Penis Health: How to Perform Self-Examinations

Men generally don’t need to be told to spend time looking at and feeling their penises; these are activities they tend to perform frequently and on a voluntary basis. However, it’s important to pay this type of attention to the penis for purposes beyond the recreational. Self-examinations are how many men first become aware of symptoms that may indicate poor penis health. Since early detection and treatment are ideal for most all health conditions, men should commit to performing regular examinations of the equipment with an eye toward abnormalities. Keep the following in mind when performing self-exams.

Testicles
 
Men should spend some time with their testicles to feel for any lumps, painful areas or surface bumps. The ideal time to examine the sack is when a man has just emerged from a warm shower, as the testicles will be descended.

Go one at a time. Take a testicle in the fingers and gently roll it around. If a man has a painful or tender area, this could indicate an infection. If he feels a hard area or lump, no matter how small, this could be the first sign of testicular cancer. In either case, a man should seek medical attention to confirm or rule out a health problem.

Men should also look and feel for surface bumps that may indicate a rash or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Different rashes and infections manifest in different ways. Anything abnormal is reason to seek out diagnosis from a medical professional.

The Penis
 
There are a number of things to look and feel for along the penis:

- Bumps, sores or warts: Beginning with the head (and under the foreskin if uncircumcised), a man should slowly and carefully examine for these symptoms. Move to the shaft next, being mindful not to neglect the hard-to-see underside (a mirror can help here). Once a man has felt and visually examined the head and shaft, move on to the base. Separate pubic hair and examine the skin beneath it for bumps, sores or warts.

- Urethral symptoms: Men should pay attention to how the opening of their penises feel, and to what comes out of them. Does it burn when one urinates? Is there abnormal discharge coming from the tip? These may indicate infections that require treatment.

- Sensitivity levels: A man should also reflect on his sensitivity levels. If he notices that he requires a tighter grip in order to feel pleasure when masturbating, for example, or has a hard time staying hard with a partner, these could indicate decreased penile sensitivity. Resolving the issue may involve treating an underlying nerve or circulation problem, or simply changing his masturbation habits to reacquaint his penis to gentler stimulation.

- Skin condition: How’s the skin look and feel? Is it smooth and supple or dry and flaky? Keeping the skin in good condition is important both for aesthetic and health reasons - chronically chafed skin can lead to reduced sensitivity levels over time.

Things that generally are not causes for concern are: a slight curve when erect; variation in color along the penis (unless sudden); Fordyce spots; pearly penile papules.

If a man notices that his skin could be in better condition down there, he can begin using a skin care product made just for men. A quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) will effectively manage common skin issues such as dryness and flakiness that may be caused by the frictions of the day and night. Man1 Man Oil contains Shea butter and vitamin E, two exceptional natural moisturizers. Taking a little time each day to apply the crème gives men the opportunity to feel around while contributing to the health of their members.

Sexual Health Boost from Aphrodisiacal Scents: Pumpkin Spice

The onset of fall brings with it many delights - cooler temperature, colorful foliage and the oft-mocked diffuse proliferation of all things pumpkin-spiced. Men may be surprised to learn that the latter can actually be beneficial to sexual health.

The connection between the olfactory system and emotional and psychological states is fairly well established. The area of the brain in which people process smells is the same area in which sexual thoughts and desires occur. This is why some scents have aphrodisiacal powers. Some of the scents in question are rather intuitive - lavender and musk, for example. But the smell of pumpkin pie holds a lesser-known, and fairly high, spot on the list of enticing scents.

The study
 
In a recent study, 31 male volunteers wore odorized masks while their penile blood flow levels were tested. The study involved 30 scents - 24 individual fragrances and 6 combinations of 2 scents. All participants were first given a non-odorized mask to provide a baseline penile blood flow reading.
All aromas tested produced at least some increase in penile blood flow, but two out of the top three blood flow boosters involved pumpkin pie scent: the combination of pumpkin pie and lavender, resulting in a 40% increase, and the combination of pumpkin pie and doughnut smells, yielding a 20% increase. The combination of doughnut and black licorice scents came in second, with a 31.5% increase. Pumpkin pie scent by itself yielded an 8.5% increase in blood flow.

