Dry Penis Problems: The Athlete with the Chafed Penis

Engaging in good penis care is important for a man, and that can be especially true for athletes, who often find dry penis skin to be a recurring issue. Running, biking and other activities can result in a chafed penis, which can be both painful and unattractive. So what can an athletic man do to deal with dry penis problems?


Why does he get it?
A dry penis condition is hardly limited to men of an athletic nature. Even couch potatoes can come down with this affliction. But men who are on the move do seem to be more likely to develop an unfortunately chafed penis.

What causes dry penis skin? Basically the answer is friction. For many men, the cause of the dryness is related to sexual activity, in which a minimum degree of friction is necessary to bring about appropriate stimulation of the penis. However, often men experience far more than the minimum amount of friction; this is especially true when there is an imbalance between the degree of friction applied and the degree of lubrication available.

With athletic men, the sheer amount of and intensity of movement recreates the friction situation that can occur during sex (although often without the accompanying arousal response). In addition, the lack of lubrication becomes a factor here. (Sweat, while wet, does not tend to provide much lubricating relief.)

Fabric
While sexual activity creates friction through the skin-on-skin contact, athletic-based friction is more typically the result of skin-on-fabric contact. This can create a dry penis skin issue in two ways:

(1) First, the roughness of the fabric can play a big role in the amount of friction created. A coarse fabric will be more abrasive and more quickly bring about a roughening of the skin. Although underwear is often cotton-based, over time it can still become irritating. Moreover, often the penis escapes from the folds of the underwear and comes into direct contact with the rougher fabric of the pants. Even when there is no direct contact, the thinness of most underwear means that the rougher pants fabric can often be felt through the underwear.

(2) Second, beyond the roughness of clothing fabric, there is the issue of reactions to cleaning products used in the fabric. Penis skin is very thin and very sensitive and it can react strongly to fragrances or chemicals used in laundry detergents. This problem can be exacerbated when sweat is added into the equation.

Prevention
Athletes can take several steps to help lessen the likelihood of a chafed penis, including:

- Staying hydrated. This can go a long way to keeping the skin all over the body from drying out.

- Avoiding a too-loose fit. When involved in athletics, clothing that is too loose can increase the likelihood of chafing. Very snug fitting bike shorts increase the contact with fabric, but do so in a manner that may decrease the actual chafing.

- Changing clothes. Getting out of sweaty gear and into fresh gear as often as possible will decrease the likelihood of irritation.

- Airing out. Giving the penis time to air out is crucial, so a guy should build in some "alone time" when he can hang out unclothed for a decent period of time.

Applying a crème. Dry penis skin and a chafed penis need proper care, and that care should include the use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). That dry skin needs immediate relief, and this is best achieved by regular use of a crème that contains a powerful combination of moisturizers. Ideally, a man needs a crème with both a high end emollient (soothing shea butter is an excellent choice) and a natural hydrator (vitamin E is choice) so that a "moisture barrier" can be erected that traps moisture into the dehydrated skin. While he’s at it, he should see that the crème also contains vitamin A; all that sweat tends to create a rank penis odor, and vitamin A is supreme at fighting those odor-causing bacteria.

Penis Odor: What Women Can Tell Their Men

Women in relationships with men often find that talking about some subjects can be a bit difficult - and one of those subjects is penis odor. Even men who practice exceptional penis care may experience occasional bouts of penis odor - and may not even be aware of the fact. So if a woman is involved with a man whose member carries a very definite aroma with it, what should she do?

Why penis odor?
First, it helps for women to understand why penis odor is such a frequent issue with men.

As most people know, odor is frequently associated with bacteria - and bacteria tend to breed in areas in which there is a combination of both heat and moisture. Such a description fits the penis to a T.
The heat is the key factor here. The penis is (typically) hidden beneath not one but two layers of clothing, which ups the heat quotient right there. In addition, tight underwear increases the amount of heat, as does a thick thatch of pubic hair, which many men sport. Finally, the process by which an erection is achieved generates heat itself.

With all that hotness going on, sweat becomes a natural by-product. And with the sweat comes the odor-causing bacteria.

In addition, men who are physically active - running, biking, playing football, etc. - are going to increase the amount of sweat all over, including in the crotch.

Other smells
Of course, not all smells that emanate from the penis are necessarily bad. Men also excrete pheromones, which produce a scent that can be sexually arousing for many women.

