That Sore Penis May Be Due to a UTI

No guy really likes having a sore penis, although many will use the opportunity to brag (not always truthfully) about how all the sex they have had to bring the condition on. But when the sore penis comes about because of a urinary tract infection (UTI), that’s a different story. No one goes around announcing that their UTI is making their member burn like crazy - instead, they should be seeking help from a doctor to prevent complications. Therefore, exercising good penis care can help a man to treat this problem properly if it does become an issue.

A women thing.
 
Most men with a UTI are surprised to learn that they have come down with this condition. It’s popularly assumed that UTIs are a "women thing," something that doesn’t happen to men. While it is much more common in women, a UTI becomes increasingly more likely as men age. Still, it can strike a male of any age under the right circumstances.

What is it exactly?
 
A UTI means that bacteria is present in appreciable quantities somewhere in the urinary tract - the bladder, the kidneys, or the urethra. In the male, there are many natural defenses set up in the urinary tract to prevent the presence of bacteria or to remove bacteria when they sneak in - but no system is perfect. Most of the time, bacteria enter through the urethra - meaning they are present on or near the penile opening and find their way inside through that route. Sometimes, however, an infection can start out in the kidneys or bladder - often due to blockage caused by an unpassed kidney stone or bladder stone.

When a UTI develops, it can cause a sore penis and promote pain throughout the entire tract. It is often accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating - which, because this is a common symptom associated with sexually transmitted infections, often causes a man to panic. Usually a man finds he needs to urinate more often and passes a significantly smaller quantity of urine when expelling. Sometimes, urine may seep out of the penis unintentionally. It is also not uncommon for pain in the stomach or back to be present as well.

Causes
 
So how does a guy get a UTI? Well, as mentioned, sometimes bacteria get into the urethra from the penis - another reason to keep the equipment clean. Other contributing factors may be kidney or bladder stones, diabetes, or immune system issues.

Treatment
 
A man who suspects he has a UTI should see a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Most treatment plans also include drinking plenty of water (or possibly cranberry juice), to help flush out the system.

Of course, prevention is better than treatment. Among the things a man can do to help prevent UTIs are:

- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids increases the likelihood that stray bacteria will be voided.
- Use protection when having sex, to avoid getting infected by a partner.

- Intact men should wash thoroughly and regularly underneath the foreskin in order to remove bacteria that may be lingering there.

- Use gentle cleansers on the penis and the surrounding areas. Soaps with chemicals may damage the skin, making it easier for bacteria to accumulate.

A man can also help avoid a sore penis caused by a UTI by maintaining the overall health of his penis, and that requires dedicated daily application of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Vitamin A has known anti-bacterial properties, so the wise man will select a crème that is rich in vitamin A, as well as in such complimentary vitamins as B5, C and D. Protecting the penis skin from harsh soaps requires extra hydrating assistance, which can be found in a crème with a high end emollient such as shea butter. And a crème with a potent antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid is well poised to keep oxidative stress in the penis at bay. An appropriate crème like Man1 Man Oil can be a fine aid to a sore penis.

Healthy Penis Hints: What to Tell the Doctor

When a guy has a healthy penis, the world is his oyster; but when he has a problem with his favorite body part, things can look a little different. Obviously, if a man really wants to maintain good penis health, he needs to consult with a doctor; but knowing what to say in this potentially embarrassing situation can be a little tricky at times.

Men and doctors
It’s not a secret that men are not fond of going to see a physician. According to one study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are about 80% less likely to see a doctor than are women. Not only that, about half of men under the age of 50 don’t have a regular doctor, and a third don’t have regular annual checkups.

Apparently, guys have an innate resistance to seeing their doctors; and that’s something that needs to stop. If a man only goes in for treatment when there’s a problem, that means he’s letting preventable little issues go undetected, so that they have a chance to fester and grow into big problems.

What to bring up
One of the reasons that men don’t go to the doctor more often is that they’re not really sure what to talk about, especially where the penis is concerned. In most cases, it’s usually best to let the doctor ask his questions first (unless a man is at the doctor for a specific reason). If a guy is there for an annual exam, the doctor will be checking things out and is likely to ask questions as he goes along. "And how are things with your sex life?" he may ask, or "Do you have any concerns about your penis and testicles?" If he asks specific questions, answer them. If a man feels that there’s something that he needs to share that hasn’t specifically been asked, then he needs to volunteer that information.

