Odd Penile Disorders – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The penis is a delicate and highly specialized tool, and as such, it is prone to numerous problems, ranging from loss of function to contagious diseases to various skin-related issues. For the average man, these problems can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and when his bedroom performance is affected, they can even impact his quality of life. On the other hand, most men would prefer any of these routine problems to the unusual penile disorders that are described here. Read on to find out more about these unusual issues, as well as the corrective steps (if any) that can be taken to solve them. And for those fortunate enough not to be suffering from them, some essential penis health care tips are also provided.

1) "Ram’s horn" penis. Most men have seen a ram’s horn, at least in pictures -large, misshapen, twisted and bent. That is exactly how a ram’s horn penis can be described. This monstrous disorder is fortunately rare, and it may be caused by blockages in the lymph nodes, which cause the manhood to swell and bend painfully. Chlamydia is one known cause of ram’s horn penis. Treatment of the underlying illness or disorder is required.

2) Hypospadias. This condition is diagnosed when a male’s urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip. If left untreated, hypospadias can cause difficulties with toilet training in small children, and in adults, erectile issues may develop. Treating the problem usually involves surgical repositioning of the urethra, and if necessary, straightening of the shaft of the penis. In most cases, near-normal appearance and function can be achieved.

3) Diphallus. This condition is extremely rare and occurs when a male is born with two penises. While this might actually sound more like a benefit than a disorder, the truth is that in most cases, only one of the tools is fully functional, and in some instances, neither works correctly. Most men with this problem would prefer not to have the double penis, and some have even opted to have the less-functional organ surgically removed.

4) Peyronie’s disease. This disorder is rather more common than the others described here, but it can be almost as devastating in some cases. Peyronie’s disease is diagnosed when a man develops scarring in the connective tissue surrounding the erectile chambers, or corpora cavernosa, of the penis. This scarring causes bending or curving of the penile shaft during erections; the condition can be very painful, and in some cases, it can be so severe as to prevent intercourse from taking place. Peyronie’s disease may be corrected by surgically removing the scarred tissue and straightening the shaft of the penis; the procedure carries some risk of loss of function.

5) Priapism. Like diphallus, priapism is a disorder that sounds great, but really isn’t. It occurs when a man develops an erection that will not subside; however, the erection is not related to sexual stimulation, and it can be very painful, not to mention damaging. It usually occurs as a result of trauma to the genital area, although certain medications and recreational substances may also be a factor. Emergency surgery is required to drain the blood that has become trapped in the penis; failing to treat the problem on time can result in tissue death and may even require amputation of the penis.

Penis health tips for the average guy
Fortunately, most men will never encounter problems like these, but that doesn’t mean that they can slack off when it comes to caring for the equipment. An appropriate penile care routine should include:
- Always using a condom;
- Getting checked for sexually transmitted infections every 6 months to a year;
- Keeping it clean;
- Wearing a cup during sports activities;
- Scheduling an annual physical exam.

Aside from these precautionary measures, men should consider adding a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to their personal care arsenal. Keeping the skin nourished and hydrated with a male-specific formula may not only keep the equipment looking and feeling great, but also help prevent injuries and disease that can affect penile function, both in the short- and long-term.

The Free Penis: When Going Commando is Appropriate

The unfurnished basement. Going commando. Gringo style. There are a number of euphemisms for a free penis, which is to say, a tool that is unencumbered by underwear. Ridding oneself of the boxers or briefs can be a great experience (although men do need to take steps for proper penis care to avoid getting a chapped member). While letting it all hang out beneath a pair of jeans or trousers can be pleasurable, it's wise for a man to remember that some occasions are appropriate for this style of undress while others are not.

Go commando!
In general, here are some situations in which shucking the underwear is acceptable:

- When wearing cycling shorts. Many cyclists or others who wear sporting gear that is similar to cycling shorts opt out of wearing underwear; as anyone who has participated in a triathlon can attest, the changing area between segments is usually devoid of undergarments (at least among the male participants). Dispensing with underwear provides for greater ease of movement and, some believe, gives men a bit of a competitive edge.

- If kilted. One is perfectly welcome to wear underwear with a kilt, but many opt to let the boys hang loose when putting on the plaid. There's some debate over whether the traditional Scottish manner of wearing kilts is without boxers, but regardless of when the tradition started, it is certainly common today.

- During pajama time (at least at home). A man's member likes to have its freedom to stretch out while sleeping, just as its owner does. Wearing nothing under the pajamas is acceptable - although, one may wish to re-think this when wearing pajamas at a mixed-gender sleepover.

