’t mean such a penis is a detriment.

Benefits

Good things come in small packages, as they say, and the same is true of the man who is accepting of his modest endowment - and who takes pride in it. To men with a fixation on being large, this may seem inconceivable. What could there be about a "non-monster" to be pleased about?

The answer is - plenty! For example:

- It’s more comfortable. Men with enormous members often find their manhood squashed uncomfortably in a tight pair of trousers. The lack of room in the crotch can cause quite a bit of pain, which is not an issue with a more normally sized penis. In addition, larger penises have more of a chance of pulling pubic hair up if they are entangled when they become erect - and that’s not a pleasant feeling.

- There’s less public embarrassment. Countless men have horror stories about sporting a very noticeable bulge at an inopportune time - while giving a very important presentation at work, say, or being introduced to a girlfriend’s parents. Also, in some instances a very insistent erection can force down the zipper of the pants, leading to even greater embarrassment - but that’s not usually a concern with a small penis erection.

- Injuries occur less often. Few things hurt more than slamming an erect penis against a hard object, something which sometimes happens when a well-endowed man is thrusting at an unfortunate angle. Smaller men are also less likely to get their appendages caught in zippers.

- It often makes a man a better sexual partner. When a man has a huge penis, there are often unrealistic expectations on a partner’s part - and size does not by itself equal superior capability in bed. By contrast, a smaller man has fewer expectations and also knows he has to work a little harder. Therefore, he is likely to take extra pains to learn how to use his penis to its maximum potential. He may become more experienced and be more open to experimentation and creativity in bed. That’s not to say that men with big members are poor in bed or that all men with small members are expert - but it does mean that learning good sex "tricks" may be of greater importance to the latter.

Taking pride in a small penis - or in a penis of any size - includes treating it regularly to a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). For optimal results, a crème with vitamin B5 and acetyl L carnitine is advised. Vitamin B5 fulfills a necessary function in keeping cell metabolism in gear and in maintaining healthy penile tissue. Acetyl L carnitine is a neuroprotective ingredient that protects against the peripheral nerve damage from rough handling that can otherwise lead to a diminishment of sensation in the penis.

A Red Penis Could Signal Plasma Cell Balanitis

Men who are well-versed in proper penis care may already know that a red penis can be a sign of skin irritation or inflammation. Balanitis is one of the more common causes, especially among men whose foreskins are intact, but there is a variation on this condition - called plasma cell balanitis (and sometimes referred to as Zoon balanitis) - that is less well-known.

Regular balanitis

Balanitis is defined by Medical News Today as "an inflammation of the glans (the rounded head) of the penis." In uncircumcised men, the rate of occurrence is estimated at 1 in 30 males; it is less common among men who have been circumcised. There can be a number of causes, including dermatological reaction, bacteria, infection, unprotected sex and phimosis.

Plasma cell balanitis

Plasma cell balanitis also refers to an inflammation of the glans (and sometimes the foreskin), resulting in a red penis. But in the case of the plasma cell variation, the redness tends to be quite localized, presenting as one single red lesion, usually well-defined. (By contrast, regular balanitis may present as a red "area" or as multiple lesions.)

If a biopsy is performed on the lesion, the microscope will reveal numerous plasma cells making up the red spot. Plasma cells are a kind of white blood cell that originates in the bone marrow. Their purpose is to create antibodies that fight infectious agents in the body. They have a distinctive look that makes them easy for scientists to identify (under the microscope of course; they are too small to be seen with the naked eye).

Plasma cell balanitis was first described in 1952 by a Dutch scientist named Zoon. A similar condition can exist in women, although it is then called plasma cell vulvitis.

Symptoms

Although the red lesion is a typical sign, there are few other symptoms associated with the condition. Some men complain of tenderness in the area, and for some the presence of the lesion also results in itchiness. Irritation may be experienced by the friction associated with intercourse, especially if no condom is employed. (The condom typically lessens the degree of friction.)

Causes

Doctors believe that plasma cell balanitis may occur as a result of an underlying issue. However, it is also more likely to happen when dried urine, soap or skin particles get trapped on the glans beneath the foreskin.

This form of balanitis is one which can go away and return with some frequency. Although it is not dangerous and doesn’t usually cause significant discomfort, it tends to mar the appearance of a man’s penis. Of greater concern, it may cause a partner to worry if the affected man has a sexually transmitted infection, which may hamper their willingness to engage in sex.

Treatment

A doctor can prescribe an appropriate course of treatment. Typical options include using topical antibiotics or antifungal medications, as well as steroid creams. In some cases, a doctor may recommend laser surgery; however, this last option is not prescribed that often.

The red penis that results from a case of plasma cell balanitis may indicate other related factors which a man may need to tend to. Daily use of a top notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help maintain the overall health of the organ and alleviate some of these effects. For example, dry skin often accompanies this condition, so keeping the penis moisturized is advised. A crème is better able to accomplish this if it combines both a natural hydrating agent (such as vitamin E) with a high end emollient (such as Shea butter, derived from the fruit of the Shea tree). It’s also wise to select a crème with vitamin A, as the antibacterial properties can help eliminate agents that irritate the red penis and worsen its appearance and any discomfort.

Penis Health and Pomegranates: Do They Go Together?

Excellent penis health should be the goal of all men, especially those who wish to maintain a vital sex life. There are many components connected to good penis health, and some - such as dietary factors - may not always seem so obvious. Yet the food and drink a man consumes can have a significant impact on the health and performance of his favorite organ. With that in mind, a man may want to look into adding pomegranates to his diet.

A sexual history

For centuries, pomegranates have had a reputation as a "sexy" fruit. In Greek mythology, Persephone is kidnapped by Hades to be his bride. Because she eats pomegranate seeds while in the underworld, she is forced to live with him during part of the year. The use of the pomegranate is significant, as it is a fleshy, bloody fruit that practically screams "sex." And the significance of the manly seeds Persephone consumes is obvious.

Pomegranates were also strongly associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, but their association with carnality dates back even further. Many scholars believe that the original "forbidden fruit" in the Garden of Eden was supposed to be a pomegranate rather than an apple. And in Chinese history, this hard fruit is associated with fertility.

Benefits

There are many health benefits associated with pomegranates, as well as its seeds and juice. For one thing, it’s low in calories, so one can consume a fair amount of it without worrying about weight gain.

But there’s more to the pomegranate than that. It’s a fruit that is very rich in antioxidants, especially those in the polyphenol class - things like tannin, ellagic acid and anthocyanin. Why are antioxidants important? Antioxidants attack those notorious free radicals, waste products that if allowed to proliferate can cause significant cellular damage.

In addition, this fruit is an excellent source of both potassium and vitamin C, both of which are required for overall bodily health. And several studies have linked pomegranate consumption to a lowered risk of developing dementia and some cancers (although more studies are needed to further back up these initial results.)

Penis health

So pomegranates are a fine way to improve general health - but what can they do a for a guy’s penis specifically? Why incorporate more pomegranates into a penis health program?

Well, for several reasons:

- It helps with the sex drive. Pomegranates have long been held to be aphrodisiacs (hence Aphrodite’s interest in them). A Scottish study has found that it can create a surge in testosterone availability, which translates to a more active libido.

- There may be erectile benefits. A study from the University of California reported that 47% of participants in a pomegranate trial experienced a marked increase in their sexual function. This is largely attributed to the fruit’s richness in antioxidants, which helps to improve blood flow to the penis. In addition, pomegranates help to control blood pressure, which can also improve erectile performance.

- Sperm quality may be impacted. A Turkish study found that the overall sperm quality was higher in men who drank pomegranate juice.

Men interested in increasing their pomegranate intake should consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount they should consume.

While pomegranates can be an aid in maintaining penis health, men shouldn’t stop with altering their diet. They need to also incorporate a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) into their daily penis care routine. A good crème can supplement many of the health benefits provided by pomegranates. For example, the best cremes contain a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, that can provide additive protection against oxidative stress and cellular damage directly to the penis. In addition, the proper crème can also aid in keeping those all-important penile blood vessels open and flowing; a crème with the amino acid L-arginine is ideal for that particular benefit. And any respectable penis crème should include vitamin C, to aid in collagen production and penile firmness.

Exploring “Mindful” Masturbation

For most men, masturbation is something they can do without thinking. It’s an easy matter of removing the equipment from its enclosure, applying appropriate lubrication, and then pretty much running on autopilot. But some men have discovered that being more mindful when masturbating can have significant benefits for them. Some men even find that mindful masturbation ensures they pay better attention to their penis health, while at the same time helping them enjoy their solo experiences (and often their partner-based experiences) to a greater degree.