But in addition to sweat, other things can contribute to penis odor. For example, a yeast infection (and yes, men do get those) can make an especially "fishy" smell. In addition, a man’s diet can contribute to his odor issues; some foods (such as asparagus) can produce a more distinctive body aroma.

Hygiene
Sometimes, that penis odor is a direct result of insufficient attention to hygiene. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the guy doesn’t wash; he just may not be aware of how strong the odor he gives off may be and so he may not wash as thoroughly as the situation demands. And sometimes even men who are meticulous in their hygiene may have a persistent penis odor, due to their body’s overactive production of bacteria. (These men will need to use an expert penis health crème, but more about that later.)

What to say
Bringing up penis odor can be difficult, but if it’s a real problem, women need to find a way to do it. In some relationships, the best approach is to be direct: "The odor around your penis is a real turn-off. We need to find a way to deal with it."

For men whose egos may be a bit more fragile, it may help to cushion the blow: "You are such a great guy and I really, really love how we connect when we’re in bed. But I’ve noticed sometimes there can be a little smell around your penis that I don’t like."

Telling a guy that he would be more likely to get oral sex if he could make his penis smell better is also an incentive to try.

Women can also offer to help with the penis odor by taking a shower with their man and offering to later help apply a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to help eliminate the odor. This "hands on" approach can be very helpful. Just be sure that the selected crème contains vitamin A, which has superb antibacterial properties that can really attack stubborn penis odor. It’s also productive to use a crème with a powerful moisturizing component, such as the high end emollient shea butter and the natural hydrator vitamin E. Since thorough washing can rub away necessary oils along with the bacteria, the moisturizers can then help keep the penis skin nice and soft.

When Penis Pain Is Due to Fournier Gangrene

A little penis pain is something that every man expects now and then, but intense penis pain is another story - and may need medical attention. There can be numerous causes of penis pain; one of these is Fournier gangrene, which can be very serious indeed. Men who care about their penis health should be familiar with this fortunately rare condition - just in case it ever strikes them.

What is it?
Fournier gangrene, sometimes called Fournier disease, is classified as an acute necrotic infection of the penis, balls and perineum. (The perineum is the section of the body between the balls and the anus.) Necrotic refers to the death of cells in a part of the body, so in this case it refers to dead cells and tissue in the genital area.

Fournier gangrene is considered a medical emergency; mortality rates are thought to be in the area of 20-30% of patients. Fortunately, the condition is also rare; it is estimated that worldwide there are only about 100 cases reported each year. Although there have been cases of Fournier gangrene in women and in children, the vast majority of cases have been reported in men over the age of 50.

What causes it?
Bacterial infection is typically the cause of Fournier gangrene, although some reports suggest that the infection can sometimes be fungal or viral in nature as well. This infection usually occurs in connection with a trauma to the area and is more often found in situations in which the immune system is compromised (temporarily or chronically). In many cases, the condition arises in relation to a bad urinary tract infection.

The gangrenous aspect of the disorder usually comes about due to thrombosis in small blood vessels in the area. This thrombosis is frequently the result of trauma (which was mentioned previously).

Symptoms
Penis pain, or pain in other parts of the area, is very common. While it may be severe, in some instances it is only of a moderate level. Swelling in the penis, balls or perineum is typical, as is a fever. A very strong and unpleasant odor is also associated with Fournier, growing more noxious as the disease progresses.

Gangrene can develop very rapidly, often within hours. This can be especially dangerous. Surgical treatment is usually required for Fournier disease, and typically involves cutting out the dead tissue and other areas suspected of being at risk of developing further gangrene. Intensive treatment with antibiotics is also standard of care.

As previously stated, Fournier gangrene is a rare condition and one that most men are unlikely ever to suffer from; however, it is important that men in a slightly higher risk group be aware of the symptoms. In addition to men over 50, risk factors include a compromised immune system, penile trauma, diabetes, burns, infections and corticosteroid use.

Attention to overall health and hygiene can aid in preventing Fournier, as well as attention to penis health in particular.