- At a nudist camp. Well, d-uh, this kind of goes without saying.

- Any time when embarrassment is not a factor. Walking around town with only one's khakis covering the groin is perfectly fine provided that one is not embarrassed by it - and that one isn't causing undue discomfort among onlookers.

- Any time when advertising oneself. Guys who like to flaunt it opt for the commando look to make sure potential partners know what they're getting into.

Think twice.
Naturally, there are times when sporting a free penis is not advisable. Among these would be:

- When clothes shopping. Sorry, a guy may love his own junk, but no man wants to try on pants or shorts that have been pressed against another guy's naked tool. Respect for others outweighs personal freedom in this circumstance.

- In a dripping situation. One of the drawbacks of going commando: Those little drops that dribble out after urination (or, in the case of semen, before and after ejaculation) don't have an underwear barrier to catch them. Post-bathroom spotting can be obvious; potentially even more embarrassing, a man’s pre-seminal fluid can cause a stain when his bare member gets overexcited, ruining his efforts to appear cool and in control.

- At a yoga class. Sorry, but yoga puts one's body in too many strange and exposed positions for commando style - unless, of course, it's a naked yoga class.

- If meeting her parents. The last thing a guy wants is to be popping a boner in front of his girl's folks while wearing no underwear. The mom is likely to blush, while the dad may put you down as a pervert who's never going near his little girl with that thing. Even if a dude always hangs loose at other times, he needs to dress it up for these occasions.

One downside of a free penis is that friction from jeans, trousers or other fabrics can make it quite sore. To counteract this, lather on a first-rate penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that features a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (vitamin E, for example). These can soothe raw, irritated skin. Men may benefit even more from a cream that also contains acetyl L-carnitine, which is neuroprotective. Sometimes, the rubbing of the raw penis against rough fabric can cause a loss of sensation in the tool; this ingredient may help restore sensitivity.

Dry Penis Triage – Narrowing Down the Cause of that Itchy, Parched Skin

A healthy penis with smooth, supple skin is extraordinarily sensual, but when the skin becomes dry, flaky, scaly or sore, it can be a source of misery. In most cases, surface issues like dryness and itching can be easily managed, but in order to take appropriate steps to restore optimum penis health, it is necessary to first know the cause of a dry penis. The accompanying symptoms described below can help men pinpoint the underlying cause of dryness and discomfort.

1) Dry penis with red, scaly skin. Skin that is dry, red and scaly may be a sign of psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that can affect the skin on all parts of the body, including, unfortunately, the penis. It occurs when the body over-produces skin cells, which form the red patches known as plaques. These can be extremely itchy, and as the skin cells die off, they fall away in silvery scales. There is no cure for psoriasis at present, but it is not contagious at all. Symptoms can often be managed with topical cortisone creams. Vitamins A and E have also proven to be effective treatments for psoriasis symptoms, but men should check with their doctors about the correct application of these.

2) Dry penis with flaky skin. Flaky skin on the penis can indicate several different issues, including balanitis (an inflammatory condition of the foreskin), eczema or an allergic reaction. Men with allergies, or those who are prone to eczema, should avoid known triggers. Keeping the skin clean and free of caked-on sweat and body fluids is the first step to managing the symptoms of balanitis, and a quality, fragrance-free moisturizer can help keep the dryness under control.

3) Dry, itchy penis with swelling and/or discharge. The most common causes of these symptoms are balanitis and thrush (yeast infection). Certain sexually transmitted infections may also be indicated. Balanitis is best treated by keeping the area clean and removing any smegma, as previously mentioned. Yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Most sexually transmitted infections require prescription medications for treatment.

4) Dry, itchy penis with a red, spreading rash. These symptoms are often signs of jock itch, a type of fungal infection that is related to ringworm and athlete’s foot. It produces a distinctive, raised rash with well-defined boundaries. The small bumps that form the rash may appear flaky or scaly, and considerable itching may occur. Antifungal creams used for treating yeast infection or ringworm are generally effective; ask a doctor which is best for the sensitive penile skin.

