Penis Piercing Awareness -- 7 Important Concerns

It is becoming more and more common to see men with an array of piercings on the face, from the ears to the eyebrows to the lips and tongue. Aside from this clearly visible trend, increasing numbers of men have been adding body jewelry to the undercarriage, as well.  Body piercings are often used as a form of self-expression, and piercing the penis is no different.  Whether guys are considering the piercing for fashion reasons, the shock factor or the hope of deriving pleasure from the experience, there are several important things to know before undergoing the needle.  Penis piercings can lead to severe side effects, even when they are done by a professional.  Proper penis care after the piercing may help minimize the side effects, but one should certainly think long and hard before having one done.

How is a piercing done?

First and foremost, a piercing should always be done by a professional using the proper sterile equipment.  At-home piercings may be more prone to infection or damage to the penis itself, so paying the extra money to have it done right is a no-brainer; nobody wants to bring more pain to their manhood than necessary.  The procedure itself is quite simple: a needle is pierced through the skin, and a bar or ring is inserted into the opening made by the needle.  Piercings can be done on the skin of the shaft of the penis, the head of the penis, the scrotum, or through the foreskin.  A piercing cannot be made through the shaft itself, as this would cause serious tissue damage.

Things to consider before piercing

1)       Permanent hole.  It is important to be aware that once the jewelry is removed, it is very likely the hole will never close.  Scar tissue may have formed around the jewelry, leaving a hole that, while it may shrink, may still be prominent.  At the very least, a small, visible scar where the jewelry was placed is highly likely.

2)       Infection.  Due to the location of the jewelry, urinary infections are a common side effect.  The wearer may experience a burning sensation during urination or even notice blood in the urine.  Additionally, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C are blood-borne illnesses that can be contracted via unsterilized needles, which is why it is so important to go to a reputable piercer.

3)       Allergic reactions.  There is a possibility of an allergic reaction to the metal in the piercing, which can result in an uncomfortable rash surrounding the piercing.  Choosing jewelry that is made from surgical grade steel, titanium, gold or platinum may lessen the chance of a metal allergy issue.

4)       Redness.  The penis will be red and sore at the site of the piercing immediately after it is done.  If such symptoms persist, it may be a sign of infection and should be treated by a doctor.

5)       Bleeding.  The skin in the penile area is very sensitive and may bleed if the jewelry becomes caught on undergarments.  It is likely to bleed at the time of the piercing, but it should stop if pressure is applied. If the piercing is placed incorrectly, it may be more prone to irritation and bleeding issues; persistent bleeding is a sign that medical attention is needed.

6)       Other health issues.  Diabetics have a higher risk of infection and should therefore consult with a doctor before having a penis piercing done.  Also, individuals of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent are at higher risk for keloid scarring, an abnormal type of raised scar tissue that spreads beyond the site of a skin trauma.  Men who have keloid scarring on other parts of their bodies are often advised by their doctors not to get piercings or tattoos.

7)       Sex issues.  While some individuals report increased pleasure during sex, it is also possible that a piercing could lead to pain in the pierced individual or their partner.  Another important consideration is the propensity of the jewelry to tear a condom.  Individuals with a pierced penis may benefit from wearing a larger, more sturdy condom to make room for the piercing and reduce the chance of tearing.  A torn condom increases the risk of pregnancy or transmission of an STD and is a legitimate concern when dealing with genital piercings.

Post-piercing penis care

There are steps to be taken that can reduce certain unpleasant side effects of a penis piercing.  Keeping the wound clean while it is healing and always maintaining proper hygiene can decrease the risk of infection.  Men should not remove the piercing or change the jewelry while the wound is healing, unless an infection develops.  Men should also keep a close eye out for signs of infection or a metal allergy and seek medical attention if pain, bleeding, redness, or soreness persists. Overall penis health can be maintained by the daily use of a penis health crème which contains vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil).  A high-quality penis health crème may also promote healing, reduce scarring and help improve the health of the penis skin.

Penis Bumps – Six Common Conditions that Mimic STDs

Very little can cause more alarm in a man than discovering a lump or bump on his penis or scrotum.  The first thought on his mind may be that he is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease (STD). While an unusual bump may indicate something more serious, it is also possible that a bump is just a bump.

