In his book, Dr. Lamm says: “All health issues have effects on your penis. A 50-year-old man who is healthy is probably performing as well sexually as an out-of-shape 30-year-old who smokes and drinks”.In his book, Dr. Lamm says: “All health issues have effects on your penis. A 50-year-old man who is healthy is probably performing as well sexually as an out-of-shape 30-year-old who smokes and drinks”.

Medical experts explain that healthy blood flow is essential to rock – hard erections, but many other physical and mental health factors play a role in good penis functionality.

For example, if you are under stress because of work or poor relationships, if you suffer from depression, if you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, or woefully overweight and out of shape, that miraculous mechanical wonder between your legs won’t work as well as it could.

However, there are many things you can do in order to keep your member in good standing so you can still have sex well into your 80s and maybe even beyond.

All men should do favor to their private parts.

1. Do a Ball Check

According to statistics, testicular cancer strikes about 8,000 men per a year, mostly young men between the age of 15 and 40. In case you caught the testicular cancer early enough, it can be cured more than 95 % of the time. Otherwise, if is left undetected, it can spread to other parts of the body. So, it is important to check in with your boys once a month.

Larry Lipshultz, M.D. is chief of the division of male reproductive medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and urology advisor. Here’s the play-by-play:

Step 1. Take a hot bath or shower. Warm water relaxes the muscles that pull the testicles up into your scrotum, allowing you to handle them more easily.

Step 2. Cup your scrotum. Feel both testicles at once. They may not be identical, but there shouldn’t be any dramatic difference in size.

Step 3. Gently examine each testicle individually with both hands. Place your index and middle fingers underneath and your thumbs on top of a testicle. Roll the testicle between your fingers around the entire surface for about 30 seconds using light pressure. Feel for lumps or bumps. Each testicle should feel smooth like a peeled hard boiled egg.

In case if you think you felt something you should not panic. Many men mistake the epididymis, a soft tube located in the back of each testicle, for a bump. If you’re unsure or if you feel any other bumps, consult your doctor.

2. Lose the Belly

It is important to lead healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. On that way you will achieve ideal body weight and eliminate the fat around your gut. Abdominal fat blocks the testosterone that should be available to you, which in turn affects sexual functioning. Fat gut is very bad marker for overall health, including the sexual health.

Namely, the penis is a barometer for your heart and artery health or a “canary in the coal mine” that can warn you of impending trouble. That’s because a penile artery is quite a bit narrower than a coronary artery. If plaque and artery hardening is starting to occur, it’ll often show up first by affecting your erection.

For a complete diet and exercise program that will banish your belly fat, check out Lose Your Spare Tire.

3. Take a Walk Every Day

You should know that when you exercise, blood flow increases, the blood rushes through the endothelial cells (the lining of the blood vessels) and on that way stimulates them to make more nitric oxide, a key chemical involved in producing erections.

Dr. Lamm says: “The healthier a man is, the more nitric oxide he produces, and the harder his erection is”.

It is proven that exercise is effective as medication in reducing symptoms of mild depression, another downer for penis performance.

4. Go to Bed Earlier

Keep in mind that testosterone levels peak in the morning for men. So, irregular sleep patterns, or getting fewer than 7 hours of sleep, can affect the quality of your sleep and your sexual health.

Poor sleep is also associated with many health issues that contribute to sexual problems including high blood pressure, sleep apnea and diabetes.

5. Relax and Unwind

Stress can trigger the fight – or – flight response, especially in men. When that happens, your nervous system floods your body with stress hormones like adrenaline. Adrenaline spurs the heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to constrict so that blood is directed to where it’s needed most to deal with the crisis—your muscles, not your penis.

6. Drink Moderately

Although glass of red wine may fuel the libido, remember that full bottle may screw with your penis – brain circuitry and eliminate any chance of getting an erection.

Clinical studies have shown that alcohol acts as a depressant in the brain, dulling anxiety and inhibitions about sex, but larger amounts can have the opposite effect.

7. Quit Smoking

Dr. Lamm in his book says: “Smoking just clenches down on your blood vessels and prevents them from being reactive”.

Nicotine actually restricts penile blood flow and weakens erections. It contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, making smokers twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

8. Eat More Fish

It is important to mention that omega – 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are good for heart and penis health. But toxins like PCBs and dioxins in some fish can hit you below the belt by reducing your sperm count and lowering testosterone.