Avoiding penis pain (whether caused by Fournier or not) by maintaining good penis health is easier when a man makes the regular use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) part of his daily regimen. Keeping the penis healthy can help to fight bacteria, and a crème that includes vitamins A and D is a good ally in that fight. Also called retinol, vitamin A is especially good at eliminating unpleasant bacteria from the penis. Vitamin D is frequently referred to as the "miracle vitamin" because it fights disease and supports healthier cellular functionality. In addition, the crème needs to contain a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, so that it can aid in the body’s ability to fight the free radicals that lead to cellular damage.

Penis Size: Working with the Thick Penis

It’s no secret that penis size is a topic that is frequently on the minds of many men, as our culture has become obsessed with equating size with satisfaction (despite studies that reveal that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to pleasing a partner). While penis size discussions usually deal with questions of length, girth is also a factor. Indeed, many people have stated that a thick penis is more desirable than a long one, assuming that issues of penis health are equal in either case. Yet some men continue to feel self-conscious about a thick penis, especially if they feel the thickness makes the entire package appear shorter. The truth is, they needn’t feel that way.

A thick penis may be "better."
Penis size discussions tend to ignore the fact that the mass of the member is really only a relatively small part of the equation. Except in cases of a true micropenis, a man is going to possess a penis that is large enough to satisfy a partner. The nerve endings that create an orgasmic response in women are located in the "near" section of the vagina, so for most women, even a small penis is capable of producing the desired response.

That said, there still may be a slight advantage for a man with a thick penis when it comes to sex, in comparison to another man with the exact same set of sexual skills but with a somewhat thinner member. This is because the thicker penis stretches the vagina during intercourse, creating potentially greater stimulation of those nerve endings.

However, that stretching has to be handled appropriately. With that in mind, here are a few tips for the man with a thick penis (or the woman who is involved with such a man):

Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate. The thicker the piece, the more challenging the penetration - and the more challenging the penetration, the more painful. Using lubricant can help to ease the entry into the vagina, making intercourse more pleasurable for both parties.

Go easy. Lubrication by itself may not be sufficient to make the initial entrance enjoyable for a woman. All men need to incorporate adequate foreplay into their lovemaking, but this is especially true for the man with the "well-rounded" member. Manually and orally attending to the vagina is a good start, but don’t forget the breasts, ears and any other parts that the particular woman finds sensual. And when the time comes for actual penetrating, it’s important not to simply force it in. Ease it in, and if there is resistance, withdraw and indulge in a little more foreplay. And by all means, if a woman expresses pain, verbally or otherwise, then withdraw.

Consider positions. When a man has a large penis, the woman often needs to have more control over the sexual activity; this enables her to make adjustments if she is experiencing discomfort due to penis size. For that reason, missionary is not usually the best choice for sex with a thick penis. Flipping things and letting the woman be on top usually affords her more control. Some women also express a preference for the "Column" position, in which the woman stands with her legs close together while the male penetrates from behind. This position works best if there is not a tremendous height difference between the man and the woman.

A man with a thick penis or a thin one (or a man with any penis size) must take steps to keep it healthy. A first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) applied regularly can help. Since men who are sexually active (either with a partner or with themselves) may end up with a sore penis from frequent use, finding a crème with the right hydrating elements is crucial. One with both a high end emollient (like shea butter) and a natural moisturizer (like vitamin E) can provide soothing relief to a raw member. Frequent use can often also lead to some loss of sensation due to peripheral nerve damage in the penis. A crème with acetyl L carnitine, which is neuroprotective, can aid in keeping penis sensitivity at the proper level.

A.M. Sex Tips: Making the Most of Morning Wood

When a man is ready to rise and shine, he usually isn’t the only one who’s up and at ‘em. “Morning wood,” or an erection that is present when one awakens, is a very common occurrence and is a sign of good penis health. Experts know that morning is, for many men, the time when they are biologically most ready for sex, so indulging that morning erection makes sense. Of course, sometimes a man needs to take a few steps to prepare for a.m. activities. The sex tips below can help make morning sex both more likely and more enjoyable.

Allow enough time. On weekends, it’s usually easy to accommodate wake-up sex, but weekdays can be more challenging. Therefore, it’s wise to wake up early enough to make sure there’s time for some relaxed coupling. How much time? That depends on the couple. Many enjoy a “quickie” and may find five minutes sufficient; others may want 30 or 40 minutes (or more) in order to properly enjoy some foreplay, a relaxed penetrative period and some post-coupling together time.

