Fighting Depression from a Bent Penis

No lie, men place a lot of importance on their penis, including its appearance. Most men want to possess a piece of equipment that fits their definition of impressive, which might encompass size, skill, endurance, appearance or other qualities. Often appearance is given a special emphasis, even over penis health, and in such cases, a man with a severely bent penis may feel he comes up short. Worse, a severely bent penis can bring with it performance issues and even physical pain. In such instances, this can all combine to bring about depression of varying degrees. Recognizing this depression and its causes is important in enabling a man to fight it.

Not uncommon

Although some curvature of the penis is not abnormal, when the curvature is significant, it can cause problems. In such cases, a man is typically said to be suffering from Peyronie’s disease. Most often, the cause of the bent penis is a build-up of plaque, often as a result of trauma to the penis. Say a man is hit in the penis with great force; it incurs a wound, and when that wound heals, scar tissue replaces the naturally stretchy tissue, keeping the wounded side of the penis from stretching as far as the opposite side, thus causing the bent penis.
As indicated above, a man might feel self-conscious or ashamed about the way his penis now appears. Moreover, if the curvature is extreme, it may preclude him from easily penetrating a partner sexually. Finally, and to truly add insult to injury, the penis may now experience pain when it becomes erect. All of this can combine to bring about feelings of depression (as well as feelings which often underlie depression, such as anger or sorrow). Some studies indicate that as many as 50% of all men with Peyronie’s disease experience depressive symptoms.

Get help

Men who experience depression related to their bent penis may not even be totally cognizant of it. It helps to know some of the warning signs and symptoms of depression, which include:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness, as well as anger or irritability (especially out of proportion to small events)
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities (often including sex)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of energy and/or focus
- Weight loss or gain
- Guilt or shame
- Frequent thoughts about suicide

Men who experience these or other symptoms of depression should seek professional help.

After working with a patient to understand his specific issues, a professional may recommend different strategies for dealing with depression from Peyronie’s, including:
- Talking openly with partners or trusted friends/family members about his depressive feelings.
- Avoiding social isolation.
- Getting in touch with other men who are experiencing issues related to their bent penis.
- Considering alternative ways to express oneself sexually with a partner, remembering that the emotional benefits of sexual intimacy are as important as the physical pleasures.
- Making sure a man is thoroughly up to date on medical information about Peyronie’s disease, including possible treatment options.

Depression for any reason can be a debilitating problem and can severely and negatively impact a man’s enjoyment of and quality of life. Seeking help is highly urged.

Aside from depression, a severely bent penis may also often be sore and so keeping it in its best possible penis health is advisable. To that end, daily application of a top drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin ) may be helpful. Ideally, the chosen oil will contain a wide range of vitamins, including A, B5, C, D and E which, being delivered in tropical form directly to the penis, can more efficiently do their job. The oil should also include arginine, an amino acid which plays an important part in causing the blood vessels to dilate, allowing for increased blood flow and increasing tissue health and access to oxygen.

Study Says that Erectile Dysfunction and Depression are Linked

Erectile dysfunction: two of the most terrifying words a man can ever hear in connection with his penis health. Yet it’s something which is not uncommon. According to one source, about 10% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have severe or complete erectile dysfunction, and 25% more have moderate or intermittent cases of it. That’s a full one-third of men in that age range affected to some degree by erectile difficulties. That’s one reason why it’s important to know the possible causes of erectile dysfunction, so that it can be properly treated. And increasingly, it seems that depression can be one of those possible causes.

For years, many doctors have noticed that many men with erectile dysfunction are also depressed – and understandably so. After all, men place an enormous amount of importance on their sexual prowess, so if problems develop “down there,” it can be devastating for some men. But there has been some disagreement of a “chicken or the egg” nature about depression and erectile dysfunction. Does depression cause the erectile issue/ Or does having a problem getting and maintaining an erection bring about a feeling of depression?

New study

Numerous studies have been conducted that address this issue. A recent one doesn’t answer that question definitively, but it paints a picture of a very strong association, and this can be interpreted to support the idea that depression can be a causal factor in developing erectile dysfunction.

Entitled “Erectile Dysfunction and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” the study has been published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant published studies which looked at this subject. After screening out studies for various reasons, the scientists were left with 49 publications that were relevant to their purposes.