A man who experiences any of the following should bring them up with his doctor if the doctor doesn’t ask about them first; they may not indicate any serious problems, but it’s good for the doctor to know about them.

- Pain in the penis. Whether chronic or acute, it’s good to report pain and to describe it: the level of pain, how long it lasts, when and how often it occurs, any possible causes, etc.

- Sores, discolorations, etc. Any changes in the physical appearance of the penis should be mentioned, including warts, sores, lesions, pimples, lumps, rashes, etc.

- Discharges. This includes changes in the color of urine or semen, especially if the change results in reddish or pinkish discharge, which may indicate blood. Also alert the doctor to any other discharges, such as pus, etc. If involuntary urination is an issue, the physician needs to know about this, as well.

- Odor. Let’s face it, the penile area tends to have a bit of a pungent odor. But if the odor is excessively strong or seems to be "off" in some way, let the doc know.

- Functional issues. Discuss anything that may seem off-kilter, including frequent urination, pain while urinating, etc. It’s also a good idea to discuss sexual function, including any erectile issues that may be present. Sometimes erectile issues can be an early warning signal that there may be cardiac issues developing, so it’s crucial that a man not let embarrassment prevent him from acknowledging any issues in this area.

Doctor visits are necessary to maintain a healthy penis, but there also are everyday things a man can do to help keep his manhood in good shape, such as applying a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Men with experience know that the penis can become de-sensitized over time, especially if it’s handled roughly during partner or solo sex. A crème with neuroprotective acetyl L carnitine helps protect against peripheral nerve damage that can lessen the good sensations in the penis. It’s even better if the crème also contains the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, as that works synergistically with acetyl carnitine to raise the effectiveness of both ingredients.

Oral Sex Tips for a Satisfied Penis

Not to put too fine a point on it, but in most cases, a satisfied penis equals a happy man - and oral sex is one surefire way to make that happen. There are numerous sex tips available for women that can help them to become more proficient at the art of fellatio. But a pleasurable oral sex experience is a two-way street; there are things a guy can do to make it more enjoyable for his partner, as well -- and therefore increase the likelihood of repeat performances. Tending to his penis health is one of the more obvious oral sex tips, but it doesn’t stop there.

Think a little
What can a man do to make oral sex more pleasant for the person doing him this tremendous favor? To answer that question, it helps for a man to imagine himself in the position of performing fellatio and to think about the things that would give him pause. That’s hard for some guys to do, but if they make the effort, their list of oral sex tips might include the following:

- Be clean. This is obvious and fairly easy. Every guy has had the experience of removing his clothes at the end of a day and becoming aware of how much his package reeks. All the sweat that accumulates during the day can produce an odor that a guy can smell from several feet away - so imagine what it might smell like when the face is placed directly against it. The odor is off-putting enough, but sometimes there’s dirt, grime, dried semen, and other physical manifestations as well - and that’s before even considering the possibility of smegma. A man needs to be sure to clean his penis regularly; if oral sex is on the table, he should excuse himself and do a quick clean-up near to the time that the experience may begin.

- Consider shaving. Manscaping is more popular now than ever, but that doesn’t mean that it is the norm. A few quick glances in the locker room is enough to prove that most men still prefer to let their bushes grow wild and free. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, of course, and whether a man shaves his pubic hair is a totally personal choice. However, most people who are on the performing end of fellatio agree that getting hair stuck in their teeth or in their throat is not something they look forward to. Men who are interested in increasing their oral sex opportunities may want to consider shaving - either de-nuding the entire package (balls, penis, crotch) or just the thick bush. Some men compromise and do a close trim, rather than shaving down to the skin. And some are able to enlist their partner’s aid in the shaving process, which can be highly erotic on its own.

- Give a warning. Some people don’t want to swallow, so it’s only polite to give a warning when ejaculation is imminent.

- Watch the diet. The flavor of one’s semen is affected by the foods one consumes. A diet that’s heavy on certain foods (asparagus, garlic, red meat, strong spices, dairy, broccoli and fried foods among them) produces semen with an acrid, bitter taste. Sweeter foods, such as cinnamon and peppermint, as well as parsley, make semen more palatable.

