Low Sex Drive in Men: Everyday Culprits

Feeling sluggish in the sack? There are many everyday culprits behind a low sex drive or inability to perform well in bed. Men with sexual difficulties need to make sure that their troubles aren’t a sign of poor penis health, as physical conditions can affect their performance and may require treatment. But sometimes, problems in the bedroom are caused by everyday habits that men can identify and tweak to put the spark back in their love lives. The following common causes of low sex drive or performance issues in men should be considered.
1) Smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke impact sexual health in a couple ways. First, they affect circulation. Since erectile ability hinges on ample blood flow to the penis, poor circulation caused by cigarette smoking can hamper performance.
Second, cigarette smoke can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to desensitization. If the penile nerves aren’t able to sense pleasurable feelings well, it’ll be hard for the member to get excited.
2) Alcohol Consumption
People who experience physical pain sometimes get into the harmful habit of using alcohol to self-medicate. This is hazardous to health for a number of reasons, the best known being liver damage. But it can also affect sexual health. Alcohol works to alleviate pain because it is a depressant; it deadens pain signals. But it deadens pleasure signals as well, which is detrimental to sexual performance.
3) Caffeine Consumption
It may seem odd that caffeine could negatively impact bedroom performance, since it’s a stimulant; this evokes ideas of stamina, endurance and enthusiasm. And while a little caffeine now and then can be a good pick-me-up, regularly consuming high levels of caffeine can negatively affect a man’s pecker for a couple reasons. First, large amounts of caffeine cause the adrenal glands to produce high levels of stress hormones, which are negatively correlated with sex drive. Second, caffeine can restrict blood vessels, leading to erectile problems.
4) Too Little Exercise
A lack of exercise, both strength-building and cardiovascular, can leave a man sluggish in general. Muscle weakness limits his ability to maintain sexual positions, while a weak cardiovascular system inhibits proper circulation.
5) Too Much Exercise
On the flip-side, hitting the gym hard every day can negatively impact testosterone levels. That’s because this hormone has an inverse relationship with cortisol, one of the body’s stress hormones. People who over-train have excessive levels of cortisol in their bodies, corresponding with low levels of testosterone. This can lead to symptoms like weak orgasm, reduced sex drive, poor erections and even full-on erectile dysfunction. Moderate the exercise.
Moderation is key for reducing the impacts of many of the above sex-killers. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising cautiously and, preferably, nixing cigarettes altogether are ways to bring a man’s daily habits in line with a healthy sex life. Other steps he can take are managing stress and dealing with relationship problems. High levels of stress, just like high caffeine consumption and exercise levels, corresponds with high cortisol levels and, therefore, lower testosterone output. Problems in a relationship, such as trust issues or unresolved problems, can also hamper a man’s ability to get it up and keep it there with a partner.
Another daily habit men can adopt to promote optimal penile and sexual health is the use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). This product keeps a man’s skin in good condition, which can alleviate self-consciousness along with helping to fend off infections. Shea butter and vitamin E work as a fantastic tag team by moisturizing in different ways. Vitamin A is also an important ingredient, as it fights bacteria that can cause not only infections but unwanted odors. Adding such a crème to a man’s daily care routine is a great way to supplement his other healthy habits.

His Itchy Penis: A Guide for Women

Many a woman has been turned off by the frequency with which a guy scratches his package, but the truth is that an itchy penis is something that simply happens sometimes. Where women could use a guide is in knowing what causes the itch and whether there's any reason for her to be concerned about it. In the interest of expanding a woman's understanding of penis health, the following information can serve as such a guide.

It's natural for it to itch.
An itchy penis is not at all unnatural (although that doesn't mean that a guy needs to constantly be tugging at it). First off, the penis is surrounded by hair, which brings with it a natural itchiness factor. This is compounded by the fact that the organ is kept buried (in most cases) beneath not one but two layers of clothing; this creates a "double oven" effect which generates significant heat. In addition, the erections that occur frequently in men (even when not in a specifically sexual situation) cause the penis to heat up even more.

All that heat can cause some degree of itchiness by itself. More problematic is that the heat creates skin irritation - rashes, dryness, flakiness, bumps, etc. - which all bring with them their own special itchiness issues.

Is it any wonder that so many guys have an itchy penis?

