Penis Skin Sensitivities and Proper Care

Even the healthiest of men needs to pay close attention to penis health. It’s easy to dismiss this part of the body as out of sight and out of mind, knowing that it is only visible to men and their intimate partners. But men with sensitive penis skin need to take some extra steps to keep their penises healthy, moisturized, and free from itching and discomfort.

Skin sensitivity is a common problem that afflicts about 38.2% of men, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health. Often characterized by itchiness, rash, breakouts and even pain, skin sensitivity occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritating substances, triggering an inflammatory response. It isn’t dissimilar to an allergic reaction, but tends to be milder in nature. A guy with sensitive skin can help keep his favorite organ looking and feeling its best with these five tips:

Rule out a latex allergy.
 
A man whose penis becomes particularly sensitive or itchy after having sex with a latex condom could have a latex allergy. Characteristic side effects of latex allergy include itching, rash, hives, coughing, wheezing, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath, according to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Don’t forget, though: even a man with only a mild version of one or two of these symptoms could still have the allergy.

Men who suspect this to be the case should talk to their doctors to get to the bottom of the issue. Dealing with a latex allergy isn’t the end of the world. Polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms can prevent pregnancy and the spread of STIs. Lambskin condoms could also be a good option for men who are in a monogamous relationship and are only concerned with pregnancy prevention (they do NOT prevent the transmission of infections).

Use a fragrance-free laundry detergent.
 
People with sensitive skin shouldn’t use laundry detergents that contain harsh irritants, and synthetic fragrances are a definite no-no. If a guy is using a scented laundry detergent, chances are his boxers or briefs could be causing him major irritation throughout the genital region. Switch to a laundry detergent that doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances. The penis skin will thank a man for it.

Sleep naked.
 
Sleeping naked feels great, but according to Men’s Health, a National Sleep Foundation poll found that only 12% of Americans sleep au naturel. Brian Steixner, M.D., told the publication that sleeping in undies can increase one’s odds of getting an infection. Boxers or briefs cause heat to remain trapped near the body, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Plus, men with sensitive skin would do well to skip the chafing and rubbing that can come with constant underwear use.

Buy a different lube.
 
Lubricants are great for sex, but they aren’t always so great for the skin. While most of the population can use lube just fine, men with sensitive skin will need to look for a product that contains only non-irritating ingredients. Astroglide recommends using a silicone-based product, as silicone is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. There are also many options that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin, which can help ensure that pleasurable time is kept, well, pleasurable.

Keep the skin moisturized.
 
Sensitive penis skin is prone to dryness or chafing, so men will want a penis care product that can help keep it soft, moisturized and feeling great. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that contains vitamins, antioxidants and Shea butter can revitalize and protect this important organ, and it is especially good for guys with sensitive skin. Men should also keep their skin hydrated by avoiding over-washing. Rinsing off after a hard workout is important, but showering too frequently can dry out the skin, leaving it prone to itchiness. Do the skin a favor by paying extra attention to its health.

Dry Penis Maintenance: Eliminating Unwanted Moisture

There’s nothing like a damp penis to dampen one’s mood. While people are generally instructed to keep well-hydrated with lots of water and to moisturize their body on the regular, the penis region is another story. Women? Yes. Keep those lady bits dewy and damp. But for the fellas, dryness is the key to keeping the penis area free of bacteria, chafing and rashes. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to keep a cool and dry penis, no matter where a guy is or what he’s doing. Penis care is in a man’s own hands (no pun intended).

Underwear Selection
 
The right underwear choice can make a big difference in the way the crotch and penis feel. The wrong material, fit or style can do anything from impact comfort to cause a serious bacterial infection or painful, unsightly rash. Steer clear of fashion trends and sexy styles and go for the underwear that’s best for men’s health. Think function, not fashion.

The best choice for men is soft cotton underwear which is more breathable than blends, silk or satin options. "Tighty whities" and boxer briefs are best for a secure fit, but if boxers are preferred, be sure they fit properly beneath jeans and trousers and don’t bunch or ride up. Make sure the size is right and neither too snug nor too loose. While one may think looser is better as far as air circulation goes, if the underwear are too loose, rubbing and chafing from the pants can occur. It’s best to avoid going "commando" for the same reason. Wearing underwear to bed is a personal choice, but the same rule applies: Stick with cotton to let the penis area breathe overnight.

