Period Sex: 6 Facts for Men to Know

For some couples, period sex is just unappealing, and that’s fine. But for those who are interested, there’s no reason not to indulge! Some men may have questions about having sex with a menstruating woman, and learning the facts, including benefits for her and maintaining a man’s penis health, will help a man know what to expect.

It’s not harmful.
 
Some people worry that having sex with a woman on her period may cause her to bleed more. While this may be true in the short-term - the movements of sex can cause a higher rate of blood flow - in the long-term a woman will not bleed more than she would have eventually.

It can actually help her.
 
Orgasms have the potential to relieve a woman’s menstrual cramps; the contractions that the uterus undergoes during a woman’s release can have a massaging effect that reduces pain. Orgasms can also relieve certain PMS symptoms like headaches and mood swings, since climax is accompanied by a rush of feel-good endorphins. Note: A couple doesn’t need to have sex for a woman to orgasm, so oral, manual or toy play are all great options.

Mess tips
 
There is bound to be some mess during period sex. While a couple may be just fine with that, there are steps partners can take to cut down on it.

One obvious method is to place a towel down on the bed or surface beneath the partners. Another is to choose positions wisely. If a woman is on her back, there will likely be less outward blood flow. There will be even less mess if her legs are lifted in the air.

STIs
 
Some sexually transmitted infections are passed through blood, including hepatitis B and HIV. If a partner has a blood-borne infection, transmission is more likely when the woman is on her period. Both partners should be up-to-date on their STI testing before having sex in general, and particularly period sex.

Lubrication
 
Blood can serve as a source of natural lubrication, which both partners may enjoy.

She may enjoy it more.
 
Some women feel heightened arousal and vaginal sensitivity when they have their periods. This could translate to more enjoyable sex on their end.

For women who are feeling self-conscious about having sex on their periods, communication is key. Many women are worried that their partners will be "grossed out" by the sight of the blood and/or by the smell of it. However, many men are not at all squeamish about such things. Knowing this can help a woman feel more comfortable with the activity.

For couples who don’t want to take a break from sex when a woman is on her period but also want to forego the mess, there are menstrual cups designed for the purpose. They fit inside a woman’s vagina to keep the blood in place. Not all menstrual cups are made to be worn during sex; a woman should ensure she has one specifically made for this purpose before using it during intercourse.

Knowing how to enjoy different kinds of sex is great for a man’s penis, since the manhood benefits from regular use. It’s also important for men to take steps to protect the penile skin from the frictions of sexual activity. Lubrication is a necessary component in this regard. Another thing men can do to maintain optimal skin condition in the downstairs department is to use a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Man1 Man Oil contains Shea butter and vitamin E, two great natural moisturizers. In addition, the crème contains L-arginine, an ingredient that encourages the proper functioning of blood vessels, which is important for erectile ability. Help the manhood look and feel its best with a quality skin care product.

Dry Penis Skin: Causes and Solutions

No man enjoys dry skin, but dry penis skin is a nuisance in its own category. The skin can become raw and flaky, leading to penile pain and, importantly, an inability to feel pleasure like normal. Fortunately, there are penis care steps men can take to manage this uncomfortable condition. The following are common causes of dry penis skin.

Clothing
 
Simply rubbing up against a man’s clothing can cause the penis to dry out by chafing the skin. Men are particularly susceptible to this if they go commando; most pants materials aren’t very soft. If a man’s underwear is causing the chafing, he could try investing a few more bucks in more luxurious pairs.

Hot Water
 
Many men enjoy a nice, long shower, but if that water is hot, it’s going to strip away the skin’s natural oils, which are needed to keep it moisturized. Showering in warm water is best!

Soap
 
Soap is great at washing away dirt and bacteria; it’s also great at drying the skin out, unfortunately. But in general warm water is sufficient for washing the penis, so men can try skipping the soap in the region altogether. If a guy simply can’t get into the idea of leaving soap out of the penis cleaning routine, he should be careful to choose something natural and gentle. The soap or body wash he uses on the rest of himself is likely too harsh for the manhood.

Psoriasis
 
This skin condition occurs when the immune system isn’t working properly and overproduces skin cells. These form plaques of skin that are dry and often very itchy. If a man has psoriasis on other parts of his body, it may affect the penis as well.

