sexual health – Hello Doctor

How does sex affect your mind and body?

January 26th, 2021 by The Hello Doctor Team

Sex. A powerful force that can topple empires, ruin marriages or even lead to death.

On the other hand, it is only through sex that the human race continues to survive. It is an important way to feel a sense of connection, belonging and love.

What is it about sex that can bring out the best and worst in us? And how can we be mindful and nurture our sexuality in healthy ways? To understand that better, it’s a good idea to understand how sex affects both mind and body:

This is your brain on sex

Have you ever shot up heroin? (Hopefully not!) Well, according to researchers at the University Medical Center Groningen, sex can give you a rush similar to a hit of heroin! During orgasm, the cerebellar parts of the brain, where the rewards system is located, is activated.

There are other parts of the brain that are also “turned on” (excuse the pun) which include the prefrontal cortex, insula, singulate gyrus and orbitofrontal cortex. These brain regions process emotions, pain, metabolic processes as well as decision-making.

According to their studies, the brain responds to sex, in the same way it responds to music and dance. Activating these specific regions can lead to trance-like states, affect how you choose a partner, and how you bond with others.

Top Tip:

When did you and your partner last have an evening of dancing? No need to hit the club, stay socially distanced at home! Put on some of your favourite tunes, dim the lights and spend the evening in each other’s arms. As relationships evolve, the sexual chemistry often wanes. Why not let the beat of the music and movement of the dancing reignite the spark? Even if it doesn’t lead to sex, it will still have a similar effect on your brain, your emotions and your feelings of connection.

Sex and your hormones

Oxytocin is also known as the love hormone. Mothers secrete it during childbirth, helping them to feel bonded, connected and love for their newborn baby.

This hormone is also secreted during sex, which is why you can often feel trusting of your sexual partners. You may even find yourself sharing secrets with your partner that you live to regret later!

Top Tip:

One of the many dangers with a one-night-stand, is how oxytocin makes you vulnerable to trusting a stranger. You may all have seen the spy-movies, where the agent uses sex to extract secret information from her target? Don’t let this powerful hormone trick you into trusting someone until you’ve built a solid foundation in your relationship!

Sex and your immunity

A study at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that students who had sex more often, had fewer sick days than those who’s sex lives were less active. This makes perfect sense. Sex stimulates the release of an anti-body that increases your immunity .

Top Tip:

Having a dry spell in your sex-life? No need to worry: there are tons of other habits that can support your immunity. One habit that is currently taking the world by storm, is cold exposure. By simply taking a cold shower every day, or taking a dip in a cold pool, you stimulate your thyroid gland, which releases immune cells to protect you from all kinds of disease. Apart from disease protection, cold exposure may also help with improving mood, focus, resilience and creating a sense of calm and focus in your day.

Sex and relationships

Since sex has so many benefits, will not having sex negatively impact your health? Luckily, the answer is a resounding “No!”. Unlike eating, drinking and sleeping, sex is not an essential need. In fact, we all know the risks associated with unprotected sex! The good news is that you won’t die or get sick from not having sex.

What you do need, though, is emotional connection. In fact, studies have shown that being socially isolated is more harmful to your health than smoking or alcoholism. The problem, though, is that some use sex to fulfill an emotional need. Sex or pornography can act like a short-cut to help you feel less lonely. But it often has the opposite effect. Just like junk-food, it can give you a sudden hormonal rush of pleasure, but leave you feeling depleted and worse-off for it in the long run.

Top Tip:

If you feel the need for sex, why not slow down and check-in with yourself first? Ask yourself: How do I feel right now? Is it possible that I may be feeling mad, sad, worried, or tired – and that I’m reaching for sex as a coping-mechanism? Do I have close friends or family I can reach out to for support, and simply share how it’s going with me? What other relationships and activities can make me feel more connected, supported and cared for?

Mindful Sexuality

For all the ecstasy that sex can offer you, it can also be a dangerous force. Your sexuality is a core part of who you are, and affects your mind, body, health, relationships and overall well-being. In this month of love, why not allow yourself to be more mindful with your sexuality? Make February a month where you cultivate a healthy, wholesome sexual life: both for your own benefit, and those around you!

