Inflatable Sex Toys: A Few Things to Know

In the event that any man questions whether many people actually use sex toys, a quick perusal of the wide variety available online – or at any of the many sex toys emporia around the country – should put that notion to rest. A 2015 study found that sex toys use would grow by 40% between 2015 and 2020, from $21 billion annually to $29 billion. As long as a man practices appropriate penis care, using sex toys shouldn’t be a real issue, fortunately. That leaves him free to explore and enjoy the wonderful world of sex toys – including those of the inflatable variety.

Probably the sex toys most likely to be available in some inflatable form are dolls, anal plugs, dildos, penis rings, and vaginal imitations.

- Dolls. When the subject of inflatable sex toys is brought up, life-size inflatable dolls are what tend to come to mind first. Although there are certainly some male sex dolls, those of the female variety tend to be more popular. Most of these sex toys have openings at the mouth, the anus, and the vagina to allow for a man’s preferred penile penetration.

Use of the dolls is largely self-explanatory, but there are a few things guys should know. For example, have lubricant on hand, as many dolls could be a little rough on penis skin. Be sure to clean the doll thoroughly after each use; most dolls come with instructions on the best way to clean them. And if using a doll belonging to someone else, always wear a condom – in case the owner is not diligent about thoroughly cleaning up after himself. Also, be aware that many inflatable dolls make the same kind of “squeaking” sound associated with inflatable pool toys – and such squeaking may make it more difficult to use a doll inconspicuously, for those concerned about such things.

- Anal plugs. Inflatable anal plugs have become increasingly popular in recent years. As with any anal plug, it is inserted into the anus, to provide stimulation. But once inside, a guy can then hand pump the plug to a larger size. This is especially beneficial for men whose anal openings are especially tight. The plug can then be deflated when it is time for removal. Many men report that inflatable anal plugs are especially efficient at creating orgasmic prostate stimulation.

- Dildos. Operating on the same principle as inflatable anal plugs, the dildo is inserted into the anus (or, for a woman, the vagina) and inflated to a larger size; however, one can also inflate the dildo prior to insertion, if that is desired instead.

- Penis rings. As with anal plugs, inflatable penis rings are put in place (around the base of the penis) before inflation. The inflation provides a tighter fit, which can lead to a firmer erection. However, some medical professionals caution against making too tight a fit or wearing for too long, so care should be exercised when using.

- Vaginal imitations. Similarly, an erect penis can be inserted into a vaginal imitation and then the sex toy can be inflated, creating a much tighter fit. Again, however, men should be cautious about creating too tight a fit.

- Although many men find this embarrassing, it can be a wise move to discuss use of inflatable sex toys with one’s doctor in advance of their use.

Sometimes use – or overuse – of inflatable sex toys can lead to a sore (if happy) penis, so regular application of a top-drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is urged. Greater soothing relief is provided if the oil contains a combination of hydrating agents, such as shea butter and vitamin E. In addition, overuse may result in loss of sensation, so an oil with neuroprotective L-carnitine is suggested to help maintain penis sensitivity.

Some Masturbation Tips for Men

Masturbation is a great way to release stress, catch some ZZZs, or just have a good time. It’s also great for a man’s health, mental and physical. Masturbation is like exercise for a man’s love muscle, as release produces endorphins and feel-good hormones that put a man in an excellent state of mind. All of that said, masturbation can get a little ho-hum after a while. But have no fear! There are plenty of masturbation techniques and tips that a man can employ to make going Han(d) Solo a little more exciting. Here are eight tips any man can add to his masturbation style for explosive results.

Masturbation Tip #1: Switch Hands for the Handy

Probably the most natural tip of the bunch: just switch hands. By changing hands, sensation and tension differ, and stroking feels a little less familiar (in a good way).

Bonus Tip: Try “The Stranger.” This is where a man sits on his hand until it falls asleep and then starts masturbating with it as to feel like someone else is doing the stroking.

Masturbation Tip #2: Switch Up the Positions

Just as in sex, switching up positions makes everything a little new. If a man is a sitter, try standing. If he likes to do it only in the shower, try it laying down. Consider kneeling or starting on all fours for something a little less ordinary.

Masturbation Tip #3: The Hips Don’t Lie

Rather than doing all the stroking with the hand, try gyrating and thrusting to increase intensity and pleasure. Try circular or the famous in-and-out motion and see what feels the best. This will also save a man the hand cramps that sometimes accompany solo play. It’s also a great way to prep for the real thing.