You should try to avoid large bluefish, striped bass, and farmed salmon. PCBs and dioxins accumulate in the fatty tissues of those fish more so than in younger, smaller fish or species such as wild salmon, skipjack tuna, or sea bass.

9. Pop Supplementals

In case if you don’t like fish, and you don’t consume two to three servings of fatty fish per week, it is recommended to take two omega – 3 fatty – acid supplements per a day, totaling at least 300 milligrams (mg) of DHA and 400 mg of EPA as a kind of insurance policy.

Another suggestion is to take the antioxidants pycnogenol (80 mg) and L – arginine (3 grams) daily. They will shield your endothelium from harm and facilitate the use of nitric oxide.

Source: /www.menshealth.com

The 12-week study focused on 202 post-menopausal or post-hysterectomy women who complained of female sexual arousal disorder. The women in the group who took Sildenafil — the little blue pill commonly known as Viagra — took notes after each sexual experience, and reported better overall sexual satisfaction compared with those who took a placebo.

Their enhanced sex lives included better arousal, lubrication and orgasm.

The study was conducted by Laura Berman, director of the Berman Center and a professor of OB-GYN and psychiatry at Northwestern University in Chicago, and Dr. Jennifer Berman, director of the Female Sexual Medicine Center at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. The researchers say that the results are preliminary.

“In terms of ability to achieve orgasm, there was a statistically significant movement,” Laura Berman said on ABCNEWS’ Good Morning America.

“It increases blood flow to the genital area, increases the sensation of warmth, tingling and fullness,” she said.

More than 50 million women experience some type of sexual dysfunction.

Jennifer Berman said it’s important for women to remember that this pill can’t overcome mental and emotional barriers to a satisfying sex life.

“At this point, we can say that women with significant emotional or relationship problems and women that have desire problems related to their interest in being sexual might not be the best candidates,” Jennifer Berman said. “It’s for women who were satisfied with their sexual response at one point and now, for whatever medical reason, are no longer able to respond,” she said.

Increased Blood Flow Theory

Women who suffer from female sexual arousal disorder can experience a variety of symptoms, including lack of “excitement,” vaginal dryness, loss of sensation and sensitivity in the genitals and nipples and low blood flow to the genitals. Women in the study were screened to make sure that psychological or relationship issues were not the cause of the problem.

Since Viagra enhances sexual arousal in men by increasing the blood flow to the penis, the Bermans theorized that the drug could have a similar effect on women, increasing the blood flow to the female genitals and thereby producing better arousal, sensation and lubrication in the genital area.

Women in the study were given doses of 50 milligrams, which was increased to 100 milligrams only once during the study based on how well the lower dose was working, and the women’s tolerance to it. The pill was to be taken prior to sexual activity but no more than once daily.

Each patient had to engage in sexual activity at least once a week and keep a personal log about it. During the course of the study, neither the patients nor the doctors knew which patients were receiving the Viagra. Women taking Viagra reported mild to moderate side effects, including headache, flushing, nausea, and vision symptoms — the same side effects reported by men who take the drug.

While the purpose of other areas of the vagina are more-or-less understood, when it comes to pubic hair, the answers are less clear-cut.

We are not even sure why humans have pubic hair, since we’re the only species on the planet to have it. It is believed to have something to do with the trapping of pheromones – the odors we secrete during s*xual arousal.

There are also theories that it helps with lubrication between partners during s*x, or that it helped keep the genitals warm during prehistoric times.

Whatever it’s for, suddenly it seems like it is the norm for adult women to shave most or all of it off.

This trend began in the 90s but accelerated in the 2000s where, according to a recent study, many young women today find pubic hair “repulsive.”

They receive their cues not from men, it goes on to say, but from other women who also shave.

So what should you do?

The answer is:sshaving pubic hair is a sexy trend, both for men and women, so, whatever your preference.

What’s the No. 1 sexual issue that men face today? OK, the guy who said finding a sexual partner wins — I’ll give you that one. What’s the second then? Chances are most of you said premature ejaculation, and most of you likely had a reaction to that term — you felt some anxiety or thought about clicking back to your streaming porn that’s taking forever to download.

It’s time to stop avoiding the issue and look at it. Why? For the simple reason that we only live once and having the best possible sex life should be an item on our bucket lists.

