Sexual Health
Is Rectal Ejaculation Real?
In 2021, doctors from the University of Texas Medical Center in Galveston, Texas published a case study about a case about a patient that passed urine with feces, feces with urine, and semen with feces (1). The Short Answer. This case study shows that while uncommon, it's possible for urine, feces, and even semen to come out of the wrong holes (1). A 33-year-old male presented with five days of testicular pain and a report of sperm passage from his rectum while ejaculating over the past two years. Imaging of the patient's pelvis revealed evidence of a rectal-prostate fistula. The patient was treated with piperacillin-tazobactam (an antibiotic) and a surgical fistula repair was performed. Further investigation uncovered that the man had spent nearly three weeks in a medically-induced coma due to a cocaine and phencyclidine overdose two years prior to this incident. Doctors think that a botched Foley-catheter placement may have been to blame - likely due to a premature balloon dilation in the man's prostatic urethra. Ouch! What is a rectal-prostate fistula? A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of an injury or surgery. Infection or inflammation can also cause a fistula to form. In this case, the patient in question had a fistula that formed between their rectum and their prostate, aptly called a rectal-prostate fistula. How common are rectal-prostatic fistulas? Rectal-prostatic fistulas have an incidence of about 0.5 cases per 100,000 people each year. In adults, these abnormal connections are usually caused by some sort of trauma, surgery, radiation, or an inflammatory condition like Crohn’s disease. They can also be caused by prostate cancer or prostate cancer therapy. Symptoms of RUF can be feces in the urine, urine in the feces, urinary tract infections and in this case, semen exiting the rectum. What caused this man to leak semen from the wrong hole? For this particular 33-year-old, the problem likely started when he was put into a medically induced coma after a drug overdose. It’s hypothesized that while he was in the coma, a Foley catheter was incorrectly inserted. A Foley catheter is a tube that’s inserted into a patient’s urethra to drain the bladder of urine. Catheters are extremely common for hospitalized patients, but as this case shows, anything that’s inserted into the body, must be done so with extreme care to avoid serious complications. How he knew something was wrong The patient finally went to the doctor because he was having intense pain in his testicles over the course of 5 days. It was at that point that he told the doctors that he’d been passing semen and urine from his anus for two years. He also said that he had experienced feces in his urine as well. After performing imaging on the man's pelvis, doctors found a fistula between the patient’s anus and prostate, which was responsible for his bodily fluids exiting from the wrong holes. How can I avoid a rectal-prostatic fistula? While this story probably makes you feel very uncomfortable, the good news is that doctors were able to patch the fistula through surgery. The patient was able to make a full physical recovery with the only side effect being reduced semen volume over several months. If he had not sought treatment, it’s likely that this condition would have become life-threatening. The authors of this case study concluded by saying, “This case not only highlights a rare complication of catheter use but also emphasizes the importance of provider mindfulness when utilizing seemingly benign therapies such as Foley catheters.” If you're experiencing health issues - go to a doctor! As this case illustrates, time is of the essense. Had this man waited any longer to seek treatment, it's entirely possible that this story would be even more grim. Conditions like erectile dysfunction, low semen volume, poor sperm quality, bad-tasting cum, or even infertility often make people embarrassed or reluctant to seek medical care. Know this - no matter what your problem is, even if it’s shooting cum out of your ass, medical professionals have probably already seen it. Do not delay in seeking medical help! ✔️ References 1. A Curious Case of Rectal Ejaculation. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17330
Learn moreWhy do my balls hurt after sex?