Results

After combing through the studies and parsing through all of the data involved, the authors were able to determine that the risk of erectile dysfunction is 39% greater in men who experience depression. Conversely, men who are depressed are on average 1.39 times as likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Looked at another way, men with erectile dysfunction are 192% more likely to experience depression, and depression is almost three times as common in men with erectile dysfunction as compared to men without erectile issues. All of these findings are significant.

As with all such studies, there are possible limitations, but the strength of the findings does seem to indicate that physicians and other doctors need to pay attention to the link between depression and erectile dysfunction. For example, if a man reports depression, it pays for the doctor to probe to see if erectile dysfunction may also be an issue. Similarly, men who are being seen because of erectile issues should also be screened for signs of depression. In either case, the co-existence of depression and erectile dysfunction may have an effect on the desired method of treatment. With estimates that many as 322 million men may experience erectile dysfunction by the year 2025, making doctors aware of this link is quite important.

Depression is not the only reason a man may experience erectile dysfunction, but self-esteem issues like depression can also cause a man to ignore proper penis care. Maintaining good penis health is made easier by the availability of a first rate penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best cremes will include both L-arginine and L-carnitine, two amino acids with different functions. L-arginine helps in the production of nitric oxide, which in turn better enables penile blood vessels to open and expand when needed. L-carnitine has neuroprotective properties, which can help prevent loss of pleasurable sensation in the penis due to rough use or indifferent handling.

Don’t Let a Bent Penis Lead to Depression

Men with a severely bent penis, a condition frequently known as Peyronie’s disease, often experience some penis health challenges. Men and their doctors usually focus on the physical difficulties and complications of having a substantially bent penis, but there can be complications in other areas as well. Perhaps most prominently, men with Peyronie’s disease may find themselves experiencing significant levels of depression. Left unchecked, depression can become a terrible burden.

How bent?

In Peyronie’s disease, the penis is severely bent. But just how bent is that? After all, many millions of men have some degree of curvature to their penis when it is erect, and that’s perfectly normal. There isn’t really a cut-off point for when a bent penis becomes Peyronie’s disease. Instead, a diagnosis of Peyronie’s often depends on whether the degree of curvature is such that it impedes or prevents penetrative sex, or that it causes painful erections.

Most of the time, Peyronie’s disease occurs when the penis endures trauma. It can be one big trauma (such as being hit in the groin by a fastball) or it can be numerous smaller traumas (such as over-aggressive handling during partner sex or masturbation). When such trauma occurs, the damaged tissue heals itself by laying down a layer of plaque. But the plaque is not as flexible and pliable as the damaged tissue and cannot stretch in the same way. Thus, when the penis becomes erect, the undamaged portions extend as they usually do; however, the damaged section stops expanding after a certain point, causing the penis to bend in that direction.

Depression

Clearly, the penis is of great importance to a man; for some men, a great deal of their feelings about themselves and their masculinity relate to the penis. A very bent penis can make a man feel his penis is deformed or make him worry about what his partner(s) may think of it. And in some cases, the bending physically prevents the man from engaging in penetrative sex. All this can lead a man into feelings of depression. One survey of 98 men with Peyronie’s disease found that 48% of them were clinically depressed.

Many people, especially men, have a very difficult time acknowledging depression and therefore have difficulty getting treatment for it. The very best thing a man with depression can do is to seek help from a professional, such as a psychotherapist or a social worker. A professional can help a man work through the issues causing depression and recommend strategies for dealing with it.

In addition, the following tips can help fight depression:

- Focus on the positive. Identify things that are going well and keep them in focus.

- Socialize . In general, people feel better when they do not isolate themselves.

- Talk about it. Find a trusted, non-judgmental friend or lover and talk about Peyronie’s and why it is bringing about feelings of depression.

- Laugh. Studies prove that laughter really can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

- Watch the diet. Certain food and drink choices can influence depression. Alcohol, for example, can easily worsen depression. On the other hand, foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, and those rich in B vitamins, like leafy green vegetables, can help lighten a person’s mood.

Depression isn’t the only complication of a bent penis, of course. Regular use of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) may help to address some of the other issues. For example, penis skin needs to be as supple and elastic as possible; a crème with vitamin C, which helps promote elasticity in penis skin, can be a boost in this area. In addition, plaque build-up can sometimes lead to a diminished sensation in the penis. A crème with L-carnitine, a neuroprotective ingredient, is better positioned to help restore some of that lost sensitivity.

Can a Bent Penis Cause Depression?

