Penis Health Might Be Impacted By Soda

Considering the high level of importance that men place on their members, it’s surprising that there isn’t more legitimate scientific research into factors that could impact penis health. For example, some men have been told that drinking too much soda can have a negative impact on their overall health, including their sex lives. For those who down a more than few soft drinks on a hot summer day, that news might give them pause. But what is the basis for this theory?

Studies
When talking about health and medicine, doctors tend to rely on the results from well-designed, preferably randomized trials (also called studies). In the best of all possible worlds, a study will include some important features, such as:

- A large number of test subjects who are basically representative of either the population at large or the population being studied;

- A research design that effectively isolates and measures the hypothesis being tested; and

- Inclusion of at least two "arms," one that is being exposed to a drug or treatment or topic being tested and one that is a "control" group that is NOT subjected to the drug, treatment or topic.
When these conditions are met, it’s easier for a doctor to have greater reliance on the results of the test. And ideally, doctors will have many different tests on the same issue from which to draw their information.

Soda
If there’s a serious problem at play, such as cancer, there tends to be a lot of studies on an issue. But there are hundreds of concerns that would benefit from studies, but that are not critical enough to a sufficient number of people to be the object of much research - and the effect of soda on penis health is one of these.

There have, however, been a handful of such studies, including a Danish study that looked at sperm counts and soda consumption, and a Polish one that looked at erectile dysfunction and soda consumption.

In the Danish study, which looked at more than 2500 men, participants who were heavy soda drinkers had (on average) a sperm count that was 3 million per milliliter; those who were not heavy soda drinkers averaged 56 million.

The Polish study found that there might be a link between drinking a lot of soda and proper erectile function. The theory resulting from this study is that sweeteners may damage arteries and prevent the proper flow of blood during the erectile phase.

Problems
Neither study is by any means conclusive. While each study found links between soda consumption and penis health, they were not able to positively say that soda is the actual cause of the problems indicated. For example, many people who drink a lot of soda may have other factors (insufficient exercise, obesity, etc.) that may also have an impact on their penile health.

That said, men who do drink a lot of soda on a daily basis may want to consider cutting back, especially if they are also overweight. Lessening the consumption of sugar and caffeine, both of which are found in sodas, can help one to lose weight, increase one’s energy and vigor and make one feel more inclined to be physically active - all of which help both one’s general health and one’s sexual well-being.

In general, more men need to take a "big picture" look at their penis health and not only reduce heavy soda consumption but also make sure that their manhood is getting the attention it needs to be in prime condition. Any penis health regimen needs to include the daily use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Those worried about keeping their blood vessels receptive to increased blood flow need to find a crème with L-arginine, which is an important component in relaxing those vessels. It’s also smart to use a crème that can provide topical application of vitamin C, due to its complementary role in maintaining blood vessel health and function.

Addressing Penis Pain After Getting a Tattoo

The tattoo has become a common body adornment for millions of men, a way for a guy to express himself in a visible, permanent way. Yet, perhaps due to the penis pain that can result, most men tend to avoid tatting the body part which most visibly identifies a person as male. Although obtaining a penis tattoo is rare, those who do opt to get inked need to make sure that they practice appropriate penis care in order to make the experience as easy as possible.

Caution
Although getting a penis tattoo is clearly a personal decision, any man who considers it needs to approach it with caution. First and foremost, it’s important to choose a tattoo artist who is both experienced and reputable; getting a tattoo in an unhygienic environment - whether one the penis or elsewhere - can result in some serious health issues. (This assumes that a man can easily get a tattoo artist who will work on the penis; many of them do not provide this service. Those that do are likely to charge extra - possibly quite a bit extra.)

If a guy has never had a tattoo, it’s not wise to start with one on the penis. After all, the process involves sticking needles into the area to be tattooed. The penis is more sensitive than other body parts, so the potential for penis pain is greater; but at least if a man has previously been tatted elsewhere, he has some idea of what to expect.

Most tattoo artists will use a numbing cream to help deaden the sensation; however, this merely lessens the penis pain. It does not eliminate it completely.

The process
A tattoo is generally applied to the penis while it is flaccid, but in order to cover it appropriately, the penis has to be stretched, Sometimes the customer handles the penis for this, other times the artist needs to. While the stretching doesn’t induce the level of penis pain that the needles can, it can still be uncomfortable.

