Obesity And Sexual Health - 6 Effects Of Belly Fat On Sexual Function

With obesity rates on the rise, the effects of being overweight have become the topic of increasing attention, and a great deal of effort has been put into making the public aware of the dangers of excess body fat. However, one aspect of this problem – its impact on sexual health – is often overlooked. While many individuals who are overweight do enjoy a satisfying sex life, men who are carrying excess weight should be aware of the potential adverse effects. Learning to embrace a healthy lifestyle and giving adequate attention to care of the penis may be of use in countering some of these effects.

1.  Cardiovascular problems. One of the most dangerous aspects of obesity is its effect on heart health. According to Jennifer Logue, MD, of the University of Glasgow, men who are obese have a 60% greater chance of suffering a fatal heart attack than men of normal body weight. Obesity-related circulatory problems are also a prominent factor in loss of penis function, which affects the ability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection.

2.  Nerve damage. Sexual health depends in part on nerve function, which is also affected by obesity in certain respects. In the first place, the excess weight simply results in too much pressure on the nerve tissue, restricting its ability to transmit pleasurable sensations to the brain. Secondly, type 2 diabetes, a common obesity-related problem, is known to destroy nerve tissue; both of these issues can cause reduced penis sensitivity and impair the ability to enjoy sex.

3.  Decreased immune function. Type 2 diabetes is also closely linked to immune function, impairing the body’s ability to fight off disease. Men who are overweight may be more likely to develop penis problems such as yeast infection and bacterial infections which may cause discomfort, as well as ongoing skin problems that can get in the way of sexual enjoyment and detract from the appearance and sensitivity of the penis.

4.  Decreased stamina. Men who are overweight often report that sex with a partner is just too much of a chore, finding that they run out of steam before they are able to complete the act.

5.  Body image. Men who are carrying excess weight often feel self-conscious about the way they look and are reluctant to engage in sex with a partner, as they believe that their appearance is off-putting. On top of this, fat in the abdominal area can make the penis appear smaller than it really is, adding to a man’s reluctance to get close enough for sex.

6.  Self-esteem. The emotional damage caused by obesity cannot be overlooked, as it can lead to severe loss of self-esteem, which has a negative effect on a man’s libido and can even result in depression and other emotional problems.

Tips for coping with obesity and improving sexual function

While the ultimate answer for solving obesity-related problems is, of course, to lose weight, there are other steps that men can take during this process to support penis health and increase their enjoyment of sex:

     1.  Eat a high-fiber, low fat diet. Eating right and avoiding fatty, salty foods can increase energy levels, promoting weight loss at the same time. Higher energy levels and the feeling of doing something positive in terms of weight loss can help boost body image and libido and lead to more satisfying sex.

    2.   Exercising regularly not only helps the pounds melt away, it increases endorphin levels, helping men to feel better and more attractive, as well as increasing energy for sex. 

    3.Maintaining good hygiene by bathing regularly and supporting healthy penile tissue with a quality penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can be effective in maintaining a supple, responsive and attractive penis, leading to greater enjoyment of sex.

Rough Treatment Could Lead To Sensory Loss

The skin is dotted with tiny little receptors that are designed to sense temperature, pressure and touch. Some parts of the body have few receptors at all, while other parts of the body are extremely receptive to the outside world. Not surprisingly, the skin that surrounds the penis is filled to the brim with sensory cells, but with improper penis care, those cells can become inactive and the penis can become unresponsive as a result. Thankfully, some types of damage can be quickly amended, and men can restore their lost sensations with ease.

Touch Receptors

Pressure and temperature are an important part of pleasurable sensations, but simple touch seems to be the most important factor in sexual pleasure. The foreskin and the head of the penis are covered with many touch receptors, allowing men to feel an intense amount of sensation from even the smallest types of movements. Even a little breath of air might be enough to trigger a reaction in this sensitive skin.