Medicated creams with steroids in them or treatment with UV light are usually in order for psoriasis, although these methods may be too harsh for the penis. Ask one’s doctor about using a gentler form of moisturizer on the member.

Lack of Lube
 
Lots of guys enjoy a good "dry rub," but the friction created by the hand during solo play can do a number on the manhood skin. There are plenty of products on the market designed for the purpose. If that’s not an option, a guy can try using a lotion around the house, making sure it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. Coconut oil is a great option if that’s around. Don’t use soap or shampoo!

Adequate lubrication is important during partner sex as well. Be sure NOT to use oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, baby oil or coconut oil, while using latex condoms. The oil can erode latex, leaving both partners unprotected.

Contact Dermatitis
 
If the manhood comes in contact with a strange plant, chemical or other foreign material, it may develop an itchy rash called contact dermatitis. This uncomfortable condition will go away on its own once the manhood is kept from coming in contact with the offending substance for a while, but it may be uncomfortable enough to merit some form of treatment. A moisturizer is a good bet. Some doctors prescribe medicated creams.

For common causes of dry skin, men may benefit from the use of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). With Shea butter and vitamin E, Man1 Man Oil provides two natural moisturizers for smooth, soft and supple penile skin. Additional beneficial ingredients include vitamin C and L-arginine, which promote healthy circulation in the member. A penis health crème can protect the skin from the frictions of the day (and night), ensuring that the skin stays sensitive to pleasurable feelings while keeping discomfort at bay.

Sex Tips: Temperature Play Methods

Looking for sex tips to spice things up? There are many ways to do so, but one that many couples are unfamiliar with is incorporating hot and cold play in the bedroom. Altering the temperature can awaken the nerve endings and circulatory system in ways that deliver mind-blowing pleasure to both partners. The following examples, along with safety tips for maintaining vaginal and penis health, can help couples get their bearings in this exciting new world of sensation play.

Cup of Water
 
Keeping a cup of warm (not hot!) water near the bed can boost his oral sex enjoyment. A partner can take a sip, swallow, then take another sip and hold the warm water in his/her mouth, then take the man’s penis inside. Swashing the water around his penis for a few moments then swallowing it will give him a tantalizing experience.

Breath Play
 
Warm, moist breath is one of the body’s most pleasurable heat sources, and making use of this natural heat during foreplay and sex can bring both partners thrilling waves of enjoyment. Gently exhale on a lover’s sensitive spots, including the stomach, neck and ears. Gently breathing on the clitoris and testicles is also encouraged.

Candle Wax
 
Most people have heard of dripping hot candle wax on the skin as part of sex play, and many find this frightening. For good reason - most people don’t want to actually burn their skin. The trick to safely participating in wax play is to use candles made of soy, which don’t require as much heat to melt as those made of beeswax or regular wax, so they are less likely to deliver too much heat. Also, of course, if one has very sensitive skin concerning heat, this method should be avoided.

Chilled Spoon
 
Chill a metal spoon for a bit in a bowl of ice or cold water, then apply the back of the spoon to a lover’s neck, nipples, stomach, etc.

Plain Old Ice
 
An ice cube in the hand can go a long way. Trace a line extending from one side of a lover’s neck all the way down the side of the leg, them up the inside of the leg, down the inside of the other and back up the other side of his or her body. It’s best to avoid the penis and testicles.

Ice Dildo/Hot Towel
 
This is one of the more hardcore forms of temperature play, which should be pursued with caution. The idea is for the man to masturbate with a warm, wet towel around his member while a woman masturbates with a chilled dildo. Then, he enters her, and the sensation change for both is out of this world.

There are several options for a chilled dildo. Some glass and metal dildos are made to be chilled, but caution should be taken. Glass that gets very cold and then undergoes a sudden temperature change, such as inside the body, can break - yikes! And cold metal may stick to a lady’s warm, wet inside - also no good. Use proper precautions. Let the glass or metal warm just a little; use lube; use condoms; always, always follow packaging instructions.

