Sex Ed for Adults: 6 Misconceptions for Men to Unlearn

Adults may feel embarrassed when they have questions about sex, or when they find out that they have been operating all this time with misconceptions. It’s crucial that such embarrassment doesn’t get in men’s way of pursuing sex education; a lack of knowledge in this area can not only lead to significant penile health problems, but unplanned parenthood as well. Consider the following to better protect oneself and one’s partner.

Nobody Knows Everything
 
Whether through arrogance or embarrassment, a man may wish to assume that he knows all there is to know about his penis and about sex. This may be the biggest barrier between him and actual knowledge.

The state of sex education in the U.S. is not stellar. Most states don’t even mandate that sex education be part of the curriculum; those that do allow programs to skip discussions of contraception and sex before marriage. If a guy is lucky, he may vaguely recall learning about a bunch of weird-sounding infections and watching his health teacher roll a condom over a banana. Either way, there are likely things a guy never learned or has since forgotten. It’s never too late to get educated.

Common Misconceptions
 
1) Pulling out will prevent pregnancy. This may or may not be true. Semen released during orgasm contains the most sperm, for sure, but pre-seminal fluid may contain some as well. Plus, relying on the pull-out method is risky simply because a guy might start to leak before he’s fully exited his partner, as ejaculation can happen rather quickly sometimes. Barrier protection is the best way to prevent pregnancy - preferably in conjunction with a second form of birth control.

2) All condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most do, but lambskin condoms do not. This type is effective in preventing pregnancy, but the material contains pores large enough for certain infections to pass through.

3) There’s always a symptom when an STI is present. It would be very nice if this were true, but it’s simply not. There are several STIs with no noticeable symptoms. Luckily, some are harmless. But even chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can be present without noticeable, or with barely noticeable, symptoms. And they can be passed on, too. Also consider the fact that most STIs have a period between infection and symptom presentation (when the latter does occur), and that they could be passed along during this period.

4) If tests came back negative, the person is clean. Even more unsettling, perhaps, than the above is the fact that, when one goes in for STI testing, not everything can be tested for! Ask one’s health professional what exactly is being tested for and what is not; ask the same of one’s partner. Understand that there is always a risk when having sex.

5) Lubricant is optional. While it’s true that some partners produce enough lubrication to keep sex comfortable, enjoyable and safe for the most part, even the wettest women out there are bound to run a bit dry now and then, particularly during rough or prolonged sessions. Lube isn’t just about personal preference; it protects delicate penile and vaginal skin from tears that not only hurt but provide harboring grounds for bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ample lubrication is also crucial for preventing condom breakage.

6) Washing and wearing protection are all a man can do for his penis. Actually, there are skin care products for men designed with the manhood in mind. Maintaining healthy skin condition is necessary in order to preserve sensitivity and keep the member attractive over time. Men should seek out a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with the skin-friendly ingredients Shea butter, vitamin E and vitamin C for rejuvenating the penis. Using a moisturizer like this daily will protect against the ravages of friction from hands, bodies and clothing, keeping the penis radiant and ready to go.

Cybersex: More Options Now than Ever Before

Cybersex is one of the wonders of the modern age for long-distance couples as well as for those who enjoy anonymous sexual encounters. The internet and the proliferation of smartphones have made it possible for disparate people to connect via word, image and video, and the kinky-minded have certainly found sexual ways to make use of these capabilities. For those particularly interested in video chat, there’s great news: There are now sex toys and virtual platforms designed just for this purpose. Since sexual health is imperative for overall wellbeing, it’s important to tap into one’s desires and find safe, engaging ways to fulfill them. For some people, availing themselves of advanced cybersex options will be just the ticket.

Features to Consider
 
When people are searching for interactive video sex chat options, they should be aware of two important features. One is the type of platform used. Is it secure? Is it made for just two people to access, or is it open to many individuals, as in a social media setting?

Second, what type of toys are involved? Amazing advances in technology have led to the creation of sex toys that are actually interactive, either because they allow one person to control another’s toy with a Bluetooth "remote" function or the toys respond directly to one another’s motions and speeds.

Kiiroo
 
The Kiiroo set for couples contains a "Pearl" dildo for her and an "Onyx" masturbation sleeve for him. The two toys interact with one another via Bluetooth, and the package also contains a video chat platform.