Incorporate the smell of fall
 
Men who want a boost in sexual desire and erectile function may, therefore, benefit from incorporating the smell of fall into their sex lives. This can be done in a number of ways:

- Bake a pie! Whether homemade or store-bought, throwing a pumpkin pie in the oven can fill the house with a sexy scent.

- Get some fresh pumpkin doughnuts. Make use of the combined effects of these powerful aromas.

- Candle up. Light a pumpkin spice candle to fill the room with deliciousness. Consider lighting a lavender candle as well, since these two scents showed to be the most powerful tag-team in the study.

- Spike the coffee. Go for a fancy pumpkin-spiced latte to bring some excitement to the morning.
- Lavender lotion/soap: Use lavender-scented body products, and ask one’s partner to as well. This will keep the sweet scent with a man and partner while they enjoy their pumpkin treats.

Choose candles wisely
 
Not all candles are created equally when it comes to the ability to boost sex drive. A South Carolina State University study from 2009 found that petroleum-derived candles, which are often cheap and artificially scented, emit toxins in the air that can lower sex drive. Don’t counteract the sexiness of pumpkin spice with pollutants; look for candles made of other materials, such as beeswax. Same goes for lavender and other scents.

Attention to smell all around
 
Along with boosting pleasant, stimulating odors, it is of course a good idea to cut down on offending odors that may interfere with one’s sexual arousal. Take out the garbage; wash the dirty socks; take a shower.

Another common area of unpleasant odor for men is the penis. While washing with warm water, and maybe a mild cleanser, is generally enough to keep strong manhood odor at bay, some men benefit from extra protection. Using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with vitamin A can be of assistance here. Vitamin A is a natural bacteria-fighter, and many instances of strong and unpleasant penis odor are caused by a buildup of bacteria. While regular washing is the main step to take, adding in a health crème is a wise supplementary approach for keeping the manhood’s natural, appealing musk front and center.

Penis Health: Choosing the Right Lubricants

Having lubricant around for both partner-based and solo sexual activity is a great idea. Excessive friction from masturbation and sex can eventually lead to a partial de-sensitization of the penis, something that impedes on a man’s ability to enjoy sexual activities. In the interest of maintaining proper penile health, then, men should lube up. But where does one start? There are a variety of lubricants on the market, and many around-the-house products that men might be tempted to try out for the purpose. The following guide will help men figure out when to use certain types of lubricant and which types of avoid.

Shampoo: No. Don’t masturbate with shampoo or conditioner. These products tend to be too harsh for the delicate penis skin, and can cause dryness and irritation.

Soap: No as well, and for the same reasons that shampoo is not advised as lube for masturbation (or sex!).

Lotions: Most men have a bottle or two of body lotion lying around, and may be tempted to reach for one when it’s time to crank one out. This might work out fine, but sometimes the ingredients in body lotions - such as chemicals or fragrances - may be too harsh for the penile skin. Irritation may result. In general, it’s a good plan to opt for a product specifically designed for the purpose of sexual lubrication.

Water-based products: These are the most common types of lubricants on the market. They are compatible with sex toys of various materials and, importantly, with latex condoms. Water-based lubes are generally great for partner sex, but look out for the ingredient glycerin; this can promote vaginal yeast infections. Water-based lubes may dry out more quickly than other types and require reapplication more frequently. They are, however, cheap, and easily wash off clothing and bedding.

Oil-based products: Products such as Vaseline, baby oil, coconut oil and vitamin E oil are super slick and tend to feel very nice on the penis. However, they cannot be used in conjunction with latex condoms, as oils tend to break down the material. When used without a condom or with a different material, they may promote yeast infections in women prone to them. These products are messy and difficult to clean off, and are therefore not ideal for partner sex. Men might prefer them for solo play. Just keep in mind that these greasy products may clog pores, so men prone to acne may wish to avoid them.

Silicone-based products: These products last longer than water-based ones and can be used with latex condoms. However, they shouldn’t be used with sex toys that are made of silicone. This type of lube is more expensive than water-based lube and more difficult to clean off. Some women experience a notable reaction to silicone-based lubes, so a product should be tested on a small area before slathering it on for partner sex.