But it is the needling that tends to cause the most discomfort. Exactly how much depends upon an individual’s threshold for this kind of sensation.

Interestingly, some men report that the more lingering pain that they experience comes not from the stretching or the needling, but from wiping. The tattoo specialist may need to be constantly wiping away ink, which can cause irritation and chafing that has a more lasting effect.

Removal
Hopefully, a guy who gets a penis tattoo will be happy with it and want to keep it all his life. But some people do change their minds. Removing a tattoo can be challenging and often involves the use of lasers, which can be distinctly painful on the penis. (On the other hand, penis tattoos usually "come off" more easily than tattoos in some other parts of the body, due to their closeness to the lymphatic system, which is sympathetic to lasers.)

Afterward
So what should a man do to address the pain from getting a tattoo? He should leave the bandage on for as long as recommended by the tattoo expert. When it is removed, he should gently wash it with warm (not hot) water and a mild anti-bacterial soap with no fragrances. He may find an over-the-counter pain reliever can help with mild pain.

Once the tattoo is completely healed, he may want to address the lingering penis pain by pampering his member. Application of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is a sensible idea. The crème will need to include a combination of moisturizers, ideally a high end emollient (shea butter is excellent) and a natural hydrator (like vitamin E). This will soothe the traumatized skin and help ease it back to health. Keeping bacteria at bay is essential, so choosing a crème that boasts vitamin A’s anti-bacterial properties is wise. Building up the penis’ natural health with a potent crème will help to ease lingering soreness from the tattoo process.

Is Talcum Powder Best for Penis Odor Elimination?

Serious penis odor can be a source of embarrassment for men, especially during the hot, sweaty summer months. For some guys, a simple application of talcum powder early in the morning is all they do to combat this common problem. But is the use of talcum powder consistent with appropriate penis care? And, equally important, does it really combat penis odor?

The penis odor dilemma
Penis odor has been around for as long as men have been around. Yes, our early forebears ran around with no clothes and therefore enjoyed the benefits of constantly airing the penis out. But those same cave dwellers also had no soap and didn’t wash very frequently - meaning their packages boasted an even greater degree of penis odor than do our own.

So why is this particular body part prone to carrying a stench around with it? Well, for one thing it’s usually packaged underneath two solid layers of clothing - trousers and underwear. And often, that underwear is tightfitting, which increases the heat quotient. Add to that the fact that, unless a man shaves his manhood, it is topped off by a large thatch of insulating hair, in addition to the hair that lines the balls. Finally, men get erections throughout the day, whether they’re aroused or not. The erectile process involves engorging the penis by filling it with blood; this in turn adds even more heat to the area.

Excessive moisture is a natural byproduct of all that heat, and sweat tends to bring with it odor-causing bacteria - hence, the aroma factory that is a typical man’s crotch.

The talcum powder solution
For many years, men have tried to keep the manhood odor at bay by strategically sprinkling - or in some cases, liberally pouring - talcum powder on the penis, balls and crotch. Talcum powder is famous for its use in keeping babies’ bottoms soft and dry, so its use on the penis is understandable. But is it the best solution for penis odor?

Since most talcum powder comes with a scent of its own, it can be effective for a short time in masking odor. The drying qualities associated with the product also can be effective on a short term basis; but it lacks the staying power needed for a tough case of member stench.

More importantly, talcum powder does not contain ingredients that can actively fight the causes of penis odor, especially bacteria. So once the initial benefits wear off and sweat begins pouring in, the powder does nothing but clump up. Thus, while it can provide some temporary coverage, it cannot by itself offer an effective solution to the problem.

Added to the issue are concerns voiced by some that long-term use of talcum powder may have negative health benefits. The problem is that not enough studies have been done to settle this question one way or another, and so some doctors advise caution in long-term use of the powder.

Beyond powder
Even men who use talcum powder should take other steps to fight unwanted scents. Proper cleaning of the area is crucial, of course; so is finding time each day to let the manhood "air out." (Sleeping naked is one way to achieve this goal.)

Most importantly, however, a man definitely needs to go beyond talcum powder and regularly use a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to help with penis odor. To be effective, the crème absolutely must include vitamin A. This vitamin is well known for its anti-bacterial properties which do a splendid job of actively fighting the bacteria which are the root cause of an odiferous member. It’s also essential that the crème contains alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid helps to modify the aging process of penis cell metabolism, which in turn keeps the penis skin healthier. Healthier penis skin is in a much better position to fight off odor-causing bacteria. With the right crème, penis odor can be effectively brought to heel.