Many men notice a small degree of curvature in their members, but a significantly bent penis is less common - and it can be unsettling, in some cases causing low self-esteem, performance anxiety, and even depression in men who are prone. Taking appropriate penis care steps can be helpful in preventing this often painful condition, but a man with a truly bent penis may need to consider other options as well.

Peyronie’s Disease
 
A severely bent penis is a medical condition known as Peyronie’s disease. Men who are suffering from this disease may have a member that appears perfectly normal when flaccid; however, when it becomes erect, it develops a curvature that can be extreme - in some instances as much as 90 degrees! The curvature may be to the left or to the right, or it may point upwards or bend down. Peyronie’s disease is the result of scarring on the erectile tissue that prevents one part of the erectile chamber from expanding normally during an erection - think of a bow bending when an archer pulls the string back to fire an arrow. This is often the result of an injury to the area - such as blunt force trauma to the area or even a rupture of the erectile tissue (usually caused by hard impact with a partner’s body or sudden bending/twisting).

As stated before, minor curvature is not at all unusual and is not considered a problem. As a matter of fact, some men (and their partners) prefer to have a bit of a bend. They may like the way it looks, and some women find that it stimulates them in a way that a perfectly straight penis does not. But with Peyronie’s, the bend may be so extreme that penetration becomes difficult and/or painful; up to 24% of men with Peyronie’s report a cessation in their sexual activity. And in some cases, the mere erection of the penis can result in pain. The flexibility of the organ may also be affected, and many men report a diminished sensitivity to their erections, as well.

The incidence of Peyronie’s disease is debated in the medical community. Some sources estimate that it affects between 1% and 3% of men; others think the incidence may be as high as 8% of men. It can occur at any age, but is somewhat more common in men age 40 or older.

Depression
 
Although the physical side effects of Peyronie’s are easily seen, there can be less obvious consequences; which may even include depression; 0ne study found that 60% of men with Peyronie’s experienced depression due to their condition.

This is understandable: A man’s physical appearance has an impact on his mental health, and for many men, the penis and its appearance is an especially important component of the way they view themselves. When the penis takes on such a significantly altered appearance, it can change the way a man feels about himself. And when there are other factors added in, such as difficulty penetrating or a reduced sensation in the penis, this can also increase feelings of depression.

What to do
 
A man who feels depressed due to his bent penis needs to take steps to address this issue. It’s strongly advised that a man see a mental health professional to discuss how this condition is affecting him and to develop strategies for coping with the situation.

Some strategies that the doctor may suggest could include redefining the importance of the penis in one’s self-image; practicing affirmations that focus on the positive aspects of the penis; and partner-based reaffirmation of the man’s desirability. In some cases, anti-depressants may be recommended.

Beyond treating depression, men may want to try to treat the bent penis itself. Some treatments can lessen the curvature, especially when the cause is related to a build-up of scar tissue due to rough handling. Surgery may also be an option.

It also helps to maintain the overall health of the member by the regular use of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Since de-sensitization often accompanies Peyronie’s, a crème with a neuroprotective ingredient such as acetyl L carnitine is highly recommended. This can help amend peripheral nerve damage that may accompany scar tissue build-up. To help restore suppleness to the skin, moisturizing capability is crucial; a crème with both a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) and a world class emollient (shea butter is excellent) is needed. Using a superior crème can keep the penis healthy and aid a man in feeling good about his penis again.

Erectile Dysfunction – Are the Winter Blues to Blame?

Some men may find that their sexual performance undergoes a decline in the winter months. If symptoms of erectile dysfunction (such as weak erection, inability to orgasm or lack of erection) occur primarily in the cold season, the source might be "the winter blues," or seasonal affective disorder. While it’s important to rule out physiological sources behind poor penis health, men should not discount the role emotional states play in physical well-being or lack thereof.

Erections rely on proper circulation of blood to the penis. The process is fairly complex, involving several chemical messengers in the brain. When a person is depressed, these chemicals may be imbalanced. This is the physiological link between depression and erectile dysfunction. In addition, it’s just plain hard to get in the mood when one is feeling lousy. Men may take the following steps to combat winter depression and correlated physical symptoms.

Light Therapy
During the winter, the days grow shorter and we’re exposed to less direct sunlight. This means we’re lacking in vitamin D, which is important for the body and mind in a number of ways. In terms of mental well-being, low levels of this important vitamin have been linked to depression, though researchers aren’t sure exactly how they are connected.