In addition to conducting regular self-exams of the genital area to monitor changes, it is important for men to exercise proper penis care and seek medical attention when issues are present..  There are some cases when a bump is harmless and requires no treatment, so if the symptoms described below sound familiar, a sigh of relief may be in order.  However, as with any health issue that pops up out of the ordinary, when in doubt, check it out.  If suspicious lumps and bumps appear in an individual who has recently engaged in unprotected sex, changed sexual partners, engaged in intercourse with a partner who has been previously exposed to an STD, or is experiencing severe pain with their condition, all signs suggest they be checked out by their MD right away.  Always err on the side of caution, as it is far better to have the doctor rule out a bump as harmless, than to not receive treatment when it is needed.

When bumps are harmless

There are several conditions of the male genitalia which are perfectly normal, and could affect virtually any man, sexually active or not.  Paying attention to the size, color, and shape of the lump can help determine if it is cause for concern or not.

1) Angiokertomas.  This condition will present as small red or blueish spots with a thick, wart-like appearance.  They can be found on the glans, shaft or scrotum. Though they are most commonly found on the scrotum of elderly men, they can afflict younger men as well.  Angiokertomas are not infectious and do not require treatment.

2) Cyst.  Cysts are small nodules, about the size of a pea, and are found on the scrotum.  They may be filled with a cheesy or chalky substance and can present a single or multiple bumps.  They do not require treatment, though some men may have them surgically removed out of comfort, or for cosmetic reasons.

3) Hair follicles.  Hair follicles are more prominent on some individuals than on others. They have the appearance of several tiny, unformed nodules beneath the skin of the scrotum and at the base of the shaft of the penis.  Occasionally, one may become infected as an ingrown hair and take on the appearance of a pimple-like bump that may also be filled with white pus.  This is no cause for concern, and the bump should resolve itself in several days.

4) Angiofibromas.  Also known as pearly penile papules, these small dome-shaped or jagged bumps appear around the head of the penis.  A relatively common ailment, occurring in 10-20% of all men, they are more likely to afflict uncircumcised men than those who are circumcised.  These penis bumps are not infectious and do not require medical treatment.

5) Psoriasis.  Psoriasis appears as a red patch with a well-defined border, it may have a scaly or smooth texture.  Psoriasis can result from friction during masturbation or sexual intercourse.  It may require treatment with a steroid cream to fully clear up, but it is not an infections condition. 

6) Lichen Planus.  These tiny pink bumps are often shiny in nature and appear on the glans.  Typically, they form a ring or a line shape and have very fine scales, though sometimes they are smooth.  Lichen planus may or may not be itchy.  The condition may result in similar lesions on other areas of the body such as the wrists and shins, but they are not harmful or infectious.  Most cases of lichen planus resolve within a year on their own, but the condition also responds to medical treatment.

Maintaining penis health

While many of these conditions can appear out of nowhere and tend to resolve on their own, there are steps to be taken to maintain overall penis health.  A high-quality penis vitamin crème (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing vital nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants can help improve the health of the penis. Using the crème daily may help the appearance and health of the penis skin and be soothing to minor irritations caused by common penis ailments.

Sore Penis Solutions: Soothing the Skin after Masturbation

About 90 percent of American men admit that they masturbate. It's considered a healthy, normal and natural way to burn off a little steam when a sexual partner isn't available or just isn't interested. There are times, however, when this normally healthful activity can lead to real pain. Very vigorous movements are often to blame, leaving the penis feeling chafed, irritated and sore. Penis care can help restore that vital organ to its former glory, and amending hand positions and techniques when the next round of playtime arrives could keep the problem from occurring in the future.

Rough Handling of the Skin Leads to Big Problems

Common injuries attributed to masturbation have to do with friction. Fast skin-on-skin contact can be incredibly pleasurable, but tiny tissue tears can form after just a few minutes of this sort of movement. Similarly, some men use a very tight grip during their play sessions, and they twist and contort the penis in the process. This kind of action can be very damaging, leading to the buildup of scar tissue that could make future erections more difficult to achieve.

Since sex can lead to pain, some might wonder why men they don't just stop at the first sign of damage. The inner workings of the brain are at fault here. Researchers have found that the pituitary gland is active during sex, releasing chemicals that can reduce the sensation of pain. This little gland might allow a man to do a fair amount of damage during a masturbation session that he doesn't feel at all while he's in the moment. When all of the chemicals of sex have washed away, however, the skin might flood the sleepy brain with signals of intense pain, and that can last for days. 

Amending the Technique

If skin-on-skin contact is bad, poor lubrications might be even worse. Harsh soaps or gooey hand lotions are easy to grab for a furtive session, but these products often contain ingredients that can be much too harsh for the delicate penis, including:

• Fragrances
• Dyes
• Anti-bacterial agents
• Lye

Personal lubricant products, sold in most major pharmacies, can help provide a barrier and they have been specifically formulated for use in intimate areas of the human body. These might be better choices when the urge to strike sets in.