The Onyx contracts to mimic vaginal contractions, and it requires no effort from the man; it contracts in conjunction with the woman’s use of her Pearl, wherever she may be in the world. In this way, long-distance lovers can visibly and physically simulate having sex with one another.

Male-and-female couples can purchase a Kiiroo set at a discounted price of $369.00. The company also offers a package for gay couples, going for $468.00 (the Onyx is pricier than the Pearl). Individual toys can be purchased for a slightly higher price than when purchased as part of a set.

LovePalz Twist
 
As with Kiiroo, LovePalz Twist is a product line that features him-and-her masturbation toys. Also like Kiiroo, it comes with a virtual platform through which lovers can watch one another. They can also control one another’s toys.

What sets LovePalz apart from Kiiroo is the social media function it incorporates. The LovePalz Club is a place where users can create profiles, connect with other users and have virtual sex sessions with both people they know and total strangers. It’s also nice for those who fear rejection, since one’s "Like" will only be seen by another user if he or she also sends a "Like."

LovePalz Twist is more affordable than the Onyx and Pearl; the women’s Twist goes for $79.00, while the men’s Twist costs $89.00.

Safety
 
When using sex toys, people should make sure to practice proper hygiene and aftercare. Toys should be thoroughly washed with a mild cleanser, dried and stored in a clean place (many come with special storage bags).

Whether using a vibrator or masturbation sleeve, it’s a good idea to use lubricant. This can help prevent friction and tearing of the penile skin and vagina.

Men can take an extra step to protect their skin from chafing, making it all-the-more appealing to the person on the other end of their video chat sessions. Using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with natural moisturizers will leave their skin vibrant, soft and smooth - and while their chat partners can’t actually touch their members, men can bet that they will want to.

Sex Toys for Long-Distance Lovers

Internet access via computer and smartphone have opened up a lot of opportunity for long-distance lovers to maintain intimacy - and that includes sexual intimacy. This is important, since sexual health is crucial both for the well-being of each partner and for nearly any relationship. From sexting to Snapchat to video chatting, partners can enjoy one another’s bodies from afar. While these forms of long-distance intimacy are great, advances in technology are now making it possible for people to more directly pleasure one another, fostering greater connections between spread-out lovers. Anyone with a partner far away should know about the following sex toys.

Lovense
 
This his-and-hers toy set is truly a marvel of the modern world. It comes with the Nora - a dildo with a clitoral stimulator for her - and the Max - a masturbation sleeve for him. The toys are controlled via an app, which acts like a remote. The Nora dildo has rotating beads inside it and a vibrating arm for outside, the speeds of which can be controlled; the Max sleeve contains an air pump that contracts to mimic vaginal contractions, and it vibrates as well - speed of contractions and vibration can be controlled.

Partners can control their own toys for solo play, but the true magic of the Lovense set comes from the fact that the toys can interact with one another via the app. That means that, when she cranks up the rotating beads/vibration of her Nora, his Max contracts and vibrates faster, and vice versa. This interactivity of the toys gets long-distance lovers as close to having sex with one another as is likely possible. The set will run from $200-$400, which isn’t anything to sneeze at, but it may be worth it for partners who don’t get to see one another often.

Vibease
 
This is not so much a his-and-hers toy, as only one stimulating toy is involved; however, the control it gives the man may make it plenty stimulating for him as well. The Vibease is a wearable clitoral vibrator that fits inside a woman’s panties; she can wear it to bed, around the house or even out and about, depending on how daring she is. The man can activate the vibrator and vary its speed using an app from any location. At any time.

Couples who use a toy like the Vibease need to discuss ground rules - when will she wear it? How important is the element of surprise here? Are there any blocks of time that will be off limits on a particular day? Working these questions out will ensure that the experience is highly pleasurable without coming at an inopportune time. This toy will likely run partners between $90 and $120, depending on whether it’s on sale.

Clone a Willy
 
Sometimes a woman wants a particular penis inside her, and when the man possessing that penis is far away, nothing else might feel as good. Now, she can get pretty damn close. This cloning kit comes with a molding gel to make a detailed mold of the penis and silicone to fill the mold with. The finished product looks like real skin. There are Clone a Pussy kits as well, but they only clone the outside (vulva) and aren’t designed to have sex with. The kits are fairly cheap, running under $40 each.