That Sore Penis May Be Due to RGS

There are many causes of a sore penis, and most of the time, pain in this area occurs for straightforward reasons (for instance, injury and infection, to name the most common). But one possible cause of penile discomfort is a relatively recent discovery, known as RGS, or restless genital syndrome. While there is still a lot being learned about this condition, what is known suggests it can have a significant impact on penis health, and that men who suspect they might suffer from it should take steps to address it.

What is RGS?
Many people have heard of restless leg syndrome, a neurological condition in which there are sensations in the leg that are often accompanied by involuntary movement. Similarly, RGS is described in a MedScape interview as "a somatosensory disorder characterized by an unpleasant sensation involving the genital area and pelvis. It has been defined as a spontaneous, intrusive, and unwanted genital arousal (e.g., tingling, throbbing, pulsating) that occurs in the absence of sexual interest and desire."

In other words, RGS is a condition in which a person experiences an arousal in the genitals that is unrelated to sensual stimuli. The condition had been known to exist in women for a few years, but it is only recently that cases have been described in men.

So what?
Some men may look at the description of RGS and think, "What’s the big deal? So a guy’s ready for action all the time - what’s the problem?"

The issue is that we’re talking about unwanted arousal. Most guys have some stories of having popped an obvious erection at an inappropriate time, such as when making a presentation. With RGS, this may be a persistent problem, rather than a random occurrence.

Of course, it’s not just the embarrassment factor that is at play here. While the arousal in this instance is not due to sensual stimuli or sexual desire, it has the same consequences - it makes a person feel horny. The persistent nature of it means that this sense of arousal can prove very distracting and interfere with a person’s ability to focus or engage in many activities. (Try riding a bike when RGS strikes, for example.)

As a result, many people with RGS find themselves masturbating, sometimes several times a day. Again, there’s nothing wrong with masturbating, but for a person with RGS, it’s not happening necessarily because they want to masturbate. It’s more because they have to masturbate in order to rid themselves of a distraction so that they can get back to concentrating on other issues or activities.

What (else) to do?
Other than masturbating, is there anything a man with RGS can do? Because this is a condition about which little is known, it’s unclear what treatments are best. Many doctors treat it with the same medications prescribed for restless leg syndrome, such as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or dopamine agonists. Their exact effectiveness in treating RGS, especially in males, is still a question mark - and as with any drug, there may be some side effects (including sexual side effects) that can limit their usefulness. Men with RGS should definitely consult with a doctor if the condition is causing them problems and work out possible treatment options.

RGS often results in a sore penis, either from the frequent masturbation that it may require or from the erect penis rubbing against clothing for extended periods of time. To help alleviate that sore penis, men should regularly use a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Spreading on a crème that includes a combination of a high end emollient (such as shea butter) and a superior natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) can help to provide soothing relief to a sore member while helping to keep the penile skin nice and healthy. Rough use can also contribute to a thinning of penis skin, so a crème that also contains alpha lipoic acid is advised. The potent antioxidant power of alpha lipoic acid combats free radicals that can cause damage to the skin. The crème may not cure RGS, but it can help alleviate complications that may result from it.

Penis Pain: Use Electrical Stimulation With Care

Men interested in exploring new sexual avenues sometimes choose options that may cause as much penis pain as pleasure. Electrical self-stimulation is one such option; when used properly, it can be a boon, but improper use can result in discomfort, pain or other problems. Since penis health should always be taken into consideration, even when seeking erotic outlets, men who are thinking about this path should look into what’s involved.

How it works
Electrical stimulation has been used for years as a form of massage therapy for sore muscles and other physical injuries. The process is intended to send small electrical pulses into a targeted area, either causing the pain receptors in the nerves to temporarily "dull" or by forcing the muscles into a relaxed state.

When used for sexual purposes, an electrical stimulator is intended to "dull" the pain processors, which thereby allows erotic reactions to be processed more quickly. The arousal is therefore both quicker to occur and more intense. Many men who use electrical stimulation for masturbatory purposes find that it produces a "hands-free" ejaculatory response.

