Masturbation Quiz: Separating Fact from Fiction

Masturbation is arguably the favorite solo activity of most men, and it has penis health benefits as well: masturbating the penis helps keep the manhood in good working order. But how much about masturbation does the average guy know? Why not take the following quiz and see.

Questions
 
1. True or False. Guys who have partner sex regularly are more likely to masturbate than guys who don’t have partner sex regularly.

True. Exactly why this is so isn’t clear, but it may be related to sex producing more testosterone, which in turn increases one’s sex drive.

2. True or False. Some men never masturbate.

True - at least according to research. No legitimate survey has ever found that 100% of respondents admitted to masturbating. (And this may be to some extent due to confusion about what constitutes masturbation or whether a question refers to masturbating regularly.) However, it is likely that almost all men masturbate at some point in their lives.

3. When is National Masturbation Month (in the U.S.)?

A. January
B. May
C. July
D. November
B. May is designated as the month to celebrate the self sexually - but that shouldn’t stop a guy from indulging during the other eleven months!

4. The current world record for longest masturbation session is:

A. 2 hours, 15 minutes
B. 3 hours, 51 minutes
C. 7 hours, 10 minutes
D. 9 hours, 58 minutes
D. 9 hours, 58 minutes. That masturbate-a-thon record was set by Masanobu Sato of Japan in 2009 - breaking his own old record of 9 hours, 33 minutes. (No word on how many days his wrist needed to recover.)

Hugo Lopez of Argentina holds a different record, that of most ejaculations in one 24-hour period. He set it in 2013 when he masturbated to release 83 times in one day.

5. True or False. Masturbation is never mentioned in the Bible.

False. Or maybe True. Certainly the word masturbation is never used, but there are several passages which some people interpret to refer to masturbation. For example, Genesis tells of a man named Onan who "spills his seed." Many believe that this specifically refers to masturbation (and hence the origin of "onanism" as a synonym for masturbation). However, many also believe instead that this refers to Onan withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculating, in order to practice birth control.

6. True or False. Some studies indicate that masturbation may help reduce the chance of prostate cancer in men later in life.

True. This again has to do with the "use it or lose it" which applies to so many things. The more active the penis is, the healthier the prostate, due to its role in creating semen via prostate fluid. The exercise keeps the prostate healthier, in other words.

7. One estimate puts the average number of Americans masturbating at any given minute of the day at 797,151 people. This is more people than:

A. Can fit into Yankee stadium for 10 games.
B. Participated in the NYC Marathon in 2016.
C. Live in the entire state of Alaska.
D. All of the above.
E. None of the above.
D. All of the above. Pretty impressive for an activity most people hate to admit they enjoy.

This quiz just scratches the surface of masturbation facts. Here’s another one: Masturbation is even more enjoyable when the penis is healthy, so using a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is encouraged. Since rough or overenthusiastic masturbation may rub the penis raw, a crème with a combination of moisturizers - such as the high-end emollient Shea butter and the natural hydrator vitamin E - can moisturize and soothe the damaged skin. That rough handling can also cause some de-sensitization in the manhood, so using a crème with a neuroprotective ingredient like acetyl L carnitine is also advised.

Penis Pain During Ejaculation: What’s That About?

Men need to pay attention when penis pain occurs, as it clearly can have an impact on their enjoyment of sex. This is especially true when the pain may occur during or near the time of ejaculation. Knowing possible causes of this penis pain can enable a man to take steps to ensure his penis health and discover what he needs to do to make his ejaculation pleasurable rather than painful.

Causes
 
There are a number of factors which might account for why a man experiences pain during or near ejaculation. Among these are the following:

- An STI. Some STIs may result in painful ejaculation, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. Men who participate in unprotected sex are at great risk of contracting an STI; however, even some men who use proper protections run a small risk of infection. If an STI is suspected, it is very important to see a doctor right away so a proper diagnosis can be arrived at and treatment can begin right away. Early treatment is associated with much more positive outcomes.