Getting these and other sex toys involved in a couple’s playtime can lead to more frequent sensual activity - which means greater need for penile care. The skin of the penis is delicate and prone to chafing with frequent use and rough handling. Just because a lover is far away doesn’t mean a man can slack on keeping his manhood in peak condition. Using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is a great idea, since it packs in natural moisturizers (Shea butter and vitamin E) and even contains the neuroprotective ingredient acetyl L-carnitine, which helps preserve nerve sensitivity in the member. So get some great sex toys, engage with a long-distance lover and take the best care of the penis possible.

Sex Toys for Him and Her: Thank God for Technology

Technology has made some exciting strides in the realm of sex toys. Toys aren’t just for women; there are plenty of options out there for men as well, and they’ve gone a long way from the "pocket pussy" (not that there’s anything wrong with that old stand-by!). Frequent ejaculation is believed to be a component of good penis health, and masturbation is a great way for a man to get to know his body. Not to mention, it’s one of the more enjoyable activities in the world. Learning about the amazing options out there can help a man expand his masturbatory horizons, and his lady’s, too.

Autoblow 2
 
As the name suggests, the Autoblow 2 is designed to simulate the feeling of oral sex. It has a sleeve in which the penis is inserted, and two rows of rollers that move up and down the penis via motor power. The sleeve is easy to wash. It is recommended that men use a water-based lube with the toy. The Autoblow 2 runs upwards of $159.00, but for a hands-free solo-based simulated blow job, that’s not likely too steep for many men.

Lovely
 
The Lovely is a wearable device for the penis that serves many functions. First, it vibrates, which is a pleasurable experience whether with a partner or on one’s own. But where the real technology comes in is with the Lovely App; the device records data, including thrusting G-force, speed and sex positions, and sends this information to an app that men can use to analyze their performance. Partners can participate in this process as well. Along with vibrating and giving performance information, the app makes suggestions for new positions to try. Finally, it counts how many calories a man burns during his romp.
Lovely’s creators launched an IndieGoGo campaign to fund the product, but the campaign fell short. However, the creators are continuing to gather investors, so men should keep their eyes out for this fun device.

OhMiBod blueMotion
 
This funky toy allows couples to get frisky in public, adding a whole new level to foreplay. The man uses an Android or iPhone app to control the vibrator from up to 30 feet away, and the toy can be worn by a woman wherever she goes (it comes with a thong that contains a pocket for the vibrator). This opens up some options for couples with a naughty streak - the man can surprise the woman with a pulse here or there while they’re out on the town, or send her on a prolonged journey to orgasm unexpectedly from another room. Discuss boundaries with partners.

These are but a few of the many options out there for playful men, and, with ever-advancing technology, the market can only be expected to grow more innovative and titillating.

As men incorporate new toys into the mix, they may find themselves spending a bit more time than before using their members. It’s important to practice good hygiene and take extra care of the skin to prevent chafing and dryness.

Along with thoroughly washing all sex toys with mild cleanser and using plenty of lube, men may also want to invest in a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A crème with Shea butter and vitamin E provides superior moisture to protect skin from the frictions of the day and night, helping keep it soft, smooth and ready for the next romp, be it with a hand, toy or partner. Man1 Man Oil also contains acetyl L-carnitine, which has neuroprotective properties; this is important, as frequent and/or rough handling can lead to a deadening of penile nerves and therefore of pleasure over time. Keep the penis in top form with a penis health crème to ensure that those sex toys stay enjoyable for the long-haul.

Healthy Penis Future: The Spray-On Condom

Every man (hopefully) knows that using a condom is one good way to help maintain a healthy penis. In addition to being a big aid in terms of birth control, the condom is also helpful in safeguarding penis health by reducing the risk of contracting STIs. Unfortunately, condoms have some drawbacks - and that is why some scientists are investigating the possibility of a spray-on condom.

Drawbacks
 
Any man who has used a condom knows that there are some drawbacks associated with it. First and foremost is probably the time that it can take to apply one.

