When a woman with a sex problem sits down with a doctor or sex expert, they're up against centuries of sexist stereotypes—and a raging debate about how to undo those stereotypes. Uneven diagnosis and treatment is still a problem: While a man with a sexual dysfunction is likely to be taken seriously and given treatment by his doctor, women are likely to be told to "relax," according to sexual medicine experts and frustrated patients alike, suggesting the problem may be "all in her head." But does this mean that "female sexual dysfunction" is underdiagnosed? Or are some doctors going overboard, slapping the word dysfunction on anything that doesn't fit within a narrow definition of normal? The debate continues, with profound effects on … [Read more...]
How to Handle Husband’s Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to obtain or maintain an erection, is not difficult for just the man. Women can have a very difficult time coping with this condition as well. Feeling frustrated, angry, sad, confused, resentful and even unattractive are all common emotions a woman may experience if her husband suffers from erectile dysfunction. Although handling your husband's erectile dysfunction is difficult, there are things that can be done to make it easier. Step 1 Educate yourself. Arming yourself with knowledge can make you feel more empowered and in control of the situation. Online resources, self-help books and medical journals contain information that could be useful. Learn about the potential causes of your husband's … [Read more...]
Should I avoid sex if I have prostatitis?
Should I avoid sex if I have prostatitis? Does sex make the condition worse? You don't necessarily have to avoid sex if you have prostatitis — an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Typically, sex won't worsen prostatitis, but it won't make it better, either. While it's OK for most men with prostatitis to have sex, some men have pain during or after orgasm (ejaculation). This can interfere with the enjoyment of sex. Prostatitis is frequently caused by bacterial infections, but it's usually not caused by something that can be passed on to your partner during sex. In rare cases, prostatitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Don't have sex until you see your doctor if you have any signs of an STI, such … [Read more...]
Is there any safe way to naturally boost a man’s testosterone level?
Aside from making healthy lifestyle choices and addressing medication side effects or untreated medical conditions, there’s little you can do to naturally boost your testosterone level. Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. In general, however, older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than do younger men. Testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood — about 1 percent a year after age 30 on average. A blood test is the only way to diagnose a low testosterone level or a reduction in the bioavailability of testosterone. Some men have a lower than normal testosterone level without signs or symptoms. In this case, no treatment is needed. For others, low testosterone might cause changes in sexual function, sleep … [Read more...]
Testosterone therapy: Key to male vitality?
Considering testosterone therapy to help you feel younger and more vigorous as you age? Know the risks before you make your decision. The possibilities of testosterone therapy are enticing — increase your muscle mass, sharpen your memory and concentration, boost your libido, and improve your energy level. As you get older, testosterone therapy may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren't as clear as they may seem. Find out what's known — and not known — about testosterone therapy for normal aging. What is testosterone? Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. Testosterone helps maintain men's: • Bone density • Fat … [Read more...]
Kegel exercises for men
Understand the benefits Kegel exercises for men can help improve bladder control and possibly improve sexual performance. Here's a guide to doing Kegel exercises correctly. By Mayo Clinic Staff Think Kegel exercises are just for women? Think again. Kegel exercises for men can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and bowel and affect sexual function. With practice, Kegel exercises for men can be done discreetly just about anytime — whether you're relaxing on the couch or driving your car. Before you start doing Kegel exercises, find out how to locate the correct muscles and understand the proper technique. Benefits of Kegel exercises for men Many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, including the … [Read more...]
What are the risk factors for erectile dysfunction?
Answers from Carl F. Anderson, M.D. Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including: • Medical conditions. Examples include diabetes and heart conditions. • Tobacco use. Smoking restricts blood flow to blood vessels. Over time tobacco use can cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction. • Being overweight. This can cause — or worsen — erectile dysfunction. • Certain medical treatments. Examples include prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer. • Certain injuries. An injury that damages the nerves that control erections can lead to erectile dysfunction. • Certain medications. Examples include antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure or prostate … [Read more...]
5 Myths about Sex Everyone Thinks Are True
What you didn’t learn in high school sex ed: the surprising, science-backed proof about aphrodisiac foods, men’s and women’s desire, and more. Myth: Sex burns major calories Truth: Experts estimate thirty minutes of sex burns 85 to 150 calories. Theoretically, you need to burn about 3,500 calories to lose a pound of body weight, so if you were using up 100 calories every time you had sex, you could lose one pound if you had sex 35 times. The problem is this: Most people are not having sex for thirty minutes. Instead, the average duration of sex is closer to five minutes. In fact, the biggest increase in your heart rate and blood pressure during sex only occurs for about fifteen seconds during orgasm, and then things quickly return back … [Read more...]
4 Things Your Guy Can Do To Keep His Member Working Right
Some simple changes can go a long way. If your partner is crossing the big finish line before you even break a sweat or lagging behind when you’re raring to go, there are things you can do to help him get it up and keep it there. Sometimes, though, his performance is out of your hands. He’s gotta make sure he’s covering his bases, too! Here are four things he should keep in mind in order to keep you satisfied. Pass ‘em along! 1. Getting Enough Exercise A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that a guy’s ability to have erections, the quality and frequency of his erections, and his overall sexual function can be directly related to exercise. More specifically, the dudes who engaged in the equivalent of two hours … [Read more...]
Penis health: Identify and prevent problems
Penis health is an important part of men's health — and it goes beyond your ability to get and keep an erection, ejaculate and reproduce. Penis problems can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Ongoing health issues affecting your penis also can impact other areas of your life, causing stress or relationship problems and harming your self-confidence. Know the signs and symptoms of penis problems and what you can do to protect your penis health. What affects penis health? Various factors can affect penis health — some modifiable and some not. For example: • Unprotected sex. You can contract a sexually transmitted infection if you have unprotected sex. • Heart disease and diabetes. Restricted blood flow caused by diabetes … [Read more...]