Blindfold
 
Any of the above techniques can be combined with one another, and all of them may be more enjoyable with a blindfold in place. This will leave a lover anticipating, eager and unaware of what sensation is to come. Sight deprivation may be most exciting when lovers are combining a form of heat play like candle wax with a form of cold play, like ice cubes or a cold spoon.

Keeping it Safe
 
Always check in to be sure that the skin is not being burned or losing sensation due to excessive cold or heat. Don’t freeze or heat toys that were not designed to withstand such temperatures. Ease into temperature play to get to know what one’s skin can tolerate.

Maintaining skin health on the sexual organs can’t be overrated; one’s ability to sense pleasure depends on it. Men can take an extra step in the penis care department by using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) daily. Shea butter and vitamin E keep the skin moisturized, protecting it from the frictions of a vigorous sex life. Show one’s sex life some excitement with temperature play, and one’s manhood some love with a penis health crème.

Masturbation Shake-Up: Handy Techniques to Try

By the time a man reaches his mid-twenties, he’s likely to have masturbated hundreds of times; even those who self-gratify only occasionally will have probably done so a few dozen times. So it’s not unusual if a certain amount of boredom may have set in from using the same old techniques. Sure, the masturbation is still pleasurable, but it may have become a bit routine. Shaking things up with some new hand jives, while at the same time taking care that they don’t impinge on penis health, can add a little spice to a guy’s solo-sexual activities.

Staying handy
 
There are a number of ways that a guy can break out of a masturbation rut, such as using sex toys or other external additions. For the purposes of this article, however, the focus will be on ways of using the hands in a different manner, rather than adding a new object into the mix.

Simple change-up.
 
Although exact statistics are hard to come by, it’s generally agreed that the most popular form of male masturbation involves wrapping one’s dominant hand around the penis, forming a fist, and pumping up and down. Clearly, one easy way to make a change is simply to switch hands. If one typically wraps the right hand around, switch to the left (and vice versa).

All together.
 
Or one can use both hands. There are a number of variations on this theme. For example, a guy can stroke for a while with one hand, then switch to the other. He can place one hand at the base and the other at the tip and stroke simultaneously. Or he can pull one hand all the way from tip to base, followed by the other, and keep alternating. For those who use internet-based visual stimulation while masturbating, it may make it difficult to click from one site to another, of course.

Get a new grip.
 
Simply varying the tightness of one’s grip can also add some variety. Men who tend to grip tightly can benefit from a lighter touch; even better, it can be fun to start with a tight grip but, as one approaches a climax, to switch to a very, very light touch.

Palm it.
 
Rather than a tight grip, try palming the member. Place one hand on one side of the manhood and one on the other, palms straight out. Then rub, with one hand going back and the other going forward, then reversing it. Many men used to a grip-based method find this intensely pleasurable.

Slap it around.
 
Beating the meat is a popular euphemism for masturbation, so why not go that route? A guy shouldn’t actually beat his penis, as that can cause both pain and damage; however, a little gentle slapping can be effective. The trick is to use whatever method works for obtaining an erection, and then slap the penis from one hand to the other, increasing the speed and the intensity as one goes along to bring about release.

Go numb.
 
For this method, a guy needs to put his hand to sleep, i.e., make it feel numb. (This can often be accomplished by sitting on it for a few minutes.) He then masturbates with the numb hand. Because there is a lack of sensation in the hand, it creates the illusion that he is being masturbated by another person - at least as long as the numbness persists.

New masturbation techniques will be even more effective if a man is using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to keep his member healthy. The favored crème will include acetyl L-carnitine. Why? This ingredient is neuroprotective and helps to restore lost sensitivity to the penis - a common issue for men who have masturbated for many years. The best crème should also contain vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and penile tissue firmness. Maintaining a penis at its best health will make all forms of sexual activity more enjoyable.

Penis Pain: Is It Pudendal Nerve Entrapment?

Men can be tough about a lot of things, but no guy really enjoys experiencing penis pain, no matter how manly he may be. One source of penis pain is called pudendal nerve entrapment (or PNE for short), and it can be both painful and inconveniencing. Men who are interested in maintaining their penis health need to be aware of this condition and what they can do about it.

Cyclists beware
 
Pudendal nerve entrapment is also called Alcock’s syndrome and, perhaps more commonly, cyclists’ syndrome.