How does it work?

There can be numerous ways in which a man can become more mindful during his masturbation sessions. Simply taking more time with masturbating and making an effort to notice sensations he is experiencing beyond the feeling of the penis in the hand can be revelatory for some men.

But for those interested in a fuller mindful masturbation experience, the following steps may prove useful:

1) Set a mood. The basic mood associated with masturbation tends to be "horny." Try to begin the masturbation process before feeling aroused. Find some music that feels relaxing, or play some ambient noise recordings. Dim the lights in the room and consider adding a pleasant scent via candles, incense or other fragrant sources.

2) Get comfortable. Don’t disrobe yet, but lie or sit someplace that’s nice and comfortable. Close the eyes and let the muscles unwind. Let the breathing become regular and focus on how good it feels just to breathe. Pay attention to any sounds, aromas or sensations. After a few minutes, start breathing through the mouth and release a sound - a sigh or a moan - and notice how it feels throughout the body. Slowly undress, relishing how it feels to take off each piece of clothing.

3) Explore. Once naked, take time to explore the body. Rub the forehead, stroke the cheek, massage the chest, etc. Go slowly, and feel parts of the body - the crook of the arm, the hair on the legs - that may typically be ignored. Notice how each touch of each body part feels.

4) Masturbate. Now move the hand to the penis and begin massaging it. Try to think of ways to touch it that are different than what is usually used. For example, gently stroke it with just the little finger, or use the back of the hand. Explore all sorts of touches and see what sensations they produce. When the penis is erect, pull it forward and then release it so that it flops back against the stomach. Continue masturbating with one hand and explore other parts of the body with the free hand. Make note of how it feels if the body changes positions while masturbating - if legs are spread or if the back is arched, if one knee is bent or the neck stretches upward.

5) Release. Ejaculate when ready, but don’t feel it needs to be forced. Try to continue to be attentive to the surroundings even as orgasm approaches. Pay attention to not just how the penis feels but what other body parts may tingle or what scents can be detected or just what the breathing pattern is like.

Many who practice mindful masturbation find that by putting masturbation in the context of the inner and outer environment around them, they create a more meaningful orgasm. They also better appreciate the need for maintaining penis health, which can be helped by daily use of a top notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Replenishing the vitamin stores of the penis is crucial, so utilizing a crème that includes penis-essential vitamins (A, B5, C, D and E) is necessary for proper penis health. Years of rough sex or frequent masturbation an also de-sensitize a penis, so using a crème with a neuroprotective ingredient like acetyl L-carnitine can help restore sensation to the penis. The healthier the member, the more effective mindful masturbation can be.

Masturbation and Prostate Health: Avoiding Cancer

For decades there has been a great debate on just how much masturbation mattered to prostate health. How many times did a man have to ejaculate to be assured of the best prostate health, including avoiding the dreaded prostate cancer? Some men swore that regular masturbation was a part of proper penis care and had a great impact on prostate health, while others said that it didn’t matter one way or the other.

But that’s what research into masturbation and prostate health is all about - to take these great debates and figure out, once and for all, what a man needs to do to keep his body working at the optimum level that Nature intended. To that end, a group of brave researchers studied equally brave men to learn just how much ejaculation mattered to their health. Here’s what they discovered.

Masturbation matters to prostate health
The study, conducted by the Boston University of Public Health, looked at the health habits of men aged 20 through 29, then followed those men for the next 18 years. They asked men to report how often they ejaculated each month in addition to following their physical health changes over that almost two-decade period.

The results were clear: Men who ejaculated at least 21 times each month were 19 percent less likely to deal with prostate cancer than those who ejaculated only about 7 times per month. In addition, the benefits seemed to ramp up the older a man got - those who were between the ages of 40 to 49 who ejaculated at least 21 times per month lowered their prostate cancer risk by 22 percent.

Researchers believe that the effects were the result of clearing the prostate. Though the occasional ejaculation will help, to truly clear the prostate, a man should aim to ejaculate at least once every few days. As the prostate clears, the chance of infection setting in is reduced.

It doesn’t matter whether a man masturbates or gets it on with a partner, as long as the end result is the same: Ejaculation. Though some men might want to ‘hold off’ for a few days in order to have a more intense explosion, those who do try this might want to make up for the lost ejaculations by fitting in more than one a day for a while. The creative man will certainly find enjoyable ways to do so!

In other good news, some studies have shown that just as masturbation and prostate health go hand-in-hand, so does masturbation and testicular cancer risk. Though there is no conclusive study (yet) that makes it clear frequent ejaculations make a difference in the rate of testicular cancer, it stands to reason that the more a man ejaculates and keeps things moving down there, the more likely he is to eliminate the toxins that might build up in the body over time. And anything that helps keep a man healthy - all while feeling very good! - is a great thing.

Ensuring great penis health
Men who are serious about their reproductive health will want to take things a step further and practice the best penis care. In order to do this, a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is just what the doctor ordered. Look for a cream that includes alpha lipoic acid, which combats the free radicals that can lead to health problems, as well as acetyl L carnitine, a neuroprotective that works synergistically with alpha lipoic acid to reverse damage to cell mitochondria and improve function on a cellular level. Combine those wonder ingredients with heavy-duty vitamins and apply them all with a high-end Shea butter emollient, and a man has the recipe for good penis health.

A Sore Penis from When the Brain is Set to “Sex”

A guy can get a sore penis for any number of reasons, but often it’s simply due to overuse: his brain gets set in the "sex" position and he continues indulging even when it’s time to give things a rest. As the late Robin Williams once joked, "God gave man both a penis and a brain, but unfortunately not enough blood supply to run both at the same time." Still, in order for a man to engage in appropriate penis care, he really needs to find a way to keep his brain functioning in order to minimize the risk of a sore penis from lengthy or over-enthusiastic sex.

Blame the hypothalamus

The part of the brain known as the hypothalamus has a lot to do with a person’s sex drive and function, especially the section known as the preoptic part of the organ. And not only is the hypothalamus significantly bigger in men than in women, it starts enlarging while in the womb - so that even before birth, guys have a kind of "horny" default mechanism.

The PFC connection

When testosterone really kicks in, starting during puberty, a guy’s brain tends to misfire on a regular basis. Sure, a teenage boy may be trying to concentrate on doing his homework, but if thoughts of that particularly hot girl in his math class keep kicking in, he’s likely to drop his trousers for some quick relief - perhaps several times. Yes, he knows that he’s going to end up with a sore penis, but the feeling is often too intense for him to ignore.

Don’t blame the kid - blame his prefrontal cortex (PFC). The development of the PFC can’t keep up with all the testosterone that keeps getting pumped into the dude’s body. Since the PFC is the section of the brain that helps a person look at a situation, weigh the options, and make a wise decision based on the facts, it’s natural that a teen will put his penis into play too often or too aggressively. Urge and impulse are the order of the day until the PFC is able to catch up.

Adulthood

Fortunately, once a guy gets into his 20s or thereabouts, his PFC catches up and he no longer ever makes rash decisions about sex - right? Unfortunately the brain still can’t be guaranteed to overcome sexual impulses. Sure, as guys get older they’re likely to make better decisions about sex, but there are still plenty of times when the brain gets overloaded by stimuli and desires and lets its reason-based faculties fall by the wayside. When the brain lets the penis push it into "sex" mode, it’s hard to get it back in line until after an orgasm.

In some instances, a guy acts before the desire for sex kicks into overdrive. He closes those porn tabs that he has open and walks away from the computer for a while, or he convinces himself to take a cold shower. If he’s with a partner, and he knows that "one more time" will result in morning-after soreness, he finds a charming way to beg off or offers to please the partner orally or manually instead.

But those are exceptions.

Let’s face it, when the brain is in "sex" mode, most guys are more than willing to risk a very sore penis for the happiness that sex so abundantly provides. Therefore, men need to be ready to tend to that sore penis by applying a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Friction from any kind of sex will leave the skin raw, so a crème with potent moisturizing capability is required; look for one that includes both a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) and a high end emollient (such as Shea butter). Cell metabolism depends upon a generous supply of vitamin B5, so restore the damaged cell structure by finding a crème with that ingredient as well. And since alpha lipoic acid protects against thinning of the penile skin, a crème with this antioxidant can help with the healing process.