- Orchitis. Although this condition refers to a swelling in the testicles, it still produces pain during ejaculation. Orchitis is basically a side effect of epididymitis, a bacterial or viral infection of the epididymis. (Epididymitis by itself often causes pain during ejaculation.) It is also associated with fever, blood in semen and testicular pain. Antibiotics and pain medications are usually part of the treatment plan.

- Prostatitis. This prostate gland disorder is often caused by a bacterial infection - but sometimes the cause is unknown. Because the prostate produces much of the liquid used to form semen, it has a direct relationship to the penis. In addition to creating discomfort when ejaculating, prostatitis also produces a more general penis pain and complicates the urinary process as well.

- Urethritis. When the urethra becomes infected, it is said to have urethritis. Although sometimes this is due to an STI, often the infection source is not sexually-transmitted. Pain is often common during urination as well as ejaculation when urethritis is present.

- Nerve damage. The penis is filled with highly sensitive neural receptors; it’s because of these that the feelings produced during sex are so intense and pleasurable. Sometimes, however, there can be damage to some of the nerves, which can result in sensations of pain rather than pleasure. Alternatively, a man may feel numbness rather than either pleasure or pain. Nerve damage may be the result of a traumatic injury or of other factors, such as diabetes, Peyronie’s disease or multiple sclerosis.

- Ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO). Penis pain from EDO typically occurs shortly after ejaculation rather than during. As the name implies, EDO results when one of both of the ejaculatory ducts are partially or fully blocked. Some men are born with this condition; others may acquire it at a later point in their lives. In addition to the pain, most men with EDO either produce no or a low volume of semen. The semen that is produced typically is much thinner than that of a typical male. Treatment for EDO normally involves fairly invasive surgery.

One of the more common causes of penis pain, related to ejaculation or not, is simple soreness from overuse. Application of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) on a daily basis can help provide soothing relief while maintaining the overall health of man’s favorite organ. Soreness often responds to a crème with moisturizing agents that can give the penis skin the suppleness it needs for sexual acrobatics, so find a crème with both a high-end emollient (like Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (like vitamin E). Since bacteria is often a factor in penis pain, it pays to find a crème with vitamin A, as that ingredient has known anti-bacterial properties that can come in very handy.

Bubbly Urine May Reflect Penis Health – and Overall Health

The occasional presence of bubbly urine when a man urinates is normal and can be caused by numerous things. However, when bubbly urine is a chronic occurrence, it could be a sign of a potential penis health issue - or even of a health issue that extends beyond the penis. So paying attention to bubbly urine and determining its cause can be a benefit for a man.

Proteinuria
 
As with most things related to health, there’s a medical term for bubbly urine - proteinuria. It doesn’t apply to all causes of bubbly urine. For example, sometimes urine may produce a foamy effect simply because of the force with which it is expelled from the body or because the water in the toilet bowl has some cleanser in it which foams up. And sometimes excess carbonation may cause it, or the presence of bilirubin. When bubbly urine is called proteinuria, that is because the bubbling is caused by too much protein in the urine.

It’s normal for urine to contain some protein. And sometimes the reason for excess protein is fairly benign. For example, sometimes too much stress can bring this about, as can dehydration, pushing too hard at the gym or even bad posture.

UTI
 
But often proteinuria occurs because of another condition. It may be a sign of a penis health issue, most commonly a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI typically occurs when bacteria that enters the urinary tract doesn’t get disposed of; some lingers in the tract, where it creates an infectious condition. With a UTI, a man may need to urinate more frequently and may experience stinging or other painful sensations while urinating. He may also feel stomach pains and may find his urine has developed a rank odor.

Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which kill the trouble-causing bacteria. Some other medications may also be recommended to attend to the pain a UTI can cause.

Other issues
 
But proteinuria may also be a sign of issues that extend beyond penis health. Some of the conditions of which proteinuria may be a symptom include:

- Diabetes - a disease in which the body has too much glucose (sugar).

- High blood pressure - also called hypertension, a condition in which blood pressure exceeds acceptable limits.

- Kidney issues - several ailments affecting the kidneys, the organs which filter blood to make urine and remove waste from the body.

- Cardiac issues - problems related to the heart which impedes its ability to function correctly.

