Sexual Health Tips: Boost Suspense with Better Foreplay

Many couples fall into sexual routines, including regimented foreplay, which can really dampen the excitement that ought to come with sex. But the goal of foreplay isn’t simply to get a partner erect or wet - or, at least, it can be so much more than that, and partners would do well to capitalize on the massive potential of getting not only physically primed, but mentally fired up for sex. Since sexual health is a key component of relationship health as well as individual wellbeing, beefing up one’s foreplay skills is a worthy endeavor.

Preliminaries
 
Before engaging in any kind of foreplay, even if it’s "just" verbal, a man should know that his partner is comfortable with what he’s about to dish out. Don’t just jump into super dirty talk and strong language without knowing that the partner is not only tolerant of, but really "into" it. The goal is to stimulate, not push boundaries.

Start Apart
 
The first step is to divest oneself of the idea that foreplay begins and ends with physical contact. A lover’s hot spots can be accessed through the mind - and are best accessed in that manner for building sexual suspense leading up to the big event.

Consider beginning foreplay while at work or otherwise apart from one another. Well before meeting up, revel in imagining and fantasizing. And most importantly, share! A man can make a phone call, send an email or shoot a text during his lunch break to let that special partner know just how much he’s been thinking about her [x], or just how badly he wants to do [x].

Continue in Public
 
Perhaps the couple is meeting friends for dinner; maybe a mundane trip to the grocery store is in order. Partners can find a way to sauce up these public occasions. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme. A simple brush of the thigh under the dinner table or a suggestive glance when she picks up that zucchini could suffice. He can let her know he’s thinking of her in a sexual way and anticipating what is to come.

Give a Countdown
 
Once finally alone together, don’t just drop the verbal element; words can continue to amplify the experience for her. A man can keep building suspense by giving his partner a "countdown" of sorts. As they snuggle, kiss, caress, etc., he can tell her he’s going to do her favorite thing to her, whatever that may be, in two minutes. As the touching ramps up, continue the countdown. "One more minute…" and so on. She’ll be buzzing with anticipation, and the experience of her favorite thing will be heightened. And since the ears tend to be a sensitive area for many people, whispering words into a lover’s ear between licks and kisses can bring this suspenseful speech over the top - and one’s lover along with it.

If a couple has taken to heart the importance of mental engagement for sex that stays exciting in the long-haul, they may find an increase in their activity. And while the importance of verbal play should not be underestimated, it also mustn’t overshadow the need to take care of one’s body as well. Keeping the penis protected against chafing and desensitization from rough and/or frequent use is crucial for any man, and using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is a good way to go about it. Equipped with natural moisturizers and neuroprotective acetyl L-carnitine, Man1 Man Oil hydrates the penile skin, keeping it smooth and supple, while maintaining nerve sensitivity. Healthy skin and nerves are imperative for function and pleasure in the long-run, and a quality skin care product is one way to promote both.

Excited Penis Plans: Tips for the One-Night Stand

While there’s a lot to be said for long-term relationships, many men (and women) also enjoy a one-night stand - a no-strings-attached romp in bed with someone who is usually a stranger. When a man has an excited penis, sometimes nothing is quite the same as a "no commitment, no worries" sexual escapade. Naturally, a guy wants to have been practicing proper penis health so that his equipment is in good shape for such an experience, but there are other considerations to ponder as well before embarking on a one-night stand.

Protection is paramount.
 
Just because a guy is unlikely to see a woman after sating his excited penis doesn’t mean that he can’t take an unwanted souvenir or two home from a one-night stand. As a matter of fact, it could be argued that the more casual the encounter and the less known about the partner, the more important it is to make sure that proper protection is used to minimize the risk of both STIs and unwanted pregnancy.

Many men need to really have this drilled into their heads. In the heat of the moment, it’s very important not to embark on a sexual journey without (1) checking to determine if there are any issues in the partner’s sexual past that could cause concern and (2) using a condom (as well as other forms of protection). Men need to remember: It’s simply not worth it.

Be prepared for awkwardness.
 
Some one-night stands are near perfection; both parties are on the same wavelength, have the same ideas about what they’re getting into and connect on at least a sexual level. But sometimes, things don’t go so smoothly.

For example, if it takes a long time to get from the night club or bar where the two participants meet to the bedroom, the passion can cool off. Conversation may be forced in order to rid what feels like awkward silence, creating a stiff environment (and not in the pants).

In another scenario, things may go beautifully all the way through the actual sex - but afterwards, the participants may become self-conscious or regretful. In some cases, one of the partners may want to stay the night while the other wants the experience to end. And, of course, sometimes one partner wants the one night to stretch into something longer term - which is fine, except that the other partner may not share this desire.