The touch receptors are located quite close to the exterior, in the outer layers of skin. Unlike pressure receptors, which are designed to function when they're buried by many, many layers of tissue, touch receptors work best when they are right up top. Unfortunately, this placement is hard to sustain. In fact, rough handling of the penis could be enough to deaden these sensory receptors.

When the skin is subjected to rough treatment, it attempts to heal by creating a thick layer of keratin. This is a natural form of bandage, and it can allow the skin to handle future abrasions without causing deep signals of pain. Keratin on the heels, for example, allows people to keep walking on rocky soils, where people with no keratin might need to stop in order to nurse their wounds. A layer of keratin on the penis, on the other hand, could leave a man feeling a bit less responsive when presented with situations that were once quite enjoyable. The keratinized layer of dead skin can stand between the man and his senses.

Preventive Steps

Men often have roughened, callused hands. Men aren't encouraged to use hand lotion in the way that women do, and they may have strenuous hobbies that tax the hands, such as automotive work or playing baseball. These chapped, rough hands can be quite damaging to the delicate skin of the penis when men use no lubricant during masturbation. The same damage can take place when men engage in sex with partners who don't have adequate natural lubrication and who don't take pains to amend the situation. Using lubricant for future sexual encounters can keep future scars from forming.

Loose clothing, including boxer shorts, can provide a perfect environment for rubbing and chafing, once again leading to the development of rough skin. Clothing that provides a bit of closer fit, and that's made of a very smooth fabric like silk, could be an improvement men can feel right away.

Healing the Skin

Roughened penis skin can benefit from a little TLC. Using a specially formulated penis health crème (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help to break down dead skin cells and keratin and allow newer, healthier skin to shine through. A daily application of the crème, used after a shower when the skin is warm and receptive, could speed the healing process and allow those damaged touch receptors to awaken once more. Once the skin is soft and healed, men will need to double their efforts to protect the penis from rough treatment. This responsive organ will be even more susceptible to injury from dry skin and other assaults, so it will be important for men to use care and protect the new skin that has formed.

Painful And Itchy Penis - It Could Be A Latex Allergy

Condoms are an integral tool in the fight against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. When a condom is used right, that barrier can keep diseases out and can keep fertile eggs from meeting up with willing sperm. Unfortunately, most condoms are made of latex, and experts suggest that about 6 percent of the population is allergic to this substance. Proper penis care can help ease a latex reaction, and buying less inflammatory products in the future can keep new outbreaks from taking place.

A Natural Product

Latex is made from the milky fluids produced by a rubber tree. Particles in latex are packed together so tightly that even tiny germ particles can't pass through, and the material is so strong that it rarely breaks, even when it's pulled or pinched. It's easy to see why this material would be idea for condom production, and it's similarly understandable that medical experts would consider latex the gold standard when it comes to protecting men and women from the consequences of sex.

Latex allergies can crop up in almost anyone, but people who have a history of allergies or asthma are typically at greater risk. Their immune systems are just primed to react to signals from the outside world. People who wear rubber gloves at work or who make rubber products might be at increased risk as well, since allergies thrive on repeat exposure.

Common Symptoms
People who have latex allergies typically experience reactions about 48 hours after they've been exposed to the substance, although some people can experience their symptoms up to 96 hours later. Common symptoms of a latex condom allergy in men include:
      •    Rings of rashes near the base of the penis
      •    A swollen, red penis tip
      •    Itchy, raised blisters on the penis
      •    Swollen lips or tongue, if the condom came into contact with the mouth

In extreme cases, people with latex allergies can develop sneezing fits, as well as stinging eyes and a runny nose. These symptoms can appear almost immediately, as soon as the latex touches the skin, and they can progress to a life-threatening state. Highly sensitive people can find it difficult to breathe, and they might lose consciousness. People who develop breathing problems should go to a hospital right away. Medications can be used to halt the attack, and soothing therapies can keep inflamed and sore skin from getting worse.

Finding the Cause

Latex is the likely culprit when people at risk develop sensitivity after using condoms. But some people react to the lubricants in condoms, not the latex, and other people have rashes that seem like allergic reactions that are really symptoms of another problem, such as genital herpes. A doctor can run in-office tests to determine exactly what is causing symptoms a man might have.