No list of oral sex tips would be complete without re-emphasizing that an orally-satisfied penis needs to be a healthy one. Using a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) helps to ensure that any potential oral sex providers won’t worry about the health of the item headed for their mouth. Definitely make sure that the chosen crème contains vitamin A, the anti-bacterial properties of which fight stubborn penis odor. Since a penis that is free of dry skin and cracks is more appealing, look for a crème with powerful moisturizing abilities; one with both a high end emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural hydrator (like vitamin E) is best in this area.

Erect Penis Protection: Lifestyle Changes to Consider

Considering its importance to an active sex life, it’s no wonder that a man wants to protect his erect penis and make sure it’s functioning at its best at all times. Certainly, paying proper attention to good penis health can help a man be more certain that his erect penis will look and feel good. But there are numerous lifestyle issues which can affect the manhood’s firmness factor.

Beyond the penis
When taking steps to protect their erect penis, men often focus on circumstances that relate very directly to the organ in question. But the fact is that total health also has an impact on the penis. Here are several things that a man can do to help ensure that his member is in a better position to perform admirably when called upon by a comely maiden.

Nix the cigs.
Men who smoke not only are putting their overall health at risk; they’re potentially putting a damper on their favorite little buddy’s activities. Smoking is damaging to the blood vessels in general, and nicotine, in particular, causes the blood vessels to constrict. This happens, they can’t allow the proper influx of blood that is essential for a full-on erection. Stopping smoking is one excellent way to make a member appreciably stiffer.

Shed the belly.
Obesity is a major problem in the world today, causing long term problems that ultimately lead to a shortened lifespan. The penis doesn’t like those extra pounds either. For one thing, too much poundage makes it look shorter. Excess weight also increases the risk of diabetes, which in turn can cause nerve damage to the body - including the penis. When the nerves in the penis don’t receive stimulation properly, it’s more difficult to get and maintain an erection.

Get moving.
One way to shed those extra pounds is to exercise more, and that’s a good thing in and of itself. Men whose lifestyle is too sedentary are more likely to experience varying degrees of erectile dysfunction. Regular exercise routines keep the blood flowing, send oxygen throughout the body and help to build testosterone levels - all of which are things that the penis likes and responds positively to.

Watch what you eat.
A proper diet is also essential to losing weight, but even men who are not overweight need to make sure that the food they eat contains penis-friendly options. That basically means foods which are good for the heart, as a healthy cardiac system is essential for keeping the blood pumping to the penis. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fibers, whole grains and lean meats are a good idea; high-fat foods, fried foods and foods that undergo a significant degree of processing should be ingested in moderation. Alcohol should also be watched; a moderate amount is usually fine, but heavy drinking causes numerous health complications, which in turn have an impact on a man’s ability to function to his utmost.

Consider testosterone.
Testosterone is important for maintaining one’s libido, as well as in helping to keep muscles properly toned. Higher levels of testosterone typically increase a guy’s stamina as well. All these factors come into play when active in the bedroom, so keeping testosterone at a healthy level is essential. Men who think their testosterone may be too low should consult with a doctor.

Lifestyle changes in the above areas can be useful in achieving and maintaining an erect penis; those efforts can be supplemented by using a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to ensure that the member is in its best health whether erect or at rest. The best bet is to choose a crème that contains both acetyl L carnitine and L-arginine. Acetyl L carnitine is a wonderful neuroprotective guard that helps to ward off de-sensitization of the penis, making the organ maintain its proper response to stimulation. L-arginine is a component of the process by which nitric oxide is made, and that in turn helps open up blood vessels in the member so that the blood can flow freely when required.

Want Better Sex? Do More Chores

Most of the time, when men are pondering ways that they can have better sex, they focus on details like their skill, stamina, positioning, penis health or penis size. There’s no denying that these are all factors that can come into play; but a new study suggests that, for guys who are cohabitating with a partner, there’s another factor that’s important. What is it? Doing a fair share of the chores!