Ingredients to avoid
The following ingredients are associated with yeast infections, bacterial infections and other complications when used in partner sex:
- Sorbitol
- Glycerin
- Parabens
- Petroleum
- Chlorhexidine
- Nonoxynol-9

Read ingredient labels well to ensure that the product is safe for both oneself and one’s partner.

Even when men heed the need for adequate lubrication, they may find that frequent masturbation and/or sex can lead to chafing and dryness of the manhood. In this case, it’s a great idea to also invest in a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). This product is not a sexual lubricant, but a daily moisturizer that can help protect the skin against friction by keeping it smooth, soft, supple and well-hydrated. Containing both Shea butter and vitamin E, Man1 Man Oil is a superior skin care product for a man’s favorite body part.

Dry Penis Skin - Prevention and Management

As fall approaches, many are ready to embrace the crisp, cool temperatures after a hot and sticky summer. And while the return of cooler temperatures may be a comfortable change of pace for many, for some it brings with it a distinctive discomfort: dry skin. As the air loses humidity, it can sap moisture from the skin. And for men, this can be especially burdensome when they are affected by dry penis skin. Practicing appropriate penis care during the cooler months can help prevent and manage dry skin in the nether regions.
The following tips will help men’s manhood skin stay hydrated and healthy.

Avoid hot water
A nice, hot shower is delightful on a cold fall morning. But hot water can dry the skin out, particularly in combination with crisp air. Stick with warm water when washing the member.

Skip the soap
Guys might be able to use a mild cleanser on the penis at certain times of the year with no problem, but they may find their washing regimen causes issues once autumn sets in. Men might do well do change their washing habits with the changing color of the leaves, then. Go with warm water for washing the penis, skipping the soap.

Don’t skip the briefs
Some men loosen up the underwear protocol during the summer when soft shorts and swim trunks are in play. But once it’s time to put the jeans back on, it’s a good idea to wear a protective layer between the coarse material and a man’s delicate penile skin, since denim can chafe the skin. Cotton underwear is soft and breathable, making it a suitable material for undergarments.

Use lube
Some guys find that they enjoy masturbating without lube, and sometimes, their penises may produce ample natural lubrication to prevent chafing. But this may fall through once the weather turns colder. If one is prone to dry skin in the colder months, it’s a good idea to use lube, even if one is not accustomed to the practice. This goes for sex, too.

Stay hydrated
One way to promote proper moisture levels of the skin is from within - by drinking plenty of water. Guys may think they can decrease water intake after the summer, since they’re not likely sweating as much, but maintaining high levels of hydration is always important. And it can be a boon in the skin department in particular during the fall and winter.

Moisturize
Just as men put lotion on the rest of their bodies to moisturize the skin, it’s important to do so on the penis as well if it’s prone to dryness. This can not only provide moisture to the skin, but prevent the cool air from sapping it away.
Men may be tempted to reach for whatever lotion they may have lying around and slap it on the penis. However, this isn’t always the best plan. Penis skin is more delicate than skin on the rest of the body, and many lotions contain chemicals or fragrances that may irritate the manhood skin.

That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a product designed specifically for the penis. A quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help lock in moisture without irritating penis skin. Man1 Man Oil contains both Shea butter and vitamin E, two powerful yet gentle natural moisturizers that keep the skin smooth, soft and supple. This moisturizer also contains ingredients to support penile health in other ways. L-arginine promotes increased circulation, which aids in strong erections; acetyl L-carnitine protects nerve health, which is imperative for proper penile sensitivity levels. Adding such a crème to a man’s regimen can boost the look and feel of his member, not only during the colder months, but year-round.

Oral Sex: Tongue Tips for Men

No matter how good the sexual experience, anybody is always open to even better sex - and men should know that while a healthy penis is essential for sexual satisfaction, sometimes a woman may desire a little extra something from another body part: the tongue. Even men who are cunnilingual enthusiasts may not be as expert at giving oral sex as they may think. So, without neglecting the prime attention to penis care which a man needs, he should also spend some time learning how to use his tongue to better advantage with a few sex tips.

It's not all about the vagina.

When a man thinks about oral sex with a woman, his thoughts pretty much focus on the vagina and stay there.