If a latex allergy is to blame, there are alternate materials that could provide an effective barrier without triggering a reaction. Polyurethane condoms contain no latex at all, and some users report that they conduct heat a little better and provide a more pleasurable experience. Polyisoprene condoms, which are made of a synthetic form of latex which has the allergenic components removed, is suitable for people with mild or moderate latex allergies, and they could be a good choice for some.

Healing Up
A latex allergy can leave the skin of the penis feeling dry, itchy and inflamed. A good penis health crème (health experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help to soften this skin and allow it to heal. Avoiding sexual contact until the penis has completely healed might be another excellent step to take, just to ensure that newly formed skin isn't abraded and healing steps aren't lost in the process.

Caring For Your Body After A Vasectomy

Every day, men across the United States agree to undergo vasectomies. In this 20-minute surgery, the tubes that carry semen out of the body are severed, and men are typically allowed to go home just minutes after the cutting is complete. While most of the healing takes place in the testicles, performing adequate penis care can help men to heal up quickly and avoid medical complications.

Surgical Site Care

There are multiple techniques experts can use to perform a vasectomy, but most involve making at least one small incision in the scrotum. Sometimes, these incisions are held together with glue, while other surgeons use traditional nylon stitches or no stitches at all. A small amount of bleeding is considered normal, and men might be encouraged to check their bandages or underwear for spots of blood. Any major bleeding, on the other hand, could be a sign of a problem that men should bring to the attention of their doctors.

Providing adequate support to the area can keep bleeding from spreading beneath the skin. Wearing an athletic supporter might be enough for some men, although surgeons sometimes provide specialized undergarments for men to wear as they heal. This might not be a fashion-forward look, but it can speed healing and keep the penis and scrotum from turning black with blood.

Allowing the Healing

A vasectomy only takes a few moments to complete, but it's still a surgery, and men who have the procedure done will need to rest up and allow the area to heal. These sorts of activities are typically forbidden until a few days have passed:
      •    Heavy lifting
      •    Sports
      •    Running
      •    Shopping
      •    Housework

Ice packs placed in the lap can keep pain signals at bay, but standing up too quickly or jumping back into activities can cause swelling and pain to recur. This is one time in which lying on the couch, day in and day out, might be encouraged.

Staying Safe

Vasectomies aren’t quick fixes for fertility problems, as sperm produced in the days prior is still available to the body and ready to be released at a moment's notice. Men who return home from their vasectomies and have unprotected sex with their partners in the days following surgery could be thrust into fatherhood. Sex can also be painful in the early days, and the incisions could open back up during vigorous sex.

When several days have passed, most men are allowed to tentatively resume their sex lives, and they provide semen samples to their doctors a few weeks later to ensure that the surgery was successful and that no viable sperm remain in the body. Some men require months of healing in order for the tests to come back negative.

Adjusting to the Consequences

Most men are at least a little vain about their looks below the belt, and some men do develop a significant amount of bruising after a vasectomy. Small clots can develop at the surgery site, causing deep bruises and swelling, and those can sometimes be treated with medications or other conservative measures. Some men also develop bruising along the shaft of the penis, and while the bruises aren't painful, they can be unsightly or even a little bit frightening to behold.

If the doctor says the bruising is normal and not cause for concern, men can help the penis skin to heal by applying a penis health crème (most experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil). A crème contains vitamins and emollients that can help skin to regain its soft and supple appearance, allowing the man to develop responsive skin that's ready for action when the surgery site has completely healed.

Unusual Penis Problems -Symptoms And Treatment Of Priapism

While a long-lasting erection might sound highly desirable and stimulate fantasies of a career as an adult film actor, a prolonged erection can actually cause permanent injury to the penis. While it is unlikely that most men will encounter this painful problem, knowing the signs to watch for and proper care of the penis can help to prevent lasting penis problems that may affect the ability to enjoy sex and impair sexual function in the long term.

