Dry Penile Skin – Why it Matters More Than Most Men Think

Dry penile skin can be itchy, and a close-up view of a parched and papery penis may not be especially appealing. But most men would not consider this more than an inconvenience - and certainly not a sign of poor penis health. The truth is that the skin is the body’s first line of defense against many different diseases, and when it is not in good shape, it can either indicate that an underlying health problem is present or increase the likelihood of developing problems. Here are a few of the diseases and conditions that men should look out for when it comes to dry, stressed penile skin.

1) Yeast infection. Also known as thrush, yeast infection is caused by the Candida albicans yeast, and it can affect men as well as women. Men who have thrush may have penile skin that appears very dry and itchy. Men who are intact may develop cuts or tears in the foreskin that can be quite painful. A whitish, chunky discharge may also be present and have a distinctive yeasty or fishy odor. Over-the-counter antifungal creams are generally effective for treating thrush; men and women in sexual relationships should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

2) Diabetes. Men who have diabetes often have dry, papery-looking skin; they are also more prone to yeast infections than healthy men. As a result, men who have chronically dry skin or who develop frequent yeast infections should bring these issues to the attention of their doctor, particularly if they meet the other risk markers for diabetes, such as being overweight or obese.

3) Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs may also present with dry, itchy skin. Men who are sexually active should be tested regularly - every six months to one year - to be sure that they are free and clear. They should also talk to their partners about any existing conditions before engaging in sexual activity and use protection for every encounter.

4) Dehydration. Dry skin may also occur simply because a man is not getting enough fluids. Dehydration can be a serious problem, as it impairs the ability of all the cells of the body to carry out their normal functions. Men should monitor their fluid intake, and increase their fluids on hot or especially dry days or when they are physically active.

What to do about dry, flaky skin
The first and most obvious step to take in combatting dry skin anywhere on the body is to increase fluid intake. Men should be drinking at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day in order to ensure that all of their organ systems, including the skin, can function properly and protect the body against disease.

However, the skin can easily lose moisture even when fluid intake is sufficient due to issues such as sweating, dry rubbing and hot or cold weather. Even the hot water of a morning or evening shower - not to mention the soap or cleanser used to wash the skin - can dry out the skin and leave it feeling tight, itchy and uncomfortable.

To eliminate these problems effectively, men should wear clothing that is breathable, yet supportive. A personal lubricant should be used for masturbation and partner sex, and a mild cleanser, rather than a soap, should be used for washing. Warm, rather than hot, water is recommended for cleaning the penile skin.

After a shower or bath, a moisturizer should be applied to the skin of the penis while it is still warm and slightly damp. A top-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing natural emollients such as vitamin E can lock in moisture and reduce the chances that the skin will become parched and dry during a man’s daily activities. Using a cream like this on a daily basis can leave the penis feeling smooth and supple - a pleasure for both the man and his partner.

Penis Health – Opt for these Natural Lubricants

For many couples, the use of lubricants is an important component of both vaginal and penis health , and for a couple reasons. First, adequate lubrication is needed to prevent condoms from breaking during sexual activity. Second, it prevents friction that can irritate the sensitive skin of the vagina and penis. In addition, lubrication tends to make sex more enjoyable for both partners.

While lubing up is important, some of the more popular products on the market may be best avoided. Learn about what to steer clear of and which alternatives to seek out below.

What to Avoid
A 2013 study in the Obstetrics and Gynecology journal found that the use of products like over-the-counter vaginal lubricants led to a 22% increase in bacterial infections and a 44% increase in yeast infections among women; a 2012 study by the University of Pittsburgh found that popular lubricants can damage vaginal cells and lead to increased rates of catching and spreading sexually transmitted infections. These health issues are of great concern to both men and women.

People should get familiar with the ingredients used in common lubricants. One, called chlorhexidine gluconate, is an anti-bacterial agent. That might sound great, but there are several healthy bacteria in the vagina that such a lube could interfere with, causing problems for a woman’s (and her partner’s) health.

Other ingredients to be wary of in a lube are those that create warming or cooling sensations, such as menthol, peppermint and capsaicin. While heating things up or cooling them down can add a bit of excitement to playtime, it can also lead to skin irritation for one or both partners, which may evolve into long-lasting problems. Such additives should be avoided, or used infrequently to minimize risk of skin problems.

One of the most important things to know about lube is that oil-based options - Vaseline, baby oil, cooking oils, etc. - erode latex condoms. This means that they interfere with STI and pregnancy prevention when used with such condoms.