Get Up and Move
 
Lots of men spend a good deal of the day sitting down in one spot. Whether it’s behind a desk at work or hours stuck in an automobile, too much sitting still in one position can make the penis area clammy and damp - even on a cool day. Men should try to get up and walk around as often as possible to get some air flow to their nether regions. Just a few times a day can make a considerable difference.

Sitting with the legs crossed can also contribute to overheating and lack of circulation to the penis. Of course, lots of movement, like that from exercise, can lead to sweating and heat to the area, so be sure to dry off well and change wet undergarments after doing vigorous exercise as soon after as possible.

A Little Sprinkle
 
Since the penis and crotch are located where they are, the area is prone to becoming damp and potentially uncomfortable. Even if a man picks the best undergarments and tries to air out as much as possible, there is always the chance of feeling less than dry down below. A small sprinkle of talc powder into the underwear or onto the skin can go a long way in keeping a man feeling cool, dry and comfortable throughout a long day. Make sure the selection is safe for the penis area and is only used sparingly and as needed. A pharmacist can help with the best choice for the region.

Of course, for some men, dryness itself is the issue. Dry penis skin is as important to avoid as excess dampness. If a man is experiencing itchy, flaky skin in his most sensitive region, he would do well to apply a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on a daily basis. Man1 Man Oil is equipped with Shea butter and vitamin E, two excellent natural moisturizers. A balance of moisture and dryness is essential in the penile region, and a penis health crème, along with the steps above, can help men achieve this golden mean.

Homemade Sex Toys for DIY Penis Fun

Masturbation is enjoyable in and of itself, but sometimes a guy likes to add something different to his penis fun. Clearly, sex toys are one of the go-to options here, but there can be drawbacks. For example, a dude might not have one on hand when he wants one, or they may not fit into his tight budget. That’s where DIY sex toys come in - and as long as attention is paid to ensuring they don’t impact good penis health, the homemade possibility gives a man the opportunity to be creative in his solo-sexual play.

Safety First
 
Although it can be invigorating to delve into homemade sex toys, it’s essential to remember the first rule: do no harm. Care always needs to be taken to ensure that using any toy, whether homemade or store-bought, is going to be safe and not harm the equipment - or any other part of the body.

Out of your gourd
 
Many men who enjoy (or would like to enjoy) a faux vagina toy fall back on a substitute from Nature - the penis-friendly gourd. We’re talking pumpkin, watermelons, honeydew melons, cantaloupes, etc. These gourds are generally large enough to provide the average penis with a vagina-like playground.

To make sexual use of a gourd, carve a hole in it that is big enough around and deep enough to comfortably accommodate the penis - but not so large as to prevent an adequate build-up of friction when thrusting. Smoothing the edge of the rind is also a good idea. Once it has been properly prepared, simply insert the erect member and get down to business.

Some men prefer to lie on their backs and lift the gourd up and down; others favor lying atop the gourd and simulating a more "missionary" approach.

Gourds do tend to be juice and fleshy - and therefore rather messy. Be prepared both to clean up the "work area" and the penis itself. Also note: some penises have very sensitive skin and may react to the juiciness of the gourd flesh.

Plastic wrap
 
The world of plastic presents numerous DIY sex opportunities. For example, many men find that simply wrapping bubble wrap around their penis and masturbating brings about a deliriously intense orgasm.

Another popular option is to take a plastic bag and squirt one’s favorite lubricant in it. Let it spread out and cover the whole bag. Once properly lubed, place the penis inside it and thrust away.

Ring It
 
Penis rings are very popular in the world of sex toys for men. A man can utilize a DIY version if a professional one is not in reach; however, it’s important to make sure that whatever is used can be easily and quickly removed and that it is not so tight as to cause pain or damage.

Although some men use rubber bands, these can be too constrictive and can also be difficult to remove. A better bet is to use a piece of ribbon and tie it around the organ. This is softer on the skin, allows the user to determine the appropriate degree of tightness and is usually easy to remove.