PNE is clinically described as a "severe, sharp pain along the course of the pudendal nerve," and it is more common in women than in men. Most sources classify it as a rare condition; while it is true that PNE is not something that every man comes down with every day, it is a condition which has some notoriety among people who are serious cycling enthusiasts, especially of a long-distance nature. One study indicated that 7-8% of long-distance cyclists in a multi-day racing situation will experience PNE.

Symptoms
 
As indicated, penis pain may be associated with PNE, although the timing of the pain and the severity can vary significantly. In some men, the pain can be slight and intermittent; in others, it can be intense and have a lengthy duration. The pain may be situational; for example, a man may experience significant pain while sitting but not standing, or may have more pain when the penis is in an erect state rather than flaccid. Pain during intercourse or masturbation is not uncommon.

However, numbness in the penis and balls is also a very common occurrence among men with PNE. In addition, there are instances in which erectile dysfunction has been linked to PNE.

In some men, PNE is temporary and of relatively short duration. In others, however, it may last or recur for years; this is especially likely if the condition is misdiagnosed as prostatitis or as an STI.

Compression
 
As the name pudendal nerve entrapment implies, PNE occurs when the pudendal nerve is compressed in such a way that it cannot operate freely; think of it as akin to a pinched nerve in the back, but located in the penile area instead.

The condition occurs in cyclists usually because of the fact that they may spend long hours riding their bike, seated in essentially one position for this period and frequently on a hard bicycle seat, the shape of which causes the weight of the torso to rest disproportionately on the pudendal nerve.
However, it can occur in any man under conditions in which a disproportionate amount of weight rests on the nerve for an extended period of time.

Cyclists can prevent or help treat PNE by making sure that their seats are appropriately shaped and placed and by limiting the lengths of their rides when possible
.
Treatment for less severe cases typically involves simple physical therapy exercises that can stretch and/or strengthen the muscles in the area and relieve stress placed on the nerve. In some cases, medications can be helpful. More severe cases may require injections or surgery.

Treating nerve issues helps alleviate penis pain, but often more soothing may be required. General penis pain is often aided by the regular use of a top-drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Key to soothing typical penis pain is a crème with both a high-end emollient (think Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). These help keep the penis skin moist and supple. Properly moisturized, the penis skin stretches more painlessly when becoming erect. In addition, a crème with vitamin D can help boost the overall health of the organ. Vitamin D is acclaimed for its ability to enable cell functionality, helping to better maintain overall member health.

Sexual Insecurities Men Have, and How to Address Them

Societal messages about men and sex are often unfair and inaccurate. What’s more, they can be damaging. The portrayal of men as thoughtless sex drones denies a large portion of men’s sexual realities, part of which includes insecurity. Obtaining sexual health involves addressing insecurities, but, within a society that pretends men shouldn’t have any, even taking the first step of acknowledging them can be difficult. Here, men are encouraged rather to face reality with acceptance. Learn about the following common sexual insecurities men have, and some helpful tips for managing them.

Am I finishing too soon?
 
Porn tells men they should last for an hour or more. But this expectation is highly unrealistic, particularly if sexual activity is fairly consistent (i.e. without a bunch of breaks). The average man only lasts for a few minutes of continual pumping. So if a heated bout "only" lasts five minutes, that’s totally normal.

If couples want to extend playtime, breaking up the pumping with position changes and by switching here and there to different activities, such as oral sex or using sex toys on a partner, may help. But the idea that men should be able to thrust away for lengthy periods of time is simply a misconception.

Am I taking too long?
 
Some men have the opposite concern from that above - and some men have both! Talk about mixed messages. If a man is taking some time to finish, there are two things he can try to abate his anxiety: 1) Make sure his partner is enjoying the time (more on that below), and 2) understand that orgasm doesn’t always have to be part of sex. Sometimes, a man may simply grow exhausted during sex. If it’s been a particularly lengthy or rough session, his manhood may be getting tender, and the discomfort could inhibit ejaculation. And that’s okay.

Am I tiring out too quickly?
 