That Itchy Penis May Be Due to the Bedding

Is there a male alive who hasn’t experienced an uncomfortably itchy penis at one point of another? Guys know that the occasional uncontrollable urge to scratch is going to hit them, even if they practice really good and conscientious penis care. But knowing that some itchiness is inevitable doesn’t mean a guy won’t find ways to minimize this annoyance as much as possible. That’s why he may need to take a little look at his bedding to see if his sheets and blankets may be contributing to an itchy penis situation.

Bedding

Why should bedding be a possible cause of an itchy penis? Well, there actually are several reasons. Often an itchy penis is the result of what is commonly called contact dermatitis. This means that the sensitive penis skin comes in contact with something that causes it to develop a skin reaction. This may be a rash, bumps, hives, redness or simply itchiness all by itself.

Cleanliness

Very often, contact dermatitis on the penis results from harsh chemicals used in cleaning products. Strong soaps or detergents often wreak havoc on delicate skin, as can the fragrances that are added to cleansers to give a fresher smell. Bleach, especially chlorine bleach, can also cause skin issues to erupt.

So let’s say a man is doing his best to be a responsible bachelor and is keeping his bedding regularly cleaned - and therefore more attractive to the women he wants to grace it. If the cleaning products he is using on the sheets, blankets and comforters are too strong, they may "rub off" on the penis and create an itchy condition.

This can be true if a man wears underwear or pajamas to bed (especially if his clothing is washed with the same cleaning products). But it’s even more likely if the man sleeps in the nude, allowing his penis to rub directly against the sheets. And when engaging in coupling, the penis will again have direct exposure to the bedclothes. Truth be told, it’s not uncommon for a man to masturbate by thrusting his penis against his sheets - and the combination of cleanser-based chemicals and thrust-derived friction can combine to make an especially itchy penis.

Dirt

But the threat of harsh cleansers doesn’t mean a guy should avoid washing his bedding. Being non-hygienic is equally bad, especially in terms of potential penis itch. No matter how clean a guy may be, bedding becomes dirty over time. Bacteria accumulates, especially when a man sweats a lot while sleeping. Dirt is brought into the bed just as a matter of course.

And if a man has pets that like to sleep on his bed - with him, or during the day when he’s away - they bring their own animal dander and dirt with them as well. Even human bedmates can add something unwanted to the bedding, from a strong perfumed scent to pubic lice or even bedbugs. (That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to wash bedclothes after a sexual encounter, even if they were washed just before the encounter!)

So the trick is to make sure the bedding is kept good and clean, but that the soaps and detergents used are sufficiently mild to avoid any reactions.

Dry skin can also be a culprit

Most guys find a way to balance laundering the bedding so that an itchy penis situation is avoided - but sometimes itchiness slips in anyway. That’s why regular application of a top drawer penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is crucial. Itchiness often results in or is accompanied by dry skin, so a crème with active moisturizing ingredients (such as Shea butter and vitamin E) is best. It also helps if the crème contains alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant which is a key component of penis cellular health and aids in keeping penis skin in good shape.

Penis Rash or Bumps: Is it a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Simply thinking about the consequences of a sexually transmitted disease can be enough to make a man buy the economy size box of condoms. And using condoms each time, especially with a new partner, is a vitally important part of healthy penis care. However, there are some sexually transmitted diseases that are passed through simple skin-to-skin contact, and condoms can’t protect against those.

A refresher course on sexually transmitted diseases

A man should get tested, and then get educated. In addition to having a condom handy at all times, a man should know the signs of sexually transmitted diseases, including everything from penis rash to discharge. Here are some of the most common ones that can be passed through skin-to-skin contact.

1) Herpes. A person can have herpes and not show any symptoms, with no active outbreak, yet still be contagious. Even though wearing a condom will protect your penis, the groin area is still exposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure, only the possibility of controlling the symptoms. Signs often include penis bumps that turn into small blisters, itching, burning and soreness of the genital area, and possibly headache, fever and enlarged lymph nodes.

2) HPV. The human papillomavirus usually presents with no symptoms at all, but can easily be spread through simple intimate contact, even with the use of a condom. What’s really frightening is that HPV can lead to cervical cancer, so a man should be very aware of the potential threat to his partners if he does contract HPV. If there are symptoms, they often include penis bumps, which might be slightly raised and itchy.

3) Syphilis. This frightening disease can be passed through the tiniest break in the skin, one so small that neither partner might notice it. The symptoms tend to be rather mild at first, with a small sore at the site of the infection or a rash on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands; interestingly, there is rarely a penis rash associated with syphilis. Then the disease goes into the latent phase, where it creates no symptoms but eventually reappears as serious health problems.

4) Public lice. Otherwise known as crabs, these tiny bugs can lead to serious itching in the private regions, mostly in those areas covered by pubic hair. Even using a condom doesn’t keep the critters away, because they cling to areas where the condom offers no protection. Treatment is usually a prescription shampoo, combing through the pubic hair to remove the eggs, and possibly even shaving the area.

5) Trichomoniasis. Also known as Trich, this parasite spreads through infected areas of the skin; it can also be spread through touching the same towel, sheets, and other objects that might be moist after sexual play. Men usually have no symptoms, and if they do, it’s a mild irritation in the urethra. And remember, it might take months for the symptoms to show up, which means a man is contagious well before he realizes he is infected.

Keeping the penis healthy

The importance of sexually transmitted disease testing cannot be stressed enough. Keep in mind that many infections have no symptoms at all, and that means that testing is the only way to determine whether a man has been infected.

In addition to regular testing, it is important to pay close attention to the penis and surrounding area. During a daily inspection of the area, make use of a powerful penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A good cream contains numerous vitamins and nutrients, blended in a high-end emollient like Shea butter and complemented with a good dose of vitamin E for smooth, healthy skin. Make a habit of applying the crème carefully, so as to allow the healing properties to soak into every inch of the member.

Penis Ulcers Might Signal Behcet’s Disease

Penis ulcers - sores that can pop up on the penis - are both painful and unsightly. And understandably, they often cause a man to panic. The presence of penis ulcers may denote a serious penis health issue, such as an STI, but they can be caused by other things as well, such as Behcet’s disease.

About penis ulcers

Ulcers are more often associated with body parts other than the penis. For example, many people are familiar with the mouth ulcers that accompany many colds and viruses, and stomach ulcers are often the subject of considerable discussion.

But penis ulcers do exist and are classified as a dermatological issue. These open sores cause concern, as they tend to be associated with the presence of an STI, such as syphilis or herpes. But they can also be caused by other things, such as tuberculosis or a reaction to some antibiotic treatments.

About Behcet’s disease

A condition known as Behcet’s disease may also bring about penis ulcers. Behcet’s disease (sometimes called Behcet’s syndrome) is named after a Turkish doctor who first detailed it back in 1937.

Behcet’s disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly perceives something in the body itself to be an "enemy" and attacks it. In the case of Behcet’s syndrome, the result is an inflammation of the blood vessels, which over time can damage them.

Behcet’s disease is accompanied by numerous symptoms, including ulcers that may appear in the mouth or on the genitals. Other symptoms include eye irritation, skin lesions, joint pain, headaches, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever and digestion issues.

Cause

There is still a great deal science doesn’t know about Behcet’s disease. It is fairly rare, affecting about 20,000 people in the United States, and so little is known about what causes it. There are several theories, including:

- Genes. Many doctors believe there is a genetic component for the condition which may make some people more likely to contract it than others.

- Virus or bacteria. There is also some evidence that suggests a virus or certain bacteria can trigger Behcet’s in an individual.

- Environmental. The area in which a person resides and its specific environmental characteristics may include triggers - but just what those may be have not yet been positively identified.

Fortunately, Behcet’s is not contagious, so it is not passed by direct contact between people. However, men who develop penis ulcers due to Behcet’s are likely to want to avoid sex during the period in which they are present (typically 1-3 weeks), for a couple of reasons. The ulcers are likely to remind partners of an STI, so their presence may affect a mate’s comfort level where sex is concerned. Perhaps more importantly, the penis ulcers are typically accompanied by a fairly significant degree of pain - and the friction associated with sex is likely to irritate them even further.

Treatment

There is no cure for Behcet’s, which is chronic and tends to "come and go," so treatment involves alleviating symptoms. Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressants may be used.

Once the penis ulcers from Behcet’s disease have healed and are no longer open sores, a man needs to strengthen the health of his penis by applying a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Make sure the crème includes vitamin A, well-known for its anti-bacterial properties. Ulcers often add to an already-existing penis odor issue, and vitamin A is uniquely qualified to help stem that odor emergency. Scarring may result from ulcers, so a crème that can rehydrate the skin through high-end emollients like Shea butter and natural moisturizers like vitamin E is needed.