What is priapism?

Simply put, priapism is a prolonged erection - one that lasts for more than four hours - that occurs without sexual stimulation. The condition is usually painful, and men who experience engorgement under these circumstances should seek emergency medical care to avoid permanent injury and loss of erectile function.

What causes this condition?

There are two different types of priapism. Low-flow priapism is more common and occurs when blood becomes trapped in the erectile tissue of the penis. It can occur in men who are otherwise healthy, without a visible cause. However, men who have a chronic condition known as sickle-cell anemia are more likely to experience priapism, as are men who have leukemia (a cancer of the blood cells). Marijuana and cocaine use, carbon monoxide poisoning and malaria have also been linked to the occurrence of low-flow priapism. Other causes may range from black widow bites to trauma to the genitals or spine.

High-flow priapism, on the other hand, is generally the result of an injury to the penis in which an artery is ruptured, disrupting normal blood flow. This type of priapism is less common, as well as less painful, than low-flow priapism, but it should still be treated as a medical emergency to prevent lasting damage to the penis.

What are the long-term effects?

If a prolonged erection is not treated right away, it can lead to scarring of the penile tissue and permanent loss of function. Men who experience this condition should see their doctor immediately and be prepared to tell them how long the condition has been present and any surrounding circumstances, including the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and marijuana.

How is priapism treated?

The first step in treating a prolonged erection is to return the tissue to its normal state. Ice packs may be the first option; numbing the penis and then aspirating the excess blood with a needle may also be carried out in a hospital or clinic setting.

Other options for relieving a prolonged erection include inserting a surgical shunt to divert blood flow or injection of alpha-agonists - drugs that cause the blood vessels to narrow and reduce blood flow.

In the case of high-flow priapism, tying off the damaged artery (surgical ligation) may be necessary. Once the erection is under control, the doctor will take steps to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Tips for a healthy penis

While it may not be possible to prevent priapism in all cases, maintaining a healthy penis can help to reduce the risk of a variety of penis issues. Regular health checks and common-sense choices like good nutrition, exercise and adequate hydration can go a long way toward preventing a range of problems that can lead to long-term damage of the penis. In addition, supporting healthy penile tissue with a quality penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) may help to prevent issues such as oxidative damage of the skin and nerve cells, as well as drying and toughening of the penis skin. Furthermore, nutrients such as vitamin C may support healthy circulatory tissue and promote the repair of damaged blood vessels.

Three Penis Problems That May Affect Sexual Health

The penis is an important part of every man’s life, and the condition of the penis and its ability to perform plays a big role in a man’s self-confidence and overall sense of well-being. The penis is more than just a sign of virility, though. In many cases, problems with the penis can be an early indicator of underlying conditions that may affect a man’s sexual health. Knowing the signs to watch for and caring for the penis properly can help to prevent lasting effects from common penis issues. Three frequently-seen penis symptoms that may require treatment to prevent ongoing problems are described here.

Bending or curving with an erection

Some degree of curvature in an erect penis is normal; in fact, most men do not have a perfectly straight penis when aroused. However, when the penis has a pronounced bend or curve during an erection can indicate the presence of scarring around the erectile tissue. This scar tissue, which can often be felt as a bump under the skin on the shaft of the penis, generally develops after an injury, although it may form in men who have not experienced any trauma to the penis.

This scarring can eventually lead to a severe curvature of the erect penis - a condition known as Peyronie’s disease - and may limit the ability to engage in intercourse. Erectile dysfunction may be the end result. The usual treatment for this problem is surgery. Supporting penis health and promoting the development of healthy connective tissue with nutrient formulas containing vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing Peyronie’s disease.