Finally, there’s just something unnerving about spreading a bunch of chemicals on one’s most sensitive parts. That’s why some health professionals and sex experts recommend going natural in the lube department. The following options are available.

Organic Brands
Not all products on the market contain sketchy ingredients. There are several brands of water-based (read: safe with latex condoms) lubes that feature all-natural ingredients. Firefly, Sylk and Yes are just a few. Firefly is special in that it contains aloe, an ingredient that soothes the skin and promotes healing of damaged tissues - something particularly useful after a trip to Poundtown.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many uses - it can be eaten, used on the skin and hair, applied to whiten the teeth and even used as lubricant. It is a solid at room temperature; partners can massage it between their fingers to melt it down. Because it is oil-based, it shouldn’t be used with latex condoms. It’s therefore best for couples who use polyurethane condoms or use an alternate form of birth control (if trying to prevent pregnancy - if not, note that coconut oil and other oil-based lubes may interfere with the journey of sperm through the vagina, so they may reduce the risk of getting pregnant).

Many people love both the smell and taste of coconut. This makes coconut oil a particularly thrilling addition to playtime for several of the body’s senses. Added bonus: Men can purchase a tub of the stuff on the cheap.

Aloe Vera
Long hailed for its ability to soothe the skin and help it heal from burns, it turns out that aloe makes a fine sexual lubricant as well. It has a mild, pleasant smell and can reduce skin irritation and inflammation, making it both pleasurable and medicinal at the same time. While there are products out there featuring primarily aloe, some couples may choose to invest in a plant and grow their own lube. Aloe plants are multi-purpose - aside from supplementing bedroom affairs, they are handy in case of burns from the sun or stove and are beautiful to boot. Simply slice a leaf and apply for playtime fun.

Hydration: All-Day Importance
Adequate moisture isn’t only important during sexy time; the penis skin benefits from being properly hydrated all day. That’s why some men choose to use a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) chock-full of emollients like Shea butter and vitamin E for smooth, supple skin. Men can get the best bang for their buck by purchasing a product containing ingredients that promote ample blood flow and proper nerve function in the organ, including L-arginine, acetyl L-carnitine and vitamin C.

Itchy Penis? How to Manage Pubic Lice

Guys are familiar with the itchy penis formula, which is basically this: The intensity of an itch in the crotch increases in direct proportion to the severity of the situation in which a guy finds himself. Even with a healthy penis, there's going to be an occasional need for some light "social scratching," which can be handled with relative ease and discretion. But when pubic lice enter the picture, a guy is going to have a hard time keeping his hands off his crotch; more importantly, he's going to need to refrain from sexual activity until his personal pubic lice infestation can be brought under control. Taking care of them, then, is necessary for penis health.

Are they just head lice?
Most people remember head lice scares from their school days; the threat of those pesky nits made a person think twice before he borrowed that awesome baseball cap that his best friend wore all the time. But even though head lice and pubic lice are similar, they're not the same thing.
Nicknamed crabs because of their physical resemblance to those sea creatures, pubic lice are very small; adults rarely break 2 millimeters in length. Their coloring can vary, but they're usually a yellowish gray or red. Because of their small size, though, it's hard to see them, let alone figure out their color.

Are they dangerous?
Pubic lice aren't really dangerous; unlike body lice, they don't transmit disease. But they do cause a guy to itch like mad, and scratching that itch can bring about irritation, inflammation and sores.
Itchiness is the main symptom associated with crabs, but sometimes there are other signs. Tiny dots of blood or black powder may appear on the skin or underwear. Pubic lice bites sometimes leave little bluish dots.

Are they shared?
Crabs are almost always spread by sexual contact. It is possible to get them through other means, such as from bed sheets or towels or from wearing the clothing (usually the underwear) of a person with crabs. Most of the time, however, they come from skin-to-skin contact.

Using a condom, while always recommended, does not provide much protection against pubic lice, and even a guy who practices exemplary personal hygiene can catch them if he beds a partner who has an infestation.

Often, a guy doesn't know he has crabs right away; typically, he starts feeling the need to scratch a few days after his crotch has become infested.

What to do about them?
The first thing to do when a guy suspects pubic lice is to confirm his suspicion by seeing a doctor. The physician will determine the appropriate treatment to use, which may include over-the-counter or prescription treatments, or a combination of both.

Often, doctors prescribe the use of a special shampoo that contains permethrin, which is generally very effective. When using this, or an over-the-counter variation, it is generally recommended that the shampoo be rubbed thoroughly into the infected area and then left alone for several minutes to allow the medication to thoroughly seep in.

