Penis Health and Smoking - Why Cigarettes Are Bad for Sexual Performance

By now, every guy knows that smoking cigarettes is bad for his health, but even with this information, plenty of people still light up every day. Why is that? Well, cigarettes are highly addictive, for one thing. While the lungs take on the brunt of the damage from smoking, the entire body is impacted - even the penis. Whether a guy is trying to stop, thinking about stopping, or has no interest in being a quitter, he might find motivation in knowing that cigarettes - and other types of legal and illegal smoking - can actually hurt his sex life! If that doesn’t make a guy want to quit, maybe nothing will. Here are just some of the ways cigs impact sex and why kicking the habit is important to maintaining penis health.

1) Bad breath: On a purely superficial level, smoking gives a guy bad breath. Even a careful combination of teeth brushing, gum chewing and mouthwash doesn’t kill the bad breath of a person who smokes regularly, which certainly makes for an unappealing make-out session. Who wants to suck on an ashtray?

2) Turn off to non-smokers: Smoking can be a deal breaker for some women; simply put, they won’t date a smoker. The dating pool can be shallow enough in some areas; why let more water out by eliminating girls who are totally turned off by a smoking habit? Even if a non-smoker does date a smoker, it can often make certain parts of the relationship difficult, as she probably doesn’t want him smoking in her house and gets tired of waiting around for him to have a quick smoke every time they plan to go somewhere.

3) Decreased sex drive: Yup, that’s right, even if smoking doesn’t kill a guy, it might just kill his libido. Studies show that a man who smokes has sex half as many times per month as those who are non-smokers. It seems the chemicals in cigarettes actually make a man lethargic to the point where he doesn’t even feel like getting busy.

4) Problems getting it up: Cigarettes drastically impact the cardiovascular system and reduce the heart’s ability to efficiently pump blood. What does that mean? It means the heart has to work harder to get the blood to the penis, and sometimes there’s just nothing the old ticker can do. The chemicals and stimulants in cigarettes also release adrenaline, which restricts the flow of the blood to the penis. The result? Weaker erections that aren’t going to last as long as those of a non-smoker. Fact: smoking is one of the biggest risk factors connected with erectile dysfunction.

5) Increased chance of infertility: Men hoping to father a child better ditch the smokes and ditch them fast. Smoking men tend to have a lower sperm count, and the sperm they do have are more likely to be abnormally shaped and have motility problems, making it more difficult for them to get someone pregnant.

Keeping the Penis Healthy
Stopping smoking is just one of many things a man can do to improve and maintain the health of his penis - and his sex life. Increasing cardiovascular exercise will keep the heart pumping strong and improve circulation to the nether regions, improving his erectile response time and strength. Of course, eating right, getting enough sleep and downing enough water every day are also important to the overall maintenance of the body, which by default keeps the penis healthy as well. Finally, using a daily penis vitamin cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) helps to deliver the exact penis nutrients a guy needs, directly where they are needed. By applying the nutrients topically to the penis skin, they are quickly absorbed for maximum effectiveness.

Blue Balls and Sexual Tension - Just an Annoyance, or Are They Harmful?

Any guy who has gotten a little too excited without hitting the big finish - so basically every guy - knows what blue balls are. A slang term for too much sexual excitement without reaching ejaculation, blue balls may cause discomfort and soreness that can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how aroused he became. Though many men may feel like blue balls are an emergency medical situation, there may really be no need to run off to the hospital to remedy the situation. Learn more about this sexual phenomenon and how to keep the penis healthy.

Aren’t blue balls just a made-up way for guys to get sex?
While it’s true that some guys may make the lame excuse that they need to have sex after a night of fooling around -- lest they get blue balls - it is in fact an actual condition. Though, the severity of the discomfort may be exaggerated by some men in an attempt to gain sympathy, it is not entirely in a man’s head. Blue balls are created when a man hits a certain level of arousal, which obviously causes a rush of blood and an erection. Because of the way a man’s bedroom parts work, blood typically flows very slowly out of a firm penis, nature has done men this little favor to ensure they stay hard until the deed is done. Of course, once he has climaxed, the blood exits the area very quickly returning his penis to a flaccid state. When the action for a man stops abruptly without ejaculation, therefore, it takes a much longer time for the blood to leave the area, which is what causes an uncomfortable sensation in his nether region.