“Because premature ejaculation is associated with infrequent sex, men with low frequencies of sexual activity often get extra excited and aroused, which can manifest as performance anxiety when sex presents itself.”

The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) defines premature ejaculation as a persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on or shortly after penetration and before a person wishes. Wow, that’s not a sexy definition. Personally, I define it as you come quicker than she wants.

How often does this occur in different age groups for men? According to the 1999 NHSLS survey by Laumann et al., 30% of men ages 18-29, 32% ages 30-39, 28% ages 40-49, and 31% ages 50-59 stated climaxing too early was an issue. I know some of you were hoping age would slow things down. If men were asked if they’ve ever had at least one experience of premature ejaculation, almost every guy would get in line for their membership card.

What causes premature ejaculation? There’s not one cause; it’s a combination of factors. Some believe anxiety is the culprit, repetitive learned behaviors, excessive or insufficient arousal, or muscular tension. They’re all associated, and addressing each of them is the key to curing premature ejaculation. Evolutionary psychology suggests men learned to ejaculate quickly to ensure they completed the sex act before a predator attacked, a female escaped, a male interrupted, or to increase the chance of procreation. Maybe we can blame the cavemen? For our purposes, let’s leave the scientists to figure out the causes and let’s focus on tips for curing premature ejaculation.
Let’s start with what we can do before our penis comes into play. First, you need to learn to calm yourself down and lower your performance anxiety levels. Because premature ejaculation is associated with infrequent sex, men with low frequencies of sexual activity often get extra excited and aroused, which can manifest as performance anxiety when sex presents itself. Even men with frequent sex can get extra aroused. Reducing anxiety is different for everyone. Meditation, hypnosis or imagery exercises may help for some. Just like an athlete works with the sports psychologist to envision their performance, you can do the same sexual imagery for the bedroom. How many of you imagine positive sexual scenarios, envision your interactions and what behaviors you would engage in? Imagery can be like a positive mental plan, something you can fall back on that can help you manage your anxiety beforehand — and in the moment.

Communicating your anxiety is also helpful. We hear the expression, “a big relief to get that off my chest,” yet it’s rarely used for premature ejaculation. Talking with a partner, friend or therapist opens the door for anxiety relief and can help address and alleviate some of our fears. Men are notorious for keeping things inside and it’s no different for a delicate subject like this. Things like our penis size, body image, relationship difficulties, and stressors in life (work, financial, family, health) can all add to our anxiety levels in the bedroom. Lastly, pick up some sex education books/DVDs on sex technique and sexual expression. There are thousands out there and the more sex education you have, the more competent, confident and less anxious you’ll feel.

Premature ejaculation: pelvic muscles

Ever notice the tension you feel in your body? Men are less likely to find ways to release pelvic tension. Often, men are engaged in actions and behaviors throughout their lives and during sex that reinforce muscular tension. During sex, if you’re holding your breath, flexing your abs and muscles, or supporting your weight in certain sexual positions (missionary), you’re creating muscle tension that increases the potential for premature ejaculation.

The classic example is men who tighten their muscles as they push out their erection to feel and appear larger to their partner. Since orgasm is muscular contractions that release muscular tension, it’d be wise for us to work on our muscle tension levels. Activities like yoga, stretching, anxiety reduction skills, and working out are all ways to decrease the tension in your pelvic and abdominal regions outside of the bedroom.

I also recommend you allow your partner (or masseuse) to give you a full body massage. Be mindful of the performance anxiety you experience and the tension release you feel as they touch your stomach, your thighs, your buttocks, and other areas of your body. It’s not about genital stimulation; it’s about managing the discomfort we may feel with our bodies, being touched and feeling exposed. Men that are comfortable with their body image and with being touched often have lower ratings of sexual anxiety.

Another important technique to lasting longer is doing Kegel exercises. If you haven’t tried them, what are you waiting for? There’s no better method to strengthen your pelvic region and to create strong pubococcygeus muscles. One of the reasons Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are two of the great quarterbacks in the NFL is because they spend thousands of hours watching game films to prepare for the game. What are you doing to prepare for sex? You can’t expect greatness if you don’t put in the time.