After rinsing, the man then needs to take a comb and comb through the hair in search of any lice eggs. Vinegar is frequently used to loosen the eggs from the hairs to which they cling. In some cases, the doctor may then recommend applying the shampoo again and possibly repeating the entire process.

Some men also prefer to shave the crotch in order to help remove the eggs and to make it easier to spot lice.

A thorough cleaning of the bed sheets, pillow cases, blankets and covers is also necessary; they will need to be washed in hot water with an appropriate detergent. Items which cannot be washed may require application of a spray that helps to kill lice; these are usually over-the-counter brands rather than prescriptions.

Itchiness (and the soreness which can accompany excessive scratching) can be treated with the application of a first-rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that includes reliable moisturizing ingredients. Especially helpful is a crème that includes both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator like vitamin E. These ingredients are helpful is maintaining a healthy penis in general, even after lice have been banished.

Better Sex with Dirty Talk – Tips and Tricks

A vital, flourishing sex life is an important component of penis care, as frequent use gives the member the exercise it needs to stay strong and nourished. While some couples may prefer silent sex, others find nothing more tantalizing than a healthy helping of dirty talk. What this looks (or sounds) like depends on the couple. In some situations, both partners may have experience with verbal supplementation; other times, only one partner is well-versed, so to speak, on the topic. It may even be brand new to both partners. Some couples may like to engage in dirty back-and-forth, while others may prefer to establish a speaker and a listener. There’s no one right way with dirty talk; using it for better sex requires both partners to communicate their desires and needs.

The following advice will help men introduce the topic of dirty talk with their partners and, if the partner agrees to give it a go, learn some different ways to proceed.

Boundaries
Whenever considering the addition of a new element in a couple’s sex life, it’s a good idea to talk about it first. This helps a man know if his partner is open to what he’s throwing out there and, if so, where the partner’s boundaries lie.
A man can begin the conversation frankly: "Are you interested in dirty talk?" Then, the conversation can get more detailed. Are there certain words - for body parts or the sex act, for example - the partner is particularly fond of or uncomfortable with? Some partners like light dirty talk, sticking mainly to observation and description, while others like more extreme forms such as name-calling. Some basic ground rules should be laid out beforehand.

Observation/Description
Whatever a man does, it’s important not to jump in too deep too fast. He may choose, then, to stick with observation and description to start off with. He can describe what he loves in the moment and how he feels. "You look gorgeous," "I love how I feel inside you," "I fill you so well" - these are hot and spicy descriptions a partner might love to hear.

Matching Talk Intensity with Arousal
To keep dirty talk authentic, it’s good not to force it. As arousal increases during sexy time, one’s words can amp up in turn - naturally, honestly. If comfort has been established with such things, a man may start using more racy terms for body parts and for the act itself as he and his partner get hotter.

Invite the Partner in, Gently
Whether or not a man’s partner is interested in playing an active role in dirty dialogue, he or she may enjoy some level of participation. A good way to prompt this is to ask a question: "Do you like when I __ your __?" "Does that feel good?" These are questions that gently invite the partner to participate without being too pushy.

Giving/Receiving Orders
While it’s certainly not for everyone, some couples like a little (or a lot of) domination/submission in the mix. One element of this is giving or receiving orders. The dominant partner tells the other what to do, being very explicit about what he or she wants. "Now put your mouth on my __," "I want you to ride me" - these are just a couple examples. Partners may exchange roles throughout playtime, or may prefer to remain in one role.

Name-Calling
Not everyone is comfortable with this, but some people love being called names during sex, and these names range from more mild but sexy terms like "bad girl/boy" or "dirty girl/boy" to more aggressive, derogatory terms. While some people find it degrading, others - particularly those who like to take a submissive role and serve as a sort of pleasure vehicle for their partners - may get a thrill from this unmatched by other forms of dirty talk. It should be noted that both partners need to be comfortable with this; some people might not be comfortable calling their partners names, and that’s okay.

While dirty talk can fan the sexual flames, a dirty penis will not. Along with regular washing, the daily application of a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help prevent skin tears and rough patches that trap bacteria. Look for a product with natural moisturizers like Shea butter and vitamin E; vitamin A is also a great feature, since it works to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. A smooth, supple member is a major turn-on, along with all the fun words couples can use to describe it.