Watch the breath. Probably the biggest negative associated with having sex just after awakening is that dreaded morning breath. Couples should definitely have a plan for conquering this obstacle. Many people need to urinate upon first awakening, so they can quickly brush their teeth at the same time. But for those who wake up and want to get right down to business, keeping some breath mints or mouthwash and a “spit cup” on the nightstand is a must.

Be clean. Since there’s likely no time for a shower before beginning the morning festivities, men should take a shower the night before. Those men whose bodies tend to attract odor easily should keep some deodorant and/or cologne nearby for a quick application upon waking. Many women find a guy’s “bed head” – that messy I-just-woke-up look – sexy, but if it goes from messy to rat’s nest-y, run a brush through it a couple of times.

Warm her up. Guys may wake up with an erection that is raring to go, but that doesn’t mean their lady friend is in quite as advanced a state of receptivity. It often helps to take the time to gently awaken the special woman, perhaps by whispering arousing sentiments into her ear while putting one’s arms around her for a warm hug.

Make the most of foreplay. Unless a quickie is on the menu, start by sensually removing her nightclothes and any undergarments she may be wearing. Take time doing this and be sure to express appreciation for the body that lies underneath these clothes. Spend time exploring all of her erogenous zones, and don’t be limited to using hands. A man should let his mouth, his feet, his legs and his penis caress his partner’s body as he seeks to stoke her sexual fires.

Know one’s (time) limit. Sex before work can put a big smile on the faces of both partners. But if there’s concern about taking too long and being late to work, it can make one or both partners too anxious to really enjoy the sex. If this is potentially the case, the couple needs to enter into it with the agreement that, as much as they might like to stay in bed for hours, they will stop at a certain time – even if one or both partners has not climaxed yet. After all, the goal of good sex is to enjoy the experience and the closeness resulting, not to focus solely on the orgasm.

No list of sex tips for improving morning sex experiences would be complete without reminding a man that he must keep his manhood in good health. Daily application of a first rate  penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is crucial for appropriate penis health maintenance. For optimal results, select a crème that includes both vitamins A and C. Vitamin A conveys strong antibacterial benefits which help to eliminate persistent penis odor (a major turnoff for many women). And vitamin C is associated with advanced collagen production, which not only delivers excellent skin tone and elasticity but also contributes to proper erectile functioning.

Red Penis Skin: Causes of Discoloration and Itching

Over time, a man comes to know his body well. That’s why it can be such a surprise to look down and see a red penis in place of the formerly healthy, supple skin. To make matters worse, a red penis is often a very itchy, dry penis. Not only is it quite uncomfortable, it might make intimate activities a little awkward, embarrassing or even off-limits. The good news is that thorough penis care can help relieve the itching, dryness and redness. If the sight of a red penis is worrisome, the following list explains what might really be going on and how to remedy the problem.

1) Overuse. One of the most common reasons for a red penis is sexual activity - and a lot of it. Excessive friction from intercourse or masturbation can lead to redness of the skin, as well as dryness. The skin will become very sensitive and irritated, and you might even develop a few small abrasions at areas where rubbing was most frequent. Stop sexual activity for at least 24 hours and use a high-quality penis crème on the skin to facilitate faster healing.

2) Balanitis. This inflammation can be caused by numerous issues. One of the most common is simple lack of proper hygiene. Remember to always wash the penis carefully; those who are uncircumcised should take care to clean under the foreskin. If the problem persists, it might be caused by an allergy to soap, detergent, or something else that touches the skin on a regular basis. Switch to a mild soap. Consider switching laundry detergent as well.

3) Yeast infection. Also known as thrush, the Candida yeast infection is often considered a ‘woman’s problem.’ However, men are just as likely to get thrush as women are. Something as simple as a common cold can be enough to upset the delicate balance of the body, and the result is an overgrowth of the common yeast spores on the skin. In addition to a red penis, there might be itching, dryness, cracking and a whitish discharge. A yeast infection requires a visit to the physician for proper treatment.

4) Latex allergy. An allergy to latex is no laughing matter - it can lead to extreme redness and itching, and those who have a serious allergy might have trouble breathing shortly after contact with condoms, dental dams or intimate toys that contain latex. This allergy usually appears the first few times a person is exposed to latex, so it might come as an unfortunate surprise after using a condom for the first time. Immediately stop using latex condoms and make an appointment with the doctor to determine if that really is the problem.

