Penis Warts: Common Myths Debunked

Tiny, fleshy, cauliflower-shaped penis warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is one of the most common infections among sexually active adults, according to experts, but misinformation about HPV and penis warts remains distressingly high. That ignorance could be dangerous, as men who know very little about HPV could be exposing themselves, and their partners, to unnecessary risk. Reading up about warts and penis care might not be the most pleasant way to spend time, but men who do so may be making an investment in their future health.

Myth 1: Condoms Provide Complete Protection.

While it's true that condoms can provide a layer of protection from HPV, they certainly can't be relied upon to deliver complete safety from penis warts, as the infection can take hold in the skin at the base of the penis, as well as other patches of skin lurking nearby. A condom only provides a sliver of protection, and even then, a little slipping and sliding during sex could expose skin to infected cells.

Myth 2: It's Easy to Spot an Infection.

Virus cells are incredibly small, and not all skin that's infected begins to blossom into a wart. Sometimes, infected skin looks just like healthy skin, and even doctors need to perform sophisticated tests in order to discern whether or not a person has HPV in the absence of warts.

Myth 3: An Infection Lasts a Lifetime.

It's easy for men with penis warts to feel despondent and low, and they may believe that they'll be inflicted with bumps for the rest of their days, as they huddle in their rooms, alone and friendless. Thankfully, there's no call for such dramatics. The human immune system is quite powerful, and often, HPV cells are neutralized within about 6 months to 2 years. This isn't always the case, as readers will discover a little later in this article, but the power of the immune system can be an immense ally in the fight against most types of HPV.

Myth 4: After Treatment, a Man Isn't Contagious.

A man who doesn't want to wait months or years for an infection to clear can visit a doctor and obtain medial treatments that can burn, melt or otherwise blow those penis warts away. Once they're gone, however, traces of the virus might still be left behind. Again, the infection can linger inside skin that seems perfectly healthy and normal, and if this skin isn't also treated with medications, it could be harboring cells that could spring into new warts in the future.

Myth 5: Once Infected, a Man Can't Get Infected Again.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds and hundreds of different types of HPV, and the infection types don't tend to share notes with one another. It's quite possible to get one type of infection and then get a different strain later on in life.

Myth 6: A New HPV Infection in a Monogamous Couple Means Someone Has Cheated.

A man in a serious, exclusive sexual relationship may be shocked when penis warts erupt, and he may immediately assume that his partner has been engaging in some on-the-side activity with an infected person. It's an understandable assumption, but not  a guarantee, as some HPV infections linger inside the body for months or even years until they become powerful and produce symptoms.

Myth 7: All Penis Bumps are Due to HPV.

Some little lumps, bumps and penis sores look like HPV when they're really caused by other infections, blocked pores or even microscopic tears. A doctor's office is the best place to sort fact from fiction. If HPV or other STDs aren't to blame, a little self-care could be useful. By washing carefully and applying a penis health creme (most experts recommend Man1 Man Oil), men can keep the skin of the penis smooth and healthy, ready for pleasure at a moment's notice. This lotion can't prevent HPV or penis warts, but it can help a man smooth and soothe away other common causes of penis skin distress.

Foreskin Pain Solutions – Understanding Frenulum Breve

Asking most men about their frenulum is likely to net nothing more than a blank stare; although this tiny band of flesh may well be the most sensitive part of the male anatomy, guys may not even be especially aware of its existence, unless something goes wrong, resulting in foreskin pain and/or bleeding. In most cases, injury to this delicate tissue is the result of a condition called frenulum breve, which translates literally as “short bowstring.”

Fortunately, this problem can be corrected fairly easily by a urologist who is familiar with the condition. After the procedure, the right approach penis care can speed healing and help to restore pleasurable sensation.

What is the frenulum, exactly?

Underneath the foreskin is a thin band of skin that joins the foreskin to the glans; it is analogous to the connective tissue underneath the tongue. This band of tissue is known as the frenulum, although men are more likely to be familiar with the term “banjo string” in referring to this part of the male anatomy.