Testicular pain after sex can arise from many different reasons. If it settles quickly, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if it’s a persistent ache, it might be a sign of something more serious (1). The Short Answer. There are a number of common causes of testicular pain after sex (1): Epididymal hypertension (blue balls) Hydrocoele Inguinal hernia (scrotal hernia) Type I Prostatitis: Acute Bacterial Prostatitis Type II Prostatitis: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Type III Prostatitis: Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Varicocele Epididymal Hypertension (Blue Balls) Epididymal hypertension, also known as blue balls, usually happens when a man who's aroused doesn’t have an orgasm. However, blue balls after sex or masturbation can also occur if an orgasm is withheld for a long period of time. This is true whether the orgasm is held intentionally through a practice known as edging and also if an orgasm is delayed unintentionally through prolonged sex or sexual teasing. The mechanism behind blue balls starts with increased blood flow to the penis and testicles during sexual arousal. The Increase in blood flow leads to increased pressure within the penis and testes, which eventually causes discomfort. The best way to get rid of blue balls is to ejaculate through sex or masturbation. If you're still having testicular pain after sex, it will generally go away between 1 hour and 1 day after sex. If you continue to have pain in your balls more than 1 day after sex, you should consult a healthcare professional. This is especially true if you experience severe pain. Hydrocoele (also spelled hydrocele) A hydrocoele is the collection of fluid in the membranes surrounding the testes, causing swelling in the scrotum. Hydrocoele can occur after rough sex due to trauma or injury to your testicles. Hydrocoeles are a common cause of scrotal swelling and generally do not cause any damage to the testicles. Hydrocoeles are not usually painful, but they can cause discomfort if they are large. Treatment for hydrocoele may not be required if the hydrocoele is small, the testes can be examined easily, and the amount of fluid remains constant. However, treatment is often recommended if the hydrocoele is causing discomfort or embarrassment. A hydrocoele can be treated by draining the fluid with a needle (aspiration) or by a minor surgical procedure called a hydrocelectomy. Inguinal Hernia (Scrotal Hernia) A scrotal inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes into your scrotum through a weak spot in your abdominal or pelvic floor muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift a heavy object. However, many hernias do not cause pain. Scrotal inguinal hernias can occur during sex due to increased intra-abdominal pressure combined with a weak spot in muscles. They can also occur when an existing inguinal hernia is made worse through sexual acts such as holding up a partner, thrusting your hips, grunting, or other common acts that occur during sex. An inguinal hernia isn't necessarily dangerous, but they do not go away on their own. Additionally, they can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor is likely to recommend surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that's painful or enlarging. Prostatitis after sex Acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) from sex Acute bacterial prostatitis after sex happens when a urinary tract infection (UTI) causes bacterial growth in the prostate gland. Symptoms include fever and chills. You may also experience painful and frequent urination or have trouble urinating. Though acute bacterial prostatitis only accounts for approximately 5% of all prostatitis cases, it requires immediate medical treatment since it can lead to sepsis (3). Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) from sex Chronic bacterial prostatitis can occur after sex due to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Similar to acute bacterial prostatitis, CBP occurs when bacteria become trapped in the prostate gland. Unlike ABP, CBP results in recurrent infections that are often difficult to get rid of. Chronic bacterial prostatitis also requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to other diseases or death in severe cases (4). Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS from sex Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), also known as non-bacterial chronic prostatitis, is the most common prostatitis type (5). It's similar to chronic bacterial prostatitis, but it does not come from a bacterial infection. Bacterial prostatitis and non-bacterial prostatitis (i.e. CPPS) are commonly misdiagnosed for each other, and both are poorly understood, difficult to treat, and cause a range of symptoms including pain, urinary problems, reduced quality of life and sexual dysfunction. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome from sex often happens because of stress from rough sex, nerve irritation, blunt force injuries, or damage from previous urinary tract infections. Varicocele (pronounced VAR-ih-koe-seel) A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within your scrotum (the loose bag of skin that holds your testes). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility in men. Varicoceles can also cause your testes to develop abnormally or even cause your balls to shrink. Since a varicocele usually causes no symptoms, it often requires no treatment. However, if you experience pain or swelling in your scrotum, discover a mass on your scrotum, notice that your balls are different sizes, develop a varicocele in your youth, or you're having problems with fertility, you should contact a healthcare professional. Testicular Bruising or Scrotal Trauma Perhaps the most common and straightforward cause of pain in your balls after sex is simply blunt force trauma to your scrotum or balls during sex. As you can imagine, this means that your balls might hurt because they were slapping against yourself or your partner during sex. Some types of BDSM even involve inflicting pain (for pleasure) on one's testes or scrotum. We're not here to judge what you do for fun in your bedroom, but we do recommend being careful if you're into this! Tentacular Pain after Ejaculating The process of ejaculation is complex and involves several muscle contractions in the pelvic region. These contractions are necessary to propel semen out of the body. For some men, the intensity of these muscle spasms can result in temporary testicular discomfort. This is generally benign and should resolve within a short time after climax. When to go to a doctor for pain in your balls After Sex In general, any pain in your testes (balls) after sex that lasts longer than 12-24 hours is worth seeing a healthcare professional for an examination. While occasional pain in your testes or scrotum can be normal and nothing to worry about, there are certain health conditions that are more serious that can cause pain in your balls. If you experience pain or swelling in your scrotum (ball sack), discover a mass on your scrotum, notice that your testes (balls) are different sizes, or you're having problems with fertility, you should contact a healthcare professional. ✔️ References 1. "Blue Balls", A Diagnostic Consideration in Testiculoscrotal Pain in Young Adults: A Case Report and Discussion. doi: 10.1542/peds.106.4.843 2. Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.03.027 3. National prevalence of urogenital pain and prostatitis-like symptoms in Australian men using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2009.08708.x 4. Bacterial Acute Prostatitis by Nathan G. Davis and Michael Silberman, University of Tennessee. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459257/ 5. Prostatitis. The Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15319-prostatitis
Learn moreHow To Increase Sperm Count And Sperm Health
There are many reasons why men seek out methods of increasing sperm count and semen volume. For some, pregnancy is the goal, while others simply enjoy having a larger volume of ejaculate. There are several methods men can use to increase their semen quality, which include dietary choices, water consumption, lifestyle changes, and taking natural supplements. Depending on these things your sperm count can increase or decrease. The Short Answer. Sperm takes time for your body to make. No solution is immediate. Increasing water intake alone may not be enough. Supplementation of Zinc, Pygeum, and other nutrients or vitamins can be extremely effective. What Increases Sperm Count Before looking to scientifically backed supplements and medical treatments, which we will also cover, let’s take a look at some basic things men can do in their everyday lives to improve fertility and sperm count. Psychological stress can play a major factor in sexual health, including sperm count. “Many clinical studies looking at the effects of psychological stress on male fertility have shown that stress is associated with reduced paternity and abnormal semen parameters. Enough scientific evidence exists to suggest that psychological stress could severely affect spermatogenesis, mainly as a result of varying testosterone secretion. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has a direct inhibitory action on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and Leydig cells in the testes. The newly discovered hormone, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), also has an inhibitory effect on the HPG axis. Inhibition of the HPG axis results in a fall in testosterone levels, which causes changes in Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier, leading to the arrest of spermatogenesis.” (1) This implies that maintaining mental health can have a positive effect on sexual health as well. Doing things like diet, exercise, meditation, and other positive activities will help sperm count, and sexual health in general. Foods That Increase Sperm Count Foods rich in antioxidants and Vitamins C and E have been shown to have positive effects on sperm motility, health, and general function. “Supplements such as CoQ10 and alpha-tocopherol significantly improve sperm count. Also, carnitine has positive effects on sperm motility and morphology. Simultaneous administration of vitamin E and vitamin C reduces the sperm DNA damage. However, in some studies, one or more factors have not changed substantially. In most of the studies, antioxidant supplementation improved the number, motility, morphology and sometimes DNA integrity of sperm. The present study showed that antioxidant supplements, especially a combination of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 intake can effectively improve semen parameters in infertile men.” (2) Some vitamin C rich foods include broccoli, oranges, and spinach. Foods containing high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids can also improve sperm function (3). Foods like avocado, walnuts, and fish are great and healthy sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant After Sex A woman doesn’t immediatly get pregnant after sex. It can take up to six days after sex for the sperm and egg to join and form a fertilized egg. After fertilization it can take three to four days for the fertilized egg to completely implant itself in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins during implantation, when the hormones needed to support pregnancy are released (4). Implantation cannot happen immediately after fertilization because it takes time for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus. One study suggests that the later a fertilized egg implants, the more likely early pregnancy loss becomes.The study found that implantation occurred on days 8–10 after ovulation for 84% of participants. Of the eggs that implanted after day 11, 82% resulted in