5) STDs. A red penis might be one of the first signs of an STD, particularly if it is accompanied by itching, small lumps, discolorations, flaking skin, ulcers or discharge. Signs of an STD might appear within days or even weeks after having intercourse. Though it can be tough to think about having an STD, getting tested and treated is crucial to preserve fertility and avoid passing the STD to others.

6) Jock itch. One of the most annoying problems a man can possibly encounter, jock itch is quite aptly named. The need to scratch can be maddening, and along with it comes the redness - which, of course, is made even redder by the constant itching. The great news is that jock itch responds very well to over-the-counter treatments. Look for a good antifungal crème or spray and use it exactly as directed. Change underwear often and use towels only once to prevent spreading the infection.

7) Cancer. Though it is extremely rare, many men worry that a red penis equals cancer. Cancer typically presents as lumps or growths on the penis, either red or blue-brown in color. The texture of the skin might begin to feel markedly different. An appointment with the doctor can help ease fears of cancer; and if it does happen to be cancerous, there are many effective treatments.

Making a red penis healthy again

In many cases, a red penis will gradually return to the proper color and appearance. However, if there is itchiness to go along with the redness, take care not to scratch at the skin. This can lead to microscopic tears, and might actually make the itching worse. Seek relief by carefully washing the skin, using a mild cleanser designed for intimate care.

Keeping the penis skin moisturized is a vitally important part of a daily penile health regimen. Use a proven penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil), to keep the skin supple. Use formulations that provide nutrients known for healing properties, such as vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as Shea butter.

Masturbation with a Pal: Helpful Hints

Clearly, masturbation is just about the most fun a guy can have alone - but, as many people know, it doesn’t always have to be a solo activity. Many men have masturbated in company with a bro; many others would like to, but don’t know how to get it started. Fortunately, the following hints can help a guy who desires a little company while masturbating. And a guy who practices good penis care will have a member that’s worth showing off to a pal.

Hints

Many men, straight, bisexual and gay, enjoy masturbation with another man (or men). No matter one’s sexual identity, it can be a bonding experience. For some, it can reaffirm their manliness or give them a chance to indulge exhibitionistic practices in a consenting situation.

Although society has become much more open about masturbation in recent years, raising the subject of masturbating with another dude can still be delicate. And be clear, it does carry the risk of rejection and the feelings that may bring up. Also, it’s important to think about whether the person to be asked is likely to consider it, as it may possibly make him feel uncomfortable and put a damper on the friendship.

However, there are some ways to raise the subject with a friend:

- Be open about it. For men who are completely at ease with their masturbation and have a high self-confidence level, the direct approach may be best. Something along the lines of "I found an awesome porn video. Want to watch it and masturbate with me?" can make it crystal clear what you want.

- Arrange to get caught. Masturbate at a time and in a place where a friend is likely to walk in on you. When it happens, explain that you are so horny you have to keep going and invite him to drop trousers so you don’t feel so embarrassed about it.

- Make it a "show me" situation. Guys often like to brag about how big they are. Start a "mine’s so big" contest with a buddy. When he doubts it, prove it by pulling out your member and demand that he do the same. Both parties will probably need to stroke in order to attain their full erect size, and it may be possible to continue stroking after the sized debate has been settled - especially if it followed up by declaring "I may not be as big, but I bet I can shoot farther."

- Make it pay. Pull out a $20 bill and declare that whichever of you can spurt farther gets to keep the money. (This has the advantage of making it rewarding while at the same time superficially removing any sexual stigma attached to it.)

- Ease into it. Initiate a long conversation about sex with a friend. Occasionally bring up how excited the conversation is making you feel. At some point(s), mention that you’re having a hard time keeping your hands off yourself. If your buddy is feeling the same, suggest that you both do something about it.

Utilizing these hints may make it easier for a dude to introduce the subject of masturbation to a friend. Before the subject gets raised, make sure the manhood is ready for display. Daily application of an exceptional penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) keeps a member looking good and healthy. Keep the penis skin rejuvenated and revitalized by employing a crème that is chock full of moisturizing agents, especially shea butter (a high end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural hydrator). These form a barrier which keeps moisture available for the penis skin. The crème must also contain vitamin B5 (aka pantothenic acid), which vastly assists cell metabolism and the subsequent maintenance of healthy penile tissue. Working in a good penis health crème regularly can produce significant benefits.