Want Better Sex? Keep It Light – Literally

Men will try all sorts of different things in the never-ending search for better sex (or "even better sex," as some would put it), and why not? A satisfying sex life has an impact on so many other areas of a man’s life, after all. Now it turns out that something as simple as turning on a light may be one path to better sex. Yes, part of a man’s penis care regimen may include getting a little sunshine (or a sunshine equivalent) to help keep his sex drive in gear.

Time of the season

It’s no secret that people - both men and women - are affected by different seasons. Some people feel happier at one time of year than another, as bodies react to changes in weather, temperature and light. Indeed, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has been identified as a condition in which people feel down or depressed due to the lack of sunlight associated with the shorter days of winter.

See the light

Some scientists recently got together to explore what role a lack of light might have in the sex drives of men. Working at Italy’s University of Siena, they selected 38 men who were diagnosed with having hypoactive sexual desire disorder and/or sexual arousal disorder. In other words, these were men whose sex drives were operating below peak efficiency for them.

The men were divided into two groups. One of the groups received a half hour treatment of a light box which gave out an intense beam of light. The other received a half hour treatment of a much lesser light.

The guys that received the brighter light saw their sexual satisfaction scores increase by three times as much as before they received the treatment. In addition, their testosterone levels went up about 75%. (Testosterone is typically associated with a higher sex drive.)

Nature

People tend to get more sunshine in the longer days of the warmer months than in the shorter days of the winter months - and numerous tests have shown that men’s testosterone levels are higher during these times. So the study is just confirming what Nature has already been telling us - that sunlight is a good way to get better sex. With that in mind, here are some things men may want to do to get more light.

- Take a walk during lunch. If a man has a job that gives him the option, he should make a habit of going for a walk outdoors at lunch, especially on a nice, sunny day.

- Be a sport. Playing golf, tennis, football, croquet - anything that can be done outdoors - can help keep the body exposed to more light.

- Do yardwork. Raking leaves or trimming hedges will make the old homestead look neater and give those testosterone levels a chance to benefit from the sunshine at the same time.

- Use a lamp. High intensity lamps are another way to soak up some artificial sun. But use with caution: some doctors believe overexposure to artificial intense light can be damaging.

Clearly, light alone is not enough to guarantee better sex. It also helps to bone up on positions, techniques, etc. And it’s best to regularly use a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to make sure the manhood is in its best overall health. When searching for the appropriate crème, be sure it contains both alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L carnitine. Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that strikes down free radicals, thereby protecting delicate penis skin from harmful oxidative stress. Acetyl L carnitine is a neuroprotective ingredient that fights peripheral nerve damage to keep penile sensation at the primed level men desire. The two ingredients behave synergistically, so combining both in one crème gives each additional impact.

Why a Man’s Penis Wakes Up Before He Does

One of the most interesting penis problems - assuming it can be called a problem at all - is the presence of morning wood. For some men, the morning flagpole is simply noted and ignored, because it doesn’t bother them at all. But for others, an erection first thing in the morning is very powerful, strong enough to rouse a man from his peaceful slumber and make it tough to get back to sleep. The good news is that regular morning erections are a sign that a man’s penis care efforts are paying off. But why does the member choose to stand at attention first thing in the morning, every single morning?

Why the penis wakes up so early

The fact is that the penis isn’t just up and raring to go in the wee morning hours; it happens all throughout the night. Most men experience at least three erections during sleep, sometimes more. This nocturnal tumescence is often the result of fluctuating hormones, which might explain why it happens much more often in younger men. As a man gets older and his testosterone naturally wanes a bit, so do the nighttime erections.

But there might be other reasons this happens so often. There was a time when it was believed that naughty dreams caused the issue, or that a man was constantly horny. It turns out neither of those are true. As every man knows, a guy can have morning wood without a single sexual thought in his head. And baby boys in the womb have been observed with erections at various times, which indicate that it can’t be naughty dreams causing the hardness. It has to be something purely physical.

Scientists have a few theories. The most common theory is that the body sends blood to the penile area on a regular basis to help ensure proper oxygenation, just as it sends blood everywhere else. Sometimes that surge of blood leads to an erection that might last for a few moments and then go away. Men are quite familiar with that fleeting feeling during the day, so it makes sense that it also happens at night, when sleep keeps a man unaware of what is happening.

That leads to the second big theory: Sleep cycles. The deepest sleep comes during the REM period of the cycle, and during that time humans have been known to do everything from sleepwalk to talk to their partners about nonsense things. That’s when the mind and body both ‘let go’ and anything becomes possible. During that time the penis might become hard simply due to sensitivity, or perhaps due to amorous thoughts. No one knows for sure.

Staying ready for morning wood action

What is known for sure is that morning erections are tied to hormonal spikes. Men who are on the younger side, have been taking testosterone supplements or are otherwise doing things to boost their hormones are likely to experience morning wood more often than others do. If a man is accustomed to morning erections and notices a sudden decline in the frequency or hardness, he might want to mention it to the doctor, as it could indicate an underlying problem.

For men who want to take full advantage of the morning erection and enjoy the benefits with a partner - or by themselves! - can help ensure top performance with a great penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A high-quality cream will include a variety of vitamins, such as A, D and E, as well as L-argnine, an enzyme that helps promote better blood flow, and acetyl L carnitine, a neuroprotective that can help ensure the best penis sensitivity. All these wonderful ingredients in a strong Shea butter emollient can work wonders for morning wood.

Penis Health Can be Threatened by Bad Choices

It seems an unfortunate rite of manhood - a guy gets aroused to the point of bursting, and then makes a few terrible decisions while in that decidedly impaired state. When the evening is over he can often be found holding his head in his hands, wondering what in the world made him think that what he did last night was okay. No matter how careful he usually is with choosing partners, no matter how good his typical penis care is, and certainly no matter what his better judgment tells him, arousal can make a man do insane things.

It’s long been proven by anecdotal evidence, but now there is scientific proof that arousal can actually have a serious effect on a man’s overall health, not to mention his penis health.

Just how powerful is arousal?

Scientists decided to put the power of sexual arousal to the test. Just how strong a factor is arousal when it comes to making terrible choices? The study consisted of two experiments.

In the first experiment, men and women were asked to watch videos or consider hypothetical situations. Some of those videos and situations were erotic; others were not. Then they were asked to answer a series of questions. Those who viewed or thought about the sexually-charged content were much more likely to claim they would engage in risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex. Those who partook of the neutral videos and scenarios were much more tempered and level-headed in their judgment of what was okay and what was not.

In the second experiment, the same video clips were used. But this time, the participants were asked to play video Blackjack upon completion of the videos. Those who had watched arousing videos were much more likely to be more impulsive and make risky plays in Blackjack, while those who watched neutral videos were more likely to be conservative and careful in their card play.

Fighting the arousal downfall

The findings suggest that those who are aroused will make riskier decisions than those who are not led by their sexual excitement. That explains what men have known for centuries - that getting turned on can often lead to making impulsive decisions that might be regretted later.

The good news is that men can counteract the arousal effect somewhat. A man should choose to set his own rules well before he climbs into bed with temptation; one example is deciding he will not have unprotected sex, then following up on that vow with a ready supply on condoms. When the moment of truth arrives, he will have a condom at hand and his vow to himself - made in much more clear-headed moments - and he will be more likely to avoid the bad decision of unprotected sex.

Those who find that their penis really does overrule their head when things get heated will have to put more effort into overcoming the issue. One option is to write down a list of goals for good health, including using condoms or getting tested for infections on a regular basis, then repeating those goals out loud at least a few times a day. Eventually those words will take hold, and they will come to the forefront when arousal makes a man think it might be okay to do something risky or dangerous.

Making good decisions on penis health

Another good decision for the discerning man is using a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best penis health crèmes include powerful vitamins, such as A, C and D, which are applied to the penis skin in the form of a strong emollient. Shea butter and vitamin E are perfect for this purpose. The emollient helps the vitamins and nutrients slowly sink into the skin, leaving it supple, hydrated and well-maintained. No matter what other decisions a man might make, he will not regret an investment in a crème that helps ensure top-notch penis health.

A Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Osteoporosis?

Men who struggle with erectile dysfunction already have many challenges. Now a new study indicates that they may have another one: a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. While this does drive home the importance of striving to maintain prime penis health , it seems like a bit of a stretch - so why did the researchers arrive at this conclusion?