- Rheumatoid arthritis - a long-term autoimmune disorder that affects a person’s joints.

- Lupus - an autoimmune disorder in which healthy tissue is attacked by the body. 

If a man is producing bubbly urine on a consistent basis, he should consult with his urologist to determine if proteinuria may be the cause. The doctor will collect urine samples to test, which will measure the protein levels.

Often proteinuria produces no issues and can be treated by increasing the amount of water a man consumes on a daily basis.

Paying attention to bubbly urine is a smart move, as is keeping an eye on penis health in general. Men that are serious about the health of their manhood should regularly use a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Look for a crème with both vitamin A and B5. Vitamin A, which some refer to as retinol, helps to fight the aging process in penis skin. Equally important, its anti-bacterial properties provide a good shield against excessive and obnoxious penis odor. Vitamin B5, meanwhile, is a nutrient which keeps penis cell metabolism and tissue in better health.

The Bent Penis and Sex Positions: The Best Fit

When the penis becomes erect, it may not be perfectly straight. Some curvature of the penis is normal, but in some cases what occurs is really a bent penis - a member in which the curvature is pretty severe. This may be due to a penis health issue - specifically the condition called Peyronie’s disease - or it may simply be the way the penis is formed. In either case, having partner sex with a bent penis may mean exploring sex positions to find the one that works best for the couple in question.

Peyronie’s disease
 
Peyronie’s disease refers to a condition in which the curvature of the penis is due to scar tissue or plaque build-up. It is most often is associated with trauma - either repeated rough handling or one big injury - which creates the curvature. Sometimes other factors, such as vitamin E deficiency, may also be involved.

The curvature may be to the left or right, or up or down. In some cases, the act of becoming erect brings pain, as the skin is stretched too taut due to the severity of the bend.

Sex positions
 
The bending often requires that a man try out various sex positions to find the one that works best for him and his partner. The following are some of the more popular among men with a bent penis.

- Doggy. For many couples, this is the position of choice - and especially for men whose penis has a downward arc, as this position may enable them easier access to the elusive G-spot. The position is preferred because it’s relatively easy to get into and maintain. The woman gets on her hands and knees. The man kneels and enters the vagina from behind. And then - voila!

- Woman on top. This position is exactly what it sounds like. The man lies down and the woman straddles him. Those who are first experimenting with each other’s bodies often find this works best when a bent penis is involved, as the woman has a greater degree of maneuverability and can often find the best spot with more ease.

- Standing straddle. This position requires strength and balance from the man, as he must stand up while the woman wraps her arms around the man’s neck while also wrapping her legs around his waist. When the woman is in position, the man will need to support her by cupping his hands under her posterior.

- T-shape. Picture making a t-shape with two bodies, with the genitals at the intersection. In order for it to work, the woman needs to lie on her back with her legs bent. The man is at a 90 degree angle to her, with his midsection underneath her bent legs. Entry can be a little tricky, but the position itself is quite accommodating for a bent penis that curves to the side.

There are many other sex positions a man with a bent penis can try - and it’s important to remember that for some couples, good ol’ missionary works best. The key is to be willing to explore options until the best fit is found.

Finding good sex positions for a bent penis is crucial, but it’s also important to maintain the health of that penis via the daily administration of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Since vitamin E deficiency is sometimes linked with Peyronie’s disease, it doesn’t hurt to select a crème that contains vitamin E, a vital hydrating element. A man is wise to choose a crème that also contains L-arginine, an amino acid that is part of the process by which penile blood vessels dilate, thereby making them receptive to the increased blood flow necessary for a healthy penis.

Connecting Red Penis Sores to Reactive Arthritis

If a guy looks down at his favorite body part and red penis sores greet his gaze, his reaction is likely to be an understandable panic. After all, red penis sores generally indicate there’s something amiss in the penis health department. Quite a few things can be responsible for a red penis; surprisingly, one of the causes could be reactive arthritis, a condition about which many men know very little.

What kind of arthritis?
 