There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to these moments of awkwardness, but here are some tips to remember:

- If a woman changes her mind and says no, a man needs to respect that. No matter how aroused he may be and how much frustration (or anger) he may feel, he cannot proceed against her wishes.

- If there’s likely to be a lengthy trip from pick-up to home, try to be prepared for it. For example, taking a taxi allows a man to be free to express himself physically. Heavy kissing in the backseat may keep the mood hotter than forced conversation when the man’s behind the steering wheel.

- If a woman decides after the fact that she would like to move beyond a one-night relationship and the man does not share this desire, he should make this clear. He should be as respectful and as considerate as possible, but it’s better to be clear about it than to lead her on or to promise that he will call and then not do so.

Hopefully, any one-night stand will be equally satisfying for both partners. That excited penis is likely to impress this transient partner much more if it is obviously in good health. Using a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can be a big plus in this area. Many men’s members have a cracked, wrinkly look to them because the skin is not being adequately cared for. Use of a crème with a potent antioxidant such as alpha lipoic acid helps offset harmful oxidative stress that causes that prematurely aged look. Also important: a crème with L-arginine, as that enzyme plays a role in producing nitric oxide and therefore in ensuring proper penis blood flow.

The Penis Foreskin: A Woman's Guide

Although the majority of men worldwide are intact - that is, have a penis with a foreskin - in some parts of the world, such as the United States, most men are circumcised. In such areas, women rarely come into contact with a foreskin and so could benefit from a short guide to this body part. Although there is ongoing (and sometimes fierce) debate as to whether being circumcised or intact is "better" or has a positive impact on penis health, most intact men are quite satisfied with having a foreskin.

What is it?
 
The technical term for the foreskin is "prepuce," although there are many other slang terms for it (such as hood, cap, sheath, etc.). The foreskin is a flap of skin that covers the glans of the penis when it is in its resting state. When the penis becomes erect, the foreskin retracts to allow the glans to protrude. All boys are born with a foreskin; some become circumcised, meaning that the foreskin is removed.

The foreskin can provide an extra layer of protection for the glans, which can be quite sensitive otherwise. Studies also indicate that the foreskin contains highly sensitive nerve endings which can play a role in sexual stimulation. In addition, foreskin tends to be self-lubricating, which many intact men find to be a plus.

What to know
 
So what are some of the things that a woman may need to know about the foreskin? Well…

- It does retract. Although on boys the foreskin may be tight and require loosening in order to appropriately retract, in adult males the foreskin does "roll back" during the erectile process.

- But sometimes it doesn't retract. However, there are cases where the foreskin is too tight, often due to the glans becoming swollen. (The condition in which the foreskin is too tight for easy retraction is called phimosis.) If this is an issue, a man needs to see a doctor, who may recommend treatment such as application of a steroid cream or manual stretching techniques.

- Men are individual; so are their foreskins. Every guy is slightly different - and so is his foreskin. Some men have hoods that are very flexible and loose; they may enjoy having a partner gently stretch on them or roll them back. Other men's prepuces are tighter and more sensitive, and a more cautious approach may be necessary. When being introduced to a man's foreskin, a woman may want to do some exploring - with the owner's permission, of course. She can ask a man how he likes his foreskin handled or she can begin touching it and asking if what she is doing feels good, or if there is something else she should try.

- Men can be particular about their condom fittings. Some intact men prefer to slip a condom on with the foreskin covering the glans; others prefer to roll back the foreskin and expose the glans before fitting the condom on. It’s generally recommended that a man be retracted. If a woman is helping apply the condom, she should ask a man for guidance so as not to go too fast or rough.

- Hygiene is important. For all men, good penis hygiene is crucial. For intact men, washing "under the hood" is essential - and can sometimes be a little difficult. This is especially true if the foreskin is tight; rolling it back to wash under the foreskin can be challenging. On the other hand, sometimes a guy can over wash-under the skin, which can cause the glans and surrounding area to dry up.

Using a first-rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help with these foreskin cleaning challenges - and a woman can guide her man to this option. A crème with a combination of a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) can help to keep the skin moisturized. All men are prone to penis odor problems; when cleaning under the foreskin is challenging, this can be pronounced. Fortunately, a crème with vitamin A, which has potent anti-bacterial properties, can help to kill the bacteria that contribute to persistent penis odor conditions. Women may want to recommend Man1 Man Oil to their intact partners to help maintain precious penile health.