Resources:

Is sex taking over your life? Find support here: https://saa-recovery.org/
Looking for connection and friendship, rather than a one-night stand? Try MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/apps/ or Bumble: https://bumble.com/en/.

References:

Grab a feel – how to take care of your testicles

November 1st, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Are you feeling a lump or heaviness in either of your testicles? It’s time for a screening! In fact, in the spirit of Movember – go for a screening anyway. Your doctor can give you tips on what to look out for, so you don’t miss any serious symptoms. Testicular cancer is common among men between the ages of 15 and 39, so if you notice anything strange, it’s not the time to be shy, guys! A doctor’s visit can save your life.

What adds to the risk?

A family history, age (most common in ages 15 to 39) and an abnormal development of testicles puts you at a higher risk of developing cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The cancer usually affects one testicle. It’s a pea sized, painless lump or swelling in either or both of your testes. You’ll feel aches and pains in your lower abdomen, groin or back and heaviness in your testicles.

So, the earlier you detect it, the better. If, however, you do pick up a lump, don’t panic! It is entirely treatable! Here’s the run-down:

1. The stages of the cancer:

Stage 1: The cancer is limited to one of your testicles.
Stage 2: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (glands) in your tummy.
Stage 3: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Testicular cancer is commonly known to spread to the liver and lungs.

2. You can still function with one testicle.

One testicle is still able to produce enough testosterone and sperm to compensate for the removal of the other: you will even be able to have children.

3. You will be able to have sex again.

While your body is still able to produce testosterone, you’re still able to get an erection and ejaculate. When both testicles are removed it will affect your sexual function as the body isn’t able to produce the male hormone. It will decrease your libido and ultimately result in no erection. Testosterone replacement therapy can help put you back on track.

4. It is curable.

Yes, it is treatable. The cure depends on a lot of factors, including your choice of treatment, overall health and the stage of cancer.

5. There are several successful treatment options

Surgery to remove your testicles
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Surgery to remove nearby lymph glands
Stem cell transplant.

6. You could even preserve your sperm if you’re worried

Most methods to prevent infertility need to happen before any cancer treatment begins. Your doctor can help you explore options to prevent fertility through:

Sperm banking
Protection of testes from radiation
Testicular biopsy and aspiration: A specialised sperm-extraction technique
Testicular tissue freezing: For boys who haven’t been through puberty

7. You should be able to have kids even with one testicle

Most men have one testicle removed and are still able to father children. According to the Cancer Research UK, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation to remove lymph glands in your abdomen, can put you at risk of permanent infertility and you might not be able to father children. Treatment will vary for most.

8. Even if the cancer reappears, it can still be treated.

If there’s a relapse after treatment, tests will be repeated to check how well the treatment is working. A re-staging process will take place which involves check-ups and further tests. Your other testicle is at great risk of developing the cancer, so it’s important to go for regular check-ups and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

References:

Boxers vs. Briefs – which is better for your health?

October 30th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

According to some experts, wearing tight underwear like briefs can cause the testes to overheat, making them unable to produce enough sperm. But is it true?

Can tighter underwear cause fertility issues?

For testes to produce enough quality and quantity of sperm, their temperature must be lower than core body temperature. That is one of the reasons why they’re outside of the body.

One study that included more than 600 men found that those who wore boxers had higher sperm counts than those who wore tighter underwear, suggesting that briefs may impair sperm production. The theory is that higher temperatures caused by body-hugging underwear interfere with the testicles’ ability to produce sperm, a process called spermatogenesis.

However, this study did have some limitations. It didn’t include the effect of switching underwear styles on sperm count, not did it examine whether men who wear tight underwear had lower chances of conceiving a child.

While experts praised the study’s concept, they also noted that low sperm counts don’t always mean low fertility, especially since other research has shown that sperm counts are highly variable.

So, in terms of which type of underwear is better – the jury is still out! There are however ways to ensure you keep your sperm as healthy as possible, whether you are wanting to have a child or not.

Keep testes at optimal temperature

Avoid wearing tight pants especially during sports activities.
Wear loose clothing, especially if you sit for long periods.
Stay away from saunas and hot tubs.