The reaction of many men to the idea of reactive arthritis causing penis problems is likely to be one of confusion. How can arthritis affect a dude’s equipment, after all? And many men might also think they are too young for any kind of arthritis.

Those reactions are understandable, but the reason that reactive arthritis could be a cause lies in the first part of its name - reactive. "Regular" arthritis refers to joint pain, typically caused either by bones wearing away joints over time or by inflammation of joints.

Reactive arthritis is a little different. It means that arthritis develops in a part of the body in reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body. And because it is reacting to an infection (rather than bone wearing away joints over time), it is a "young person’s" arthritis, found in people as young as 20 years of age.

The penis
 
So what happens with the penis in the event of reactive arthritis? Without bones to wear out joints, what kind of effect can arthritis have on it?

Reactive arthritis presents in the penis in the form or urethritis or lesions that create the red penis sores. The urethritis is in reaction to the presence of bacteria, presumably the same bacteria that brought on the arthritis itself in joints of the body (typically the knees). The dermatological lesions tend to appear on the glans of the penis.

In some instances, the red penis sores may not cause much discomfort. In other cases, they can be very itchy or tender, so that touching them can produce pain.

Infection
 
As mentioned above, reactive arthritis is responsive to an infection. This is often bacterial or fungal - but in some cases, the sores on the red penis are brought about through an STI, usually chlamydia bacteria. In these cases, the arthritis is reacting to the STI.

Chlamydia is one of the most common of STIs - about 1.4 million new cases are reported in the United States every year. Getting treatment promptly is crucial.

However, it should be emphasized that not all penis sores from reactive arthritis are due to chlamydia. Sometimes the source is a much less harmful bacteria.

Also, reactive arthritis may present in the form of conjunctivitis in the eyes. Along with the penis and various joints (such as the knee), this forms the "triad" that is generally associated with this form of arthritis. However, it is also important to note that not every case will be symptomatic in all three areas.

If a man believes he has reactive arthritis, it’s important to see a doctor and get an official diagnosis. Sticking to treatment is also imperative.

When the red penis sores from reactive arthritis have been eliminated, the penis may still feel a bit tender to the touch. Regular use of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can be helpful in soothing that discomfort. Choose a crème that is known for its moisturizing capabilities, such as one with both Shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural hydrator). When the skin is pampered with this combination, it regains its elasticity and tone. The best crème will also include vitamin D, known as the miracle vitamin because of its ability to fight disease and keep the penis healthy.

Why Jock Itch Might Lead to Lower Sex Drive

Jock itch. It’s not a welcome visitor for any guy. Even when a dude is really cautious and careful about his penis health, doing everything he can to avoid an itchy penis, he might still end up with a lousy case of jock itch. And while guys all know about the itchiness and discomfort that come with this condition, not all are aware that jock itch also has the potential to affect a guy’s sex drive - and not in a positive way either.

What it is
 
Known among the medical community by the name tinea cruris, jock itch is a common fungal infection that affects areas of the body covered by or in close proximity to, the area where an athletic supporter is commonly worn. In other words, the penis, balls, inner thighs and buttocks are the most common sites to be afflicted by jock itch.

It presents as a red, itchy rash; frequently the rash is ring-shaped and raised around the circumference. Often it is redder on the edges and a lighter red on the interior of the ring. Sometimes the ring will have a half-moon shape rather than being round.

Fortunately, jock itch is not serious; however, it can bring forth an itchy penis that is extremely annoying. In some cases, a man can scratch the itch so ferociously that the area can become infected.
Jock itch is highly contagious and caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. So, for example, a man may get it from sharing a towel or clothing of a man with the fungus (either in the form of jock itch or athlete’s foot).

The sex drive connection
 
A man with jock itch may find that it has a negative effect on his sex drive. Often the reason for this is psychological. When a man has an itchy penis or scrotal area that sports examples of tinea cruris, it may deter any potential partners from engaging with him. It may also make a man feel self-conscious and worried that his formerly glorious penis has become diseased-looking and unattractive. This can in turn make him feel unappealing, a sentiment that may stay with him even after visible signs of the condition have disappeared. His sex drive may suffer as a result.