Suppose a man has found himself, happily but unexpectedly, with a delectable woman in his embrace. Things move quickly as passion builds up. The couple agrees to take things to the ultimate level sexually and both are primed to go. Unfortunately, the man must locate his condom, pull it out from the drawer in which it resides, find a way to tear open the package without tearing open the condom, unroll it enough for application and fit it across his erect member - and all the time that he is engaging in this behavior, he must keep the steamy mood intact. In the heat of the moment, the relatively short amount of time it takes to apply a condom can seem like an eternity.

But there are other drawbacks, of course. Getting a condom with a proper fit - not too tight, not too loose - is important, but can be a challenge. After trial and error, a man finds what fits, but trial and error is not what one wants with a condom.

In addition, some men have latex allergies which require them to use non-latex kinds. These are available but not as easy to find.

The spray-on version
 
For these and other reasons, scientists are investigating the viability of a condom that can be sprayed on the penis.

The theory goes: A form of latex could be created to go in an aerosol-type can. When a man needs a condom, he simply reaches for the can, sprays it on his erect penis and creates a latex sheath that enables him to engage in protected sex without unwrapping and unrolling a traditional condom.

Benefits
 
One of the benefits is very clear: A spray-on condom would be custom fit to the manhood at hand. There would be nothing too loose or too tight, and therefore no worries about it slipping off or constricting blood flow.

Scientists also theorize that this would increase the effectiveness of condom use; most issues with condom effectiveness are related to the manner in which they are used, rather than to problems with the condoms themselves.

Issues
 
But spray-on condoms might have issues of their own. Of greatest concern is the drying time. Can one be created that will dry speedily? Waiting several minutes for this to happen defeats the purpose of it.
There are also questions about how long such a condom would last; can they develop one that is sure to last through a lengthy sexual encounter? Also of concern: How easy will it be for a man to know, at the height of his excitement, that he has covered his entire package without leaving any spots unprotected?


The spray-on condom is still many years in the future, so these questions are sure to be addressed. In the meantime, ensuring a healthy penis means not only using a typical, traditional condom for STI prevention but also regularly applying a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to attend to everyday penis health concerns. For example, many men sport a manhood that carries a persistent unwanted odor. A crème with vitamin A, which has strong anti-bacterial properties, can help to fight this problem. It also helps to use a crème with alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that offsets harmful oxidative processes in penis cell metabolism which can give a member an aging, wrinkled look. Keep it healthy, keep it happy.

Masturbation Materials for an Erect Penis

Even if masturbation is an activity in which a man engages only occasionally, he may still want to experiment with methods beyond the bare hand in order to obtain a happy penis during this personal playtime. There’s no doubt that the hand provides great pleasure, but opting for a texture beyond bare skin can be invigorating. Assuming the man in question has been regularly practicing appropriate penis care and therefore is not experiencing a high degree of penis de-sensitization, there are a number of options he might wish to consider beyond the tight grip of his fist.

The old reliable
 
Often a man decides he wants to try something different after he has already begun stroking with his palm. If he is lying in his bed, the easiest option is to go with something right at hand: the bedsheets. It’s quite simple to just reach over and wrap a portion of the sheet around the erect penis and continue masturbating away. Alternatively, one can turn face down on the bed and buck the hips back and forth, simulating intercourse on top of the sheet. Either method provides an enjoyable change of pace.

The other old reliable
 
Socks are a popular option for wiping off ejaculate, especially when one masturbates just before going to sleep. But if the sock is properly soft, it can provide masturbatory pleasure when a man wraps it around his tumescent member for some stroking variation. Of course, the sock needs to be clean - and men with athlete’s foot should avoid this method.

One’s underwear
 
Another fine alternative to bare hand stroking is to use one’s own underwear. Boxers, briefs or boxer briefs - it doesn’t matter. Many men enjoy the sensation of ejaculating in their underwear and many decide to keep wearing it after the masturbation session is over. While this is an option, those who do this should still put on clean underwear soon and should clean the penis as well; otherwise, it may create an unwanted degree of penis odor.

Silk scarves
 
Few things feel as sensual or as soft as silk. A silk scarf can be a bit expensive for a masturbation tool, but many find the highly erotic sensations it produces well worth the expense. If silk is too pricey, cheaper synthetic materials can be used that also provide a worthwhile experience.

Women’s leggings
 
The tight leggings that are very popular among women can also be used for a nice change-of-pace masturbation session. Buying a pair for this purpose is more acceptable than using those of one’s girlfriend - unless she knows one is doing this and gives permission.