Don’t panic if you prefer tight underwear. You can always have a sperm test done by your doctor to see if tighter underwear may be affecting you.

References:

5 Embarrassing penis questions, answered!

October 28th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Here at Hello Doctor we get many questions from men regarding problems with their manhood and what to do about it. We thought it would be a good idea to put together a short FAQ with some of the most common questions we receive along with an answer from our Hello Doctor doctors.

1. How do I control early ejaculation?

Early, or premature, ejaculation is a common issue for many men. Essentially it means that the man reaches orgasm sooner than he would like – within a minute of penetration, being unable to delay or hold off orgasm and feeling inadequate and avoiding sexual intimacy as a result. The reason behind this is often complex, including both physical and psychological factors.
So what can you do? Try these techniques:

Masturbate an hour or so before intercourse. This makes it easier to hold off orgasm while being sexually intimate
Avoid intercourse for a period of time and focus on other ways of pleasuring yourself and your partner.
Use the Pause-Squeeze technique. During sexual activity, when your reach the point where you are going to orgasm stop and get your partner to squeeze your penis just below the head until the urge to ejaculate passes. Continue and repeat this cycle a few times. This will teach you control and soon you will be able to hold off orgasm without this

If these do not help then you should consult your doctor as you may need additional assistance in the way of medication or counselling.

2. Can I boost my testosterone?

To boost your testosterone levels naturally you will need to look at your lifestyle

Get enough sleep.
Keep your weight healthy
Exercise. Strength plus cardiovascular training is essential
Reduce stress
Stop smoking
Make sure your medications are not contributing to it – anabolic steroids used by body builders and athletes can decrease testosterone levels

3. How can I stay erect for longer?

Maintaining a healthy and strong erection and improving your endurance during sex demands dedication and focus. Only if you are looking after yourself will you be able to perform at your peak.

Avoid excessive alcohol – although it reduces inhibitions, alcohol use will also result in weaker erections and poor stamina
Do not smoke! Smoking damages the blood vessels supplying the penis during an erection. When these are damaged your erection will be too
Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Being fit and healthy is a huge advantage
Use condoms- condoms decrease your sensitivity and allow you to go on for longer
Try different positions during intercourse to keep things interesting
Don’t masturbate too often

4. It is normal to have a low sex drive after 40?

It is normal for libido to decrease as you age – after the age of 40 men experience a decreasing testosterone level and can experience something similar to the female menopause. Low libido, low energy, depressive symptoms and weight gain can occur. Other factors influence libido at this age is stress and medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes for example.

5. Are there any natural ways to increase my penis size?

No, there is no medication or supplement that is able to do this. Here are a few things to keep in mind about your penis size:

When you look at your own penis, it will appear shorter simply because of the angle at which you are looking.
Women generally do not care about size; it’s how you use it that counts.
Spend time keeping yourself fit and healthy -being overweight will affect how large your penis looks, when surrounded by body fat it’s going to look small. If you are lean however it’s going to look bigger.

There you have it, 5 of your most frequently asked questions about penis health answered. We hope these answers will give you some peace of mind. If you’d like to learn some more, why don’t you speak to our doctors directly by using our Hello Doctor service. The service allows you to speak to a doctor over the phone in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Written by Dr Russell Thomson.

Nine months after the night before the morning after pill

August 30th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

The first week of September is one of the most popular weeks for unprotected sex in South Africa. We don’t know if it’s the smell of blossoms in the air, the first rays of sun or those floral skirts parading the streets, but this time of year, people everywhere are getting it on.

How do we know this? Because, come June, our hospitals will be filled to the brim with brand-spanking new babies. (It also means, if you’re a June baby, you were conceived in this very month.)

So, if you want to avoid being part of the statistics, here are three words of advice: use birth control! And if ‘contraception’ sounds like a passion-killer to you, you’ll need to weigh it up against sleepless nights, nappy-changes and preparing a small adult for their life.