Sex Tips: The Successful At-Home Date Night

For many couples, especially long-term ones, a date night is a crucial way to keep a relationship fresh and the fire burning. While many sex tips recommend going out to new and vibrant places, an at-home date night can also be very rewarding - especially with the bedroom in such close proximity for an erotic finale to the evening. Doubtless, a successful at-home date night will benefit from proper attention to penis care, but before the member is brought out to play, the rest of the evening needs to be put together with thought and care.

Think about what she likes.
 
This is a no-brainer, but as with so many sex tips, keeping her wants and tastes foremost when planning the evening is crucial. What foods does she especially like? What sort of pre-bedroom entertainment catches her attention? What kind of decorations or setting will please her? Any partner is pleased when a man exhibits a genuine awareness of her preferences.

Now make it special.
 
Once a man has considered his partner’s likes, he needs to figure out what he can do to kick it up a notch. She may say that ordering in a pizza would be great, but perhaps she’d be even more pleased if her man made one from scratch (assuming he’s decent in the kitchen). If it’s been decided that watching a movie would be nice, don’t just pick out what’s available from the On Demand function. Instead, search out that special RomCom she loves or that movie she saw when she was a little girl and has been dying to see again. And investing in a lovely bouquet of flowers for the dinner table is almost always a good idea.

Consider something different.
 
Dinner and a movie is a fine at-home date, but maybe she’d be in the mood for something else. Consider breaking out some board games, opening up a jigsaw puzzle or playing some cards. Even better, take an existing board game and personalize it. For example, if playing a game in which one buys properties, create cards for the properties that have a personal connection (the restaurant from one’s first date, the hotel from a recent vacation, etc.).

One can move beyond games, of course. Maybe one’s partner would enjoy hearing some passionate love sonnets by a favorite poet read aloud to her. Pre-selecting a number of rhythmic tunes can allow a couple to turn their living room into a dance floor. If a guy has some talent on a musical instrument, he might perform some of his mate’s favorite numbers - and encourage her to sing along to them.

Spice things up a little.
 
Playing poker can be fun; playing strip poker can be fun and arousing. Serving dinner in the nude adds a new flavor to the meal. Adding in a sensual backrub while watching a movie helps prepare a partner for post-movie romping. Whispering bawdy limericks into a mate’s ear while putting together a jigsaw puzzle may make her blush - in a good way, of course.

Finding ways to add a little spice to the at-home date night makes it that much more special. After all, one of the pluses of staying at home on a date is that a couple can behave in a more intimate manner than in public.

As these at-home date night sex tips hopefully will result in a delicious finish to the evening, a guy will want to make sure that his penis is appropriately healthy for the occasion. Regular use of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. Nothing spoils a carefully cultivated mood more quickly than unveiling one’s manhood and finding it is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. A crème with vitamin A, which has anti-bacterial properties, can help to diminish unfortunate penis odors. Similarly, if the member’s skin is dry and flaky, it isn’t especially inviting. A crème packed with natural moisturizers such as vitamin E and Shea butter can help keep penis skin supple and well-hydrated. A guy should put a lot of effort into an at-home date night - and also into presenting his manhood in the best possible light.

Sex Tips: Spice Things Up this Fall

If a couple’s sex life or a man’s own solo routine has grown a touch stale, one just needs a bit of creativity to put the spice back into the bedroom. Guys can make this easier on themselves by getting inspired by what’s around them - at the moment, the setting-in of fall. Ample masturbation and lovemaking are generally important for sexual health and overall wellbeing, so it’s important for men to take note of when things aren’t as good as they could be, and to make the effort to improve the experience. Try out these awesome autumnal sex tips for exciting new times, whether with oneself or a partner.

X-Rated Pumpkin Carving
 
Often a wholesome activity performed with the whole family, this pumpkin-carving session is best reserved for solo time or private time with one’s partner. Men can turn a jack-o-lantern into a jack-off-lantern by cutting a hole to accommodate the member. Microwaving the pumpkin for about 30 seconds (test the temperature before inserting) will make this more pleasurable, and using lube is a good idea.

Women can get in on the fun, too. Cut a "lid" out of the pumpkin with a hole inside it that perfectly fits a dildo (dildo must have a base wider than the shaft). Put the dildo in the hole, place the lid back on the pumpkin and go for a festive ride.

Blank Canvases
 
Many people feel inspired by the changing colors of leaves in the fall. For the artistically-inclined couple, taking their cue from nature here can lead to some very sensual, messy and colorful time with one another. Treating their bodies as blank canvases, partners can use body paint to both create works of art on one another’s bodies and to stimulate each other with each brush stroke.