Premature ejaculation: start-stop method

The start-stop method is a tested method to learning ejaculatory control and lasting longer. A male will stimulate his penis until he is ready to have an orgasm and then cease stimulation. Why this self-administered torture? You’re training yourself to find when your ejaculatory inevitability occurs, or your point of no return. This is the moment before orgasm when you’re about to explode. Instead of ejaculating, you refrain from stimulation and allow the feeling of orgasm to subside.

People will often squeeze their PC muscles (a Kegel contraction) to help hold back orgasm and ejaculation. Essentially, you’re teaching your mind and body to get comfortable with being in heightened states of arousal and learning when the onset of orgasm approaches.

The goal is to stretch out the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle and put more distance between the excitement and orgasm phase.

People will do the start-stop method repeatedly for months and most gradually notice changes in their control, duration of maintained stimulation, and their anxiety and confidence levels. At first, masturbate alone using the start-stop method, then use it during partnered manual stimulation (hand job), fellatio (blow job) and, finally, incorporate the start-stop method with intercourse.

Premature ejaculation: masturbation

Masturbatory patterns are a form of learned behavior that often need to be unlearned. Most guys have a fast-track orgasm approach to masturbation. Whether it’s because mom always knew the worst time to knock on your door, or your decision to rub one out fast when stressed, we often train ourselves to be quick on the orgasm trigger.

You need to change this masturbation mentality of goal-oriented orgasm to one that focuses on taking your time and getting comfortable with heightened sensations. Masturbation is the best practice for sex.

Instead of racing to orgasm, take at least 20 minutes of masturbation time before allowing yourself to ejaculate. During this time, you’ll focus on the start-stop method and penile stimulation of the shaft and glans (head). The glans are generally the most sensitive areas of the penis and is continuously stimulated inside the vagina. However, most men masturbate using an up-down stroking motion of the shaft and neglect glan stimulation.

Start off your 20-minute stroking without lube and just your imagination. In future masturbation sessions, work up to imagery and lube, and then incorporate an adult magazine without lube, an adult magazine with lube, porn without lube, porn with lube, and eventually porn with lube and a sex toy. What kind of toy? Anything that will mimic vaginal stimulation, such as a tenga egg, penis sleeve or artificial vagina will suffice it.

Each of these likely have internal ribbed and studded portions that offer heightened states of stimulation, which you will learn to enjoy and control. Any of these toys can be ordered online and delivered if you’re uncomfortable buying them in person. This gradual increase in stimulation that you can manage, sustain and control will eventually be transferred to sex with a partner.

Premature ejaculation: sex positions

Who would’ve thought the positions we have sex in can impact premature ejaculation? Oddly enough, the most popular position in the U.S. is male superior (missionary), which is also the position associated most with premature ejaculation. This is because muscular tension is increased as the male is supporting his body weight with his arms and core strength. For a male looking to cure premature ejaculation, utilize positions that limit muscular tension such as female superior (female on top), side-to-side (spooning) and rear entry (doggy style) when both partners are on their knees. Incorporate deep breathing with these sex positions to keep the blood and oxygen circulating.

Premature ejaculation: other treatments

Personally, I think desensitizing creams are a short-term fix. Why would you want to reduce your sensation? Isn’t the whole point of sex to feel sensation and find ways to enhance this? Condoms have similar desensitizing aspects but at least protect you from STIs and pregnancy. Ejaculating before intercourse is another way to last longer. The more times we ejaculate in a sexual experience, the longer lasting we become and less semen we produce. Lastly, some MDs are prescribing psychotropic medications known for their sexual side effects of delaying ejaculation. Interesting — you last longer and feel less depressed or anxious.

Manage premature ejaculation

Most of you can eradicate premature ejaculation in a few months if you stick to your program. There are a lot of self-help books, videos, therapists, and sex coaches that can help you through this process. One issue with training yourself to last longer is that once you start lasting longer it’s difficult to go back to quickies. But, I guess most of you can live with long sessions of intense sensation, arousal and partners screaming your name in ecstasy. It’s a decent trade-off.

If you cracked your nuts before reaching the end of this article, see a doctor!

Walking into the pharmacy and heading down what seems to be an endless aisle of condoms, lubricants, and pregnancy tests could be uncomfortable and overwhelming.

The rows and shelves of limitless condoms could leave you feeling confused in which brand, size, and texture is the right one for you. Instead of grabbing the brand your friend uses, or the one you saw in a TV commercial, it’s best to take a look at the condom guide to help you stay sexy and safe.