Not ready for that? Then we have four (plus one back-up) ways to have adult fun, in an adult way:

1. Cover your lover

Ribbed, unribbed, strawberry-flavour, glow-in-the-dark, extra strength, extra thin and even warming condoms: the latex industry sure knows how to turn protection into a sport (or a circus). If there’s one thing you can’t say, it’s that condoms will make sex boring. If anything, it opens up whole new levels of experience.

You can even take turns wearing the ‘glove’. Yes, gents – there are also female condoms and diaphragms available. Just take note: it’s not as comfortable or effective as a male condom.

2. One-a-day

No, we’re not talking about apples here. Although an apple a day won’t keep the doctor away; a tablet a day will prevent babies – 99,9% of the time. Yes, that is not a typo. If you take the pill every day, you only have a 1 in 1000 chance of falling pregnant.

So what about your neighbour and her cousin and who fell pregnant while on the pill? Although the drug itself is almost 100% effective, omen aren’t nearly as effective at taking them every single day, which brings us to our next option:

3. Fit and forget

It’s one of the simplest, least painful procedures, and can last you up to 5 years. The IUD (or intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped device that the doctor inserts into your uterus. They are

effective at preventing pregnancy
have almost no side-effects (unlike the pill)
can be taken out once you’re ready to welcome another bundle of joy into your life.

There you have it: three fantastic reasons to pick up your phone right now, and book an appointment with your Gynae.

4. Closing the factory

Then, of course, there are the more permanent options: vasectomy for the men, or tubal ligation for the women. These operations have low-risk, quick recovery, and permanent results.
This is the best option if you’re at the stage of life where you can’t imagine another run of nappies, school-fees, teenage drama and study loans. When your family is at capacity, just go for the snip. Then you can rekindle those flames of passion from B.C. (Before Children) with zero worries.

EEK! The condom broke!

When all else fails, the morning after pill is an effective (but controversial) back-up plan, available at most pharmacies. Just remember to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex: no later than 5 days.

Here are some classic situations where you may need it:

you’re reading this article the morning after, and did not use protection last night
you didn’t check the expiry date on your condom, and it broke
you forgot to take the pill yesterday and the day before (set reminders on your phone!)
you’ve been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill

So, while spring is in the air, and love is all around, rubber-up, pop a pill or snip. Just don’t get caught with your pants down!

By Dr. Albert J. Viljoen

The bad advice you need to question

August 22nd, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

“I heard from my second cousin’s friend that you can’t get an STD from…” This is like a terribly-played game of broken telephone – the original information may have been incorrect from the beginning, or lost down the line. And, with the internet, anyone’s opinion quickly becomes fake news.

Here’s what you should know:

“Condoms will stop you from getting STDs”

You may have heard this from one of your friends, but it’s not entirely true. Condoms are highly effective at reducing – but not completely preventing – the chance of transmission of an STD. It’s vital to note that there are different degrees of protection; it depends on the type of STD that you get.

Important: Make sure you know how to put on a condom correctly before you have sex – otherwise it may slip off or even break. When used correctly, condoms are 98% effective.

“You will know if you have an STD”

No, you won’t always know; it depends on the type of STD. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), for example, usually doesn’t show any symptoms because you body’s immune system is able to kill the virus. The sexual partner that infected you may not even know that they have it.

However, there are warning signs that you may have an STD; these include:

Sores or warts on your genitals
Pain when you pee
Nausea, fatigue, fever
Discharge and/or odour from your genitals

If you experience any of these symptoms soon after sex, make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for an STD.

“You can’t get pregnant while on your period”

Nope. Ladies, you can still become pregnant while you’re on your period. A menstrual cycle normally lasts 28 days, but certain women have a shorter menstrual cycle – sometimes only 22 days. This means that you may ovulate a few days after your period.

Sperm remains in your genital system for six days and so if you did have sex during your period, it is possible that the sperm will still be there when you ovulate, fertilising the egg.

“Birth control pills make you gain weight”

This is not completely accurate. Perhaps 50 years ago when birth control pills contained a lot of oestrogen, but today’s pills do not contain as much of this hormone anymore. If you do pick up a bit of weight when you start taking them, it’s usually a temporary side effect.