Osteoporosis

As the National Osteoporosis Foundation puts it, osteoporosis is "a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both." When a person has osteoporosis, their bones become extremely weak or brittle, making it much easier to fracture them in the event of a fall. Sometimes a person with osteoporosis may get a fracture simply from coughing too hard.

Osteoporosis is a condition commonly associated with women, so much so that many men believe they cannot get it. This is simply not true: some sources indicate that 25% of men age 50 or older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. (It can also occur in men younger than 50, although it tends to appear later in life.)

The study

A recent study in Taiwan on a possible erectile dysfunction-osteoporosis link was published in June in the journal Medicine. Entitled "Increased risk of osteoporosis in patients with erectile dysfunction: A nationwide population-based cohort study," the research looked at 4,460 men (age 40 and up) who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between 1996 and 2010. It also looked at 17,480 men from the same age range without erectile dysfunction, in order to have a comparison group.

When the scientists compared the groups, they found that those men who did have erectile dysfunction were about three times more likely to have osteoporosis than those men whose erectile function was typical. Not only that, but osteoporosis seemed to develop more quickly in men with erectile dysfunction than in men without.

Why?

Because this was an observational study, it lacked data that could explain why there should be a link between the two conditions. Hopefully, future studies can be designed to answer this question.

However, the authors do have some theories about the possible causes of the link. For example, men with erectile dysfunction often have low testosterone levels, and testosterone is associated with greater bone strength and durability.

Vitamin D levels might also be a factor. The absence of sufficient vitamin D frequently results in a decrease in bone health; some studies indicate that vitamin D may also play a role in protecting the tissue that lines penile blood vessels and keeps them operating efficiently, thus impacting erectile function.

Prevention and treatment

A doctor should be involved in assessing bone health and recommending treatment for osteoporosis. Often increased intake of vitamin D and calcium is recommended to help prevent and to treat osteoporosis. Regular exercise and watching alcohol and tobacco intake are also commonly recommended.

Even without osteoporosis as a risk, men want to work to avoid erectile dysfunction. Keeping in good overall health is the first step, as is regularly using a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to tend to the general health of the organ. It’s especially important to utilize a crème that includes vitamin D to help keep penile blood vessels in good health. But that crème also needs to include vitamin C and L-arginine. Vitamin C is an important component of collagen production, and collagen gives penile skin elasticity and aids penile firmness. L-arginine is involved in the creation of nitric oxide, which helps to keep penile blood vessels open and flowing.

Penis Sensitivity and Circumcision: What Men Need to Know

Today close to 55% of male babies in the U.S. are circumcised before they leave the hospital; back in the 1980s, the number was at a whopping 85%. That means that today, there are a lot of adult men walking around with a circumcised penis. Many of those circumcisions were performed in the interest of good penis care, with the belief that a circumcised penis is easier to clean. Some of those were performed for religious reasons. And in some cases, circumcised fathers simply wanted the assurance that their son would look like them.

However, circumcision has left many men wondering about penis sensitivity. Is it true that a man loses a great deal of sensitivity when he loses his foreskin? Though anecdotal evidence says that perhaps men who are intact are more sensitive, researchers are now looking into the claims through a series of experiments.

What does science say about penis sensitivity?

A recent study from Queen’s University tested 62 men, half of whom were circumcised, with a series of tests to determine sensitivity. They were tested on four spots on the penis: the head, two areas of the shaft, and the foreskin (assuming they were intact). They were tested for pain, fine touch, warmth, and heat pain.

By using a tiny thread, the researchers poked at those areas until the man could feel it, then poked again until the man reported feeling pain. Another test involved a heated rod; they touched the spots with the rod while it was warm, and then asked men to let them know when the warmth was too much to handle.

The results were interesting, to say the least. The study found that when it comes to very fine touch, the foreskin is more sensitive. However, when detecting warmth, the foreskin might be more sensitive than the head, but it isn’t any more sensitive than the shaft. There was no difference in the locations when it came to warmth or heat pain.

What’s even more interesting is that the foreskin was comparable to the forearm when tested for sensitivity to fine touch.

What does this mean? That perhaps those who have their foreskin are a bit more sensitive to the finest and lightest of touches, but everything else is the same, regardless of circumcision status. Though some men point out that the motion of the foreskin during sex or masturbation adds even more pleasure to the act, it’s really impossible to know if that is true; after all, they have never known what it felt like to have sexual activity without a foreskin!

Increasing penis sensitivity

The bottom line is that penis sensitivity varies from one man to another, but the difference in sensation for most is likely minimal. That’s excellent news for those men who were circumcised at a very young age and always wondered how different their sex life might be if things were different. It also means that circumcised men should never assume their sexual experience is better than that of a man who is cut; it’s just different.

Regardless of whether a man is circumcised or not, it is vitally important to do all possible to improve and maintain penis sensitivity throughout life. Using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help ensure all men are as sensitive to touch as possible, a factor that could greatly improve their sex life. Look for a Shea butter crème that includes not only the most important vitamins, such as A, C, D and E, but amino acid acetyl L carnitine as well. Acetyl L carnitine is a neuroprotective that helps prevent peripheral nerve damage, and as a result, improves penis sensitivity and the health of penis skin.

Erect Penis Emergency: Dealing with Priapism

In most cases, a guy would hardly consider an erect penis to be a crisis. Sure, occasionally popping a noticeable boner while giving a presentation or when meeting a partner’s parents can be embarrassing or awkward, but it’s hardly an emergency. However, when that erect penis is due to priapism, things are quite different. A man needs to take steps in order to maintain his penis health and deal with the pain that accompanies priapism.

What is priapism?

Priapism is named after the Greek fertility god, Priapus, who was known for always sporting a very large, permanently erect penis. It is defined as a medical condition in which a man’s penis remains erect for an extended period of time - typically four or more hours. While some men might joke that having a raging erection for that long would be a dream come true, priapism is no joking matter. When a man has a constant boner, the process by which the penis is kept erect for so long can cause a considerable amount of pain. It also can do significant damage to the penis.

Why does it happen?

Priapism comes in two forms: ischemic and non-ischemic. Ischemic means that the condition is caused by blood getting "trapped" in the penis while erect and being unable to flow back into the body when the normal period of activity has passed. Nonischemic priapism results when there is a vascular "hitch" that impedes but does not totally stop the flow of blood. The nonischemic variety tends to produce erections which are "softer" and don’t create much pain or damage.

Nonischemic cases tend to result from trauma - such as a blow to an erect penis - and are usually treated with ice packs on the perineum.

The vast majority of priapism cases are ischemic. Ischemic instances can come from a variety of causes. Sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait are a leading cause, affecting up to 64% of men with sickle cell. The sickle shape of the blood cells can cause them to "stop up" the flow, creating the painfully erect penis.

Other causes include medications (including those used to treat erectile dysfunction), cocaine, heroin, alcohol and certain spider bites.

Beyond pain

Beyond the pain and inconvenience associated with a persistent erection, priapism can damage the delicate penile tissue. When the blood remains trapped in the penis, it loses a significant amount of oxygen, which in turn degenerates the tissue. This can have short and long-term effects on erectile function. In rare cases, surgery may be required.

Treatment

A man experiencing priapism should consult with a doctor right away. The physician can determine the best course of treatment. Often, it may involve draining some blood from the erect penis. In some cases, medication may be used to help open up the blood flow.

When an erect penis turns into a case of priapism, a man is likely to experience pain and soreness that may linger even after the erection has been successfully dealt with. Soothing that soreness is crucial, so using a first rate penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is advised. If a crème includes both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E), it can help to provide moisturizing relief that eases the penis ache. It’s also wise to choose a crème with both L-arginine and vitamin C. The former is an aid in the process that keeps penis blood vessels open, while the latter is used in collagen formation, which keeps the penis tissue strong.

Sometimes Penis Bumps May Be Hives

When a man does a major disrobe and presents his manhood to a partner - especially a new partner - the last thing he wants to worry about are unsightly penis bumps. He wants his partner to respond with a delighted "Oooooh!" rather than a displeased "Eww!" Certainly paying close attention to adequate penis health can help prevent penis bumps, but knowing the cause of the condition is necessary for treatment. In some cases, those penis bumps may be classified as hives.

What are hives?

Often when people think of hives, they think of it in a metaphorical way, as when someone says "That scary scene in the movie really gave me hives!" But just what are hives, anyway?