The use of a light box can be equally as effective as antidepressants in treating depression, and is likely more appropriate for seasonal depression than medication, as it addresses the potential root cause. These boxes filter out most UV rays, making them safer for one’s skin.

Brace the Cold
Getting outside on the sunnier days is a good supplement to artificial light therapy. Going for a brisk walk is also a great way to manage weight during the winter and to wake up in the morning.

Keep Moving
Whether outside or in, exercise is a key component of depression treatment. When one works out, his or her body produces "feel-good" chemicals called endorphins. Exercise tends to make people more energetic and lively as well, which is good for those with depression, since fatigue is a common symptom. Finally, it’s just good for one’s overall health.

Vitamin D
Men can combat low levels of vitamin D by taking a supplement daily. This may take some time to have beneficial effects, as levels need to accumulate in the body for weeks or even months. This method is best employed alongside others on this list.

Boost Self-Confidence
Men can also naturally enhance their mood by paying some attention to their appearance and hygiene this winter. A daily shower is a good way to refresh oneself. If a man enjoys shaving his facial and body hair, he should not neglect these activities, since they likely leave him feeling fresh and clean. He might wish to buy himself a Christmas or New Year’s gift - maybe another pair of his favorite pants, or another one of his favorite shirts. Comfort and cleanliness are important for mental well-being.

Another gift a man can buy himself is a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that benefits penile health in a number of ways. Emollients like vitamin E and Shea butter keep skin smooth, soft and pleasant to the touch. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, keeping the skin elastic and youthful. Another key ingredient is L-arginine; it helps blood vessels relax and allows an in-rush of blood. This can support proper erectile health, as erections are caused by blood flow to the penis. Applying the cream daily is a fun process, too, as it gives a man a chance to handle his most pleasurable part and show it some extra love.

Male Sex Drive and Depression - Help and Hope for the Flagging Libido

Depression is believed to be more common in women than in men; the National Institute for Clinical Excellence reports that as many as 1 in 4 women are diagnosed with depressive symptoms at some point in their lives, while a more modest 1 male in 10 is likely to present with the symptoms of depression. However, it is believed that depression in men is underdiagnosed, partly because men are less likely to report symptoms, and partly because the symptoms in males tend to be somewhat different. What is certain is that depression is equally devastating to members of both sexes; men who are dealing with this disorder may experience symptoms ranging from sadness to loss of interest in normal activities to a marked decrease in their sex drive, just to name a few. Fortunately, most of these symptoms can be managed through therapy, medication and/or lifestyle changes, as well as attention to overall physical health and - in the case of low sex drive - appropriate penis care. The following information may help set men on the right path toward seeking the treatment they need to once again enjoy life, family, friends, relationships and, yes, better sex.

What is depression?
 
Depression is a common mood disorder that affects millions of men, women and children each year. It can result in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, relationship problems, fatigue and even suicidal thoughts. While mood disorders have often been dismissed as "all in the head," depression is a serious medical illness that requires treatment. Unfortunately, due to the stigma attached, it is believed that at least half of the people who are suffering from depression never seek treatment.

The causes of depression are not fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetics, biological factors, environment and psychological factors all play a role. People who have family members with depression are more likely to experience it themselves.

How does it affect men?
Depression tends to affect different individuals in different ways, and males may react differently than females. Some of the more common symptoms in men include:

- Fatigue
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Stomachache, backache or other aches and pains
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anger or hostility
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Low sex drive/sexual dysfunction

What types of treatments are effective?
With treatment, most individuals are able to get better. Treating depression usually requires a personalized plan and may involve the following:

- Medications. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are highly effective for relieving many cases of depression. On the other hand, these medications may have side effects that are unpleasant, including weight gain, digestive issues and loss of sex drive, so it is important to work with a doctor to find the right treatment.

- Therapy. Talk therapy and cognitive therapy are both very effective for treating depression, and some patients find that this alone is enough to relieve their symptoms.
 
- Diet and exercise. Following a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are both strongly recommended by medical experts. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the body’s chemical balance, and it is well-known that exercise can significantly enhance mood.

- Taking time to relax and unwind. A stressful lifestyle is often at the heart of depression, so taking a break from the stressors is very important when it comes to managing symptoms and getting better. Any relaxing and enjoyable activity will do - whether watching sports on television, taking a long hike, spending time with friends and family or practicing meditation.