Generally, birth control pills will not make you gain weight; if you do pick up a few kilos, it is probably due to the type of pill that you are using. You should go and see your doctor and they will suggest a different type.

So, the next time your uncle gives you his usual “2 cents” – think twice. Rather ask one of our doctors. Just log onto the app, and text us a question. We’ll get back to you within an hour, so you can give your uncle our two cents worth!

Sources

What is small penis syndrome?

February 20th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Men with small penis syndrome, also known as penile dysmorphic disorder, don’t have an unusually small penis. Instead, they obsessively worry about the size of their penis so much that it causes physical and emotional distress. Sometimes, it can lead to avoidant social behaviour.

Small penis syndrome isn’t a clinical diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that psychiatrists and psychologists use for diagnosing mental disorders. It is, however, considered a subcategory of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), hyper-focused on the penis.

It’s very common to occasionally worry that your penis may not be large enough, especially after seeing images in the media of larger male genitals. If you can relate to any of the below symptoms, you may be suffering from small penis syndrome.

Constantly comparing your penis size to others.
Believing your penis is unusually small, despite evidence that it’s not.
Placing an unusually high value on penis size.
Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about penis size.
Difficulty having sex with a partner because of anxiety about penis size.
Reduced sexual function, such as being unable to get an erection or having an orgasm.

Some men may experience additional symptoms such as:

Repetitive or compulsive behaviour relating to appearance, like grooming or buying clothes.
Chronic distress about appearance.
Depression or anxiety about appearance.

For men with mild-to-moderate anxiety about their penis size, researching data on average penis sizes or asking a doctor about what makes a micro-penis, may help.

If you’re concerned about your sexual performance, you may find comfort from your partner’s reassurance and support.

Help at hand

Medical treatment can help BDD or anxiety about penis size. Some treatment options include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviour. It can help you find ways to reduce anxiety.
Understanding and addressing triggers: Triggers like pornography or relationship problems can cause penis size anxiety. You can reduce symptoms by identifying your triggers and working towards managing them.
Sex therapy or couples counselling: When penis size anxieties affect your relationship or ability to have sex, therapy can help you and your partner work together to overcome the anxiety.

See a doctor for help and support

Here are some questions to ask during your consultation:

Is it common to be anxious about penis size?
What can I do to overcome my anxiety?
Can you refer me to a therapist?
Do I have symptoms of BDD?
Are there effective strategies for managing sexual dysfunction relating to anxiety?

References:

Are random erections normal?

January 13th, 2020 by Content Editor

An erection happens when blood flows into your penis faster than it flows out. This is what makes the spongy tissue in your penis swell. Erections can happen at any point in your life (even when you’re a baby). But you start getting erections more often during puberty.

According to The Sexual Medicine Society of North America, the average man has about 11 erections each day and several more at night.

A healthy male will typically experience 3 to 5 erections while asleep, each lasting 25 to 35 minutes. They usually happen when you’re sexually aroused but can also happen without any sexual stimulation.

Are random erections normal? They are indeed. Waking up to a random erection is common. This is known as nocturnal penile tumescence, sometimes called “morning wood”.
It’s also common to get erections during the night when you’re sleeping and when you first wake up.

Causes for erections

Because an erection is most commonly triggered by arousing thoughts, sights, or feelings of something or someone who is sexually exciting; the brain sends signals that widen the arteries connected to the penis, allowing more blood to enter.

The veins that usually carry this blood back to the rest of the body shrink. This results in the penis swelling and stiffening, which then forms an erection.

Erections that happen without sexual stimulation can have several causes. While the involvement of testosterone in random erections remains unclear, levels of hormones fluctuate throughout the day, particularly testosterone, which is a common cause of random erections.

Normal erections

The cause of night-time erections isn’t fully understood. But studies suggest that they are closely associated with the phase of sleep known as rapid eye movement (REM). This is when you tend to dream.

Many conditions can affect your erectile functioning, like stress, exhaustion, illness, medication, drugs and alcohol, smoking, hormones, ageing and nerve damage.