Hives are a dermatological issue that present as "welts" on the skin. These welts may be of any size and may or may not be raised and bump-like; sometimes they have a somewhat "crusted" appearance, like a scab. These circular marks are red or pink and they have a tendency to itch. Their medical name is urticaria, but they are also known as a nettle rash.

Urticaria is a superficial condition, meaning it occurs on top of the skin. If the swelling occurs underneath the skin, it is referred to as angioedema.

An individual hive has a short "life span," usually disappearing in 24 hours or so - but it often is replaced by a new one in the same general area. The welts often appear in clusters. In an acute case of hives, they may appear and disappear continuously for up to six weeks. Cases that last longer than six weeks are considered chronic hives.

Hives are quite common; an estimated one in five people will contract hives in its acute form at some time in their lives.

What causes them?

There can be many different "triggers" for an outbreak of hives. In general, it’s easier to determine the cause of acute hives; sometimes it is impossible to determine why a person has chronic hives.

Among the causes commonly associated with acute hives cases are:

- Food allergies. Some people develop hives from specific foods. Common culprits include fruits (with an emphasis on citrus varieties), nuts, berries, eggs, shellfish and milk.

- Insect bites.

- Latex (which can have a definite impact on penis bumps when a latex condom is employed during sex).

- Chemical contact.

- Prolonged exposure to sunlight.

- Medications (especially those for high blood pressure, heart issues, anxiety or inflammation).

As mentioned, determining the cause of chronic hives is often more difficult. Some factors often responsible for this condition include stress, exercise, heat, and in some cases, pregnancy.

Treatment

The most common treatment for hives is antihistamines, although these do not so much treat the disorder itself as help to relieve the itching associated with it. In some instances, a doctor may prescribe other treatment, such as prednisone.

Penis bumps due to hives can result in a serious itching situation, one which antihistamines alone may not be able to adequately treat. It may be beneficial to also regularly apply a first rate penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) topically on the penis. Hives are accompanied by dry penis skin, so re-hydrating the skin will help to alleviate some of the desire to scratch as well. In order to properly moisturize the skin, the selected crème will need to possess a combination of hydrators, such as luxurious Shea butter and natural vitamin E. A crème with pantothenic acid (popularly known as vitamin B5) is also desirable; pantothenic acid aids skin cells in healing and regrowth, which can produce healthier, more resistant penis skin.

Forget a Chafed Penis – it’s the Refractory Period that’s Annoying

Women are quite fortunate creatures. They can fully enjoy a sexual encounter with an eager and enthusiastic partner, savor the orgasmic bliss that comes from a satisfying romp, and be ready and raring to go again immediately. But for a man, the spirit might be willing but the body, not so much. Even with top-notch penis care, great overall health and more than a little desire for that lovely partner, a man has to deal with the refractory period - a time when no matter how much he wants to enjoy sex again, it’s just not going to happen until Nature is ready.

A long romp in the sack might lead to an irritated or chafed penis. Many men appreciate this ‘badge of honor’ as an indication that they had a good time and provided a great deal of satisfaction to their partner. But about those men who claim to be able to get it on three or four times a night, or even more?

My friends, those men are probably lying.

To understand why they are blowing smoke, let’s look at what really happens to the male body after an orgasm.

The basics of the refractory period

The refractory period is the time between the initial orgasm and when a man is able to have an additional orgasm or ejaculation. A man can sometimes get hard during this time period, but an orgasm will be elusive. For some men, getting hard at all during the refractory period will be very difficult, if not impossible.

Most men need at least an hour to get things going again. Estimates range between 30 minutes and 24 hours, and much of that wide spectrum is due to age; the younger a man is, the shorter his refractory period will probably be.

Why does it happen?

When the spirit is willing (and so is the partner) but the body is unable to follow through, it can be incredibly frustrating. But the refractory period is an indication that a man had a great sex session. After an orgasm, the body releases the hormone prolactin, which is known to hinder arousal and the ability to ejaculate.

The spike in prolactin might be stronger for those men who had a more intense and satisfying experience. That means that a really good sex session might put a man ‘out of commission’ for several hours.

If a man realizes that his refractory period suddenly becomes much longer than it used to be, there might be other reasons for it. Masturbating regularly will often take away the ‘edge’ that might get a man going again faster. Drinking alcohol could mean that a guy gets one good erection to enjoy for a while, but once the orgasm is over, so is his attempt at trying anything else until the alcohol wears off.

Some medications might affect the refractory period as well. Anything that affects the blood pressure or heart can have a say in how long the refractory period is. Those who suffer from diabetes might find that nerve issues with uncontrolled blood sugars make for an extended refractory period. And sometimes the problem is as simple as an overload of stress or being extremely tired.

Soothing the chafed penis

A man who realizes that his refractory period has lengthened considerably in a short period of time with no apparent reason should always see the doctor to ensure all is well.

Those who take advantage of a short refractory period and have sex several times in a row might encounter a quite happy but chafed penis. To help ensure things stay healthy and ready for another round, a man should regularly use a fantastic penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Seek out ingredients that matter most, such as vitamin B5 for cell metabolism, as well as alpha lipoic acid that helps the penis resist premature aging. Hydration is most important for a chafed penis, so look to a crème that contains the luxury of Shea butter as well as a healthy dose of vitamin E.

Male Oral Sex Tips - from a Woman’s POV

Couples know that a healthy sex life includes all forms of sex, including the oral variety. Men who are on the receiving end of oral sex rank it as one of their favorite experiences - but how is it for the woman administering the pleasure? The following tips, which include but also move beyond issues of basic penis health, are things any man should consider when presenting himself to be orally blessed.

Cleanliness counts

This is a big no-brainer - but sometimes when we guys think about sex, our brains do tend to shut off. No one wants to place something with a questionable appearance or an unpleasant odor into their mouths; that’s just common sense. Men need to be practicing appropriate penis hygiene already, but take it that extra step if oral sex is on the menu. The penis needs to be washed regularly and preferably again as the time for oral sex draws near. Using a penis health crème can help to deal with common issues, such as dry penis skin (which can present as flaky skin or rashiness) and penis odor.

Let her choose the position

Lots of dudes find the "man standing, woman kneeling" position for oral sex to be especially exciting; however, it’s not a position that a woman may prefer. (The sore knees alone are enough to make it undesirable). Since she’s going to be doing all the work and the male is going to be reaping all the benefits, it’s only proper to let the woman choose how she wishes to please the male.

Deep may be an exception

Porn films have made men expect women to blithely engulf their member all the way down their throat - and there are some women who are happy to engage in this particular form of oral sex. However, the deeper a man goes, the more likely she is to gag, so it’s unreasonable to automatically expect this particular style. Men should be prepared to expect (and happily accept) an approach in which the penis is pleasured without being engulfed down to the base.

Ask - and give a little warning

Men can be turned on by different things. Some guys really enjoy it when a woman swallows their semen. Others get off of pulling the penis out when it is erupting and watching it spray on the woman. And still others are perfectly happy to pull out and just let the semen land on themselves or the sheets. It’s a good idea to ask what the partner prefers. If a man has a distinct preference, he may ask something like "Do you mind if I release while you have your mouth around me?" But it’s good to clarify the course of action at least a little in advance.

And whatever the decision, it’s important that the man gives a little advance warning so that the woman may properly prepare.

Turnabout is fair play

This should be another no-brainer. If a woman has orally pleased a man, he should willingly offer to return the favor. Otherwise, that little bout of oral sex may be the last he gets from this partner.

These oral sex tips can make the experience mutually enjoyable for the parties involved. Maintaining a healthy penis is crucial, so men need to daily apply a top notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Since penis odor can be an oral sex deal breaker, it behooves a guy to select a crème that can help address this problem. By using a crème with vitamin A, he is adding a strong bacteria fighter to his penis that can help eliminate persistent penis odor. Meanwhile, dry or splotchy penis skin will respond to a crème that also includes significant moisturizing capabilities. Select one with Shea butter (a highly-prized emollient) and vitamin E (a natural hydrator) to help alleviate dry skin issues on the penis.

Penis Pain and Dealing with Blue Balls

Every man has heard the term ‘blue balls’ and might have actually experienced it at one time or another. Penis pain that results from sexual frustration is a very real thing, though interestingly enough, there have been no studies on it and there are very few mentions of the phenomenon in medical literature. Though good attention to regular penis care can keep a man healthy and help prevent any other reasons for penis pain, blue balls is another beast altogether.

What are blue balls?

