What is a penis fracture, and how is it treated?
What is a penis fracture, and how is it treated?
Category: Male
How soon can couples have sex again after a miscarriage?
How soon can couples have sex again after a miscarriage?
Sex after miscarriage depends on the individual. A woman’s doctor can give the best guidance on her personal situation.
Generally, couples can resume sex when they feel ready, but this time frame will vary from couple to couple. There are physical and emotional factors to consider.
On the physical side, many doctors suggest waiting to have sex until the bleeding from the miscarriage has stopped and the woman has had at least one normal menstrual period. Others recommend that couples wait six weeks or more, especially if the pregnancy was longer or if there were complications during miscarriage.
After miscarriage, the uterus and cervix stay partially dilated, which makes these organs more prone to infection until they completely heal. To reduce this risk, women are usually advised not to insert anything into the vagina, such as tampons, for two weeks. It also means that couples should wait this long before having vaginal intercourse.
Some women may need to wait until all of the pregnancy/fetal tissue has been removed. This tissue may pass on its own within a few weeks. A doctor may prescribe medication to help the process along. Surgical removal (using D&C) is another option.
It’s a good idea for a woman to have a thorough pelvic exam before having sex again. Couples should use birth control if they do not want another pregnancy so soon.
Emotionally, it takes time to process a miscarriage. It’s normal for couples to grieve afterward. Depression, fatigue, and anxiety may interfere with sexual desire and arousal. Partner’s understanding support is essential during this time. Keeping the lines of communication open and being honest about any fears or concerns is important.
Couples shouldn’t hesitate to seek counseling if needed. Healthcare providers can make referrals to therapists who specialize in coping with such a loss.
Stop Tramadol
Stop Tramadol
Men who take long-acting opioids for chronic pain appear to be at greater risk of developing low testosterone than men taking short-acting opioids, American researchers have found.
Opioids are pain relievers. Commonly prescribed opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine.
Opioids are classified as long-acting or short-acting. Long-acting opioids generally provide relief for at least 8 hours. Short-acting opioids release medicine more quickly and relieve pain for less than six hours.
Impact Of Opioids On Testestosterone Levels
The retrospective study focused on 81 men between the ages of 26 and 79 who had been taking an opioid for at least three months. None of the men had been diagnosed with low testosterone before. All of the men were being treated for chronic pain conditions (such as low back pain, chronic headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis) at Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Rosa Medical Center in California.
The hormone testosterone plays a large role in a man’s sex drive. But it is also involved with muscle mass, bone density, and mood. Low testosterone can lead to problems in all of these areas.
Normal testosterone levels are typically between 300 and 800 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). For this study, men were considered to have hypogonadism (low testosterone) if their total testosterone levels were less than or equal to 250 ng/dL. All levels were measured before 10 a.m.
Overall, 56.8% of the men were hypogonadal. Rates varied depending on opioid length of action, however. Of the men taking long-acting opioids, 74% had low testosterone. Thirty-four percent of the men taking short-acting opioids were hypogonadal.
After adjusting for daily dosage and body mass index, the researchers found that the risk of developing low testosterone was 4.78 times greater for men taking long-term opioids compared to those who take the short-acting variety.
No association was found between dose and an increased risk of low testosterone.
“We need to know how we can prescribe these very useful medications in a way that brings the greatest benefits to our patients, without introducing additional risks,” said researcher Dr. Andrea Rubinstein in a press release. Dr. Rubinstein is from the Departments of Chronic Pain and Anesthesiology at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center.
“These medications work well for short-term, acute pain,” Dr. Rubinstein added. “It has long been extrapolated that they can also be used safely long-term to control chronic pain. We are now finding that the long-term use of opioids may have important unintended health consequences.”
What happens if you take too much of an oral erectile dysfunction (ED) medication?
What happens if you take too much of an oral erectile dysfunction (ED) medication?
Oral medications provide a convenient way for men to manage their erectile dysfunction (ED). These drugs are called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
These drugs work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when a man is sexually stimulated. This blood is essential for a firm erection.
While PDE5 inhibitors are effective for lots of men with ED, some men wonder whether they’ll see better results if they take more medicine than their doctor prescribed. But doing this can be dangerous.
Therefore, it is important to use these medications exactly as the doctor prescribes and carefully read the accompanying patient information packet. The doctor should also know what other medications or supplements a man is currently taking.