Where does the name come from?
Well, not only can it feel like his most sensitive body part is black and blue, some men’s balls do take on a bluish tinge. No, the condition does not actually cause bruising to the area, but the blood being held back in his testicles may be slightly oxygen-deprived and therefore not the bright red blood that most of us are accustomed to seeing from a scrape or cut.

Will getting blue balls too often harm his goods?
Sorry, guys; though it seems like a good way to guarantee that a frisky night ends in the big bang, blue balls are not going to cause irreparable damage to the twig and berries. While blood staying in the area a little longer than usual will not cause damage, if a man experiences an erection that won’t quit after 4 hours or more, he should seek medical attention, because he could be experiencing priapism, or a prolonged erection that can cause pain and tissue damage to the area. However, a simple case of blue balls hurts nothing, apart from, perhaps, a man’s ego.

Keeping the penis healthy
Luckily, men who are suffering from blue balls can do something to make the pain go away. Simply put, they can try to take matters into their own hands. Sure, a sexy encounter with a partner may be the preferred method, but if that is not an option, he may have to rely on his own devices to relieve the tension. After a round of play, and after every shower, a man should add a penis vitamin lotion to his daily grooming routine (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) . Choosing a lotion containing Acetyl L Carnitine may also enhance sexual pleasure, as this powerful ingredient can actually improve nerve functioning, making the entire experience that much better. A product with high-quality moisturizers such as Shea butter can also enhance the overall look and feel of the package, as well as preventing subtle damage to the skin that can lead to loss of sensation over time.

Caring for the Penis with Shea Butter - Tips for a Healthy, Responsive Manhood

When it comes to health, beauty, and anti-aging products, it is no secret that women have always had the inside scoop on the latest hot products. They know what works and seek out the best ingredients long before they make their way into products more likely to be used by men. But, while men might not be worried about a few wrinkles or laugh lines, one thing he does want to consider is the look and feel of the penis. That’s right, a man needs to take care of what he’s carrying around in his pants; after all, if he doesn’t take care of the equipment it may just fall into a state of disrepair. One ingredient that can help rejuvenate and revitalize the skin of the penis -- giving it a youthful glow - is Shea butter. Learn more about the benefits of this miracle ingredient and how it benefits penis health, along with the rest of the body.

What is Shea butter?
Check a woman’s nightstand or medicine cabinet, and there is a good chance there are one or more products that contain Shea butter; but what is it? Shea butter is an ingredient derived from the exotic nut of the African Shea tree. Shea butter is known for its rich moisturizing properties. It appears in virtually every product known to woman-kind, from lip gloss to hand lotion, from facial tissue to anti-aging cream, and so on and so forth; and now it is finally making its way into men’s products, as well. Shea butter relieves dry, cracked skin, has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and is used as an emollient as well. Shea butter soothes itchy skin while improving the skin’s natural elasticity, feel and appearance.

How can men use Shea butter?
 
1) Chronic Skin Conditions - Men can use Shea butter in all the same ways as women have been for years. Shea butter is particularly useful for painful, itchy skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema or even acne -- and the best part is - no prescription is needed to get the benefit of this amazing ingredient.

2) Dry Skin - Let’s be honest; most men don’t love using lotion. The extent of their skin care regimen tends to include a quick wash in the shower - and that’s about it. This lack of attention to the skin can leave it dry, itchy and cracked - especially during the colder months of the year. Shea butter is especially helpful during dry winter months, when exposure to the elements saps the skin’s natural moisture.

3) Penis Health - One area that most men especially don’t think to care for, is the manhood. So long as it is functioning as it should be, it is pretty much left to its own devices. However, this strategy may not only lead to irritated penile skin; it can also lead to dry, dull skin that appears older than it actually is. Think of a product with Shea butter as a mini-facial for the penis, Shea butter will help rejuvenate the cells of the penis skin, aid in moisture retention and soften the skin making it more pleasing to the touch. Using a penis vitamin lotion that is specially formulated with Shea butter and other natural ingredients (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help hydrate the delicate penis skin making it feel more comfortable and look younger and more refreshed every day.