In fact, as pleasurable as oral attention to the vagina is, a woman usually enjoys a little attention elsewhere. A guy should start where he's got the greatest experience: the mouth. Engaging in some long, loving kisses is pretty much guaranteed to be a good start. But if it's agreed that a guy is going to be dedicating himself to orally pleasuring a woman, he should also move beyond mere kissing. Running the tongue sensually along a partner's lips or gently, lightly nibbling on the lips can be quite erotic for some women.

From the lips, move on to other areas of the body as one works one's way down. For example, kissing the nape or lingering at the earlobes can be very arousing. And definitely spend a nice long time kissing, licking and - if this can be done with enough sensitivity - lightly nibbling the breasts and nipples.

But it still is a lot about the vagina.

All of this is important, but it's still a preliminary to engaging orally with the vagina. Keep these tips in mind while demonstrating your expertise with your tongue:

- Start slowly. The clitoris is keenly sensitive, and it may take a few minutes for it to become acclimated to a guy's ministrations. A man shouldn't dive in with all he has; rather, he should slowly warm it up. It's important to take one's time and to move one's tongue slowly around the entire clitoris. (Remember: some of it is hidden under the "hood," so don't just concentrate on what is visible.)

- Take breaks. Let the clitoris have a few moments to adjust, especially in the beginning. Transfer attentions to the pubic mound or to the thighs, and then return to the "main event" again. But be judicious in taking breaks: Once the appropriate rhythm is established, it will be frustrating if a man sneaks away, even for a minute.

- Commit to it. Once it is clear that one's partner has become wholly engaged, the man needs to make a strong commitment to bringing her maximum pleasure. One method which often brings about the most pleasure for a woman is when, after the vulva has been warmed up, the man places his mouth open around a wide area and creates a kind of "suction seal." Sucking gently but committedly while at the same time allowing the tongue to flicker back and forth (paying special attention to the clitoris) is often the best way to bring about a memorable orgasm.

Giving oral sex to one's partner is a marvelous way to show one cares - and it very often leads to a reciprocal effort on her part.

Of course, if a guy wants oral sex (or better sex of any kind), it helps if he presents a healthy penis; after all, no woman wants to put in her mouth an organ that doesn't look appealing. Regular use of a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help address many common penis health issues. For example, a man whose manhood carries a strong (and not pleasant) odor may benefit from a crème with vitamin A. This crucial vitamin has anti-bacterial properties which may eliminate persistent penile odor. Men with a cracked, wrinkled look to their penis skin need a crème that also contains a potent antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid. This can defuse the oxidative processes that make member look prematurely aged.

Erect Penis Exposure: Rules for Nude Snapchat Pics

Snapchat has become enormously popular in recent years as a means of sharing photos with friends and acquaintances - and not surprisingly, a number of those photos feature an erect penis. Because Snapchat is supposed to be ephemeral in nature, with photos visible to the recipient only and for a limited amount of time, many feel that nude Snapchat photos are safe, but that’s not always the case. And even if a man’s careful attention to penis care means that his erect penis is a thing of beauty, it may still not be something that he wants shared with the world.

With that in mind, here are a few rules for nude Snapchat pics.

1) When not to do it. If a person is concerned about the possibility that a nude photo of him- or herself might become embarrassing, he or she needs to simply resist the temptation to take that snap. And yes, that does apply to Snapchat, in spite of its temporary nature.

Why? Photos are deleted from Snapchat rather quickly, but that doesn’t mean that the recipient can’t turn to his or her nearby friend and share a pic or two. Also, it’s easy to take a screenshot of the photo or to use another camera to take a photo of the photo.

So the best course of action for privacy is simply not to do it. However, many people will decide that the enjoyment outweighs the risk of unwanted exposure and so should definitely continue reading the following rules.

2) Think before sending. The world today is exceptionally fast-paced. The internet has made instantaneous communication across vast distances possible. As a result, people tend to make snap decisions and send off emails, texts, tweets and posts without a moment’s hesitation. When dealing with a nude Snapchat, it pays to take a moment to mull over whether this is appropriate. One should consider how well one knows recipients, how trustworthy they are, how respectful of one’s wishes, etc. The internet is filled with pictures of people fondling themselves, posted by lovers whom they would have sworn would never do such a thing.