Masturbation Tip #4: Lewis and Clark Your Erogenous Zones

It’s time to get exploratory. There are many more places on a man’s body that can elicit excitement and pleasure than just his penis. Take masturbation techniques to the next level by giving the regular stroke an add-on. Play with the testicles, lightly tease the perineum, and go anywhere that could incite enjoyment. There are plenty of nerve ending to go around, so show the other erogenous zones a little love. Play with pressure as well; there’s a lot to say for pinching, pulling, and tweaking these special zones that can really intensify the big finish and get a man closer to the full-body orgasm.

Masturbation Tip #5: It Takes Different Strokes to Rule the World

Sure, the fast up-and-down motion is a tried-and-true masturbation technique, but why not try something different? Use longer, slow strokes, or just focus on certain parts of the shaft. Change the up-and-down to the up-and-around by stroking up the penis, then palming the top of the head and then stroking down. Try a little twist too – it can make all the difference.

Masturbation Tip #6: Edging

Edging is not only great for masturbation but also for orgasm control with a partner. To edge, a man masturbates to the edge of his release and then pulls back and slows things down and then repeats. This draws out the pleasure, leading to a more powerful orgasm.

Masturbation Tip #7: Hit the P-Spot

Stimulate the prostate, or the P-Spot, for the intense, full-body release. Stroke the shaft and then with the other hand, stimulate the anal opening and slowly insert a finger to massage the prostate. Increase motion and speed to come to a climax. Some men prefer toys to help rather than their own digits.

Masturbation Tip #8: Try a Toy

Ladies have toys, so why not the men? There are tons of things available from the all-popular Fleshlight to anal beads to vibrating eggs. Men should experiment and find out what works for them. Add them to partner play if the mood fits.

After all of this well-deserved self-gratification, a man’s penis needs a little TLC; so after washing up, moisturize with a special oil. Men need an oil that is made expressly for delicate penile skin and one that provides the necessary nutrients to encourage rejuvenation and soft, elastic skin. Apply a penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin daily and after masturbating. It moisturizes and rejuvenates the penis while protecting it from nerve damage, dryness, and bacteria. It’s the best thing a man can do for his penis.

Penis Power Foods: Five Foods for Fertility

Fertility can be a stressful thing. Men spend so much time trying not to get pregnant that when it comes time to start making babies, they find they need a little extra something to beef up their sperm. A great place to start is by adding these five penis power foods to a man’s daily diet to improve fertility in a whole range of ways – after all, fertility needs to be developed from every angle to ensure it’s all systems go when it comes to making a munchkin. Here are five foods for penis health that every man should include in his daily diet, especially when it’s time to make the best baby batter.

Penis Power Foods for Fertility #1: Tomatoes for Super Sperm

Looking for superhero sperm? Look no further than this round, juicy fruit. Its lycopene provides antioxidants in such high and effective amounts that it has been clinically proven to improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (size and shape). As a bonus, it also has been shown to help prevent prostate cancer.

Get It: Guzzle a healthy portion of salsa at happy hour or a Bloody Mary at monthly brunch with the parents. On the daily, hit up some V-8, douse some zoodles in marinara, or enjoy a mozzarella Caprese salad.

Penis Power Foods for Fertility #2: Spinach for a Testosterone Boost

Why was Olive Oyl so into Popeye? That spinach didn’t just pump up his muscles; it got something else throbbing, too. Spinach contains 66 percent folate, which boosts blood flow in the body. It also has magnesium, which stimulates blood flow. This super fuel helps propel erections and keeps erectile dysfunction at bay, which can be a real problem fertility-wise.

Get It: Throw a handful or two in your morning smoothie or have a spinach salad with lunch. The flavor of spinach is very mild when raw, so it’s easy to sneak it in a lot of places if you aren’t big on the taste of cooked spinach.

Penis Power Foods for Fertility #3: Oily Fish Gives Sperm Some Oomph

Oily fish like salmon contain Omega-3s, which improve sperm size, motility, and count. Omega-3s produce DHAs in the body, which is essential to maintain fertility. DHAs can completely reverse infertility in men who don’t have adequate amounts of it.

Get It: Get some sushi and sashimi with salmon, white fish, and tuna or have a swordfish steak. Sardines and anchovies are also delicious little fishies that will get sperm to superstar stars.