One of the risks of oral ED drug overdose is priapism, an erection that lasts for several hours. Priapism can happen if too much blood flows into the penis, causing it to swell. Some men with priapism experience discomfort or pain. But they should not take the situation lightly.
Men who have an erection that lasts a long time are urged to seek emergency medical care. When blood is in the penis for too long, it’s difficult for oxygen to reach the area. This situation can lead to tissue damage, permanent erectile dysfunction, or disfiguration of the penis.
Treatment for priapism may include draining the excess blood from the penis, medication, or surgery.
Another risk associated with oral ED medications is a drop in blood pressure. Men might start to feel weak, dizzy, and nauseated. They might start breathing more quickly, experience blurry vision, and have difficulty concentrating.
In severe cases, low blood pressure can substantially reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches important parts of the body, like the heart and brain. Eventually, these organs can become damaged.
Men who believe they have taken too much of any drug are advised to see a doctor as soon as possible and/or call their local poison control center. They should also seek immediate medical attention if they have any of these symptoms after taking an ED drug:
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
- Problems breathing or swallowing
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems
Men who feel their ED medication is not working as well as they hoped should also talk to their doctor. The dose might need to be adjusted, but this should only be done under a doctor’s care. Men should also remember that these drugs are prescription medications and are not appropriate for every man. For example, men who take drugs containing nitrates should never take ED drugs.
What is the “normal” frequency of sex?
What is the “normal” frequency of sex?
It’s human nature to wonder whether you are having more or less sex than others. But it’s a difficult question to answer.
Many factors can influence how often people have sex. Relationship status, health, and age can all play a role. Couples who are in the early “honeymoon” stage of their relationship may have sex frequently. As the relationship progresses, the rate might slow down. If they are busy with work or childcare, they might not have as much time for sex as they used to. If they have an illness or chronic pain, they might have less sex – but that might change if they’re feeling better.
The Kinsey Institute’s 2010 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior provides us with some statistics on the sexual frequency of men and women. Much depended on whether the respondents were single, partnered, or married.
Men
-
Only 2% of single men between the ages of 18 and 24 had sex 4 or more times per week, but 21% of married men did.
-
Just under half of married men between the ages of 25 and 49 had sex a few times per month to weekly. This was the highest rate in this age category.
-
Age was not necessarily a deterrent to sexual frequency. Thirteen percent of single men age 70 and older had sex a few times per month to weekly. For partnered and married men in this age group, the rates were 63% and 15% respectively.
Women
-
About 5% of single women between the ages of 18 and 24 had sex 4 or more times per week, but 24% of married women did.
-
Like the men, just under half of the women between the ages of 25 and 59 had sex a few times per month to weekly, more than their single and partnered peers.
-
Sexual frequency did decrease with age for women, although almost a quarter of partnered women over age 70 had sex more than 4 times a week, according to the survey.
Even if men and women do have sex more frequently, it doesn’t mean they are happier. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University conducted a study of 64 couples between the ages of 35 and 65. Half the couples were instructed to double their weekly frequency; the other half were given no such instructions.
The couples answered questions about their sexual activity and their happiness. Those who had sex more frequently were not any happier. In fact, their levels of happiness decreased a bit. It appeared that being told to have more sex made it lose some of its spontaneity and excitement.
Remember that every couple is different. The “right” frequency is one that satisfies both partners. It may take time to figure this out, but putting the focus on intimacy, communication, and bonding with a partner is more important than worrying about numbers, targets, or the sexual frequency of other couples.
It’s also possible that one partner wants to have sex more or less frequently than the other. Communication is critical here, as couples need to make compromises. A qualified sex therapist can help partners with that negotiation.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? What causes ED? How is ED treated?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for satisfactory sex.
To understand ED, it’s important to understand how erections occur. When a man is sexually aroused, nerves and chemicals work together to relax smooth muscle tissue and widen arteries so that the penis can fill with blood. Veins constrict to keep the blood inside the penis, forming the erection. Once the man ejaculates, the blood is released back into the body.
ED becomes more common as men get older. It’s also associated with some medical conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. In fact, an estimated 50% of diabetic men have some degree of ED.
ED can happen for many reasons, both physical and psychological:
-
Poor blood flow to the penis.
This is one of the most common causes of ED and can be the result of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
-
Nerve damage.