Other Common causes
Beyond the basic cause of heat, what are some of the other common causes behind an itchy penis?

- STIs. These causes inspire the most concern. Sexually transmitted infections can in some cases express themselves with substantial itching. It's important to make sure that both partners are aware of sexual histories before embarking on a sexual escapade and that proper protection is taken to decrease the possibility of transmitting any STIs. However, there are many other causes of an itchy penis besides an STI, so a person shouldn't leap to a wrong conclusion just because a guy is scratching his boys a lot.

- Yeast infection. Many women are familiar with vaginal yeast infections, but men can have a yeast issue as well. Typically it's referred to as thrush, and it is quite treatable. However, it can be passed on to a partner, so if a male partner has thrush, a female partner may also develop a yeast issue.

- Jock itch. Everyone knows about jock itch and it may be the most common reason guys scratch so much. This is a fungal infection and it, too, can be passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact. Again, a woman whose partner is prone to jock itch may need to get treatment herself.

- Latex allergy. This is fairly rare, but some men are allergic to latex and so develop a rash or other dermatological issue when wearing condoms. Using non-latex condoms helps to solve this problem and enable a couple to still enjoy safe sexual relations.

- Common skin issues. As mentioned earlier in this article, dryness, flakiness, splotches and other common dermatological issues may arise due to the sensitivity of penis skin and the heat which typically envelops the organ.

When common dermatological issues cause the itchy penis, this guide suggests applying a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on a regular basis. Men are good about attending to STIs, but may be less proactive when dealing with everyday penis health issues such as these. When a crème containing a high-end emollient like Shea butter and a natural hydrator like vitamin E is regularly applied to the organ skin, it creates a moisture shield that can do wonders for the health of the skin and prevent intense itching. In addition, a crème that includes vitamins with skin-enhancing properties such as vitamins A, B5 and D is going to provide extra protection that can promote general penile well-being.

Penile Redness: 7 Causes

Looking down to find a red penis is an unpleasant experience for any man. The causes of penile redness range from mild to severe, some allowing for home treatment while others require medical intervention. While seeking out diagnosis from a medical professional is always a smart move for maintaining penis health, it never hurts for guys to get familiar with the common causes of redness and steps to prevent it. The following will give men an idea of what might be up downstairs depending on which symptoms accompany redness.

Balanitis 

If the redness is isolated to the head and foreskin and accompanied by inflammation and difficulty retracting the foreskin, men have reason to suspect balanitis. Technically, the name is given to any condition that involves inflammation of the head, but it generally is used to describe that which is caused by insufficient hygiene. When men don’t frequently wipe away the smegma that forms under the foreskin, the penis can become irritated. Upping the hygiene routine is a way to both treat and prevent balanitis.

Thrush 

Thrush, which also goes by the names yeast infection and candidiasis, can cause redness around the urethra along with a burning sensation upon urination and foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin. Itching of the glans and difficulty retracting the foreskin are other common symptoms. Often, men contract yeast infections from female partners who are infected; using protection and making sure that one’s partner is treated are ways of preventing thrush from occurring. If a man is infected, he may use an antifungal cream, either over-the-counter or prescription, to get rid of it.

Men with diabetes are more prone to developing yeast infections. Managing diabetes is, then, a key step in preventing thrush for diabetics.

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause penile redness, along with abnormal discharge and painful urination. Treatment involves taking antibiotics. 

Gonorrhea 

Gonorrhea is an STI as well and shares the same symptoms as chlamydia. It is also treated with antibiotics. 

Syphilis 

Syphilis is a very serious STI and requires early treatment in order to avoid severe consequences, including death. It initially manifests as a lesion on the penis. If caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics. 

Contact Dermatitis 

Men who notice red spots or splotches may be experiencing contact dermatitis, a form of eczema that occurs when the skin comes in contact with a substance that the body interprets as a threat. The skin may become dry and itchy. Identifying and avoiding the offending substance is key – common culprits include soaps, lotions, spermicides and detergents. A man may benefit from using a moisturizer to help his skin heal.

Friction 

Perhaps the most common cause of penile redness along with dryness and sore skin is chafing from the friction of clothing, hands and partners’ bodies. If a man doesn’t use lube, or masturbates or has sex in a rough manner, he’s likely to suffer some chafing.