As stated above, DIY sex toys add greatly to solo penis fun - as long as they’re used properly. Even when used properly, enthusiastic utilization may cause soreness, which requires the application of a top-drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The best bet is to choose a crème which is loaded with a combination of natural moisturizers that can properly soothe and treat the skin, such as Shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a great natural hydrator). The wise man will make sure the crème also contains vitamin C. The reason? Vitamin C, an aid in collagen production, is an important structural component of blood vessels and is a contributor to firm skin. Keep the skin healthy to ensure greater enjoyment.

Penis Pain: Taking Care of Prostatitis

What is the top reason for a man under the age of 50 to visit a urologist? Penis pain caused by prostatitis, that’s what. And yet this very common male condition is not one that is widely known - and certainly not widely understood. Knowing about prostatitis is an important component of exercising proper penis care and can have a long-term effect on both sexual health and general health.

What is prostatitis?
 
Prostatitis is an infection and/or inflammation of the prostate, a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is found in men between the bladder and the penis. It secretes a fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen.

Although bacteria can be the culprit in both acute and chronic prostatitis, this occurs in only 5-10% of cases. The vast majority of cases are nonbacterial in nature and often referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In all of these cases, penis pain is a common symptom, typically reflecting a urinary tract issue.

It’s important to note (and be reassured) that there is not a relationship between prostatitis and prostate cancer. It’s also now considered rare for the condition to result from sexual sources.

Causes and symptoms
 
Causes that are typically associated with prostatitis include being on the receiving end of anal sex; bladder infections; catheterization; urinary tract abnormalities; and/or an enlarged prostate.

Men often have prostatitis for a long time without experiencing symptoms or without realizing the symptoms are related to prostatitis. Typical signs include penis pain or burning while urinating; a frequent need to urinate; difficulty in successfully urinating; and chills or fever.

The penis pain that accompanies urination is a classic prostatitis signal. Unfortunately, it is also a common sign of other issues, and so accurate diagnosis may require some time.

Treatment
 
How prostatitis is treated depends upon what is the cause. When it is bacterial in nature, antibiotics are usually recommended. Pain relievers and muscle relaxants are often prescribed when the condition is nonbacterial is nature. Many men also find relief in sitz baths (sitting in a bathtub in 2-3 inches of warm water) on a regular basis. A stool softener may be recommended, as well as prostate massage in some cases.

Dietary changes may also play a role in treatment. For example, reducing or eliminating caffeine or strongly acidic foods may help to ease the condition.

Sometimes men with chronic prostatitis find that it can cause them to feel moody or depressed, depending upon the level and frequency of pain. This can have a negative effect on their overall mental and physical well-being.

Sexual issues
 
Most men with prostatitis continue to have healthy sexual lives; however, in some instances there can be some pain, usually on an occasional basis, during coupling or other forms of sexual activity. The penis can still function normally; however, the discomfort that occurs may sometimes interfere with the desire and ability to engage sexually. Receiving proper treatment for prostatitis can help to relieve this issues and enable a man to fully enjoy his sexual experiences.

Any penis pain, whether the result of prostatitis or another cause, is something most men would prefer to avoid. Maintaining the instrument in good health can help reduce instances of pain and make one alert to issues that require attention. Regular use of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) should therefore be part of every man’s daily routine. Use of a crème with a potent antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid is especially advised. Alpha lipoic acid works to tackle harmful oxidative and aging processes in penis cells and keep them operating on a healthy level. Also essential in the best crèmes is acetyl L-carnitine, which is thought to behave synergistically with alpha lipoic acid. Acetyl L-carnitine helps to reverse damage to penis cell mitochondria, thereby delaying the aging process and keeping both nerve and cell function in better shape.

Period Sex: 6 Facts for Men to Know

For some couples, period sex is just unappealing, and that’s fine. But for those who are interested, there’s no reason not to indulge! Some men may have questions about having sex with a menstruating woman, and learning the facts, including benefits for her and maintaining a man’s penis health, will help a man know what to expect.

It’s not harmful.
 
Some people worry that having sex with a woman on her period may cause her to bleed more. While this may be true in the short-term - the movements of sex can cause a higher rate of blood flow - in the long-term a woman will not bleed more than she would have eventually.

It can actually help her.
 