Masturbation Magic - The Stranger Technique

Whatever a man likes to do with his private time, masturbation always has the same end result in mind: an orgasm. For a man who has been masturbating his entire adult life - and likely a good part of his adolescent life - things in the self-love department can become boring and routine. That doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t feel good - because it does - it just means that the routine can lack a little originality, as a man may fall into the "same ole, same ole" technique -- and for good reason -- because it works. Even still, men who are looking for more excitement may want to change things up a bit. "The stranger" is one such way to make self-love a little more exciting; guys just need to be sure to use plenty of lube to avoid chafing and keep to the penis healthy.
 
What is "the stranger?"
 
The stranger may be one of the more well-known masturbatory techniques out there, but that doesn’t mean every man has heard of it - or perfected it. The idea behind the stranger technique is that sex is always more exciting or interesting when another person is involved. Doing it solo style gets the job done, but it may not have the same satisfaction as when a partner helps along the way. The fact of the matter is that sometimes a partner is not available - either because one is living the single life or has gotten the "not tonight dear" blow-off for the evening’s planned entertainment. So what is a man to do when he has no other option but to service himself? Enter the stranger.
 
Now that the premise is understood, it’s time to explain the technique. For a man to execute the stranger properly, he must be willing to endure a small amount of discomfort in order to get a big payout in the end. He must sit on his hand for an extended period of time until the hand goes numb - not dangerously numb as in the hand is turning purple and about to fall off numb - just to the stage where it is asleep and the fingers do not register a complete sense of touch. Once the hand is numbed up it is time for a man to go to town - preferably before the hand wakes up - getting off in this way essentially tricks the brain so that it feels as though somebody else is doing the work. Because the hand does not have its full range of sensation, the brain is really only registering the nerve endings of the manhood, giving a guy the feeling that he is just along for the ride. To really shake things up, a man can mix it up even more by using his non-dominant hand. In other words, if he is a righty in the bedroom he goes lefty and vice versa. Not only will this give him the stranger sensation, but he will have a different speed, angle, and technique than he is used to which may really make it feel like a partner is helping out.

Lubing Up
 
Most men use some sort of lubrication during solo play, but it can be tempting to skip it in a pinch - or use saliva or lotion. However, a high-quality lubricant is recommended for use all the time. Not only does this make things feel better; it also protects the skin of the penis. Repetitive, rough or vigorous masturbation can damage the delicate penis skin and the penile tissue, which can cause injuries that ranges from slight irritation all the way to penile curvature known as Peyronie’s disease. In addition to using lube every time, a man should also use a daily penis vitamin lotion (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to keep the penis healthy. A penis lotion heals damaged skin and can penetrate deeply to repair damaged blood vessels and tissue that can add up to a big problem over time. After all a healthy penis is a happy penis.

Dry Masturbation 411 - To Lube or Not to Lube?

Most anyone who was asked to write a list of words to describe sex would come up with adjectives like: intense, fun, pleasurable, intimate and so on and so forth. A word that would not commonly appear on the list is: dry. Yet many men find enjoyment in the act of dry masturbation i.e., masturbating without the use of lubrication or lotion. While it may seem like any action that allows a man to reach orgasm is A-OK, certain types of stimulation may actually be harmful to the penis. Learn more about dry masturbation and why a man should try to drop the habit now in order to keep the penis healthy for many years to come.

What is dry masturbation?
There are two definitions of dry masturbation. Some men use the term to refer to masturbating without the use of pornography, but more commonly it refers to an absence of liquid, lubrication, or lotion while masturbating. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where the name for this type of stimulation came from.

Why would a man prefer to dry masturbate?
To each his own, right? Dry masturbation tends to feel rougher and more aggressive compared to a smoother stroke of a well-lubricated shaft. The rough sensation feels more desirable to some men who desire that type of friction. Alternatively, some men grew up masturbating in this fashion - either because they did not have knowledge of lubricant, or access to it - and it is not uncommon for the body to become trained to respond most positively to the type of stimulation one is first exposed to, as that is how it was learned. Another example of this phenomenon is men who enjoy fast and furious quickies - either with a partner or solo - because growing up as a teen they had to do it as quickly as possible to avoid getting caught.