- Getting cozy with a partner. Spending some one-on-one time with a partner is also highly effective for improving mood levels. During sex, and especially after ejaculation, the body releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin that can create a sense of well-being and happiness. Even if a man’s sex drive does not leave him up for a wild session between the sheets, simply holding a partner and spending some quiet time together can be beneficial.

- Making time for personal care. When a man feels like he looks good, he is more likely to feel good about himself, so taking the time to keep up the grooming and hygiene is an important aspect of self-care. Simple things like showering, wearing clean clothing, making time for a shave and keeping the hair groomed can help lift a man’s spirits, as can using a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A cream that is enriched with natural emollients can leave skin feeling fresh and smooth, while amino acids and vitamins give sensory cells a boost, promoting greater enjoyment in sex.

Penis Sensation Loss and Depression - The Effects of Mood Disorders on Sexual Health

For many men - and women - depression can be severely debilitating, affecting all aspects of life. Even sexual health can fall victim to symptoms of depression, unless the sufferer seeks help and takes the appropriate steps to improve both the emotional and physical symptoms. For men, this can mean adding some extra steps to their penis care routine.

What is depression?
More than just "the blues" or a period of feeling sad, depression is an actual illness that results primarily from chemical imbalances in the brain. People who are depressed are not mentally ill; they are suffering from a disease, like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and other disorders that affect the body. Fortunately, modern medicine is well-equipped to deal with depression and other similar mood disorders, and those who seek help often find themselves feeling much better in a short space of time.

What are the common symptoms?
Depression affects a person physiologically, as well as mentally, and the symptoms can be far-reaching. Some of the most common include:

• Feelings of intense sadness;
• Feeling worthless;
• Loss of enjoyment in activities that were once pleasurable;
• Loss of sex drive;
• In men - loss of penis sensation;
• Fatigue;
• Body aches and pains;
• Thoughts of suicide;
• Feeling isolated and alone;
• Feeling as if one is inside a "bubble," or a sense of unreality and disconnectedness;
• Irritability;
• Loss of appetite or overeating;
• A feeling that one is dying.

Any of these symptoms can have a serious effect on a person’s quality of life. Anyone experiencing one or more of these for more than a 2-week period should seek treatment as soon as possible. It can be difficult for depression sufferers to seek help for a number of reasons; the feeling of hopelessness can cause a person to believe that help is not possible, and many individuals also find it difficult to acknowledge that they may be depressed. However, in today’s world, there is far less stigma attached to depression than in the past, and there is no reason to feel weak or ashamed. Depression is a chemical imbalance, not a sign of mental weakness, and it is a treatable condition.

Treating depression
Treatment of depression varies depending on the patient, the severity and type of symptoms, and other medical conditions that may also be present. In general, a regimen of talk therapy, often accompanied by antidepressant medications, is recommended.

Patients with depression are encouraged to engage in healthy activities such as physical exercise - which can improve mood in the short term by elevating "feel-good" neurotransmitters, as well as increasing a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem over the long term. Making good food choices can also help, as certain healthy foods can naturally boost the mood, while other items - such as alcohol and certain food additives - can actually contribute to feelings of depression.

Side effects of antidepressants
Antidepressant medications are generally well-tolerated, although they can cause a few side effects when the patient first begins taking them. The most common of these include dry mouth, headache, nausea and upset stomach, confusion and loss of sex drive.

For men, a loss of sex drive and accompanying penis sensation loss can be particularly problematic, and it may take some experimenting (under medical supervision) to find a medication that will not interfere with a man’s sex life. After all, sexual health can be an important aspect of a man’s recovery, as the hormones that result from climax are known for enhancing the mood.

Promoting Penis Sensation - TLC for the Penis
When depression rears its head, even simple tasks like personal hygiene can seem like an enormous undertaking, but taking care can actually help to lift some of the gloom. The sensation of pampering oneself can actually help an individual to feel better.

Taking a warm bath, complete with pleasant bath oils, cleansers and candles can set a relaxing mood that can relieve stress and elevate levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are natural mood lifters. Grooming and trimming body hair can also help a man to feel cleaner and more attractive. Smoothing on a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) following a bath can leave the skin feeling soft and supple, and men who have been experiencing a decrease in sexual desire may feel the impulse returning as a result of improved sensation. As the moisturizers and nutrients work on the penile skin, they also leave it looking healthier and more attractive, a sure boost to a man’s self-esteem.