Devices
A conducting gel is applied to the penis, balls or other area where the electrical stimulation device will be used. In some instances, simple electrodes (such as those attached to the torso during a cardiac examination) will be placed over the gelled area. In other cases, the electrical stimulation is contained in a more traditional sex toy, such as a cock ring, penis sleeve or anal plug. They are then attached to a power source.

The power source is used to determine the intensity of the electrical stimulation that will be sent to the device, as well as its duration. The power source may be controlled by the user himself or by a partner.

Uses
While many men use electrical stimulation of the penis purely to increase the intensity of their sexual experience, others use it for more practical reasons. Electrical stimulation therapy is often used to help treat erectile dysfunction. In men with ejaculatory dysfunction, an electrical anal plug has been shown to help produce otherwise difficult-to-achieve ejaculation.

Use with Care
There is controversy over whether electrical stimulation should be used solely for sexual pleasure. Many doctors do not recommend this and believe that such stimulation should be used only under the careful supervision of a trained professional.

Some of the risks that can be associated with electrical stimulation include:

- Tissue damage. Providing too intense or prolonged a jolt can damage the tissue, in some cases severely. Those who use electrical stimulation should be very cautious of the level and length of use to avoid penis pain and injury.

- Cardiac trouble. Electrical stimulation should only be used below the waist, to minimize the possibility that the electrical current could interfere with cardiac function. Misuse may cause serious, possibly even fatal, consequences. People with pacemakers or cardiac issues should NOT engage in electrical stimulation for sexual pleasure.

- Surges. As with any electrical device, there is always the possibility of an unexpected power surge during use. It is recommended that the device be connected to a surge protector for that reason.

- Improper equipment. People should not create their own electrical stimulation devices; instead, only use those that have been professionally made and are intended specifically for use in sexual situations. Using electrical stimulation devices intended for other purposes is risky, as they may be set for levels that are inappropriate for sexual use.

Electrical stimulation for sexual pleasure is a personal choice, but one that must be used carefully to avoid penis pain. Even when properly used, some soreness may result, so using a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is advised. The best crème contains acetyl L carnitine, which has neuroprotective qualities to help restore diminished sensitivity from overuse. In addition, a crème with vitamin B5 (a.k.a. pantothenic acid) is excellent for ensuring the health of penile tissue. Liberal application of such a crème enhances the overall health of the penis.

Summer Masturbation Tips: Beating the Heat

Masturbation is clearly an activity for all seasons, but the summer brings with it some opportunities for a little season-specific solo fun. A man who has been following good penis care guidelines will be well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and add a little extra spice to his solo sexual sessions.

Some of the suggestions below involve masturbation outdoors. It’s important, of course, to remember that public masturbation can bring with it trouble from the police, so men are advised to limit their outdoor stroking to private locations.

Cool it.
 
As every guy knows, masturbation is heavily dependent on friction. The rubbing of the penis, whether vigorous or more practiced, creates friction of varying degrees, which in turn stimulates the sensitive penile nerves and produces the sensation that makes masturbating so irresistible. But friction also produces heat, and on a hot summer night a little extra heat is the last thing a guy needs.
If engaging in a lengthy pleasure session, remember to keep things cool. Spread the legs (especially if lying down or standing up). If sitting down, stand up every so often to let some of the mid-section heat escape. If masturbating outdoors, spreading the legs can allow a nice breeze to add a pleasure-enhancing tickling sensation as well.

Cool it - again.
 
A more fun way to keep cool is to point a small fan directly at the crotch while masturbating. Not only will this cool the balls down, it can also add a little extra degree of stimulation that can be quite exciting.

Cool it - one more time.
 
Many men know that the masturbatory experience can be enhanced by a sudden change in temperature - usually by applying very cold water or ice wrapped in a towel to the balls when approaching ejaculation. This feels even better and is even more appreciated during the dog days of summer.

Lotion not lube.
 
Summertime is the perfect time to walk around the great outdoors in the buff. Guys who are considering this need to be sure to apply sunscreen to protect sensitive penis skin. If alone while outside, a man may be tempted to further use that lotion for lubrication. Be advised, however, that sunscreen is not made for this purpose and if it gets into the urethra is likely to produce a burning sensation.

Be husky.
 
Corn on the cob is a summer delight - but don’t throw away the husks after shucking the ears of corn. Wrapping the husks around the penis provides a very different masturbatory sensation which some men find intensely pleasurable. For an even more unusual experience, keep the corn silk and use that as well during one’s solo fun.