5) Dry, sore, red penis. Men who are a bit too enthusiastic during their solo sessions or who engage in a particularly vigorous session with a partner are apt to experience soreness as well as dry skin caused by friction. Taking a few days off from masturbation or partner sex is usually enough to clear up the problem; men can quicken this process by using a quality moisturizer for their distressed skin.
The problems described here represent just some of the conditions that can affect the penile skin; men who develop symptoms like these should bring them to the attention of a physician for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Relieving and preventing dry, itchy penis skin
Medicated crèmes and ointments are often prescribed for combatting issues such as fungal infections. While these can address the underlying problem, they are not always useful when it comes to restoring moisture to parched, flaky skin. This is where a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) comes in. Whether the source of the dryness is a fungal or bacterial infection, psoriasis or just plain old dehydration, a soothing crème with powerful emollients such as Shea butter and/or vitamin E can provide immediate relief as well as ongoing protection for smoother, more responsive penile skin.

Penis Fractures – Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Lots of things can cause a sore penis. Usually, a day or two of resting the member is sufficient to get back to normal. Think of all the forces and frictions a man’s tool is subjected to on a daily basis - rubbing against clothing, pumping in the hand and pounding up against others’ body parts. A little pain here and there is no surprise. But a severely sore penis, along with other symptoms, may be the sign of a serious condition. Maintaining proper penis health requires that men seek medical attention if penis fractures occur.

Penis Fractures
"Fracture" generally reminds one of something that happens to bone. While there are no bones in a boner, fracturing is still possible. When the penis is hard, two chambers called the corpora cavernosa are engorged with blood. The covering of these chambers, called tunica albuginea, can rupture if the erect penis is subjected to blunt trauma. When this occurs to one or both chambers, the penis is said to be fractured.

Symptoms
The following are symptoms of a penis fracture:
- Severe pain
- A loud popping or clicking sound
- Immediate dark bruising
- Immediate softening of the member
- Blood in urethra/urine, if the urethra is damaged

Causes
The primary causes of penis fractures are vigorous sex or masturbation. Anything that forces the penis to bend while erect - hitting up against a vaginal wall too hard, a careless jerking motion of the hand, slamming up against some masturbatory aid such as a mattress at the wrong angle, etc. - can lead to fracture.

A less common but interesting cause of fracturing is the Iranian practice of taqaandan, a method of forcing an erection to soften by holding the base of the shaft steady and bending the top of the penis. This practice should be avoided, as it is linked to higher rates of penis fracture. There are safer ways to lose a stiffy - reaching climax or thinking about baseball, for example.

Treatment
A penis fracture demands immediate medical attention; complications in the form of a permanently bent penis, pain with intercourse, damage to the urethra and loss of erectile function are much more prevalent among men who don’t seek treatment right away. The best method for treating a penis fracture is immediate surgical repair of the ruptured chamber wall(s) within the member, and repair of the urethra if this structure was damaged as well.

Prevention
Prevention is generally the best medicine, and this is certainly true for penis fractures. Though complication rates are higher when surgery isn’t pursued, some men who receive surgery still suffer from permanent bends, pain and erectile dysfunction. Men can take the following measures to reduce their risk of suffering the dreaded penis fracture:

- Keep it nice and lubed. This reduces friction and, therefore, the chances of getting bent out of shape.

- Thrust along the shaft.

- Be particularly careful when a female partner is on top. Upon entry or re-entry, the penis can slam up against her pubic bone and bend.

- Don’t get too wild - and don’t let partners get too wild. This doesn’t mean that men who want to prevent a penis fracture have to go slow and gentle all the time; they just need to keep their wits about them enough to mind the alignment.

Preventing a penis fracture is one of many things a man can do to maintain optimal health. Some men choose to supplement their basic care regimens with a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that contains natural emollients like Shea butter and vitamin E for soft, hydrated skin. Quality products will also feature vitamin C on the ingredient list, which may promote good circulation to the member along with keeping it youthful in appearance. A quick, daily application is all it takes.

Penis Health – Is Testosterone Deficiency to Blame for Poor Erectile Function?

Having problems with pecker perkiness? It’s easy to joke around about erectile problems, but for men who experience them, they’re no laughing matter. Whether they manifest as weak erections, anticlimactic climaxes or complete loss of erectile ability, these problems take a serious toll on a man’s physical and emotional well-being, not to mention that of his significant other. What is more: Erectile dysfunction may be a symptom of poor penis health or an underlying condition that needs to be identified and treated.

One such condition is androgen deficiency, which is marked by abnormally low levels of male sex hormones, particularly testosterone. There are many symptoms and causes of androgen deficiency, and learning what to look for can help men know when to suspect this condition.