Is there any harm in dry masturbation?
Well, it is not going to make a man go blind or anything, but it could certainly lead to a sore and irritated penis. Men who tend to engage in dry masturbation may find the skin of the penis becomes red and irritated. This happens because without the presence of lubrication, the hand creates a lot of skin on skin friction, which can cause microscopic abrasions and tears. Dry masturbators may also find they are prone to little dry patches of skin on their Johnson, which may flake or itch. Dry skin can certainly be annoying - and unsightly - but a bigger concern to the dry masturbator is the chance of damaging the tissue of the penis. This excessive friction may burst the tiny blood vessels under the skin, damage the tissue, and even cause plaque buildup to develop on the penis. Overtime, this tissue damage leads to the development of scar tissue, which gradually shortens the penis on the areas where it builds up, as scar tissue is not as elastic as healthy skin. Unfortunately, this scar tissue also causes the penis to curve in the direction of the scar, so now the penis is shorter than it used to be and curved! Talk about a lose-lose situation! The condition is known as Peyronie’s disease, and while it has many factors that contribute to it, too rough and aggressive treatment of the penis - which may occur during dry masturbation - may accelerate the condition.

How to keep the penis healthy
There is obviously not a direct and immediate cause and effect relationship wherein dry masturbation instantaneously leads to a shorter, curved penis. However, given the risks of this type of activity, it may be wise to add some lubricant to the old masturbatory routine - at least most of the time. Men who simply can’t get enough dry masturbating may be able to engage in the behavior on occasion without serious repercussions, but should consider trying to retrain their penis to appreciate a nice lubricated touch. For men already noticing dry, irritated skin, the daily use of a penis vitamin lotion (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can reverse the damaging effects of dry masturbation. Selecting a lotion with Acetyl L Carnitine and alpha lipoic acid can also help to heal the unseen damage of dry masturbation by healing the penile tissues and repairing the cells to help avoid the dreaded penis curve.

Sore Penis Symptom Checker - When it's Time for Professional Help

Most every one wakes up with aches and pains on occasion, and unfortunately; it seems that as one ages, this becomes a more regular occurrence. Most of these aches are a minor inconvenience that are forgotten by the time the first cup of coffee has been downed, but sometimes they are persistent and may be a sign of something more serious. When a man wakes up with a sore penis - no matter if he is 19 or 89-years-old - the source of the pain should be considered and never ignored, as it could be the sign of something more serious. Learn which warning signs may indicate a penis condition that requires medical attention. After all, when it comes to the family jewels, a healthy penis is a happy penis.

Common Penis Symptoms and What They May Mean
 
1. Burning sensation during urination: A common symptom of a sore penis is the dreaded burn while taking a pee - the intensity of this symptom can range from a mild stinging, to feeling like one is pissing fire! This unpleasant situation may signal any of the following conditions: bladder infection, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infection, prostatitis, or even prostate cancer.

2. Oozing discharge or blood: An oozing Johnson is an unpleasant way to start the day, and a pretty good indication that an infection -- or worse -- is going on. Penile discharge may signal orchitis—or infection and inflammation of the testicles - STI’s, an allergic reaction, trauma or injury, or an abscess. Make an appointment with the doctor right away to flesh out what is really going on.

3. Blood in the urine : Blood in the urine is surely a shocking sight to any man, and while it may not indicate anything serious, a call to the doc should be made, as it could be a sign of a serious infection. Infection of the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys can all lead to blood in the urine. Kidney stones, STI’s and bladder cancer are other possible culprits.

4. Bump or sore on the penis: Possibilities for bumps or sores on the shaft of the penis are varied and include penis acne, irritation from clothing, allergic reaction to medication or even new soap or dryer sheets. The bump may also indicate something more serious such as herpes, chlamydia, syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections. Make an appointment to get the area checked out, as it could also be transmittable to sexual partners.

5. Nodule or lump on the testicles: Any lump found on the berries is cause for an immediate trip to the doctor. It is possible the lump is completely harmless, such as an ingrown hair, inflamed follicle, or cyst, but it is also possible that it is a tumor or cancerous lump that needs removal. A man should never delay on getting a testicular lump or bump checked out.