Though a man might say he has ‘blue balls’ when he has been rejected during a romantic pursuit or has been teased relentlessly by a potential intimate partner, the term is usually just a figure of speech, and not a true physical pain. However, some men do report getting so ‘worked up’ without release that they do have a dull, aching pain in the groin, especially in the balls. This pain might take some time to go away, and might not alleviate until a man ejaculates.

Why does the pain happen?

Here’s a surprise: Scientists actually have very little idea why blue balls happens. They know it’s a serious thing for many men (and it stands to reason that several of those researchers are probably men themselves, and thus they have dealt with the unique pain that blue balls can cause), but there have been no studies done on it.

Perhaps this is because men who deal with blue balls can readily ease the situation through release, or that blue balls doesn’t equate to any deeper medical issue that might send a man straight to the urologist with worry about what is going on down there. If it doesn’t seem to be a chronic issue, why do any research? That seems to be the common view.

However, there are theories as to why blue balls happen. It makes sense that as the blood builds up in the penis during arousal, it might linger there when a man doesn’t get the release he is anticipating. When there is no release, the blood drains more slowly from the area. That lingering blood in the area can put pressure on the balls, which then begin to ache.

Some men might experience serious penis pain along with aching balls. But then there are some very unfortunate men who might actually notice a blue tint to the area. If the case of blue balls becomes a case of the balls literally turning blue, it’s time to see the doctor. This usually means that the blood has been blocked from leaving the penis, perhaps by a penis ring or certain erectile dysfunction drugs.

Keeping the area as healthy as possible

Though penis pain and aching balls are common problems when a man is sexually frustrated, the problem can usually be remedied. Ejaculation makes a difference, as does the old adage about a ‘cold shower’ - though even a nice, warm shower can ease the pain and make a man feel like his old self again.

To promote even more healing, a man should seek out a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Specifically, a man should look for a cream that contains a proper mix of vitamins and nutrients, such as L-arginine for increased blood flow and vitamin B5 for daily maintenance of healthy tissue. Of great importance is acetyl L carnitine, an amino acid proven to protect against nerve damage and improve penis sensitivity - always an important step after a case of blue balls. These and other powerful ingredients should be offered in a high-end emollient, such as Shea butter, to help ensure skin stays as smooth and supple as nature intended.

Penis Rash and Hiking: Itching on the Trail

Hiking is one of those manly activities that is much more fun and satisfying than it sounds on paper - as long as penis rash doesn’t rear its ugly head. The invigorating, enlivening feeling that a guy gets from becoming one with Nature can be severely diminished when jock itch or other skin conditions intrude upon his enjoyment. Men interested in hiking need to take steps to keep their penis health at a high level, warding off a penis rash or treating it properly if it does arise.

It’s natural

Why does a penis rash often occur when hiking? It’s only natural. When hiking, the penis and balls are going to be bounced around, as they are on any occasion. However, hiking tends to cause the bouncing to occur over an extended period of time, often with only occasional breaks. By contrast, regular everyday walking is for shorter periods of time, usually with extended breaks between. In addition, hiking tends to involve different strides and stances - longer, shorter, reaching up, etc. Both of these conditions create greater opportunity for friction between the groin and the fabric surrounding it.

In addition, hiking tends to involve a decent level of exertion, which in turn increases the "sweat factor." A sweaty penis creates more friction while damp; it also creates more bacteria, which in turn adds to the potential for a penis rash to develop.

So, with penis rash conditions at an optimum level, what are some steps for preventing the condition from gaining a foothold?

- Wear the right underwear. Loose boxers tend to exacerbate the situation, creating even more friction. Briefs are better from the point of view of tightness, but they can cause a rash around the legs where the elastic tightens. Boxer briefs or Lycra shorts are a better bet.

- Try a bandana. The penis head is especially prone to getting chafed and rashy when hiking, so many men try folding a bandanna and tying it around the head while hiking for extra protection.

- Consider a condom. Some men have also found that wearing a condom while hiking helps keep the friction to a minimum. However, finding one that will stay on can be tricky, unless a guy plans on maintaining an erection for the entire hike. With a flaccid penis, using a smaller-sized condom may work - but it can also create a painful situation when an erection does arise. (Since a man experiences several erections a day, it is logical to assume a hiker will have an erection at least some of the time.) Of course, men who have an allergy to latex will need to use a non-latex condom.

- Open up. If a man is sure he will encounter no other hikers, he may wish to unzip and let his penis air out for a while as he hikes. This can also dry out excess sweat.

Treatment

If a penis rash does develop, be sure to wash and dry the penis thoroughly as soon as possible. Leaving the affected area bare and exposed to the air can help the healing process as well.

Penis rash from hiking can be treated by keeping the penis in good health via the regular application of a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Maintaining the hydration balance is crucial; the skin needs to have the proper oils for healing, so a crème with a potent combination of a high end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) is definitely needed. It’s also important that the skin benefits from a powerful antioxidant to help prevent significant oxidative cell damage to penis skin cells. A crème containing an antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid is ideal.

Masturbation Statistics: What’s the Frequency, Dude?

Considering that it’s something basically all men are alleged to do, there are surprisingly few current statistics about masturbation. There’s no doubt that it’s a popular hobby, but it would be valuable to have a large-scale, thorough study which focuses on masturbation in the way it deserves to be addressed. Men (and presumably women) are going to masturbate no matter what the actual statistics are, if for no other reason than it’s fun (and also happens to contribute to good penis care), but knowing what the facts are might make the practice of masturbation more acceptable for all.

Problems

There have been countless surveys and polls about masturbation, but there are problems with most of them. First off, many of them are simply "click bait’ or "engagers," ways of keeping people involved with a particular website. And that creates some serious sampling biases. For example, if 1,000 men respond to a masturbation poll of a porn website, and 900 of them say they masturbate twice a day or more, that frequency may be skewed by the fact that the men answering the poll are not necessarily representative of the male population at large.

In addition, there can be problems with scope. If a survey asks if a person masturbates, that can mean different things to different people. One guy may answer yes, because he has masturbated a few times in his life; another who has also masturbated only a few times in his life may answer no because he may not consider such low frequency worth reporting. And what happens if one man considers fondling the penis without ejaculating to qualify as masturbation whereas another respondent does not?

Statistics

All of which is to say that there are too few masturbation studies of significant value, especially among those conducted in the last few years. However, here are some statistics that are commonly swatted about.

Tenga, a company which manufacturers sex toy products, conducted a survey of 1,200 adults. The data is likely skewed, but it does present some interesting figures, including:

- 95% of men and 81% of women have masturbated in their lifetimes.

- On average, men masturbate 15 times a month and women masturbate 8 times a month.

- On average, people who are not in a partnered relationship masturbate 16 times a month; those who are in a partnered relationship masturbate 10 times a month, on average.

- Millennials masturbate 15 times per month, as compared to Generation X-ers (12 times per month) and Baby Boomers (7 times per month).

That last statistic is somewhat consistent with what is generally "known" about masturbation and age - that people masturbate more as teens and young adults, then slow down somewhat, although it’s often speculated that rates of masturbation pick up again after age 50 or thereabouts. One 2010 study by the Journal of Sexual Medicine found a somewhat different picture: Only 43% of males aged 14-17 had masturbated within the last month of the survey, starting an arc that rose steadily to ages 25-29 (almost 69%), then fell steadily to age 70+ (28%).

A 2016 online survey by StatisticBrain again found that 95% of men masturbate - and that 40% masturbate daily and 55% masturbate weekly. The same survey found that 70% of married men masturbate and that 17% of all men have used a vibrator when masturbating.

Staying in good shape, no matter the stats

The statistics may not be 100% representative, but they do verify that a lot of masturbation goes on daily. So in order to keep their penises in good shape, men need to regularly apply a top drawer penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Penises that have been rubbed raw need skin revitalization, which requires hydration, so use a crème with both Shea butter and vitamin E, two excellent moisturizers. In addition, excessive masturbation may cause some loss of penile sensitivity; a crème with neuroprotective acetyl L carnitine is the ticket for helping restore diminished sensation in the penis.

Sore Penis and Other Concerns about a Vasectomy

More than 500,000 men go through ‘the big snip’ each year and live to tell the tale. Though having a vasectomy is definitely not on a man’s list of fun things to do, it can certainly be a very responsible decision for a man’s partner and family. The biggest fear of most men facing a vasectomy is the worries about pain or having a very sore penis. Fortunately, practicing good penis care, according to the doctor’s instruction, can help alleviate the potential discomfort of a vasectomy.

So without further ado, here are a few points that dispel the myths of the vasectomy, including that dreaded sore penis and other pain that most men fear will result from the snip.