Six Foreplay Mistakes to Avoid

A man with an erect penis is a man who is ready to get down to business, but that "let's get it started" attitude can lead to any number of foreplay mistakes and therefore to sex that may be satisfying only for one of the participants - namely, the one with the appendage that was in such a hurry. While there are other factors (such as maintaining appropriate penis health) that are important to a couple's sex life, avoiding foreplay mistakes is necessary for long-term sexual compatibility.
With that in mind, the following are a few common foreplay mistakes that a man should avoid, painfully erect penis or not.
1) Not engaging in foreplay.
This is really a no-brainer. While it's true that there are some couples who are so well-matched that they can almost always skip foreplay and have a mutually satisfying sexual experience, these couples are few and far between. For most couples, some form of foreplay is necessary most of the time if both partners are going to get the most out of the experience.
2) Going by the book.
Some guys think they have the foreplay thing all figured out and follow the same routine each time with little or no variation. This may work sometimes, but it won't always. A woman, like a man, tends to feel differently from moment to moment, so there's no reason to assume that the routine that worked last night is going to work tonight. Guys need to try to be "in the moment" and attuned to how the partner is reacting to each kiss, caress and whisper so they can alter their approach in response to her reactions.
3) Being too narrowly focused.
Because a guy is interested in letting his partner's vagina envelop that aching erect penis, he tends to focus most, if not all, of his attention on his lady's crotch. There's some benefit in that, but most women prefer more of a "total body" approach: plenty of kissing and hugging; a minimum amount of vocal communication; and touching other areas, such as the breasts, the buttocks, the arms, etc.
4) Talking too little - or too much.
As mentioned above, a minimum amount of vocal communication is an essential part of foreplay. Exactly how much will vary from person to person. Some women like a little dirty talk; some like a lot; some are repulsed by it. Some women love compliments about their looks, their aroma, their skin, their hair, their ardor; others find it clichéd. Guys will need to experiment with finding the right topics and then figure out how much to say for maximum effect with any given partner.
5) Applying too much pressure.
Sometimes men get a little too intense with their foreplay; the touches and fondles exert too much physical pressure and go from producing pleasurable sensations to creating pain. A man needs to always be sensitive to how his partner is reacting so he can adjust his actions accordingly. And remember, it's always okay to ask, "Does this feel alright?" or, "Would you like me to do anything differently?"
6) Sporting an unappealing tool.
Although men focus on their equipment constantly, they don't always give it the appraising look it needs. A penis that has flaky skin patches or that emits an unpleasant smell is going to be a turn-off to partners.
Avoiding foreplay mistakes takes practice, but attending to an unappealing tool requires a little extra help. If a man's erect penis has skin irritation or a disturbing odor, he can start using a quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). For best results, he should find a cream that packs in a combination of moisturizers, such as Shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural hydrator). Unwanted penis odor can be addressed if the cream also contains vitamin A, which is blessed with strong anti-bacterial properties that attack causes of distressing odors.

Sexy Penis – Get it with Vitamin C

Most men know that taking vitamin C helps them feel better when a cold is coming on, but few know that this vitamin is an essential factor in maintaining a sexy penis. The individual who is interested in proper long-term penis care needs to make sure that his tool is benefiting from a direct application of vitamin C on a regular basis.

Getting to Know Vitamin C
People read the labels on food products and know that there's a certain recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamins and nutrients, but most people don't have a good idea about just what these ingredients do.

Vitamin C, also called L-ascorbic acid, is water soluble, which means that it dissolves in water. Because it is water soluble, it leaves the body through the urinary system after a relatively short period of time. So the body takes in the vitamin, gets some benefit from it, but then gets rid of it soon after. This accounts for why a person needs to keep taking vitamin C in regularly.

What Does Vitamin C Do?
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for maintaining overall bodily health. It is beneficial in many ways, including boosting the immune system, fighting infection, keeping the heart healthy, producing collagen, fighting free radicals and promoting proper blood flow.
That's a lot of work for one little vitamin - but the mighty C gets the job done.

What About the Penis?
So it's obvious that vitamin C is a hard and dedicated worker in the body, but how exactly does it help to maintain an appropriately sexy penis? What health benefits specific to the manhood can be traced to this particular vitamin?

Quite a few, actually, such as:

- Keeping the member’s skin looking healthy. Penis skin is resilient, but it's ridiculously sensitive, especially for an organ that frequently gets treated in a very aggressive fashion. Many men get a bit over-zealous when masturbating or engaging in sexual partnering, leaving the penis raw. Often, this is accompanied by tiny cracks in the penis skin, which can become infected with bacteria or even fungi. Because of vitamin C's ability to fight infection and to repair tissue, it can be a big help in keeping the tool healthy and attractive.