pregnancy loss before 6 weeks (5). Supplements To Increase Sperm Count If increasing sperm count is the goal there are multiple supplement strategies that can be used. Having a healthy prostate means you will make more sperm, and more healthy sperm. Supplements like Pygeum are used to prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), which could cause reduced semen volume and sperm count. Pygeum bark extract also supports existing prostate tissue, effectively improving its architecture and therefore function. This ultimately helps Pygeum produce more seminal fluid, ensuring forceful ejaculation of semen. L-Arginine is an important amino acid for sperm production. Research shows that several months of L-arginine supplementation increases sperm count, quality, and fertility. Some men are classified as having Hyperspermia, which is a condition where they produce much more semen through ejaculation than the average male. For these men, they may not want to increase their cum load any further. Vitamins To Increase Sperm Count Men who consume zinc experience increased testosterone concentrations in their blood and increased semen volume with higher sperm concentrations. This increase in volume is due to multiple factors, but most importantly an increase in spermatogenesis: the process of making sperm. The sperm created by increased zinc supplementation also exhibit higher motility than zinc-depleted sperm. Moreover, zinc acts as an antioxidant in seminal fluid, promoting semen viability and fertility. This powerful element also functions as an antibacterial agent in the male genitourinary system, maintaining the delicate balance of the male microbiome. There is some evidence that suggests Vitamin E may play a role in increasing sperm count, but there is more research needed to prove this more conclusively. How To Make More Semen Aside from sperm count, semen volume is another important factor in overall sexual health. Drinking water will always be helpful in making more seminal fluid, but there are supplements that can aid the process of semen production as well. Some proven nutrients for semen volume are Pygeum, Zinc, Lecitihin, Vitamin E, and L-Arginine. This combination of supplement stacks is often referred to a the holy grail of sex or the holy grail of semen volume. Does Testosterone Increase Sperm Count Testosterone injections, or TRT can have a negative impact on sperm count. Since exogenous testosterone injections signal to the body that it already has enough testosterone, the body signals to the testicles to produce less testosterone. This also means that the testicles are operating at a lower capacity, which causes them to produce less sperm, or halt sperm production altogether. From a 2018 study: “Testosterone therapy is a contraceptive, albeit a poor one. Men of reproductive age with low testosterone should be counseled on the adverse effects of TRT on fertility. Obtaining a semen analysis and possible cryopreservation of sperm should be offered if TRT is prescribed to men interested in preserving fertility. Options such as clomiphene citrate and hCG along with a referral to a reproductive urologist should be considered to naturally increase testosterone levels in those men with low testosterone who want to avoid TRT (7).” How Long Does hCG Take To Increase Sperm Count Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG works very quickly whe injected. Subjects of an hCG study showed increased sperm counts after 6 months of use. According to American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists clinical guideline hCG alone can initiate sperm production and it should be initial therapy of choice for at least 6-12 months. Therapy with hCG is generally started at 1,000 to 2,000 IU intramuscularly 2–3 times a week. “Our results demonstrated that administration of hCG therapy beside varicocelectomy can improve the fertility rate and better spermatogenesis with lower adverse effects in patients with varicocele and abnormal semen analysis. This can lead to improve the pregnancy rate. We proposed that treatment of male infertility in varicocele with hCG may prove cost effective and one can achieve pregnancy naturally without assisted reproductive techniques related complication. It is recommended to use this choice for similar patients; however, performing more research in large scale population and multi-centric studies are needed to provide more evidence of using this choice (8).” Does Edging Increase Sperm Count Edging is the practice of becoming sexually stimulated, but not orgasming. This can be to the point of near orgasm, and then stopping being ejaculation. While edging can cause a higher volume of semen to be ejaculated, it doesn’t increase the sperm count, per unit of volume, of the ejaculation. How To Cum More Than Once After orgasm men experience a refractory period. This period can last minutes to hours, and that time depends on many factors. A main factor is age. As men get older the refractory period gets longer. There are a few tricks to reducing the refractory period, or skipping it altogether. Reducing stimulation during orgasm can allow a man to continue sex more quickly afterward, even using the same erection. While it’s nearly impossible for men to have multiple ejaculatory orgasms with no refractory period, you can climax several times in a row if you don’t release any semen. The technique is known as non-ejaculatory multiple orgasm, or NEMO, and involves strengthening your pelvic floor. Another option is to work with a partner to build up sexual stamina, allowing the man to more quickly return to sex (6). Breathing exercises, kegel exercises, and abdominal health can all help with improving sexual stamina. ✔️ References 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26057063/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203687/ 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3720081/ 4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10362823/ 5. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/how-long-does-it-take-for-a-girl-to-get-pregnant-after-having-sex 6. https://www.nature.com/articles/3900823 7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305868/ 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836152