Penis Power Foods for Fertility #4: A Carrot a Day Keeps Sperm Spawning

Why are bunnies known for their immense numbers? It could be all those carrots! Science has shown that carrots contribute to higher sperm counts and improve their swimming due to carotenoids, a chemical found in everyone’s favorite snack.

Get It: Aside from the easy-to-eat-a-whole-bag baby carrots, try some ginger carrot juice in the AM or a carrot soufflé with dinner.

Penis Power Foods for Fertility #5: Avocado Toast and Morning Sex Are Related

Avocados are a trendy fruit these days, and it’s no wonder why. These creamy temptresses are full of potassium, vitamins, and healthy fats that make the sex drive hum. They also contain zinc for a testosterone boost and vitamin E to improve sperm quality. Don’t believe it? The Aztecs used to call avocado trees the “testicle tree” in response to their libido-loving powers.

Get It: Bake an egg inside it, grab some guac, or just spoon it out on its own with a little Himalayan pink. Avocados are easy to find and even easier to eat.

Now that you have everything you need on the fertility side, it’s time for the fun part! In addition to keeping the penis healthy through diet, use a quality penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) full of vitamins and minerals for topical health every day. These special oils include healthy additions that boost blood flow, keep the penis fresh and rejuvenates it after those long fertility “workouts.”

Penis Protection: Condoms Are Still Needed

The horrific rise of HIV in the 1980s decimated many communities and destroyed many lives. To help prevent the spread of HIV, however, many more people became much more conscientious about using condoms to provide penis protection – as well as protection that extends beyond penis health. Many doctors and public health professionals are concerned that nowadays, with advances made in treatment for HIV and AIDS, that condom use is slipping. But there’s still a great need for men to use condoms rather than engage in unprotected non-monogamous partner sex.

New developments

Antiretroviral therapies are now available that can help to treat an individual with HIV, although these treatments cannot cure HIV. However, they are helping many people with HIV to live much longer lives. In addition, there now is a pre-exposure prophylaxis option, which can be used by individuals without HIV to drastically reduce the possibility of them contracting AIDS.

Both of these developments are incredibly important and have changed the lives of millions of people. However, because of these changes, some men feel that there is less need to use condoms when having sex. That’s simply not the case.

Other issues

First, pre-exposure prophylaxis does not have a 100 percent success rate (although its success rate is very high), so the possibility of contracting HIV does still exist. (To be accurate, use of condoms also does not have a 100 percent success rate.) But of equal importance, there are many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV that a man might need to worry about. By not using condoms, men are making it much more likely that they will contract one of these other STIs (and potentially pass it on to other partners as well).

Among the STIs that one is less likely to contract if one regularly uses condoms are classics that most people have at least heard of, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and chlamydia. But there are others that are perhaps a little less well known, such as:

- Trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite and may cause significant pain in the penis, especially when urinating or ejaculating. It is especially concerning in pregnant women, as it can lead to premature births.

- Genital warts, the appearance of which tends to put off many partners. These may itch and/or bleed, and may cause some discomfort.

- Pubic lice and scabies, tiny parasites that can cause serious itching and that can lead to infection if not treated. Wearing condoms helps prevent the spread of these parasites; however, they can still be passed on by skin-to-skin contact of unprotected areas (such as the balls or the crotch).

One other thing to remember: Although most STIs are passed on through unprotected skin-on-skin sex, it is possible for an infection to spread from shared use of sex toys, such as a vibrator. Using a condom and/or sterilizing sex toys before they are used by another can help reduce the chance of spreading STIs in this manner.

Many people feel that there is such a stigma attached to an STI that they’d rather not know if they have one. This is dangerous not only to themselves but to any sexual partners they have. Though an STI diagnosis can be scary, it is much better to know and get early treatment than to not know.

Condoms are a great start, but good penis protection requires more, such as efforts to maintain optimal penis health. One way to help achieve this goal is via daily use of a first-rate penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). For best results, peruse labels and choose an oil that contains the essential vitamins, A, B5, C, D, and E, which benefit from topical application. In addition, the oil should contain L-arginine, an amino acid that plays a role in helping blood vessels to expand for better blood flow.

Maintaining a Healthy Penis at College

Fall is well underway now, which means that colleges have welcome in a new class of freshmen – and congratulations to all embarking on this new path. Men who are attending college – upperclassmen as well as froshes – need to remember, in the midst of all the studying, classes, clubs, and parties, a dude still has to find time to pay attention to his penis health. Maintaining a healthy penis at college may take a little effort, but college is all about finding that little effort in all things.