Orgasms have the potential to relieve a woman’s menstrual cramps; the contractions that the uterus undergoes during a woman’s release can have a massaging effect that reduces pain. Orgasms can also relieve certain PMS symptoms like headaches and mood swings, since climax is accompanied by a rush of feel-good endorphins. Note: A couple doesn’t need to have sex for a woman to orgasm, so oral, manual or toy play are all great options.

Mess tips
 
There is bound to be some mess during period sex. While a couple may be just fine with that, there are steps partners can take to cut down on it.

One obvious method is to place a towel down on the bed or surface beneath the partners. Another is to choose positions wisely. If a woman is on her back, there will likely be less outward blood flow. There will be even less mess if her legs are lifted in the air.

STIs
 
Some sexually transmitted infections are passed through blood, including hepatitis B and HIV. If a partner has a blood-borne infection, transmission is more likely when the woman is on her period. Both partners should be up-to-date on their STI testing before having sex in general, and particularly period sex.

Lubrication
 
Blood can serve as a source of natural lubrication, which both partners may enjoy.

She may enjoy it more.
 
Some women feel heightened arousal and vaginal sensitivity when they have their periods. This could translate to more enjoyable sex on their end.

For women who are feeling self-conscious about having sex on their periods, communication is key. Many women are worried that their partners will be "grossed out" by the sight of the blood and/or by the smell of it. However, many men are not at all squeamish about such things. Knowing this can help a woman feel more comfortable with the activity.

For couples who don’t want to take a break from sex when a woman is on her period but also want to forego the mess, there are menstrual cups designed for the purpose. They fit inside a woman’s vagina to keep the blood in place. Not all menstrual cups are made to be worn during sex; a woman should ensure she has one specifically made for this purpose before using it during intercourse.

Knowing how to enjoy different kinds of sex is great for a man’s penis, since the manhood benefits from regular use. It’s also important for men to take steps to protect the penile skin from the frictions of sexual activity. Lubrication is a necessary component in this regard. Another thing men can do to maintain optimal skin condition in the downstairs department is to use a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Man1 Man Oil contains Shea butter and vitamin E, two great natural moisturizers. In addition, the crème contains L-arginine, an ingredient that encourages the proper functioning of blood vessels, which is important for erectile ability. Help the manhood look and feel its best with a quality skin care product.

Dry Penis Skin: Causes and Solutions

No man enjoys dry skin, but dry penis skin is a nuisance in its own category. The skin can become raw and flaky, leading to penile pain and, importantly, an inability to feel pleasure like normal. Fortunately, there are penis care steps men can take to manage this uncomfortable condition. The following are common causes of dry penis skin.

Clothing
 
Simply rubbing up against a man’s clothing can cause the penis to dry out by chafing the skin. Men are particularly susceptible to this if they go commando; most pants materials aren’t very soft. If a man’s underwear is causing the chafing, he could try investing a few more bucks in more luxurious pairs.

Hot Water
 
Many men enjoy a nice, long shower, but if that water is hot, it’s going to strip away the skin’s natural oils, which are needed to keep it moisturized. Showering in warm water is best!

Soap
 
Soap is great at washing away dirt and bacteria; it’s also great at drying the skin out, unfortunately. But in general warm water is sufficient for washing the penis, so men can try skipping the soap in the region altogether. If a guy simply can’t get into the idea of leaving soap out of the penis cleaning routine, he should be careful to choose something natural and gentle. The soap or body wash he uses on the rest of himself is likely too harsh for the manhood.

Psoriasis
 
This skin condition occurs when the immune system isn’t working properly and overproduces skin cells. These form plaques of skin that are dry and often very itchy. If a man has psoriasis on other parts of his body, it may affect the penis as well.

Medicated creams with steroids in them or treatment with UV light are usually in order for psoriasis, although these methods may be too harsh for the penis. Ask one’s doctor about using a gentler form of moisturizer on the member.

Lack of Lube
 
Lots of guys enjoy a good "dry rub," but the friction created by the hand during solo play can do a number on the manhood skin. There are plenty of products on the market designed for the purpose. If that’s not an option, a guy can try using a lotion around the house, making sure it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. Coconut oil is a great option if that’s around. Don’t use soap or shampoo!

Adequate lubrication is important during partner sex as well. Be sure NOT to use oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, baby oil or coconut oil, while using latex condoms. The oil can erode latex, leaving both partners unprotected.