The study
It’s true: a recent study for the Council on Contemporary Families (CCF) found that how equitably the household chores are split between a couple impacts how much sex the couple has. Dr. Sharon Sassler of Cornell University authored the paper, which turns 1950s-era thinking on its head.

Earlier studies had suggested that the traditional model, in which a man is the breadwinner and a woman is responsible for the home, was the one which promised the greatest sexual satisfaction among couples. Even in more recent years, it was theorized that fulfilling these traditional role models was, consciously or subconsciously, a sexual turn-on for many domestic partners.

Dr. Sassler’s report indicates that this is no longer the case. As she writes, "the association between a non-traditional division of labor at home and couples’ sexual satisfaction and frequency has changed dramatically over the past two decades." Assuming that frequency of encounters in some way equates to a better sex life, couples who share household duties are sexually more satisfied. The data indicate that those couples in which the man does between one-third and 64% of the chores have significantly more sex than couples where either party performs 65% or more of the work.

As a matter of fact, couples who are sharing the work are the only segment studied who have seen an increase in how often they have sex. The other segments studied have all seen a decline. In addition, general sexual frequency worldwide has been reported to decrease - making the increase in sex for the sharing couples segment to be that much more interesting.

More than the dishes
What is being looked at here is more than just couples washing and drying the dishes together. Rather, the sharing of duties reflects an outlook on and experience of their relationship which mirrors mutual respect and admiration, a feeling in each of the partners that the other is of similar worth. When a couple feels more in sync in this way, they are more likely to have better sex - and to have it more frequently, too.

This equality of responsibility goes beyond making the beds and running the vacuum cleaner. In today’s two-career households, taking equal responsibility for tending to and raising the children is also high on the list of factors which influence the frequency and quality of the sex involved.

Of course, if doing the chores helps lead to better sex, it helps if a man is well prepared for that increased frequency of activity. Beyond staying generally healthy, such a man wants to make sure his penis is in prime condition and for that the regular use of an excellent penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is strongly advised. Physical activity requires strong oxygenation, which in turn demands that the blood vessels remain open and flowing - and this is especially true for the blood vessels in the penis. Using a crème that includes L-arginine, which helps vessels to relax, helps a man step up in this area. Even better is if the crème also contains vitamin C for topical application. Vitamin C also plays a big role in keeping blood vessels open, and its ability to help produce collagen aids penile tissue firmness as well.

Penis Injury of the the Suspensory Ligament: What Men Need to Know

A painful penis injury is just about every guy’s worst nightmare, and one of the primary motivating factors for keeping a close eye on one’s penis health. Although many men know about the rare but painful penis fracture, very few are aware that damage to the suspensory ligament of the penis can also be a cause for serious pain and discomfort - as well as an impediment to positive erectile function.

The suspensory ligament
The name "suspensory ligament" is a mouthful, which may be one reason most non-physicians are not familiar with it. A ligament is fibrous connective tissue that generally connects one bone to another. Ligaments are found throughout the body, including in the pelvis. The suspensory ligament is basically what connects the penis to the left and right pubic bones. It also plays a big role in providing maximum support for the penis when it is erect, helping it to stretch up and out as the blood flows in and fills up the penis during times of sexual excitement.

Penis injury
It’s easy to see the important role that the suspensory ligament plays in proper penis functioning and why it is important to avoid injury to this connective tissue. Fortunately, damage to the suspensory ligament is not an everyday occurrence in humans. (Interestingly, it does happen rather more frequently in animals, especially horses.)

The most common cause of a problem with the suspensory ligament is trauma to the penis, especially if it occurs when the organ is engorged. For example, if the erect penis is pushed down hard, it may cause the ligament to tear, either partially or fully. This can cause a significant degree of pain in the moment, and lingering lesser amounts of pain. The pain is likely to increase during periods of excitement. Because of the role that the ligament plays in supporting erection, it also means that a man’s erection may not be as full or as intense as is normal.

This "pushing down" on the erect penis may occur when a partner accidentally handles the penis incorrectly, or if a man is thrusting during intercourse at an incorrect angle. Sometimes this can occur during sleep, when a man is experiencing an erection and rolls over on it. It can also be the result of an object, such as a baseball, hitting the erect penis with great force.