All men are supposed to be brawny enough to accomplish Herculean feats, right? No. If the man has been in charge of most of the muscle work during sex and starts to grow tired, there’s no shame in taking a rest or asking one’s partner to get on top for a bit. Of course, it’s generally advisable to maintain good muscular and cardiovascular health. If a man is panting uncontrollably and trembling after a minute of moderate physical activity, he should take it as a sign that he needs to improve his health.

Is she enjoying it?
 
A huge favor men can do themselves is to turn questions like "Is she enjoying it?" and "Am I doing this right?" into "Do you like this?" and "What would you like me to do?" Take the mystery out of it. Give her what she wants by asking what that is.

Did she finish?
 
Again, ask! And let her know one doesn’t expect the answer to be yes. Don’t feel embarrassed - it can be difficult to tell moans and writhing associated with sexual pleasure from orgasmic moans and writhing. If she says no, a man can ask if she’d like him to do something in particular to help get her there.

Is my penis big enough?
 
Unless a man has a micropenis - a medical condition in which penis size negatively impacts a man’s ability to have sex - then yes, his penis is big enough.

The above sexual insecurities can hold a man back in his sex life, and a couple back from having the most fulfilling sex possible. What’s more, sex is good for the health of the penis. Other steps men can take to boost penile wellness are using lubricant during sexual activities and applying a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) daily. Man1 Man Oil contains Shea butter and vitamin E, which are two moisturizers that can protect the skin from chafing that often results from the frictions of sex. Keep the skin healthy and the manhood ready for the next romp with a quality penis health crème.

Sex Tips: 4 Resolutions to Make

The new year has dawned but it’s still early enough to make New Year’s resolutions, especially where better sex is concerned. There are countless sex tips out there that can be employed to make bedtime more enjoyable; these sex tips should definitely be on a man’s list. Of course, maintaining adequate penis health should be at the top of the list; and if that goal is accomplished, these resolutions can prove even more effective.

Resolution 1: Remember it doesn’t all happen in bed.
 
No, that doesn’t reference having sex on the dining room table (although as sex tips go, trying new locations is often a good idea). This resolution refers to the need to focus on things beyond the actual sex act. The quality of sex one has is impacted by everything that happens from the moment a date begins. So men need to remember to be charming and engaging with their talk and to be active, interested listeners; to take proper care with their dress and hygiene; to choose activities that their partners will enjoy; and to sincerely take an interest in their partner as a person. All of this can make the moments in each other’s arms that much more explosive.

Resolution 2: Pay attention in bed.
 
Nothing is more of a turn-off for a partner than having their man’s focus diverted from them during sex. The truth is that in recent years, our technological advances have made it possible for people to stay virtually connected at all times of the day. Yet there should be times when a man is committed to one person and one person alone. Make a resolution to turn off the cell phone, the computer, the tablet and any other electronic communications while coupling. A man needs to ask himself: Is checking a text about another cute cat video really worth interrupting the path to passion that he has started down?

Resolution 3: Start the day right.
 
Some studies indicate that sex drives are higher early in the morning than at most other times of the day. Make a commitment to at least occasionally get in some lovemaking before breakfast. This is especially recommended for couples who are in a long-term relationship and who may feel that their sex lives are getting a little stale. In addition, early morning sex tends to relax a person and put them in a better mood for the day ahead.

Resolution 4: Take chances.
 
This doesn’t mean stop having safe sex - that is FAR too important to consider! But it’s good for a man to resolve to take chances in his sex life. Exactly what that means may vary from man to man. For one man, it may mean letting down his guard and opening up more about his true feelings. For another, it may mean communicating more openly about things he enjoys or doesn’t enjoy when having sex. And for a third, it may mean exploring new sex-based options, such as sex toys, role playing or new positions.

Resolutions such as these make use of sex tips that can have a positive impact on a man’s sex life. He also needs to be sure his manhood is in its best possible shape, and using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help with that goal. Men can benefit from a crème that includes L-arginine. Why? This is an enzyme which plays a role in the creation of nitric oxide, which in turn is valuable in keeping penile blood vessels open and receptive to proper blood flow. In addition, many men find that their members have lost a little sensation due to rough use. A crème that includes neuroprotective acetyl L-carnitine can help to restore lost sensitivity and make the penis experience sensation more fully again.