Men who want to reach the finish line as quickly as possible before they're caught or before they're late for a pressing appointment often use tugging and twisting motions. Setting aside time to do the job right might be key for these men, as they'll be able to focus on more sensual, enticing movements that take a bit longer to achieve results. A little experimentation might be in order for men who know of no other way to achieve an orgasm without really yanking on their equipment. In time, even hard-core abusers can find techniques that bring them pleasure now and no pain later.

Soothing Sore Skin

Men who are struggling with pain now, due to a forceful session that just took place, will need to abstain from sexual activities until they heal. A few days of breathing room can allow the rough, sore skin to mend. In the interim, proper penis care can help to speed that healing process along. A warm rinse, followed by a quick wipe with soap and another rinse, should be enough to clean the penis. No scrubbing with a washcloth or loofah will be required. After this gentle cleaning, a penis health crème (most experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can deliver vitamins and minerals to the skin, providing the cells with the nutrients they need as they heal.

Penis Health Do’s and Don’ts – TLC for the Penis

Surprisingly, given the important role played by the penis in a man’s life, few men are focused on giving it the care and attention it needs to stay healthy, supple, and responsive. But the penis is subject to plenty of harsh treatment, and neglecting adequate care can result in a number of unpleasant issues. Keeping the penis healthy requires a little more effort than an occasional shower and use of a condom – the following list of do’s and don’ts provide some tips for proper penis care.

DO: Keep it clean.

Washing every day with a mild, all-natural cleanser can help to rinse away dead skin cells and body oils that have accumulated. Since these materials tend to attract bacteria, men who do not pay enough attention to personal hygiene are at greater risk for infection, not to mention unpleasant odors that can be enough to put an end to a potential encounter.

DON’T: Forget the lube.

Dry masturbation can stress the delicate penile skin and cause microscopic tears in the skin’s surface. This can lead to soreness, itching, and dry, flaking skin and increases the risk for skin infections. Soaps, body lotions and shampoo are not the answer here, as these products often contain fragrances and other chemicals that tend to dry the skin and can cause problems such as contact dermatitis.

DO: Pay attention to changes in penis condition.

In a sense, the penis serves as a barometer of a man’s overall physical condition. A supple, clear-skinned, responsive penis is a good indication that all is well. On the other hand, frequent skin problems such as yeast infection may indicate an autoimmune disorder like type 2 diabetes, while erectile problems may be a sign of an underlying cardiovascular problem.

DON’T: Attempt to self-diagnose penis problems.

Deciding that a rash which has recently cropped up or an unusual series of bumps on the penis skin is “nothing” and will probably go away is rarely a good idea. For many men, talking to their doctor about penis health is embarrassing, but medical professionals have seen it all before and are ready to help. Catching potential problems in the early stages is essential to effective treatment, so getting professional help for penis problems is strongly urged.

DO: Use common sense when it comes to selecting a partner.

While there is something to be said for spontaneity, a one-night stand can lead to a lifetime of unpleasant consequences. The girl at the end of the bar may be dressed to kill and broadcasting that she is available, but the momentary excitement is unlikely to be worth it when it results in years of expensive medical treatments, as well as the embarrassment of having to explain a contagious condition to the next potential partner.

Before heading out for a good time, guys should make sure they are well-equipped for any occasion, and set personal rules and parameters ahead of time. Asking a friend to be the voice of reason when it comes to pairing off may also help to prevent long-term, life-altering consequences.

DON’T: Rely on a partner’s say-so when it comes to protection against disease.

For men in a committed relationship, trust is essential. However, in a heated moment between strangers, there is no need to rely on the other person’s say-so when it comes to avoiding disease. Whether out of embarrassment or carelessness, not everyone is willing to ‘fess up to a contagious condition. Instead of taking a chance, men should always keep a condom handy; if the other party is reluctant, it’s best to call things off and move on.

DO: Use a high-quality penis nutrient formula.

Like the rest of the body, the penis needs proper nutrition in order to function at its best. Applying a penis vitamin cream (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help to ensure that the area has an ongoing supply of skin-rejuvenating, disease-fighting and sensation-enhancing nutrients to keep it looking and feeling healthy and sexy. To boost the absorption and moisturizing power of a penis health cream, the product should be applied daily, following a shower, when the skin is most receptive.