Contact Dermatitis
 
If the manhood comes in contact with a strange plant, chemical or other foreign material, it may develop an itchy rash called contact dermatitis. This uncomfortable condition will go away on its own once the manhood is kept from coming in contact with the offending substance for a while, but it may be uncomfortable enough to merit some form of treatment. A moisturizer is a good bet. Some doctors prescribe medicated creams.

For common causes of dry skin, men may benefit from the use of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). With Shea butter and vitamin E, Man1 Man Oil provides two natural moisturizers for smooth, soft and supple penile skin. Additional beneficial ingredients include vitamin C and L-arginine, which promote healthy circulation in the member. A penis health crème can protect the skin from the frictions of the day (and night), ensuring that the skin stays sensitive to pleasurable feelings while keeping discomfort at bay.

Sex Tips: Temperature Play Methods

Looking for sex tips to spice things up? There are many ways to do so, but one that many couples are unfamiliar with is incorporating hot and cold play in the bedroom. Altering the temperature can awaken the nerve endings and circulatory system in ways that deliver mind-blowing pleasure to both partners. The following examples, along with safety tips for maintaining vaginal and penis health, can help couples get their bearings in this exciting new world of sensation play.

Cup of Water
 
Keeping a cup of warm (not hot!) water near the bed can boost his oral sex enjoyment. A partner can take a sip, swallow, then take another sip and hold the warm water in his/her mouth, then take the man’s penis inside. Swashing the water around his penis for a few moments then swallowing it will give him a tantalizing experience.

Breath Play
 
Warm, moist breath is one of the body’s most pleasurable heat sources, and making use of this natural heat during foreplay and sex can bring both partners thrilling waves of enjoyment. Gently exhale on a lover’s sensitive spots, including the stomach, neck and ears. Gently breathing on the clitoris and testicles is also encouraged.

Candle Wax
 
Most people have heard of dripping hot candle wax on the skin as part of sex play, and many find this frightening. For good reason - most people don’t want to actually burn their skin. The trick to safely participating in wax play is to use candles made of soy, which don’t require as much heat to melt as those made of beeswax or regular wax, so they are less likely to deliver too much heat. Also, of course, if one has very sensitive skin concerning heat, this method should be avoided.

Chilled Spoon
 
Chill a metal spoon for a bit in a bowl of ice or cold water, then apply the back of the spoon to a lover’s neck, nipples, stomach, etc.

Plain Old Ice
 
An ice cube in the hand can go a long way. Trace a line extending from one side of a lover’s neck all the way down the side of the leg, them up the inside of the leg, down the inside of the other and back up the other side of his or her body. It’s best to avoid the penis and testicles.

Ice Dildo/Hot Towel
 
This is one of the more hardcore forms of temperature play, which should be pursued with caution. The idea is for the man to masturbate with a warm, wet towel around his member while a woman masturbates with a chilled dildo. Then, he enters her, and the sensation change for both is out of this world.

There are several options for a chilled dildo. Some glass and metal dildos are made to be chilled, but caution should be taken. Glass that gets very cold and then undergoes a sudden temperature change, such as inside the body, can break - yikes! And cold metal may stick to a lady’s warm, wet inside - also no good. Use proper precautions. Let the glass or metal warm just a little; use lube; use condoms; always, always follow packaging instructions.

Blindfold
 
Any of the above techniques can be combined with one another, and all of them may be more enjoyable with a blindfold in place. This will leave a lover anticipating, eager and unaware of what sensation is to come. Sight deprivation may be most exciting when lovers are combining a form of heat play like candle wax with a form of cold play, like ice cubes or a cold spoon.

Keeping it Safe
 
Always check in to be sure that the skin is not being burned or losing sensation due to excessive cold or heat. Don’t freeze or heat toys that were not designed to withstand such temperatures. Ease into temperature play to get to know what one’s skin can tolerate.

Maintaining skin health on the sexual organs can’t be overrated; one’s ability to sense pleasure depends on it. Men can take an extra step in the penis care department by using a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) daily. Shea butter and vitamin E keep the skin moisturized, protecting it from the frictions of a vigorous sex life. Show one’s sex life some excitement with temperature play, and one’s manhood some love with a penis health crème.