Condoms—when used correctly and consistently—prevent pregnancy about 98 percent of the time. The typical effectiveness rate—where mistakes are made or condoms break—is about 82 percent.

In preparation for your trip to Costa Rica, “don’t be silly, protect your willy” and always remember, “no glove, no love!”

In the United States, condoms are considered as “Class II medical devices” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with pregnancy tests and powered wheelchairs, meet special labeling requirements and performance standards. The FDA standards for condoms include a systematic “water leak” to ensure no fluid can leak out of the condoms with a minimum of 996 out of 1,000 having to pass the test. This is why FDA-approved condoms usually say they must be at least “99.6 percent effective.” These condoms are considered to be quite effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In Costa Rica, it’s another matter. The most common brand available in pharmacies, supermarkets, pulperias (small corner grocery stores), gas stations and the local strip club, is Durex. Although the brand is excellent in quality and safety, there are no requirements and performance standards to adhere to. In some stores you may find American brands like Trojan, but they are few.

To increase a condom’s effectiveness, you must choose the brand, size, and texture that is right for you. Storing condoms in hot places like the glove compartment, in a wallet, or a pocket, can decrease the condom’s effectiveness. You should always check the expiration date before you purchase condoms.

For condom shopping tips, refer to the condom guide below to ensure everything goes smooth in between the sheets.

Condom Material

Latex

Latex, or synthetic lates, and does not contain pores. This type of material is carried by a wide selection of brands. It’s the least expensive. These condoms are durable and won’t rip if they are used with water-based lubricant, says Sexetc.org.

Polyurethane

This is a synthetic material that is recommended for people who are allergic or sensitive to latex. These condoms are clear in color, but not as elastic as latex, and are wider than the average sized condom.

Lambskin

Lambskin condoms — made of the intestine of a lamb — are the oldest type of condoms that are effective in preventing pregnancy, but not in preventing STIs or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. These condoms also offer a more natural feel and can be used with both water-based and oil-based lube. They are more expensive and do not offer protection against infections.

Lubricated

Condoms with a water-based or silicone-based lubricant coating are intended to ease penetration and minimize friction and the risk of ripping.

Spermicidally Lubricated

Condoms that contain spermicidal lubricant, Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), were thought to reduce sperm movement and therefore, prevent pregnancy. In 2007, the FDA issued a final notice that required manufacturers to state the chemical N-9 does not provide protection against infection from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). N-9 can also cause irritation, small sores in people, and can actually provide the breeding grounds for HIV transmission.

Non-Lubricated

These condoms are mainly used for oral sex, and for those who have allergies or sensitivities to lubricants.

Size

Penis girth affects how a condom fits. Standard condoms fit those with the average penis girth of four-and-a-half to five inches. For those whose girth is above average, larger sized condoms may be appropriate. For those who have a less than average girth, standard condoms may fall off during sex. Therefore, it’s best to opt for those that provide a snug fit.

Condom sizes are: Snugger fit,  Regular  and Large. The large size in Costa Rica by the Durez brand is “Confort”, just in case you consider yourself in that category.  Using too small (or too big) an condom can severely affect your performance. Like women have to worry about the correct bra size, men should use the right condom size. Not all dicks are the same!

If you are unsure of your size for the right condom, here is a condom size chart to help you.

NOTE: I have never seen Extra Large condoms in Costa Rica, so if you are in that category (or think you are), bring from home. The absence of the size in the country may also be an indication of why Ticas love North Americans. Just a thought!

Texture

Thin or Thick

A condom’s texture can be either thin or thicker, depending on the user’s preference. Some people prefer thinner condoms because they allow more sensation, while others prefer thicker condoms because it provides security. However, “ultrathin,” “ribbed,” or “studded” condoms are viewed just as effective as regular condoms.

Novelty

Condoms that glow in the dark, or are flavored, are considered to be novelty condoms. According to the Halifax Sexual Health Centre, flavored condoms can change the vagina’s pH and possibly lead to yeast or bacterial infection. Typically, these condoms are not recommended for vaginal or anal sex, but are deemed OK for oral sex on men. Be sure that these condoms are labeled as FDA approved to meet the agency’s standards for protection against pregnancy and STIs.

Lock and loaded!