From the descriptions above, men can see that several causes of penile redness share many of the same symptoms (yeast infection, gonorrhea and chlamydia, for example). This underscores the importance of seeking proper diagnosis. A man who uses an antifungal cream thinking he has a yeast infection may actually have an STI that he can pass along to partners. Not only penile health but sexual responsibility require that men know exactly what is affecting them.

While men’s skin heals from rashes and infections, they may benefit from using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). While such a lotion should not be applied to broken skin, it can help dry, flaky skin recover; it can also help prevent redness from friction by keeping the skin moisturized and more resilient. Shea butter and vitamin E form a great tag team against dry, itchy skin, promoting optimal penile health.

Raw Penis Prevention: Steps to Prepare the Tool for Marathon Sex

A raw penis is not a happy penis (although it may have been quite happy engaging in activities, such as a marathon sex escapade that account for the rawness), so avoiding a raw state is advisable. There can be any number of reasons for a raw penis, but overuse or improper use are among the most common. In order to practice proper penis care, it is in a man's best interests to take measures to prevent rawness when possible.

For example, on those occasions when a man is going to be involved in a marathon sex session - whether alone with his own hand or in the tight embrace of a partner - he really needs to take steps to keep subsequent penile soreness to a minimum.

For example:
Use ample lubrication. This is absolutely essential. Whether engaging in round after round of masturbation or bout after bout of partner sex, a man simply must keep his penis well-lubricated. Yes, the manhood does provide some natural lubrication (as does the female organ), but when participating in a marathon sex session, it's asking too much of the body to do all the work on its own. The wise man will experiment with several different options in advance to find out what works best for his tool - and for his partner's accommodations as well.

Get rest beforehand. A guy needs to make sure he’s well-rested before embarking on a marathon session. Getting proper sleep is not going to have a direct effect on the soreness of the penis, but it can have an indirect effect: If a guy is fatigued, he’s more likely to overexert himself or make a bad judgement call concerning, say, angle of entry, which could prove painful both to himself and his partner.

Wear condoms. Clearly, wearing condoms is a good idea to prevent spread of infections, but even if one is having a marathon as part of a long-term monogamous relationship, it’s a good idea to wear condoms at least part of the time. The extra layer of protection will help to cut down on friction, which can decrease potential rawness. Even if the sex one is having is strictly with oneself, wearing a condom every so often can help keep the skin feeling fresher.

Switch positions. Sex is wonderful and incredible, but in a marathon session it can get a bit monotonous. Most people in it for the long haul will change positions occasionally (or frequently) just to keep things spicy. However, in addition to warding off monotony, trying different positions means that the friction on the penis will be shifted to different areas. Spreading the friction out in this way makes it less likely that intense soreness will occur.

Switch hands. When masturbating long term, switch things up, for the same reason one changes positions in marathon partner sex. At the very least change hands, but also consider concentrating on different sections of the manhood or going beyond the hands to utilize scarves, gloves, vaginal substitutes, etc.

Air things out. Every hour or so, take some time to just break apart from each other and let the genitals have some airing out time. (It’ll also give a guy a few minutes to get his firmness factor in gear again.)

A raw penis is a raw deal, and even preventive measures don’t always guarantee a lack of penile soreness after a marathon in bed. That’s why men need to regularly use a first-class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A sore penis needs to be pampered, and liberally applying a crème with soothing natural moisturizers such as Shea butter and vitamin E is just the ticket. It’s a plus if the crème also includes a potent antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid, which offsets harmful oxidative processes and shores up the penile skin cells. And if vitamin D is also found in the crème, so much the better; this is the "miracle" vitamin that is tops at enabling cell functionality after a marathon session has left the penis raw and sore - if very happy.

Penis Bumps: A Quiz for Men

Hopefully, maintaining penile health is a priority for all men. One of the important steps to take in this vein is to educate oneself about the signs of problems, and, likewise, knowing what is completely normal down there. Learning the facts on penis bumps is, then, an important factor of good penis care.

Below, men will find descriptions of different types of penis bumps. Then, they will find a list of names for the different kinds of bumps. They can match each name to a description and compare their answers to the answer key at the end.