You’ll notice that as you get older, the nerves in your penis may get less sensitive. This can cause trouble with arousal as well as orgasm. This occurs due to a drop in testosterone that happens as you age.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a symptom of an underlying issue like blocked blood vessels, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

You may be more likely to experience ED if you:

Have high blood pressure.
Are overweight
Have high cholesterol levels
Have diabetes
Suffer from depression

When to see a doctor

The only symptom of an erection problem is being unable to get and keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex. See a doctor to discover more about your health and understand if there are any underlying issues.

Your doctor can find out if you have an erection problem by asking questions about your health and doing a physical exam. Healthy lifestyle changes are recommended, alongside medication.

Reference:

What these celebrities taught us about HIV

November 24th, 2019 by Content Editor

According to UNAIDS (The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS) there were approximately 37.9 million people across the globe with HIV/AIDS in 2018. Of these, 36.2 million were adults and 1.7 million were children.

While many live with HIV, there are several famous South Africans who have used their popularity and HIV status to raise awareness about the disease.

Criselda Kananda Dudumashe

This radio host and activist was diagnosed with HIV two decades ago – a time when there was almost no hope for pregnant moms and babies. Today, she’s a mother, motivational speaker, professional counsellor, and serves on the board of the South African National AIDS Council.

Criselda uses her personal story to inspire and encourage people to take responsibility for the choices they make. She believes there’s a need to educate people and takes opportunities to correct incorrect assumptions.

Lesego Motsepe

The late South African actress known for her role as Lettie Matabane in the soap opera Isidingo, disclosed her status on World Aids Day in 2011. She strived in educating people on behalf of the voiceless. Lesego died in 2014, two years after stopping ARV treatment.

The main lesson that is taught by these South Africans about the HIV stigma, is their use of their stories to encourage those affected by it to speak up and to know they can still live a healthy life by taking treatment.

Musa “Queen” Njoko

This renowned Gospel artist was only 22 when she was diagnosed with HIV. She went public about her HIV-positive status in 1995, when treatment wasn’t yet available in South Africa. Though she faced many challenges and stigma, today, Musa still tells her story through inspiring policy work through her music. She aims to encourage people to get tested for HIV and shares that you can still live a good life after being diagnosed.

Other international stars who have inspired those living with the disease include:

Magic Johnson

American retired professional basketball player, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr is the most well-
known sports star to disclose his HIV status. He has been living with the disease for more than 20 years and has committed himself to educating and informing people about the disease.

Charlie Sheen

Former Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen disclosed his HIV status after an exclusive interview with NBCs Today Show in 2015. He admitted that his admission to the disease was “like being released from prison”. Since then, he has publicly spoken out about his bout with the disease.

Get tested today

It’s recommended that you are tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at least once a year if you’re having sex, even if you always use protection.

If you’re having sex with a new partner or feel you’re more at risk, test more regularly.

If you test positive, it means you can start treatment quickly to protect your immune system and continue living a healthy life.

If you are HIV positive:

Talk to your doctor about antiretroviral therapy (ART). People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines every day to treat the HIV infection.
The main goal of ART is to reduce viral load to an undetectable level. An undetectable viral load means that the level of HIV in the blood is too low to be detected by a blood test.
This is important because having an undetectable viral load means there’s effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to your HIV-negative partner through sex.

Although ART can’t cure HIV, it can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

References:

Is my penis normal?

October 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

When it comes to your penis, it’s normal to wonder what’s going on “down there”. Firstly, it’s important to remember that each man’s penis and testicles are a little different. During puberty, they go through changes. For example, it may grow bigger and change in colour.

Sizes vary, so there’s no need to worry about what size yours will eventually grow into. Whether yours is thick or thin, straight or has a curve; everyone has a uniqueness to their manhood. Unless yours hurts or feels uncomfortable, safe to say, you’re alright down there.

Here are some common penis facts to ease your mind.

Get to know your penis

For most males, the average adult penis size is about 6 to 12cm long. It may be bigger when it’s erect (hard). The size of your penis when it’s soft (flaccid) has nothing to do with how big it becomes when it’s erect. Some penises become much larger when erect and others stay about the same size.