Women’s panties
 
Using women’s panties for masturbatory purposes is a popular fetish, but some men enjoy just trying it once or twice. Again, it’s more proper to either buy a pair for this purpose or consult with a girlfriend for permission if one wishes to use hers.

Masturbation is one way to maintain a happy penis; so is making sure it is healthy for those masturbation sessions. To help maintain that health, regular use of a first-class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is advisable. Many men who masturbate experience a loss of sensation in the penis, especially if they use a grip that is too tight. This can cause peripheral nerve damage, which "deadens" the feeling in the organ. A crème that includes neuroprotective acetyl L-carnitine is definitely needed to help protect the natural sensitivity of the manhood. Men who are not as careful as they need to be with post-ejaculation clean-up - and even many who do pay close attention to this detail - may find that an unpleasant odor forms on the penis. Persistent penis odor often responds to a crème with vitamin A, which has anti-bacterial properties that fight this problem. Seeing to the proper health of the penis is recommended for all men, and a health crème can help.

The Bent Penis: Medications That May Cause Peyronie's Disease

Some curvature of the penis is common, but when one has a severely bent penis, it can cause some significant issues for a man. There can be many causes of excessive curvature, and sometimes the medications a man is taking contribute to this condition. In order to ensure proper penis health, men need to know a little about Peyronie’s disease, as excessive curvature is often called.

What is Peyronie’s disease?
 
As stated above, many men have a small or modest degree of curvature to their penis when it is erect. This is not something to be concerned about. Many women find a degree of curvature quite aesthetically pleasing or exciting. As long as the curvature does not interfere with a man’s sexual pleasure, he usually need not be concerned.

In some cases, however, the bend is so extreme that sexual activity and enjoyment are negatively affected. When the source of this bending is a build-up of plaque or lumps in the penis, it is typically diagnosed as Peyronie’s disease.

Type of curve
 
Peyronie’s is not associated with a particular type of curve. It may bend up, down, to the left or to the right; the direction does not matter in terms of diagnosis. Sometimes, plaque builds up on both the top and bottom of the penis; in these cases, it may cause the penis to become somewhat shorter than it would otherwise be when erect.

Pain
 
In some instances there is little or no pain associated with Peyronie’s, but in other cases stiffening of the member may cause substantial pain. It is also not uncommon for a man with Peyronie’s to experience some pain or discomfort during sexual activities.

Conversely, some men report that the build-up of plaque actually causes a "deadening" or loss of some sensation in the penis. This often interferes with their sexual pleasure.

Causes
 
There are a number of things which can cause Peyronie’s. Trauma to the penis is a common cause, occurring when the member experiences rough handling or a sharp blow. There is also an association between Peyronie’s and gout, heart disease and diabetes.

Many doctors also believe that some medications and supplements can be contributing factors to this bent penis condition. Among the medications which are considered to be possible contributing factors are:

- Beta blockers. Many people with high blood pressure and/or heart disease are prescribed a class of medicines called beta blockers to help deal with these issues. Beta blockers are associated with fibrotic tissue disorders, which include Peyronie’s disease. If a man is using a beta blocker and suspects that there may be a connection with Peyronie’s in his case, he should discuss alternative medication options with his doctor.

- Anti-seizure drugs. Some drugs used to control seizures, such as phenytoin, are also on the Peyronie’s cause list. Again, discussing possible alternative with a doctor should be considered.

- Interferon. Interferon is often used in treating multiple sclerosis, as well as such conditions as leukemia and hepatitis C.

A severely bent penis, due to Peyronie’s or other causes, can be an issue for many men. If medications are adding to the problem, and others can safely be substituted, this will be a substantial help. However, a man may also want to use a quality penis health crème(health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to restore and maintain the organ’s health. (Even men without Peyronie’s can benefit substantially from a first-rate crème.) Those crèmes with acetyl L-carnitine are preferred; this is a neuroprotective ingredient which helps with peripheral nerve damage, such as that associated with Peyronie’s. Acetyl L-carnitine can assist in restoring lost sensitivity to the member. Another important ingredient in a crème is alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L-carnitine have a synergistic effect, and can offset harmful oxidative damage to penile cells.