Enjoy a melon.
 
Watermelons are also at their peak in the summer - and can provide some juicy fun for a man. Simply carve a hole of the appropriate dimensions and depth in a melon, insert the penis and simulate intercourse. It’s a bit messy, but definitely provides a kick.

Take the plunge.
 
Masturbating in the shower is one thing; masturbating in a lake or ocean is quite another. The sensation that comes from masturbating while the penis is completely submerged in water is really unique. (Again, be sure to indulge in this activity only when alone, not while others are around.)

Of course, masturbation in the summer can still be practiced in the same way as in any other season. Whatever the season and whatever the method, it pays to regularly use a top flight penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to keep the manhood in tip top shape. Those who masturbate frequently and/or roughly should definitely select a crème with acetyl L carnitine, which helps protect the penis from de-sensitization due to over-enthusiastic rubbing. A crème with L-arginine is also a fine idea. L-arginine is an enzyme which helps to create the circumstances under which penile blood vessels can relax, opening them up for the rush of blood that is key to a hardy erection. Taking steps to maintain penis health will only enhance one’s self-sexual encounters.

Erect Penis Enemy Could Be Anemia

Many men take great pains to ensure their penis health in order to maintain an active sexual life, including the ability to experience an erect penis. Sometimes, when there is dysfunction in the erectile area, it’s possible that anemia may be playing a role in preventing the manhood from functioning correctly.

Explaining anemia
Anemia is one of those words that people hear all the time but may only have a vague understanding of what it means. So what is anemia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, anemia is "a condition in which (one doesn’t) have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues." Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin. This protein takes the oxygen that comes in through the lungs and transports it around the body so that the organs that require oxygen can get the oxygen that they need to function properly.

Guess what one of those organs is? That’s right: the penis. So having a properly-oxygenated penis is crucial.

Causes
There can be any number of causes of anemia, such as:

- Not enough iron. This is the one that most people associate with anemia - iron deficiency. Hemoglobin is made in the bone marrow, and one of the big components in making hemoglobin is iron. So when there’s not enough iron, there’s not enough hemoglobin and therefore not enough oxygen getting taken around the body - and thus there’s anemia.

- Not enough vitamins. Red blood cells also need a certain level of vitamin B12 and of folate in order to function properly. When a body doesn’t get enough of these two ingredients, it produces fewer red blood cells - which means there are fewer "taxis" available to take the oxygen around the body.

- Not enough blood. Iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency are kind "invisible" causes of anemia; loss of blood is present obvious. When a person loses blood - through a bad car accident, say - they are anemic until such time as they are able to replace the blood (usually through a blood transfusion). Because of the acute nature of this cause, it’s not typically associated with erect penis issues; most people who have lost a few pints of blood aren’t going to be in the mood for sex at the moment. (Of course, there are exceptions!)

- Hemolysis. Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells. This occurs naturally, usually when a red blood cell has reached the end of its useful life. In some people, however, the rate of red blood cell destruction can be too fast.

- Diseases and disorders. Many conditions, such as leukemia, kidney disease, aplastic anemia and sickle cell, can bring about an anemic state.

Erect penis affect
How might anemia affect an erect penis? Because a successful erection depends upon a rapid influx of oxygen-rich blood, the lack of sufficient oxygen can lead to a difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection. This is relatively rare; more common is for a man with anemia to produce an erect penis, but for the erection to not feel as "full" or as "strong," due to the lack of oxygen.

It is also possible that, owing to the fatigue associated with anemia, an anemic man might have less stamina, making him less capable of enduring the exertion associated with vigorous sexual activity.
Working with a doctor to determine the cause of one’s anemia and the proper course of treatment is crucial for overall health, as well as for the specific health of the penis.

Anemia can be an enemy of an erect penis, so it’s vital that the organ’s global health be well maintained. Using a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is strongly advised. L-arginine is an enzyme that helps produce nitric oxide, which in turns keeps penis blood vessels relaxed and receptive to adequate blood flow, allowing more oxygen to reach the penis. Therefore, a crème that contains this ingredient, along with vitamin C, is a good choice. Why vitamin C? Because of its role in collagen production and in promoting proper penile tissue firmness, by its role as a structural component of blood vessels.