However, sometimes the decrease in sex drive may be due to the treatment employed to rid himself of his jock itch.

Many doctors recommend the use antifungal powders or creams as a means of treatment. These are often very effective. But at least two common antifungal medications - clotrimazole and ketoconazole, which are found in many medications - can be lower sex drive culprits.

Why? Although large scale studies have not been conducted, animal studies do indicate that use of these ingredients in males can lower testosterone levels. Testosterone is created mostly in the testicles and plays a significant role in bone density, muscle development, fat distribution and, of course, sex drive. Essentially, the more testosterone a man produces, the heartier his sexual appetite.

Fortunately, the effects of these medications on testosterone are temporary; after discontinuation of the treatment, a man should see his sex drive return to normal - and, of course, not all men will see an appreciable difference.

Treating jock itch is crucial, even if the sex drive is temporarily affected. The itchiness associated with jock itch is often alleviated through the use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) with a combination of a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). These two ingredients hydrate the skin and create a moisture lock which helps reduce common itching. Keeping the penis skin healthy through the use of a powerful antioxidant is also advised. A crème with the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid is well poised to fight the free radicals that cause oxidative stress in penis skin cells.

Penis Worries: What Men Should Know about Wet Dreams

As many men know, bodies change dramatically during puberty. But once a man reaches a certain age, all that is behind him - right? A man makes a point of engaging in top-notch penis care and feels quite assured that all is well. But what happens when that man has a nighttime ejaculation, colloquially known as a ‘wet dream’? Is that an indication of something going wrong?
Much of the concern stems from the relatively private nature of wet dreams. Most men simply don’t talk about them. In fact, some men might have experienced wet dreams numerous times over the years and worried about what it might mean, but never felt comfortable enough to ask someone about it.

Good news - here’s a rundown of the most common worries and myths about wet dreams, so men can put their penis worries to bed…so to speak.

1. Are wet dreams normal? A man who has a wet dream is often quite surprised by it. It’s one thing if he has an erotic dream that leads to the discharge of ejaculate; it’s quite another if he doesn’t even remember the dream! Despite what many men might have been led to believe, wet dreams are not a perversion, or are they unnatural in any way. It is simply a sensual release through the lightest of stimulation.

2. Do wet dreams mean an aversion to sex? Some men might believe having wet dreams means they are averse to sex with their partner, especially if they have that wet dream while their partner slumbers beside them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Wet dreams are simply a function of the body, one that a man is not aware is happening. It doesn’t have any underlying psychological issues tied to it.

3. Why do wet dreams feel so ‘wrong’? Even the most open-minded man might feel a sense of worry, confusion and even downright disgust when he realizes he has experienced a wet dream. This feeling often takes men completely by surprise. Though there could be many reasons for these strange feelings, it most likely stems from a loss of control: A man’s body has just done something that he didn’t direct it to do, and he had no control over it happening.

4. Do wet dreams mean a man needs more sex? Anecdotal evidence says that a man who has abstained from sex or masturbation for a while is more likely to have a wet dream. This makes sense, because the penis is probably much more sensitive from lack of fondling. However, this isn’t true for all men, as some will have wet dreams no matter how much sex they have, while others will have no wet dreams at all, even if they are entirely celibate.

5. Are wet dreams a health problem? The answer to this one is a resounding NO. In fact, just the opposite is true; the wet dreams prove that a man’s body is doing what it should, producing plenty of ejaculate and getting excited to a point of releasing it. The shock of a wet dream might be enough to make a man believe something is wrong, but this is definitely not the case. Even so, a man who continues to worry about this can visit his doctor to make sure all is well.

Good penis care for peace of mind
 
Whether a man deals with wet dreams or not, it’s important to keep the penis in top shape. A man can ensure this by daily use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A crème that contains vitamin A for anti-aging and odor control, as well as vitamin B5 for maintenance of healthy tissue is great. Amino acids designed to enhance and restore health to the skin are also recommended. Great nutrients in a Shea butter and vitamin E base, applied directly to the skin for maximum absorption, can help ensure a man has the healthiest penis possible.