Descriptions
1. These flesh-colored, round bumps line the ridge of the penile head in one or more rows. They are a normal anatomical variation, are not contagious and cause no harm. They are more common in uncircumcised men, and are believed to affect around a quarter of men. Though they are completely benign, many men suffer psychological stress associated with them and seek out ways to remove them, though surgery is the only likely way.

2. Small white or yellow bumps on the shaft or head of the penis, these guys are also completely benign. They are oil glands, and the oil produced by them provides lubrication to the skin. On some people, they’re just more visible. They can also be found in some people’s mouths and on some women’s labia.

3. This itchy rash is comprised of small, purplish bumps with flat tops. It’s believed to be caused by an autoimmune dysfunction, and generally goes away within two years. It usually affects the wrists, arms and legs, but can occur on the penis as well, especially the head. Corticosteroids can be applied to relieve the itch, but some men find these creams to be too harsh for the penis. Some people are prescribed oral corticosteroids for severe cases.

4. This benign sexually transmitted infection (STI) is comprised of very small pink or flesh-colored bumps that are shiny and have a little dent in the middle. They spread through skin-to-skin contact and tend to resolve on their own, but this could take anywhere from months to four years.

5. This STI is characterized by fluid-filled blisters on the genitals. They are caused by a virus that stays in the body for life, though the bumps come and go. Breakouts can be limited and the spread of the infection can be mitigated with medication.

6. These bumps are soft, cauliflower-like lumps on the genitals that may itch. There is no treatment for the virus that causes the bumps, though the body may fend it off. The bumps can be removed by freezing or cutting.

Names
1. Fordyce Spots
2. Genital Warts
3. Lichen Planus
4. Molloscum Contagiosum
5. Pearly Penile Papules
6. Herpes

Answer Key
1. E
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. F
6. B

Whatever is ailing a man’s skin, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality skin care product that can keep the skin moisturized, protecting it against the chafing it undergoes from clothing, hands and bodies on a regular basis. Guys can reduce dryness and itching, and maintain overall healthier skin, by using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Shea butter, vitamin E and vitamin C are great for the skin, providing moisture and boosting collagen production for firmer skin tone. Plus, a crème with vitamin A can help fight bacteria buildup on the member; since bacteria is a common cause of infection and unwanted odor, this property cannot be underestimated. Along with keeping himself educated concerning his manhood, a man should take care to treat it right every day.

Avoiding a Red Penis: Steps for Preventing Balanitis

Guys take great pride in the appearance of their rods, so an inflamed, red penis is something most men prefer to avoid. Penile redness is often the result of balanitis, and employing routines that ensure proper penis health is an excellent way to prevent this condition.

What is it?

Simply put, balanitis occurs when the glans of the penis becomes inflamed. In addition to redness, there is usually significant soreness, swelling and itchiness. An unpleasant odor may also develop.

Balanitis is more common in men who are intact than in men who are circumcised, but men who are cut do sometimes get balanitis. There can be several things that cause the condition, including STIs. However, a man shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that his red penis means he has an STI; there are many less worrisome causes, and a doctor can determine what is at the root of the problem.

Causes

Among the possible causes of balanitis are phimosis (a situation in which the foreskin is too tight) and diabetes, as well as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen planus and thrush. Bacteria and allergic reactions to items such as soap or detergent can also bring it about.

Most of these causes can be addressed through proper penis care. Phimosis and diabetes are the exceptions. Balanitis caused by phimosis may be helped by gradually loosening the skin; cases caused by diabetes can be addressed through proper management of that condition.

Penis health

Far too many men assume that a quick rinse in the shower is all that is required to keep the penis in proper health. In fact, a bit more preventive care is necessary.

For example, a doctor’s advice may be necessary if skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis are chronic. Various ointments or medications may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause that makes the penis skin more likely to suffer.

Once the underlying cause of balanitis can be determined and treated, a man needs to make guided penis care a part of his daily routine. This includes:

- Washing the penis regularly. If the man is intact, he needs to take a little extra time to make sure that he is cleaning underneath the foreskin. Dirt and bacteria can build up under the foreskin, and that can exacerbate existing balanitis or create conditions for a recurrence of the problem. Also, men who are prone to balanitis should wash the penis soon after engaging in sexual activity.