1) It’s a very fast procedure. Something that will prevent a man from getting someone pregnant seems as though it would be very involved, but surprisingly, it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish - and that includes the local anesthesia that is designed to ensure there is no feeling down there during the snip. To put it in perspective, that’s about the same time it takes to sit through a typical football halftime show.

2) Recovery time is fast, too. Men who go through a vasectomy are often surprised to find that they are allowed to go back to work the next day, and can resume all normal activities a week later. Any soreness or swelling can be handled with over the counter meds and an ice pack.

3) It doesn’t hurt that much. Of course, pain is a very different beast for every man, and what one considers a small pain another might see as being worthy of the emergency room. However, most men agree on the lingering sore penis and pain from a vasectomy: It’s manageable. The aforementioned medications and ice packs can take care of the problem.

4) Pregnancy is still possible. The physician performs the vasectomy but cutting through the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries semen from the testicle. Even after the snip, there might be some sperm lingering in the tube. That’s why a man should ejaculate at least 20 times in the months following the procedure to be certain he isn’t shooting ‘live rounds.’

5) There are no issues with drive or performance. Besides those few days in the beginning, when a man likely isn’t in the mood to get it on, there will be no changes in a man’s performance in the bedroom, nor in his sex drive. There are no noticeable changes in the ejaculate, either.

6) Reversal is possible. A man who changes his mind about having children can have the vasectomy reversed, though it isn’t as much of a ‘sure thing’ as it was to get snipped. Out of the 10% of men who choose to reverse the procedure, there is about an 80% success rate. Recovery from a reversal is usually the same as recovery from the snip.

7) Insurance covers it. Insurance companies have a vested interest in making sure a man doesn’t create any little ones who will then need insurance, too. That’s why insurance will usually cover 100% of a vasectomy. But when it comes to reversals, it’s a different story - a man might be on the hook for up to $10,000 to pay for it.

Caring for the sore penis

A man who just had a vasectomy will treat his junk with the utmost care, and that should include the use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a cream that contains soothing elements for sore penis skin, such as Shea butter and vitamin E. Seeking out vitamin B5 for the maintenance of healthy tissue, acetyl L carnitine to fight against nerve damage and vitamin C for erectile function is also a good idea. In addition to using a great penis health crème, make sure to follow the doctor’s orders for recovery to help ensure a healthy, vital penis after a vasectomy.

Sexual Health Corner: Exercises for Premature Ejaculation

More and more men today are taking greater care in attending to their penis health, and that’s excellent news. A healthy penis is a key factor when a man is working on improving his sexual health; and when talking sexual health, the issue of premature ejaculation comes up frequently. Taking steps to control ejaculatory issues is an important part of the discussion.

Hard to define
In some ways, the definition of premature ejaculation is a bit hard to pin down. According to the Mayo clinic, the "time limit" associated with premature ejaculation is one minute (or less) after penetration. Various studies have attempted to determine what the average amount of time between vaginal entrance and ejaculation is for a man. One study found that 5.4 minutes was the norm; another determined it was 7 minutes.

However, for many men (and couples), premature ejaculation is not based on one specific set time; rather, it is defined as a man ejaculating at any time prior to his partner achieving satisfaction. Under this definition, it’s possible for a man to vigorously engage in sex for, say, an hour and still ejaculate "prematurely" if his partner remains unsatisfied.

In general, it may be better to state that a man whose ejaculatory control is simply less than he would like it to be believes he is having premature ejaculation issues.

Exercises
While there is no guarantee that a man can alter the speed of ejaculation, there are some exercises in which many men engage which are associated with enhanced ejaculatory control.

- Kegels. Performing kegel exercises is recommended by many not just for ejaculatory control but also for general penis health. The pubococcygeus muscle extends along the pelvic "floor," from the pubic bone to the tailbone. If a man is urinating and needs to stop before he is finished, he naturally tightens the pubococcygeus in order to cut off urinal flow. Contracting and releasing this muscle is calling performing a "kegel." Doing two or three sets of 10 kegels every day is thought to give a man greater control during sex.

- Edging while masturbating. Many men also recommend "edging" as a way of gaining control over the ejaculation. Edging simply means masturbating to the point where a man almost ejaculates, stopping, and then resuming masturbation again until the same thing happens a second time, and repeating this for as long as possible. Some men can edge for an hour or more while masturbating and report that this helps them extend themselves during sex.

- Edging during intercourse. Also called "stop and start," this is essentially employing edging while having partner sex. The man thrusts until he is nearing ejaculation, then withdraws, waits a few moments, and begins thrusting again.

- Squeezing. As a variation on edging during intercourse, the male withdraws as ejaculation draws closer and squeezes the base of the penis very tightly until the desire to ejaculate diminishes. He then resumes thrusting. Some men find this more effective than simple edging.

For some men, premature ejaculation is based on psychological concerns; seeing a mental health therapist can help them identify issues which might result in premature ejaculation challenges.

Other ways to improve sexual health
 
Men who wish to improve their sexual health through premature ejaculation exercises should be aware that edging and squeezing may result in a sore (if happy) penis. Regularly using a superior penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help alleviate that soreness. Choose a crème that is going to moisturize the raw, tender skin; one with Shea butter (a high end emollient) and vitamin E (an excellent hydrator) is best. The crème also needs to repair damage, so be sure it contains vitamins and nutrients associated with enhanced skin health, such as alpha lipoic acid and vitamins B5, C and D.

Sex Tips for Sexy Halloween Fun

We all know that Halloween is when the little ghosts and ghoulies come out to play, but it’s also a perfect time for adults to do their own kind of playing as well. A quick survey of sex tips will let a man know that, in general, many couples find "dressing up" for sex to be fun - and Halloween provides a legitimate reason for putting on a costume. With proper attention to penis care, some simple sex tips with a Halloween theme can make the season exciting for couples interested in "pumpkin spicing" things up a little.

Halloween is all about decorations, costumes and candied treats - so why not find ways to incorporate all of these into a fun sex life?

Decorations
By October 31, most homes have some sort of outdoor decoration to create a spooky mood. But some adults may want to carry their decorating over to indoors - especially the bedroom. The question is: What kind of decorations?

Those who are in a traditional mood may simply want to go with "more of the same" but with a little difference. Put scented candles in those jack-o-lanterns headed for the bedroom, for example. Arrange a couple of skeleton decorations in a decidedly carnal pose.

Some people, however, may be planning to dress up in costumes that are not Halloween related. If, for example, role playing Santa Claus and a mischievous elf is on the agenda, partners may want to go with a North Pole theme for the bedroom.

Whatever the choice, the key is to let the imagination roam free.

Costumes
Halloween offers traditional options which can easily be used for sensual fun. For example, vampires are by nature sexy creatures, and the phrase "I want to suck your blood’ can be freely adapted to encompass sucking other things as well. The costume can be elaborate, but sometimes simpler - think a black velvet cape and absolutely nothing else - is more effective.

Werewolves also are excellent costumes for the man who wants to indulge his inner beast. Depending on how hairy a guy is, the need for costuming may be minimal. And witches are perfect for casting a spell on any man.

Some costumes may be a bit more focused on one area of the body. Using make-up or body paint to color the balls orange and the penis green gives a guy a seasonable pumpkin between his legs.

Shading the penis black makes it a handy broomstick for a witch to hop on and ride.

Those who are planning on using the opportunity to role play scenarios can have a field day choosing costumes. The policewoman (with handcuffs) and the burglar? The repairman and the bored housewife? The demanding boss and her subservient secretary? The superhero and the mad scientist? There’s no end to the scenarios that a couple can create to satisfy their own particular needs and fantasies on Halloween.

Treats
What would Halloween be without sticky sweets? As a treat, lovers can cover various body parts in whipped cream and/or chocolate sauce, then invite their partner to partake. Using an erect penis to slice up a little pumpkin pie can be pleasurable. Alternatively, decorating cupcakes to resemble breasts or molding chocolate into a penis shape is another way to celebrate Halloween erotically.

Halloween or not, the most valuable of sex tips is to have fun. Guys can help insure fun by regularly using a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) so that the penis is in good shape. Go for a crème with L-arginine, an amino acid that is useful in helping penile blood vessels to dilate, thereby allowing for a greater flow of blood to the manhood. It’s also beneficial if the crème contains acetyl L carnitine, especially if the penis has been through some rough times. Acetyl L carnitine is neuroprotective and helps restore feeling when rough sex causes peripheral nerve damage that dampens sensation.