Fall-Flavored Lube
 
While flavored lubricants, or things not actually made to be used as lube such as food items, are not ideal for partner sex, they may be a great addition to oral when the woman is performing. Pumpkin pie filling and whipped cream can be highly enjoyable components of oral sex for both the giver and the recipient. Just be sure to wash off any foodstuff before inserting into the vagina if intercourse is to follow.

Bedroom Upgrade
 
On a cool fall night or morning, one of the best places in the world is under the covers. And a couple can make that special place even better by using a mattress that is the right firmness for both partners and - particularly important - investing in the softest, coziest comforter they can find. This comforter should be so comforting that partners can’t resist getting into bed a little earlier, and staying in it a little later. Nothing adds to the coziness like wrapping arms around one another. The intimacy, comfort and extra time in bed will likely result in more sex.

Along with incorporating new ideas into a couple’s sex life, partners should be mindful to stay healthy. Sometimes, after the cool air sets in, people tend to become more sedentary as summer’s outdoor activities come to a close. But maintaining overall fitness is important for a healthy sex life, so don’t overindulge or under-exercise.

Men should also keep in mind that colder air can cause dry skin. And dry skin on the penis is something to be avoided. Using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can keep the skin hydrated thanks to its powerful natural moisturizers (Shea butter and vitamin E). Man1 Man Oil also contains vitamin C, which boosts collagen production for firmer, more radiant skin. Taking care of the manhood is important for look, feel and function, so going the extra mile by investing in skin care might be just what a man needs to step up his game.

Penis-Themed Products for the Man with a Sense of Humor

It’s no secret: Guys tend to spend a lot of time thinking about their penises. And there is no shortage of products on the market that reflect this preoccupation. Some products promise to make the member larger, playing off common anxieties men have about their size; these are best avoided. Some promote penis health - for example, condoms and skin care products - and these should be embraced.

And then there are the more…eccentric options. The man with a sense of humor about his "mini-me" may be delighted to discover the wacky, wonderful world of penis accessories right at his fingertips (through online shopping, that is). A man can give himself, his friends and his lovers the gift of laughter with one of the following penis-themed products.

Penis Candy
 
Ever told someone to "eat a bag of" you-know-whats? Well, now they can. Penis-shaped candies are fun to look at and fun to eat. Whether it’s a surprise deliver to a friend, an unexpected stocking stuffer or a treat for oneself, penis candy is sure to deliver.

Proud Keychain
 
An "I Heart My Penis" keychain will tell the world just how proud a man is of his member. While this may seem like a "cocky" move, there’s potential for a message here. With so many men fretting about how their manhoods "measure up," proclaiming pride in what one’s got is a body-positive statement.

Balls Ornament
 
Christmas is right around the corner, and along with the traditional tree hangings, a man might mix it up this year and hang something new on the branch - an ornament unabashedly depicting a pair of testicles.

Willy Warmer
 
Just in time for those chilly fall nights and mornings! Marketed as a "heater for the peter," the willy warmer is a knit sweater made just for the penis and balls. Stay cozy.

Penis Toaster
 
Serve up a hilarious breakfast to friends with some toast made in this special appliance, which burns the likeness of a penis and sack onto the bread. A pat of butter in just the right place can amplify the impact.

Dick Towel
 
Turn something as mundane as stepping out of the shower into a laugh-fest with this towel, featuring the image of legs and a censored portion where the manhood would be.

4-D Anatomical Model
 
For the man of science, there’s no cooler penis-themed product than a detailed anatomical model of the male reproductive system. Revel in the internal structures of the penis with this colorful, detailed replica.

Penis Mug
 
Want to give that special foggy-eyed friend a real start with her coffee in the morning? Or turn an innocent cup of hot cocoa into a scandalous affair? There are plenty of penis-themed mugs out there to do the trick. From simply printing the word on the mug to making statements about the member’s size to fashioning the mug’s handle in the shape of a penis, manufacturers have it covered.

These products are only the tip of the iceberg. Indulging in fun penis-themed accessories gives men a way to embrace their fondness of their manhoods while spreading the laughter. See what else is out there.

But don’t stop with silly treats; it’s a great idea to also invest in products that promote penile health. Along with quality lubes and condoms, men should consider a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that moisturizes and soothes dry, sore skin. Most men spend ample time handling their penises, and frequent use can chafe the skin, eventually leaving it less sensitive to sensation. Man1 Man Oil contains both Shea butter and vitamin E, which work in different ways to keep the skin smooth, soft and supple. Such a product is a gift to oneself that keeps on giving in the form of healthier, more sensitive skin.

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.