6. Dry skin on the penis: Dry skin may simply be the result of a change of season, particularly if other areas of the body are also experiencing dry skin. It may also be caused by a skin condition known as psoriasis, or may be the result of too frequent masturbation that is causing skin irritation.

Keeping the Penis Healthy
With so many conditions sharing similar symptoms, diagnosis can, at times, be tricky. The doc may not even be able to pinpoint what the problem is without taking some samples, for this reason it is not a good idea to self-diagnose a penis condition. What may seem like something that will go away in a day or two, may actually require a round of antibiotics to clear up, and what’s worse, may be transmitted to other individuals without treatment. When it comes to the health of the penis, prevention is key. So when it doubt, get it checked out by a doctor.

Other preventative measures include proper daily hygiene to reduce the threat of infection caused by bacteria, using a rubber during sex, and using a daily penis vitamin lotion (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). A penis vitamin lotion can help hydrate the skin, and choosing one with vitamin A can help fight infection causing bacteria to keep the penis healthier. Simply apply after the daily shower and be on the way to a healthier penis.

Penis Sensation Issues – Why Safe Sex Can Be Pleasurable

Do Condoms Make Sex Less Enjoyable?

Many men protest the use of condoms during sex.  Women are often told by their partners that sex just doesn’t feel as good when they are using a condom, or that it is unfair to make them wrap it up.  This male attitude may cause women to feel pressured to not use a condom, which opens the relationship up to unwanted pregnancies and even Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s). However, the fact of the matter is, condoms are a vital component of a man’s penis health and are meant to protect the man just as much as the women. So in most cases, men and women should abide by the rule No Glove, No Love.

About Sensitivity

Yes, condoms can reduce sensitivity, which for most men may seem like a bummer.  However, looking at it from the other side -- condoms reduce sensitivity -- which can actually help a man engage in longer, more vigorous sex, so there is an upside to the situation.  Condoms may reduce the occurrence of premature ejaculation in some men. Additionally, there are condoms on the market boasting increased sensitivity while still maintaining durability, so men should experiment until they find a condom that has a more enjoyable feel for them and their partner.

About Protection

The bottom line is that men who are having sex – especially with multiple partners – need to wear a condom.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates around 50% of the U.S. population will contract an STI in their lifetime. The annual incident rate of infection continues to go up each year, meaning the risk of unprotected sex is simply too high. Not so fast, older gentleman; STI’s are a problem for men of all ages, not merely an issue for men in their late teens and 20’s. No man is immune from STI’s, regardless of his age. In fact, new infections commonly occur in men over 50.

Condoms are integral in protecting one against unwanted or unplanned pregnancies.  Don’t believe every old wives tale being floated around; some of the more creative birth control methods (read: the pull-out method), are not effective at preventing pregnancy. Even if one’s partner is on oral contraception, or the pill, there are plenty of babies being born each year to prove that there is only a 99% success rate, if even if used perfectly. 

Another way to frame condom use in a positive light is that both parties find it easier to relax and enjoy the experience.  Many individuals report worrying during sex about unwanted pregnancies and the risk of infection -- and those are not very sexy thoughts to be having.  A condom may make it easier to put those fears to rest and concentrate on the activity at hand.

Is it Ever Okay to go Au Natural?

Yes. There are times when condoms can go by the wayside, but only if certain conditions are met.  First, both partners have to be 100% monogamous – meaning neither is getting action on the side.  Both partners should have been tested recently for all STI’s, including HIV/AIDS, and have a clean bill of health.  Even if both partners are showing no signs of infection, get tested! One or both parties could be carrying an infection, but simply be asymptomatic; these individuals can still pass on infection without having symptoms present.

Keep the Penis Healthy

Condoms are just one way for men to keep the penis healthy.  Engaging in cardiovascular activity, eating right and not smoking all keep the body’s circulatory system healthy, and that is key to an active sex life.  Adding a penis vitamin lotion to the daily grooming routine (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also keep the skin of the penis healthy. As an added bonus, a formula including Acetyl L Carnitine may also increase penis sensitivity, helping to counter problems associated with condom use.