When a man is sexually aroused, his brain sends messages to his penis to start the erection process. But if there is nerve damage, these messages cannot be transmitted properly. Thus, conditions that affect the nervous system - like diabetes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke – can lead to ED. Erectile nerves can also be damaged during cancer treatments, like radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland).
-
Hormonal issues.
Men with low testosterone or thyroid disorders may have trouble with erections.
-
Medication side effects.
ED is a side effect of some medications, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, heart disease, peptic ulcers, insomnia, and depression. Not all medications in these categories have sexual side effects, however. For example, some antidepressants do, but other antidepressants do not.
-
Peyronie’s disease.
Peyronie’s disease is a wound healing disorder marked by a distinct curvature of the penis. Many men with Peyronie’s disease develop ED, although experts aren’t sure exactly why.
-
Psychological and emotional issues.
Fighting with a partner, anxiety, depression, stress, past sexual abuse, and concerns about sexual performance can all affect one’s sexual well-being. In these cases, sessions with a sex therapist or counselor may help.
A man’s lifestyle can also interfere with his erectile function. Smoking, obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, an unhealthy diet, and poor exercise habits can contribute to other health conditions associated with ED.
Men with ED have several treatment options:
-
Psycho-sexual treatments.
These approaches may reduce both the man’s and his partner’s anxiety, enhance arousal, and offer pleasurable options, which may reduce the man’s stress. These interventions can be performed separately or parallel to medical treatments.
-
Oral medications.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Viagra), generic sildenafil, tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) help increase blood flow to the penis. These drugs are usually the first method patients try, but they should not be used by men who take nitrates. Patients with slow drug absorption (e.g., Parkinsonian patients) may need to wait 2-3 hours for an erection to develop after taking PDE5 inhibitors.
-
Penile injections.
Men can learn to inject medication into the penis. This medication helps blood vessels dilate, allowing more blood for erection.
-
Urethral suppositories.
These medications are inserted into the urethra at the tip of the penis.
-
Vacuum erection devices.
The man places his penis into a vacuum cylinder and pumps air out. He then places a constriction ring at the base of the penis, which keeps the erection.
-
Penile implants.
Implants (sometimes called penile prostheses) are surgically placed inside the penis and allow a man to get an erection when he wishes. Nowadays, most penile implants are inflatable devices controlled with a pump.
Men who are having trouble with erections are encouraged to see a doctor. It’s not unusual for ED to have a combination of causes. It can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, so it’s important to have a complete checkup.
Can gout affect sexual health and performance?
Can gout affect sexual health and performance?
Yes, it can – especially for men.
Gout is a particularly painful type of arthritis, caused by sharp, crystallized deposits of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is produced when the body processes purines – substances found in some foods and beverages like liver, seafood, peas, and beer. Uric acid is usually absorbed in the blood, processed by the kidneys, and eliminated with urine. But sometimes, the kidneys don’t process uric acid properly, causing it to build up. Uric acid can also accumulate when a person eats too many foods that contain purines.
Eventually, the buildup forms sharp crystals, leading to gout. Gout often starts in the feet, especially in the big toe. But it can also form in the knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. In addition to pain, patients with gout may experience swelling, stiffness, and redness in the affected area.
Gout is far more common in men than in younger women. Estrogen, a female sex hormone, helps the kidneys process uric acid. However, once women reach menopause, their risk for gout increases, as their estrogen levels drop substantially.
In women, gout tends to occur more in the fingers and ankles. It is also more common in women with high blood pressure and poor kidney function.
Studies have shown that men with gout are at higher risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED). They are also more likely to have severe cases of ED.
This might be explained by a possible connection between high levels of uric acid and endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium is tissue that lines all blood vessels, including those in the penis. Problems with the endothelium can restrict blood flow to the penis, which weakens erections. As men with gout have higher levels of uric acid, this link might account for their ED.
In 2017, the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy published a large study on gout and ED in men who lived in England. They identified 9,653 men between the ages of 18 and 64 who were diagnosed with gout between 1998 and 2004 and followed them until 2015. For comparison, they also identified 38,218 men without gout who were around the same age.
The scientists found that the men with gout were at higher risk for ED. During the study period, 18% of the men with gout developed ED, compared to 11% of the men without gout.
The men with gout were also more likely to drink more alcohol, be overweight, or have medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and depression.
In addition, the researchers discovered that ED risk might be increased within the year before a gout diagnosis, possibly because of higher levels of uric acid in the blood.