Your testicles, (that some call your balls), produce sperm. During puberty, your testicles begin to make and store sperm. They also make testosterone, the hormone that gives you muscles, a lower voice, a sex drive and facial hair. There are usually two egg-shaped testicles and one usually hangs lower than the other. One testicle is commonly also bigger.

The sack that holds your testicles is called the scrotum. The scrotum exists to protect your sperm. The muscles of the scrotum move to keep your sperm inside the testicles at a healthy temperature. Scrotums are usually darker than the rest of your skin, but not always. They’re generally wrinkly and covered with hair and tiny painless bumps. Both testicles and your penis are very sensitive. Hitting, handling it roughly or twisting is can be painful.

If you find a lump, experience sharp pain or other changes in your scrotum or testicles, talk to your doctor immediately. Here are some common penis conditions that you should be aware of and how they are treated.

Yeast infection

This kind of infection is caused by fungus. Yeast penile infection starts as a rash with white, shiny patches of skin on your penis. A yeast infection is more common in men with uncircumcised penises because the warm, moist space underneath the foreskin may promote yeast growth. This infection is commonly treated with antifungal medication.

Common symptoms could include:

Unusually moist penis skin.
Itchiness.
A burning sensation in the skin of the penis.
A cottage cheese-like substance under the foreskin or skin folds.

Erectile dysfunction

If you can’t get or maintain an erection, you may have erectile dysfunction. It’s commonly caused by stress or anxiety and there isn’t any cause for medical concern. If it happens regularly though, there may be an underlying health problem. This condition can be treated with medications, counselling and a penis pump may be helpful.

Common symptoms include:

Difficulty keeping an erection during sex.
Trouble getting an erection.
A loss of interest in sex.

Premature ejaculation

This happens when you ejaculate (release semen) earlier than you wanted during sexual activity. It usually happens in under a minute of intercourse. Although this isn’t a health issue, it interrupts sexual pleasure and could cause relationship issues as a result. If this happens infrequently, there’s no reason to worry.
Your doctor could advise a treatment option that may include sexual strategies, counselling or medication.

Peyronie’s disease

If your penis is slightly curved, it’s normal, but if it’s extremely noticeable, it may be Peyronie’s disease. This condition is caused when there’s too much scar tissue (plaque) on your penis that causes it to bend. This happens when you have a penis injury. Treatment isn’t usually needed as Peyronie’s disease usually clears up on its own.

The two most common treatments are surgery and medication. Medication usually comes in the form of pills and if the oral medication doesn’t work, an injection into the scar tissue of the penis may be necessary. If your condition is severe, an operation may be necessary.

Common symptoms include:

Pain or discomfort that makes it hard to ejaculate.
A sharp bend or curve of your penis.
Hard lumps or tissue on the bottom or the side of your penis.
The shrinking or shortening of your penis.

Penile fracture

If your penis is injured, the tissue may become damaged and you could get a fracture. As this issue is severe, surgery is necessary with a penile fracture in order for your penis’s abilities to restore.

Common symptoms:

Intense pain.
A popping sound.
Losing an erection immediately.
Bleeding.
Bruising or discolouration on penis skin.
Struggling to pee.

References:

Do you have an STD, or a UTI?

August 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

When you consider how close your reproductive organs are to your bladder and urinary tract, it can be difficult trying to figure out if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

STDs are most often caused by a bacterial infection caused via sexual intercourse. It can also be contracted through placing your hands, mouth and genitals on the sore of someone who is infected. These diseases have a high chance of spreading from one person to the other.

How do you get it?

If you have sex (oral, anal or vaginal intercourse) and/or genital touching, you can get an STD. Whether you’re straight or gay, married or single, you’re equally vulnerable to STDs.
At times, the infections and diseases usually carry no symptoms and that’s why regular check-ups are recommended. While STDs can be contracted through anal, oral, vaginal sex, they can also be picked up from sex toys.

Common symptoms of a STD include:

Bumps, sores, or warts near the mouth, penis, vagina, anus.
Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina.
Skin rash.
Painful urination.
Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats.
Aches, pains, fever, and chills.
Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Discharge from the penis or vagina.
When to get tested

If you’re sexually active it’s best to get tested every six months or in between new partners. STDs are usually easy to treat, however, if left untreated, they increase the risk of HIV and infertility.