Androgen Deficiency Symptoms
 
Low levels of male hormone can cause an array of symptoms. Sexual symptoms include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Reduced amount of ejaculate
- Weak erections
- Weak orgasms

Emotional symptoms include:

- Depression
- Low self-esteem

Non-sexual physical symptoms include:

- Fatigue
- Breast development
- Hot flashes/sweating
- Reduced muscle mass
- Reduced bone mass
- Loss of body hair
- Increased abdominal fat

Some of these symptoms can result in chronic health conditions. Increased abdominal fat, for example, is associated with type 2 diabetes. Loss of bone mass can cause osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). And, of course, sexual symptoms can lead to a reduced overall quality of life.

Causes
The main causes of testosterone deficiency in men are:

- Age
- Testicular problems leading to decreased production of testosterone (such as undescended testes or complications related to cancer treatment)
- Pituitary gland tumor (which interferes with the production of hormones in the gland that cause the testes to manufacture testosterone)
- Chronic use of medications, such as opioid pain-killers or steroids
- Major trauma, illness or surgery

Treatment
Generally, men with androgen deficiency are treated with hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone can be injected, taken in pill form or applied as a cream, gel or skin patch.

If a problem with the pituitary gland is the culprit, then men may receive replacement therapy of the hormone produced by this gland.

When medication use is behind androgen deficiency, men may talk with their doctors about switching up their treatment method for whatever condition the medication is intended to treat.

Self-Help
While a severe case of hormone deficiency will likely require replacement therapy, men with mild deficiencies may be able to combat the problem naturally. The following self-help techniques may boost testosterone levels:

- Exercise. When a man leads a sedentary lifestyle, his body will adapt to his reduced need for testosterone by not making so much. When he’s active, however, his muscles and bones need more testosterone: Need and you shall receive! Both strength-training and cardio exercise are important. Note: Overtraining can actually reduce testosterone levels, so men should take rest days and avoid increasing their exercise load too quickly.

- Sleep. Lack of sleep, particularly when chronic, can throw the body’s hormones out of whack. Men should get plenty of shut-eye as part of their testosterone management plan.

- Chill out. When a person is stressed, his body produces the hormone cortisol, which has a negative impact on testosterone production. Managing stress, anxiety, depression and other emotionally draining conditions will promote higher testosterone levels as well as overall health.

- Eat zinc. This mineral is imperative for maintaining healthy male hormone levels. The best food sources are oysters, lean beef, lamb, wheat germ and spinach.

- Shed excess pounds. More weight equals more estrogen equals less testosterone. Eat right in combination with hormone-boosting exercise and say goodbye to extra weight.

Boosting levels of male hormone will do wonders for penis health and functionality. Men may wish to supplement their care regimens with the use of a quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Look for alpha lipoic acid and vitamin B5 on the ingredient list; these nutrients may help protect the cells of the penis. The best creams contain natural moisturizers like Shea butter and vitamin E for silky-smooth skin.

Penis Health in the Locker Room

There's nothing quite as bracing as a great workout at the gym, especially when it's followed by a little time in the sauna and a refreshing cold shower. Physical fitness is a worthy and admirable goal, but it's good to remember that penis health can sometimes be impacted by those visits to the locker room. A few small steps can help a guy take proper care of his junk and ensure that his favorite organ comes out of the gym as fit as the rest of him.

It's about hygiene.
Locker rooms are a great place to hang out and shoot the breeze with other guys. And let's face it, there's a definite plus to being in a place where a guy can "let it all hang out."
The problem is that a locker room is not always the cleanest place to be. At home, a guy can wipe out his own shower and disinfect surfaces to his heart's content (or not, of course). At the gym, even assuming that the management does a top-notch job of keeping things neat, tidy and cleansed, lots of guys pass through the space every day. Even the best efforts can't keep some germs and bacteria from getting left behind. And, when pressed, most guys will admit to urinating in their own shower on occasion. It doesn't take too much to assume that this has happened once or twice in a public shower as well.

Mind the curtains!
Beyond that, there's the simple fact that warmth and dampness create a hospitable environment for the promotion of mold and mildew. If showering in a stall with a curtain, guys need to take a few extra pains to avoid letting the curtain come in contact with their penises to avoid any mold or other fungus getting on their equipment. As men know only too well, once a fungus gets on the tool, it can spread like wildfire.

Watch the soap.
Sharing another person's soap is a good way to contract skin rashes, flakiness and other dermatological issues. Especially when dealing with relative strangers, one doesn’t know what forms of psoriasis or other skin problems a man may have. Even using a fresh, unwrapped bar may not be safe; the penis can be very sensitive to fragrances added to soaps. Whenever possible, a man should bring and use his own soap.