How to tell if the frenulum is too short

Most men do not even notice the frenulum, although it is responsible for a large part of the pleasurable sensation they feel during sex. However, men who have a shorter-than-normal frenulum may experience the following problems:

• Inability to retract the foreskin fully or a foreskin that immediately rolls back over the glans when retracted.

•  Pain during masturbation or intercourse.

• Tearing of the frenulum, especially during intercourse.

Many men first become aware that they have frenulum breve when they have sex for the first time and experience pain on penetration. Although pain may occur during masturbation, many men automatically adjust their technique so that the area is not affected. However, during penetration, the foreskin may be pulled back completely, resulting in pain or even causing the frenulum to snap.

When this occurs, it is not unusual for guys to wait for the torn tissue to heal on its own; however, this is not necessarily a good idea, as scar tissue can form that is more prone to tearing than the original tissue, leading to a greater risk of tearing in the future.

Treating frenulum breve

In the past, full circumcision has been the recommended procedure for correcting frenulum breve. However, a minor procedure known as frenuloplasty, where the frenulum is cut and an extra flap of skin is added, has grown in popularity and generally has good results. Most men who undergo frenuloplasty experience full recovery, and the pain related to intercourse is replaced by pleasure, with no worry of snapping or tearing the connective tissue.

In most cases, scarring from the surgery is minor and not noticeable by anyone except the owner of the penis; scarring can be minimized by applying a cream containing vitamins E and A after the sutures and incision have healed.

Caring for the penis post-op

Following frenuloplasty, most men are able to return to their normal activities, aside from taking a break from sexual activity while the affected tissue heals. Men should follow the instructions of their surgeon carefully in terms of cleaning the area and changing the bandages, as well as allowing plenty of time for healing before jumping back into action. Using a penis health formula  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing vitamins A, C, and E, which have powerful skin healing and tissue-building properties, can help to keep the penile skin smooth and supple and promote the formation of healthy new tissue. In addition, moisturizers such as shea butter are a natural way to keep the foreskin soft and responsive and to help prevent the minor tears and cracks that often occur as the skin stretches over the head of the penis.

Penis Shrinkage Concerns – What Men Need to Know about Penile Atrophy

For men who are concerned about penile performance, it seems unfair that there is one more potential problem to add to the list, but unfortunately, it’s true. As men age, there is a possibility that the penis can get smaller, not to mention a drop in sex drive and function.

Fortunately, penis shrinkage does not have to be a fact of life, nor does it have to put an end to sexual satisfaction. By taking proactive measures in terms of penis health, men may be able to reduce the likelihood that they will experience penile atrophy as they age.

What causes penis shrinkage?

• Fatty deposits – As men get older, most notice a reduction in their metabolism, leading to a corresponding increase in their body fat. Accumulated fat in the abdominal area can make the penis look smaller – in fact, many doctors report that abdominal fat in older men all but obscures the penis from view. Furthermore, fatty deposits tend to accumulate in the blood vessels as men age. This not only causes circulatory problems that can lead to stroke or heart attack; it also reduces the blood flow available to the penis, causing not only loss of erectile function but an overall lack  of nourishment of the penile tissue, which can lead to penile atrophy.

• Reduced testosterone levels – Reduced levels of testosterone are a natural – if not inevitable - result of aging, and men who have chronic low levels of testosterone may find the penis becoming smaller. A man who has a 6-inch erect penis in his 30s may lose up to a full inch in length by the time he is 65-70 years old. This may or may not correspond to a loss of function or decreased sexual satisfaction.

• Connective tissue problems –As part of the aging process, the connective tissue underlying the skin tends to become less elastic. This is true of the penis as well as other parts of the body. As the connective tissue that surrounds the erectile chambers loses its tone and supple nature, erections tend to become smaller and less firm. In addition, when the damaged tissue affects one side of the penis  more than the other, this can lead to painful bending or curving of the erect penis, a disfiguring condition known as Peyronie’s disease. Men who have Peyronie’s disease may have difficulty engaging in intercourse and may experience loss of erectile function.