3) Be careful when sending. Another problem with the fast pace of today’s society is that more mistakes get made. When a person rushes, it simply increases the likelihood of error. And one of the most common errors is sending a text, email, etc. to an unintended recipient. This is why it’s absolutely crucial that a person double- and triple-checks before sending that nude Snapchat; if one’s mother receives what was intended for one’s girlfriend, she may not be proud of how big her boy has become. And if one’s boss receives it, the unemployment line may be in the future.

4) Ask before sending. Guys tend to be very proud of their penises - and why not? But that doesn’t mean that every woman they go out with wants a penis shot. Indeed, many would consider an unsolicited nude photo to be harassment. A guy needs to be very sure that a woman would want a reminder of his erect penis before even asking, let alone sending.

5) Never share without permission. When one receives a nude photo, it is essential that one does NOT violate the implied trust by sharing this with another person unless it has explicitly been stated that this is alright - and that both parties are clear about who else gets to see it. Unauthorized sharing is a violation of another person’s rights and can be seriously damaging.

Now, if one is in the appropriate position to send a Snapchat of his erect penis, he wants it to look its very best - and so should be using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). No member looks good with dry or flaky skin, rashes, splotches, etc. Fortunately, a crème with natural moisturizers such as Shea butter and vitamin E can help keep penis skin nice and supple. And vitamin C makes that erect penis appear even more radiant, thanks to that vitamin’s role in collagen production and penile tissue firmness. If one must snap, make sure the manhood is worth snapping.

Penis Odor: Does Diet Affect It?

An unpleasant and persistent penis odor is a major issue for many men, and one that can be off-putting to potential partners. A man may have scored big points for his charm, looks, wit and other factors, yet lose them all when he drops his trousers and a strong stench emanates forth. Proper penis care is definitely needed to address this problem, and that may include making a change in one’s diet.

Causes
 
Penis odor of varying degrees is common among men, and for several reasons. The hair surrounding the penis creates an "insulating" factor which increases the likelihood of sweat. The fact that blood rushing to the member during states of erection increases the heat quotient also contributes, as does the common practice of enclosing the manhood beneath both a pair of trousers and a pair of underwear. All this makes for a heated situation, creating sweat and adding bacteria to the area which results in odor.

Diet
 
However, some men find that making alterations in their diet can have an effect on their overall odor issues, including those specifically related to the penis. This is because what is consumed by the body has an impact on what is released from the body, including what is released through the sweat glands.
With that in mind, the following are a few tips on changes to the diet that may help reduce the pungency of the penis odor a man produces.

Water. One of the biggest factors affecting general odor is dehydration. When a man does not drink enough water, his system doesn’t get "flushed" properly. It is easier for odor-causing bacteria to become concentrated and therefore be more potent. Also, there is less chance for the broken-down food components to become more diluted and less strong.

How much water should a person drink every day? This is difficult to answer, as it ultimately depends on a person’s height and weight, level of activity, amount of sweat produced, etc. However, the general guidelines from the Institute of Medicine recommend 13 cups (about 3 liters) every day for an adult male.

A man can also receive hydrating benefits from other fluids; clear juices are best for this. Coffee and tea can have an odor-enhancing effect.

Fruits. Many fruits help to produce a more appealing smell, while at the same time assisting with the hydration issue. Among the fruits recommended for helping to fight odor are plums, pineapple, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and mangoes. So adding some lemon or lime to one’s water helps provide an extra boost.

Herbs. A number of herbs are recommended for a more appealing aroma. Chewing on a few spearmint leaves or adding a little cilantro to the diet can make a difference.

Beware: Fish and some vegetables. While it’s good to include fish and vegetables in the diet, some are more likely to cause odors; figuring out the proper amount to eat and still maintain a healthy balance between diet and odor is helpful. Among the vegetables to approach with a degree of discretion are asparagus, broccoli, onions, garlic and Brussels sprouts.

While altering the diet can help reduce penis odor, proper hygiene is still essential to get to the root of the problem. Every man’s daily penis health routine should include the use of a first-rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A crème with vitamin A, which has potent anti-bacterial properties, is especially valuable for fighting persistent penis odor. Sometimes odor also results from unhealthy skin. Fighting this issue requires a crème that delivers a combination of natural hydrators, such as Shea butter and vitamin E. By keeping the member well-moisturized, the skin will be healthier and better able to withstand odor onslaught.