Pain from gout can make sex uncomfortable for both men and women. Some couples try new sexual positions or have sex when medications for gout are most effective. It’s important for patients to tell their partners if a particular activity is painful and feel open to discussing other options for intimacy.
Patients with gout may take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation. Other medications may be prescribed to stop production of uric acid or improve the body’s ability to process it. Eating a healthy diet that is low in purines might help relieve the severity and frequency of gout attacks.
Those who think they may have gout, particularly men with ED, are encouraged to see their doctor.
What are prostatic calculi (prostate stones)? Do they affect sexual function?
What are prostatic calculi (prostate stones)? Do they affect sexual function?
Prostatic calculi (also called prostate stones) are small brownish-gray stones that form in the prostate. Each stone, or calculus, is roughly the size of a poppy seed. A man may have one calculus, or he could have hundreds of calculi.
Most of the time, prostatic calculi themselves don’t cause any symptoms, and they often aren’t found during routine medical exams.
However, prostatic calculi can become infected and, in turn, lead to urinary tract infections and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).
Some men with prostate stones experience pain in the lower back, penis, or perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum). They might also have trouble urinating.
Prostate stones are more common in men who are middle-aged or older, and especially in men with an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Prostatic calculi that don’t cause symptoms usually don’t require treatment. Sometimes, they pass on their own in a man’s urine.
If stones are causing symptoms or contributing to other prostate conditions, they might be treated with antibiotics. In more severe cases, they can be removed surgically.
The direct effects of prostatic calculi on a man’s sexual function have not been widely researched. Some studies have suggested that ejaculatory pain and erectile dysfunction (ED) might be associated with prostatic calculi, but more information is needed.
Men who have questions about prostatic calculi are encouraged to see their andrologist.
Why might intensity of orgasm decline?
Why might intensity of orgasm decline?
Like many aspects of sex, intensity of orgasm can depend on the individual as well as the situation. Here are some of the more common reasons orgasms might become less powerful:
Aging
Levels of sex hormones decline for both men and women as they get older. Men’s testosterone levels drop gradually over time, which can dampen both desire and orgasm intensity.
For women, estrogen decreases at menopause are more abrupt. Some experts believe that the clitoris becomes less sensitive due to estrogen decline. Many women climax through clitoral stimulation; less sensitivity may diminish the intensity of orgasms.
Also, estrogen is important for keeping vaginal tissues flexible and lubricated. When levels fall, the vagina can become dry and narrow. Intercourse may become uncomfortable. (Read more about vulvar and vaginal atrophy
Routine/Boredom
If a couple has been together for several years, they may fall into a sexual routine that does not excite one partner (or both) as much as it used to. Changing the pattern may help. Couples are encouraged to talk to one another to make sure each partner is getting his or her sexual needs met.
In addition, men who use pornography and/or masturbate daily may find that their orgasms become less intense or less satisfying.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress can affect sexual health in many ways, including orgasm. If a person is under pressure at work, feeling overwhelmed by family responsibilities, or anxious about the state of a romantic relationship, he or she may become distracted during sex, which could take away some of the pleasure.
Low Desire and Poor Arousal
Problems with sex drive (libido) or arousal (the body’s physical preparation for sex) may also lower orgasm intensity. These issues can have both physical and psychological causes, such as hormonal declines or relationship conflict. Patients are encouraged to see a doctor or therapist.
Weak pelvic floor
The pelvic floor is a muscle group that supports the pelvic organs, such as the bowel, bladder, and uterus. These muscles tend to weaken as people get older. Surgery, obesity, and childbirth may weaken them as well.
Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. People who keep their pelvic floor toned often find that the intensity of their orgasms improves.
Birth Control Methods
Some men claim that they have orgasm difficulties when using condoms. Oral contraceptives can be similarly problematic for women, too.
It’s important to note that diminished orgasms are not a reason to stop using birth control or engage in unsafe sex. Couples should make sure they are using condoms correctly. Women may consider switching from oral contraceptives to another form of birth control, such as an IUD.
Communication is an essential component of any sexual relationship. If a partner’s orgasms become diminished, the couple can work together to solve the issue. The answer may be as simple as making more time for the relationship, asking for help with responsibilities, or changing birth control methods. It may also help to consult a doctor, sex therapist, or counselor.
What is the refractory period?
What is the refractory period?