- Keeping blood coming to the manhood. Blood flow is crucial throughout the body, but it plays a unique role in the penis: Without proper blood flow, erections can be inhibited. Vitamin C strengthens body tissue, which includes the blood vessels; healthy blood vessels are better able to function properly, which improves the ability of blood to flow throughout the body.

- Heart health. As mentioned previously, vitamin C is a factor in good cardiac health. How does this help the penis? Simple: The heart controls blood flow, which has already been cited as a key player in penis health. In addition, men with healthy hearts have greater stamina, which allows them to perform with more sexual vigor.

- Fighting disease. Because vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it helps fight against other disease. For example, it's a good defense against free radicals, which cause oxidative damage that can impact penis health.

Vitamin C is found in many foods, including citrus fruits; however, it's a good idea to more directly target the vitamin toward one's sexy penis by using a top-shelf penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The advantage of the topical cream application method is that there is an immediate absorption of the vitamin for optimal health benefits. This is especially true for the skin-related benefits of vitamin C, which will be buttressed if the cream also includes moisturizers like Shea butter or vitamin E. In addition, the antioxidant benefit provided by vitamin C will be boosted if another antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, is one of the cream's ingredients.

Penis Care – Manage Stress to Combat Erectile Dysfunction

A healthy sex life is important to a man’s overall well-being, but a lot of things can get in the way of it. Although erectile dysfunction is sometimes rooted in an underlying health condition, one of the main culprits behind an unperky pecker is stress. When a man is chronically stressed, his body is pumping out the hormone cortisol, which has a negative impact on the production of testosterone. The male sex hormone is crucial to a healthy libido and the ability to achieve erections; a decrease in testosterone inhibits proper erectile function. And besides, nothing kills "the mood" like anxiety. An important component of penis care, then, is stress management.

Causes of Stress
In 2012, the Mayo Clinic along with the life insurance company Aviva USA conducted a survey of over 2,000 men to identify the leading causes of stress in their lives. They were:
- Finances: 34% of men reported this as their main cause of stress
- Family and Relationships: 17% reported these as primary stressors
- Job Stability: 12% reported this as their main cause of stress
- Fast-Paced Life: 10% of men were stressed out most by this
- Health: 8% of men attributed their stress to health concerns

Managing Stress
There are many steps that men can take to manage stress. Even when stress is linked to a situation in life that can’t be changed, it can be managed because stress is a way of responding to a situation, not a situation itself. People have considerable power over their emotional responses and, therefore, their stress levels. Take the following steps:

1) Identify stressors. The first step to managing stress is simply to take stock of what is causing it. Make a list.

2) Ask: What can be changed? When a man has identified situations that cause stress in his life, he can then get to work thinking about to what extent he can change these situations. Financial stress may be alleviated by budgeting; family and relationship stress may be soothed by family counseling or getting some extra help with the kids. Men can make another list of their options, being sure to keep them realistic. When situations can’t be changed, a man can pursue the following steps to manage his response to them.

3) Exercise. Getting in a mixture of cardio and strength-training exercise is sure to help people relieve stress. It’s also imperative for overall health, making it one of the best weapons in a man’s stress-relieving arsenal.

4) Meditate. Meditation is one of the most powerful forms of relaxation training out there, and research has proven its ability to alter both the mind and body. Seek out resources for self-study.

5) Take cleansing breaths. Really? Really. Take three deep breaths, inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds, making sure to completely fill and void the lungs each time. Do this several times a day. Have faith; this works.

6) Don’t be a macho man. The pressure on men to be competent, independent and in control can sometimes give them an inflated sense of just how much they should be able to take on. Men should be careful not to overfill their schedules and should not be ashamed to ask for help. No human being is completely self-sufficient.

7) Acknowledge accomplishments. Sometimes people get so overwhelmed with what isn’t going their way that they lose a sense for what they’ve accomplished. This can be disempowering, as acknowledging accomplishments reminds people that they have some control over their lives. Men can take note of things they’re proud of and remember that life is more than stressful event after stressful event; there’s a lot of good stuff peppered throughout as well.

Men may find that, after being proactive about their stress levels, erectile function makes a triumphant return. But penis health isn’t just about performance. Men can make further improvements in the downstairs department by using a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) daily. Look for ingredients like acetyl L-carnitine and L-arginine, which protect nerve tissues (and therefore sensitivity) in the member and promote proper blood flow to the organ. Shea butter and vitamin E should also show up on the ingredient list, as these two moisturizers keep the skin supple and smooth.