- Using an appropriate cleanser. For individuals with skin conditions, a doctor may recommend a special hypoallergenic soap for use on the penis. Those using “everyday” cleanser should look for a soap that has natural ingredients and does not include unwanted chemicals or fragrances; these can cause irritation to the sensitive skin of the penis. Whatever cleanser is used, it should be washed completely off of the penis.

- Drying carefully. Because the glans is so sensitive, men should use a soft towel and gently dry the equipment after washing. Rubbing too vigorously and/or with a rough towel can cause extra irritation.

- Applying an appropriate crème. Regularly using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on a red penis can help keep the tool healthy and strong and can deliver soothing relief when balanitis is present. It’s important to select a crème that is infused with potent but natural hydrating ingredients. Shea butter, a high-end emollient, should definitely be listed in the crème’s ingredients, as should vitamin E. This powerful combination will help create a moisturizing seal that provides significant protection. Another combination to look for: acetyl L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. This dynamic duo reverses damage to cell mitochondria and restores penile cell health, aiding in the fight against balanitis.

Erect Penis Display: Safe Situations for Exhibitionism

Starting at an early age, a guy tends to be pretty proud of his erect penis and the tricks that it can do. For some men, this pride may take the form of exhibitionism: displaying the penis (erect or flaccid) to another person or persons, often in public or semi-public situations. (Hopefully, men understand that an erect penis isn't enough for praise; maintaining good penis health can help make one's penis something worthy of being displayed.) Exhibitionism becomes a problem when a man prominently exposes his penis in a situation in which such an action is not desired – or, in many cases, is not legal. 

Many men practice their exhibitionism in a safe way, which means not encroaching upon the rights and feelings of other people. The following are a few of the situations in which phallic display can be considered safe.

- In the locker room. Being in the changing room, shower room or sauna at a gym naturally affords a man the opportunity to walk around without clothing, so the locker room can be a great place for an exhibitionist to let it all hang out. It's also not uncommon for friends in a locker room to focus attention on and comment about (usually in a mock-derogatory manner) each other's equipment, which can be a plus for many exhibitionists. However, it's important to remember that even in this setting, some exhibitionist practices (such as masturbating or displaying in a coercive manner) are not appropriate.

- At a nudist beach or resort. Clearly, clothing-optional beaches or nudist resorts are natural places for a man to exhibit his wares. However, a guy needs to realize that neither of these situations may be appropriate for a man with a raging hard-on. While some degree of erection is considered acceptable in these locations, in general it's expected that such a state will be of limited duration. Men who become hard and flaunt the fact or who masturbate are not generally welcome.

- In booths at adult book stores. Many adult book stores feature booths where patrons can view explicit videos. Not surprisingly, most men engage in self-gratification while in these booths. Sometimes, patrons have cut peepholes between the booths in order to watch their neighbors; some booths even come equipped with plastic walls that enable consenting patrons in separate booths to watch each other as they masturbate.

- By skinny-dipping. Swimming naked gives many people a wonderful sense of freedom and liberation. If one has a private swimming area or can find a safely secluded spot, skinny-dipping with a partner or group of friends can be a wonderful experience.

- Jack and Jill parties. Many cities have private organizations that hold meetings specifically for their members to masturbate. When open to both sexes, it is generally referred to as a Jack and Jill club. Most such clubs have rules for cleanliness and hygiene, as well as about what is and is not allowed in terms of behavior.

- Role playing. Couples who are into exhibitionism can explore role playing as an option. This is especially useful for men with a desire to be exposed in a risky public situation. The couple creates a scenario that would be illegal in public and acts it out in the privacy of their own home. The power of imagination and fantasy cannot be underestimated.

Some exhibitionism of an erect penis is normal for a man, with many guys fulfilling this desire through simple one-on-one sexual contact. Whether putting the package on display for one partner or for a group, however, it pays to regularly use a top-drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to help maintain the organ in its best shape. A penis with adequately hydrated skin is going to have a nice glow and, more importantly, will lack dry, flaky patches that mar its otherwise impressive appearance. A crème that contains the high-end emollient Shea butter can be a superb way of providing moisturization to any member. Many penises often also feature broken capillaries as a result of rough handling. A crème that contains L-arginine should be used to help with this issue and restore the tool to its eye-catching appearance.