What is a UTI?

Urinary tract infections are usually caused by the same bacteria that normally live in the colon and rectum. Once bacteria enter the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside), they multiply and travel up this tube towards the bladder. There they can continue to multiply, and left untreated, can also travel to the kidneys.

A urinary tract infection’s symptoms include a painful and burning sensation when you pee, frequent trips to the bathroom, and a feeling of urgency.

How do you get it?

Women are at greater risk for UTI infections because the urethra is located close to the anus, allowing an easy spread of bacteria between them, This can happen after poor bathroom hygiene, but also during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner’s genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys gets pushed into your urethra. UTIs can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Common symptoms of UTI include:

Strong and frequent urge to pee.
Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine.
Nausea and vomiting.
Muscle aches and abdominal pains.

When to get tested

The safest thing to do is to get tested. Even if your doctor already diagnosed your UTI, there’s still room for human error and you may have actually have an STD.

Depending on the severity of infection, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic. A simple UTI can be treated with a three-day course of antibiotics.

The length of antibiotic treatment will depend on the severity of the infection as well as the type of antibiotic prescribed.

Note, never take someone else’s medicine to treat your illness. If you’re given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it’s important that you take all of the prescribed treatment, even if the symptoms go away.

Your doctor may provide additional antibiotics you can give to your partner. In that way you can both be treated at the same time.

References:

Erectile dysfunction medication: the good, the bad, the dangerous

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Erectile dysfunction – the inability to get or maintain an erection during sex – can be distressing for both partners and can severely affect the quality of life of the sufferer. Recently, several new medications have been developed to assist the approximately 10% of men aged between 40 and 70 who experience the disorder.

Drugs for ED and how they work

Drugs for erectile dysfunction are in a class of prescription medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. They cause vasodilation – the widening of blood vessels – by relaxing the walls of your arteries, and increasing levels of nitric oxide in your blood. Wider blood vessels improve blood flow to the penis and having an engorged penis makes it easier to get and maintain an erection during sex.

There are four drugs regularly prescribed for ED.

Avanafil.
Sildenafil (Viagra).
Tadalafil (Cialis).
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).

While each works similarly, they differ in their effectiveness.

Avanafil (Stendra) 
This medication begins working within 15 minutes and effects can last for up to six hours.

Sildenafil (Viagra) 
Viagra takes around 30 minutes to become effective and lasts about four hours.

Tadafil (Cialis) 
This medication is effective for up to 36 hours in some cases.

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) 
Takes about 30 minutes to start working and the effects last about five hours.

Common side-effects of all four medications include:

Headache.
Flushing (worsened by spicy foods, alcohol, or being in a warm environment).
Back or all-over body aches and pains.
Stomach upsets like diarrhoea, indigestion or heartburn.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Stuffy or runny nose.
Blurred or altered vision.

Alcohol may worsen some of these effects, especially the dizziness and headache. Because of the vasodilation effect, it can also cause a drop in blood pressure and speed up your heart rate.

Severe side-effects include:

Priapism – an erection that lasts far longer than the medication should be effective for.
A complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs.
Rashy, peeling, blistering or itchy skin.
Swollen eyelids, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
Ringing in ears.
Hoarseness.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Fainting.

If you experience any of these side-effects, get medical help as soon as possible.

Do not use erectile dysfunction medication if you:

Have had a loss of vision or retinitis pigmentosa.
Take nitrates, like nitroglycerin or a similar medicine, for chest pain or heart problems.
Are taking alpha-blockers to treat prostate enlargement.
Are allergic to any other erectile dysfunction medications.

Alpha-blockers and medications with nitrates increase blood flow by relaxing your blood vessels, allowing them to widen. Erectile dysfunction drugs do the same and a cocktail of these can lead to a severe drop in your BP, leading to extreme dizziness and fainting.

Before you look at medication to treat your ED, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications; are taking any medications or supplements and if you will be undergoing any type of surgery. Also ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your current medications contain nitrates or any other ingredient that could interact with ED medications.