Frequent infections

Occasional minor skin infections are not uncommon, and most men will encounter conditions such as fungal infections from time to time. On the other hand, men who experience frequent infections may have an underlying health problem that affects their ability to fight off common problems such as yeast infection, jock itch and other uncomfortable skin issues. Frequent infections can be symptomatic of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Men who are prone to infection and other skin problems of the penis are advised to seek medical evaluation to rule out any more serious health conditions. In addition, caring for the penis skin with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals and maintaining the external integrity of the dermal tissue through adequate moisturizing can help keep fungal and bacterial invaders at bay.

Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

Erectile dysfunction is a complicated problem with many contributing factors. Inability to achieve an erection or maintain it long enough to reach an orgasm can be related to cardiovascular issues, nerve damage, or even emotional problems such as stress and anxiety. Because ED can indicate a more serious problem, men who have ongoing issues in the bedroom should seek medical attention to determine whether there is an underlying health condition. In the meantime, adequate nourishment of the penis skin may promote healthy circulation and help to repair peripheral nerve damage - which is often the result of normal sexual activity - and maintain the responsiveness of the penile nerve tissue.

Supporting penis health

In order to keep the penis healthy and reduce the risk of ongoing health problems, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and routine health checks are at the root of a healthy penis. In addition, a penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing penis-specific nutrients such as vitamins A, B5, C, and D, as well as all-natural emollients and the amino acids needed for cellular repair, may contribute to penile health in general and help to prevent some of the common issues that may affect the penis.

Blue Balls - Myth Or Fact?

After a heated session which does not culminate in a release of pressure, so to speak, men will often complain about pain in the region of the groin and testicles which they attribute to a condition commonly referred to as "blue balls." While men will tell anyone who will listen about how uncomfortable this problem can be, women often dismiss the issue, seeing it as nothing more than an excuse or a way to pressure a partner into going further than she would necessarily prefer. However, there may be more truth behind this mysterious problem than women understand; and men can learn a thing or two about penis care and comfort, as well.

Blue balls - fact or fiction?
Actually, no matter how much it sounds like an excuse to get her to go all the way, there is a degree of physiological truth behind this fabled problem. When a man becomes aroused, the blood vessels leading to the penis become enlarged, allowing for increased blood flow. On the other hand, the blood vessels leading away from the genital area become constricted, limiting the amount of blood that can flow away from the area. The increased amount of blood in the area correspondingly increases the size of the penis and testicular area, sometimes by as much as twenty-five percent. This, of course, is necessary for an erection to take place. But once the act is complete, the hormones released on ejaculation signal everything to return to normal. However, when a man is aroused but does not achieve release, this can result in a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic region which is familiarly described as blue balls - or more scientifically, as vasocongestion.

Now that that part is straightened out, it’s time to talk about what this does not mean. Many a female has heard a guy complain that he is in pain and that he "needs" sex to relieve it. This is not, of course, an excuse to pressure a woman, since guys are well-equipped and well-versed in the means to relieve the pressure themselves. Some of the things that will not happen as a result of blue balls are as follows:

• Severe, disabling pain - Medically, blue balls have been determined to cause mild to moderate discomfort - an ache or sensation of heaviness or fullness in the nether regions. However, this sensation should not deter a man from going about his normal activities, or from driving home.

• Permanent injury - Even without ejaculation, the fact is that after a time, the blood vessels of the penis will relax and everything will return to normal. No permanent damage has ever been reported as a result of vasocongestion.

Preventing blue balls and maintaining a healthy penis

Men have generally been socialized to believe that whenever they become aroused, they need to ejaculate to relieve the pressure. While this release does resolve the problem, it can be taken care of easily through masturbation, easing the discomfort caused by prolonged engorgement. At the same time, there is no need to be concerned about permanent damage, as the problem will generally resolve on its own. In the meantime, supporting optimum circulatory function through use of a penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing vitamin C (needed for healthy circulatory tissue) and L-arginine (an amino acid which works to relax the blood vessels) can help to maintain overall penis health and keep the juices flowing. In addition, all-natural moisturizers such as shea butter and vitamin E can keep the skin well-lubricated, ensuring that whether the pressure is relieved manually or with a partner, the skin feels soft and supple and is resistant to chafing and irritation.