So what are some helpful hints for keeping a healthy penis while at college? Read on, oh questing one.

- Keep on fighting penis odor. Many men discover that their sexual activity increases in college – and why not? But partners and potential partners have standards that need to be met, and one of those involves penis odor. Many partners find a penis with a rank odor to be a distinct turn-off, so be sure to keep washing the penis regularly, especially if playing sports or engaging in other sweat-heavy activities. Changing into fresh underwear after sports (and showering as well) is good – but also remembering to do laundry so that there’s always a fresh pair of briefs or boxers waiting in the morning. Just because yesterday’s pair of boxers passes the “one day more” smell test to a guy doesn’t mean it will to a partner.

- Keep on protecting that penis. Sometimes at college a man is more likely to find himself in a sexual situation unexpectedly. That shouldn’t be an excuse for having unprotected sex, however, and running the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection. If the flesh is going to be weak, be sure to keep a pack of condoms right at hand at all times.

- Neither a borrower nor a lender be – of soap, that is. Penis skin is really delicate, and many guys find that it reacts strongly to different chemicals and fragrances in different brands of soap, so using another bro’s soap may cause a skin rash on the penis. In addition, bars of soap tend to have traces of other people’s skin on them, which can further increase the risk of a penis rash. Try to always have your own bar of gentle soap handy for showers.

- Keep an eye on things. Sure, there are days when it seems like the homework and class assignments won’t stop coming – or maybe it’s the hangover from the beer blast the night before that makes it seem that way. No matter how overloaded a guy is (for whatever reason), maintaining a healthy penis means doing a little self-checking regularly. Feel around for any new lumps or bumps. Check for any rashes or unaccounted-for bruises, blemishes, etc. (and use a hand mirror to view any hard-to-see areas). Recognizing any potential issues and tending to them promptly can make a big difference.

- Don’t compare. Men who live in an all-male dorm are going to be seeing more penises than they’ve likely ever seen before. Resist the urge to compare, especially if your equipment may not be as immediately imposing as some others. Remember, it’s the skill, not the size, that ultimately matters.

- Get oiled. One of the best ways to maintain a healthy penis in college is by the simple expedient of daily applying a first-class penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best oils will help maintain a healthy penis skin glow by aiding in moisturization – and that requires an oil with both a high-end emollient (like shea butter) and a natural hydrator (like vitamin E). In addition, find an oil with vitamin C, a key component of collagen, a tissue in the body that gives skin its tone and elasticity.

Can Frequent Male Ejaculation Really Prevent Prostate Cancer? A Look at the Facts

No doubt most men have heard about a study that claimed that men who ejaculate (by any means necessary) 21 or more times each month could cut their risk of prostate cancer significantly. Seems like the best excuse and reasoning to have lots of sex and solo play, right? However, this one study may not be the final say on the health benefits of male ejaculation. Settle in and read on to learn more about this study and what other similar studies are finding.

The “21 times a month” Study

In December of 2016, a respected journal, European Urology, published a study that suggested a substantial relationship between male ejaculation frequency and reduced prostate cancer risk. Specifically, that men who ejaculated 21 times or more in a month, each and every month, had a 31 percent lower chance of a prostate cancer diagnosis than did their study counterparts who did not ejaculate as often.

Now, here’s the rub, no pun intended. The study was comprised of 29,342 male subjects between the ages of 46 and 81, which is a sizable test group. However, all the data about male ejaculation frequency were self-reported, leaving a considerable margin of error when relying on memory. The men reported once in 1992 and then again in 2010 to find a trend.

More Research About Male Ejaculation and Prostate Cancer

A 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association focused on the same test group and found no evidence linking frequent male ejaculation with reduced prostate cancer risk. It did find a correlation in the data that leaned toward frequent male ejaculation reducing risk of total prostate cancer, just not something as concrete as the 2016 proclamation.

Are There Additional Benefits to Frequent Male Ejaculation?

In addition to taking the studies with a grain of salt and erring on the side of optimism, ejaculation has many other benefits a man can enjoy with the flick of his wrist. The arousal that kicks off what ultimately ends in a full release produces oxytocin and dopamine. Both hormones are associated with positive emotions, reduced stress, and feelings of productivity or happiness.

Male ejaculation is also a well-known cure for sleeplessness. Ejaculation is also believed to improve sperm quality, both in size and motility. It also has been linked with reducing risk of heart disease, boosting the immune system, and reducing migraine pain.