Treatment
If a man sustains a penis injury, he should contact a doctor as soon as possible; seeing a urologist is generally a better first step than seeing a general practitioner, who is likely to recommend a visit to a urologist anyway.
If the damage to the suspensory ligament is minor - meaning, the ligament has been strained but not actually torn or detached - the doctor is likely to recommend pain relievers, application of soothing compresses and rest. However, in cases in which there is tearing or detachment, surgery is often recommended. Ligaments do not have the same propensity to heal naturally as many other parts of the body, and so "re-sewing" the suspensory ligament is often necessary in order to correct the penis injury.

Treating damage to the suspensory ligament, or any type of penis injury, is easier if the manhood is already in its best possible health. Regular use of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help in this area. Vitamin C is well known for its role in collagen production and the resulting penile tissue firmness, so most men will wisely gravitate toward a crème that includes this all-important vitamin. Since trauma can also result in de-sensitization of the penis, a crème that also contains acetyl L carnitine is recommended. Why? Because acetyl L carnitine is neuroprotective; it helps prevent peripheral nerve damage to the penis due to rough handling, thereby protecting the degree of pleasurable sensitivity which men associate with the penis.

Supporting Penis Health: 3 Lifestyle Factors to Consider

Men often take pride in their personal wellness and fitness levels, but surprisingly, many of them overlook one of the most important aspects of their wellbeing -- penis health! Believe it or not, caring for the penis can promote self-confidence, as well as a satisfying and fulfilling sex life; and on the other hand, when penile health suffers, it can be an indicator of other systemic problems that require attention.

While caring for the penis is not especially difficult, it does require foresight and care. Here are a few things that are bad for the health of men’s most intimate area, as well as some strategies for self-care:

Diabetes
 
According to medical research, diabetes - a disease that affects many men -- can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). As most men are aware, diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar, and it can cause a wide range of other health concerns. In terms of erectile function, diabetes can affect the hormone and nerve responses that lead to an erectile response. It is also linked to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, in which the nerves in the fingers, toes, and yes - the penis - are compromised. This can lead to tingling, pain and even loss of sensation, which has an obvious effect on a man’s ability to enjoy any sexual contact.

To avoid these concerns, men who have type 2 diabetes or are at risk for the disease should take special care in terms of watching out for blood sugar, keeping body weight at an appropriate level, and paying attention to good nutrition - all aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Smoking
 
Smoking isn’t just bad for the lungs - it’s also bad for the penis. Research has shown that smoking cigarettes can play a major factor in developing ED. The reason is clear: smoking wreaks havoc on the blood vessels, and those same blood vessels are responsible for delivering blood to the penis to form an erection. As the popular website Healthline notes:

The risk of smoking to your erectile health is specifically due to the effects of cigarette chemicals on the blood vessels in the penis. An erection results when the arteries in the penis expand and fill with blood after receiving signals from nerves in the penis. The nerves are responding to sexual arousal signals from the brain. Even if the nervous system is operating at full strength, an erection might not be physically possible if the blood vessels are unhealthy due to smoking.

As if this loss of function were not bad news enough, it gets even worse: loss of blood flow to the penis can result in atrophy of the penile tissue, which can cause the member to shrink by as much as an inch.

Piercings
 
Piercings and other body modifications are more popular than ever, and even genital piercings are now fairly common. But men who decide to pierce the penis should be extremely careful and should have the procedure carried out by a reputable professional. The Mayo Clinic explains that depending on where your piercing is placed, nerve damage may result, impacting sensitivity and the ability to become aroused or achieve orgasm.

Furthermore, piercings that are not meticulously kept clean can cause bacterial and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Therefore, piercings should be kept clean and sanitary at all times. Good personal hygiene habits are key.

When it comes to hygiene, keeping it simple is best. The area should be washed with warm water and a gentle cleanser; and for a new piercing, a mild solution of sea salt and lukewarm water can help cleanse and remove bacteria.

Protecting the Penis
 
In addition to monitoring blood sugar and body weight, quitting smoking, and exercising general penile care and hygiene, men can protect against a variety of common issues by daily application of a top quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A nutrient crème containing vitamins, amino acids and natural emollients can soothe dry, stressed skin; protect against daily wear and tear; control odors; and preserve or even restore sensation in this delicate area.