The same goes for shaving cream, especially if one is fond of closely shaving the pubic bush. This is better done at home, but if done in a gym shower, a man should use his own cream and keep the razor as clean as possible.

Watch the towels, too.
Just as sharing soap should be avoided, so too should sharing another man's towel. He may have washed it with a strong detergent that will irritate sensitive penis skin. Only under extreme circumstances should a guy dry off with a towel that has already been used by another man; again, the chance of picking up germs, fungus or skin-related issues from the towel is too great to risk.
Most gyms offer clean towels to their members, so this is often one's best bet. Make sure to use these towels in all appropriate situations - place one on the bench before sitting the bare butt down, wear one in the sauna, etc.

Wear your own jock.
This should go without saying, but a guy simply shouldn't wear another guy's jock or underwear. Even when undergear has been freshly laundered, it's not responsible penis care to borrow clothing that cuddles another man's junk.

Apply a crème.
Finally, apply a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to the penis after showering in the locker room, and make sure it contains vitamins A and D. Why? Vitamin A has anti-bacterial properties which, among other things, fight penis odor; vitamin D has been proven effective in combating disease and assisting in cell functionality. Directly applying a vitamin-rich crème to the penis helps "target" the vitamins and aids them in keeping the equipment healthy.

The Excited Penis Guide to Simultaneous Orgasm

Couples are enthralled by the idea of the simultaneous orgasm, but sometimes a guy's excited penis doesn't want to cooperate in the pursuit of this goal. Of course, almost any sexual activity is enjoyable and worthwhile, especially when a man is taking appropriate steps to ensure good penis health. However, for those who are interested in pursuing the simultaneous orgasm, the following tips may prove beneficial.

Tip #1: Be in the right frame of mind.
Many men approach the pursuit of a simultaneous orgasm in the wrong frame of mind. They may be fearful or feel guilty because they think they tend to finish too fast, or they may feel resentment because they think their partner takes too long to finish. Either (or both) of these attitudes adds unnecessary pressure. Couples will be more successful if they approach the pursuit as a fun activity, like a game. If they achieve the goal, that's great; if they don't - hey, an orgasm is still an orgasm, no matter how it's timed. And sex with a partner is an excellent way to bond.

Tip #2: Be mutual for a while.
Many couples find it is helpful to spend a few sessions engaging in mutual masturbation before attempting an intercourse-driven simultaneous orgasm. The goal here is for each partner to play with him/herself, communicating how close they each are to climaxing and trying to achieve a simultaneous finish through masturbation before moving on to penetration.

Tip #3: Take time with foreplay.
In most couples, the male climaxes before the female. The average time between penetration and ejaculation for the male is five to six minutes; for the female, it is usually twelve to twenty. There are exceptions, of course, but in a typical relationship, a man needs to take plenty of time to manually stimulate his lady friend.

Tip #4: Go oral.
A man should definitely include cunnilingus as one of his foreplay techniques. This can be especially effective if he fingers the woman while performing orally. The "double stimulation" can help add to the level of pleasure she experiences.

Tip #5: Vibrate.
The use of a vibrator should also be considered during the foreplay stages. A woman may wish to apply the vibrator herself during intercourse as well; however, care must be taken that the vibrator does not overstimulate the penis.

Tip #6: Double up.
Some men are able to maintain an erection after climaxing and continue on for another round; "going for two" may be a good way to achieve simultaneous satisfaction with a partner (while getting a second climax out of it as well.)

Tip #7: Be well positioned.
Couples should explore positions and see which one(s) are most conducive to achieving their goal. For many, a woman-on-top position is preferable.

Tip #8: Interrupt if necessary.
Whatever position is chosen, partners should communicate about how close they are to orgasming. If they are far apart on this journey, the intercourse should be interrupted and the partner closer to releasing should pay some manual or oral attention to the other partner.

Tip #9: Practice makes perfect.
Above all, partners shouldn't be discouraged if they don't reach a synchronized climax right away; trying should be part of the fun, while success is the icing on the cake.

All this sexual activity in pursuit of the simultaneous orgasm may turn that excited penis into a sore (if very happy) one. Regularly using a quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with a combination of moisturizers can help; a cream that includes both Shea butter and vitamin E is an excellent choice. It's also helpful if the cream contains vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and penile tissue elasticity. Look for L-arginine on the ingredient list as well; this substance is involved in the production of nitric oxide, which in turns help keep penis blood vessels relaxed and open. Maintaining a healthier penis is a goal all men can achieve.