Are There Drawbacks to Frequent Male Ejaculation?

There are some beliefs, like those of Tantra and Taoism, that frequent male ejaculation can lower the power of a man’s essence or energy center. Aside from these more esoteric beliefs, some men can desensitize themselves if they orgasm too frequently, which can not only lead to the physical problems it causes, but it can also negatively impact self-esteem and sexual relationships. Other than those 2 theories, there aren’t any scientifically backed reasons for men not to ejaculate frequently.

Frequent Male Ejaculation – Good Goal or a Bunch of Hooey?

Orgasming frequently is an entirely personal decision. For some men, 21 orgasms in a month sounds like a great goal, for others it feels like too few, and for others still, it seems an impossible feat. At the end of the day, a man has to listen to his body and his personal sensual drive. How he does it is also entirely personal, as well.

One thing to keep in mind about frequent male ejaculation is the care a man should give his penis. With all the work it does, it needs some special attention and care to preserve sensitivity and reinvigorate it for its next adventure. Use a penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) that has been created expressly for delicate penile skin. Make sure that oil includes vital penis health promoters like vitamins A, B, and D, as well as boner boosters like vitamin C and L-arginine. All that, wrapped up in a soothing and nourishing base like shea butter and vitamin E, will keep a penis supple and robust through every orgasm.

Sometimes Penis Pain May Suggest Reiter’s Syndrome

The body is a marvelous creation, and one the complexity of which is often taken for granted. One reason that physicians may have difficulty initially diagnosing a medical problem is because one symptom can be common to so many different conditions – and often the symptom doesn’t directly correspond to the characteristics of the condition. That’s why sometimes a penis health issue, such as simple penis pain, can indicate a problem seemingly unrelated to penis health. This is essentially the case with penis pain as a possible prognosticator of a condition known as Reiter’s syndrome.

Reiter’s syndrome

More commonly known as reactive arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome causes painful swelling in the joints, usually the knees and ankles, although other joints may also be affected. In addition, there may also be an infection of the eyes that accompanies Reiter’s syndrome.

Often, however, before the joint pain starts and continuing throughout the time the condition is noticeable, a man with Reiter’s syndrome will experience penis pain. Indeed, some think that an infection in the penis, or in some other part of the body, is what is ultimately responsible for the painful arthritic characteristics. (The fact that the arthritis occurs in reaction to an infection not located in the joints is why it is sometimes referred to as reactive arthritis.) In most cases, the penis pain is not ongoing but sporadic, occurring usually during urination and/or ejaculation.

Beyond the penis pain, the prostate is also sometimes affected. This can in turn bring about chills and fever in some men. Finally, there can sometimes be skin rashes that eventually develop, sometimes occurring on the head of the penis.

Causes

But what causes the infection that ultimately brings about joint pain and swelling? There can be a number of causes. Frequently, Reiter’s syndrome has been associated with salmonella, or more accurately, with the bacteria that causes salmonella. Other bacteria that cause other forms of food poisoning also have been implicated in the penis pain that can precede Reiter’s syndrome.

There also can be a sexual component to the infection. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, can sometimes cause the infection, and this again can sometimes lead to cases of the arthritic syndrome. Men with HIV are also more prone to developing Reiter’s.

But there appears to be a strong genetic component as well. About four-fifths of cases of Reiter’s syndrome occur in people with a specific genetic type (known as HLA-B27). The genetic type does not cause the condition, but it does make it much more likely that someone who is exposed to the bacteria associated with Reiter’s will develop the condition.

Treatment

So how is Reiter’s syndrome treated? Assuming that the infection that provoked the condition still persists, it is likely that the doctor will prescribe antibiotic treatment. The arthritic issues are likely to be dealt with via a number of possible options, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, topical steroids (for skin conditions), and/or rheumatoid arthritis drugs. If the arthritis has been long lasting or severe, then physical therapy may be needed to get the body back into proper shape.

In terms of prevention, wearing condoms to help prevent the spread of chlamydia and storing food at appropriate temperatures and cooking it thoroughly can help reduce the risk of infection that can lead to Reiter’s syndrome.

Penis pain from Reiter’s syndrome might be more easily managed if penis health is maintained at a high level. This can be aided by the daily application of a superior penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best oils are those that include the full range of necessary vitamins, including A, B5, C, D, and E. In addition, look for an oil with L-arginine, an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide. This in turn allows penile blood vessels to expand and remain open when needed.