What to do to prevent penile atrophy

While men in their 60s and 70s may see some amount of penis shrinkage, some common-sense lifestyle changes can stave off the inevitable and help to minimize the degree of change. First of all, exercise on a regular basis is essential in maintaining cardiovascular health, ensuring that the penis is well-nourished and oxygenated and allowing for ongoing tissue repair.

Second, a healthy diet cannot be overlooked as a vital aspect of penis health. Eating a low-fat, low cholesterol diet with plenty of whole grains and lean protein can reduce the amount of accumulated abdominal fat that can make the penis appear smaller. Furthermore, eating right can help to keep the blood vessels clear of fatty buildup that may lead to atrophy of the penile tissue.

Third, men can ensure that the penis gets all of the vitamins and minerals it needs to repair damaged tissue and promote the growth of healthy new cells by adding a penis vitamin  formula  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to their personal care regimen. As an added benefit of using moisturizers and skin-friendly vitamins, many men who have encountered loss of penis sensation report increased sensitivity and greater enjoyment of sex.

Penis Function and Alcohol – The Truth about Drinking and Shrinking

Throughout the Western world, and particularly in the United States, alcohol is the social lubricant of choice. In a deeply-ingrained drinking culture, sharing a few drinks on a date or at a social gathering is a firmly-entrenched ritual. A glass or two of wine, a couple of beers or a cocktail can help both parties to feel more confident, allowing physical encounters to develop as inhibitions are lowered. However, as most men know, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to drinking and intimacy, leading to unfortunate loss of penis function at just the wrong moment.

For men who are habitual drinkers, this temporary effect can take on a more permanent status, causing ongoing male dysfunction and even shrinkage of the treasured organ. Avoiding these problems is possible, and in some cases they can even be reversed. Understanding the effects of alcohol on erectile function and knowing how to care for the penis on a day-to-day basis can save men a lot of embarrassment and frustration.

Erectile function

While a few drinks may initially increase a man’s libido, as well as decreasing his social inhibition, alcohol is a depressant and relaxant. This means that as the level of blood alcohol increases, the blood vessels relax, which may seem like good news when it comes to erectile function. However, the alcohol also interferes with the nerve signals that prevent blood from leaving the penis; therefore, it becomes very difficult to rise (and stay risen) to the occasion.

Loss of sensation

Alcohol also has anesthetic properties; while a few drinks may dull the pain, they can also dull the pleasure, leading to an inability to experience tactile stimulation. For men who are habitual drinkers, this effect can become permanent due to ongoing nerve damage, and in some cases, irreversible loss of function is the end result.

Loss of sex drive and penis shrinkage

Chronic drinking or binge drinking can drastically reduce testosterone levels; when testosterone levels are decreased, libido is often reduced as well. When testosterone levels are consistently low, a man’s sperm count also suffers, interfering with fertility. Worse yet (for many men), low testosterone levels have been linked to penis shrinkage.

Increased risk of infection

A final caution about too much alcohol when it comes to intimacy – drinking interferes with the decision-making process, and men who have had a few are more likely to engage in unplanned encounters without the benefit of protection. This increases the risk for partner-transmitted infections, which can cause long-term problems with erectile function, as well as other health complications.

What to do

Caring for the equipment, as well as paying attention to overall health, can have a beneficial effect in many cases of male dysfunction, particularly when related to alcohol use. To start with, getting regular exercise can help to improve cardiac function, as well as boosting endorphin and dopamine levels – both of which contribute to a sense of confidence and well-being which can aid in male performance.

Limiting the intake of alcohol to an occasional drink or two is also recommended; for some men, even this may be too much, so men who have plans for a romantic few hours with a partner might want to steer clear of the adult beverages for the occasion.

Nutrition also plays a big role in countering performance issues and boosting sex drive. Getting the right nutrients – such as zinc for increased testosterone, vitamin C for adequate blood flow, and amino acids such as acetyl L carnitine for healthy nerve function – can be beneficial in reducing the incidence of erectile dysfunction. While many penis-friendly vitamins and minerals can be found in a healthy diet, using a penis nutrient formula  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) on a daily basis may help to ensure that the penis does not miss out on the full benefits of good nutrition.