Learn moreHow To Keep Your Testicles Healthy
Testicles, the scrotum, huevos, balls, nuts – the appendages men have and want the best of, but do they know how to do so? Testicles are not only important for reproduction, but also for hormone balance and sex drive. There are many things you can do to improve and maintain the health of your testicles, including diet, exercise, and even trying a testicle massage. They require TLC like any other organ and here’s how you can care for them. What is the optimal temperature for testicles Testicles are outside the body for a reason, to stay cool. Testicles function optimally at 35C or 95F. In fact, decreased testicular volume, decreased sperm count and decreased testosterone production were observed in male rat models with induced testicular temperature of 109F for just 45minutes (think hot tub exposure!). With this small amount of heat, testicular weight decreased by 65% and sperm count decreased 29% in the rat population (1). Are some foods better for testicular health than others Broad foods for testicular health include those rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens, berries, broccoli, bell peppers, oranges, and eggplant. The antioxidants scavenge free radicals that can damage DNA of developing spermatids and impair production of fully functional sperm. Selenium along with Vitamins C and E also provide antioxidant services, to protect and promote sperm development, increasing sperm count and testosterone levels (2). Zinc is an even more important mineral to boost sperm count. Zinc is a natural local antimicrobial agent in the testicles and boosts testosterone production (2). Melatonin is an antioxidant as well, which can easily pass through the testicular blood-barrier. High melatonin in the testes increases spermatogenesis and strengthens sperm DNA (3). Lycopene is another antioxidant, shown to increase sperm count, viability and decrease oxidative stress particularly in men with varicocele. Lycopene can be found as a supplement, dosage recommendation is about 30mg daily. Lycopene can also be naturally found in tomatoes (4). Is having three testicles bad Most likely, yes. There is a very rare condition called triorchidism, with only about 100 reported cases (5). More likely, if you observe three masses in your scrotum, there is a varicocele, hernia or tumor. A varicocele is dilation of the veins that feed the testicles, the mechanism of testicular varicoceles is yet undefined but may be due to increased pressure in the abdomen or outflow obstruction. Outflow obstruction can occur due to the unique testicular vein anatomy. The left testicular vein is longer, the majority of which does not contain valves to prevent backflow, making left testicular varicoceles more common than right. Varicoceles can be dangerous for the testicle and the increased blood sitting next to the organ decreases both testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis via increased reactive oxygen species and heat (6). Inguinal hernias are an outpouching of the intestine through the muscles of the pelvic floor. These hernias occur from a weakened muscle layer combined with increased intraabdominal pressure, most commonly due to obesity. Obesity increases the risk of these hernias due to abnormal stretching of the muscle wall and increased intraabdominal pressure from fat pushing the bowel down, into the pelvic floor (7). This type of hernia, similar to varicocele, can decrease fertility. Finally, a third hard mass in the scrotum should prompt attention to obtain a physician evaluation for possible testicular cancer. Testicular cancer most often presents in young men, aged 15-35, as a painless slowly growing testicular mass (8). Is it healthy to massage your testicles Yes! Testicular massage not only feels good but is good for you! This practice can increase your sperm count by stimulating release of sperm into the epididymis to await ejaculation (9). Testicular massage also increases systemic testosterone by increasing release of testosterone during the massage (10). Furthermore, regular testicular massage can help you self-screen for testicular cancer, especially if you are under the age of 40, these can be silent cancers, which can be caught earlier in a more easily treated state if regular testicle inspection is performed. How to do a testicle massage Before beginning, you should know that the testicles can be easily injured with too much pressure or impact. When attempting a testicle massage, or "balls massage" as some call it, you should start off more gently than you think you should be, just to be safe. As you become more comfortable with massaging your testicles you can add additional techniques and pressure as needed. How to massage your testicles: holding the penis out of the way, gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb. You can both perform a milking action, aiming upward and a pill-rolling action. Throughout the massage you should feel the moderately firm membrane of each testicle with the soft, squiggly epididymis sitting atop and toward to back of each testicle, accompanied by the spermatic cord running toward your pelvis. Similar to breasts, it is common for the two testicles to be slightly different in size. If this gentle massage is painful in any way, or you observe anything over than the described above, you should seek counsel from a physician. How do you get low hanging balls Low hanging balls or larger scrotum are associated with higher testosterone and sperm loads because there are more cells in each testicle to produce both. Unfortunately, there is no medically proven food or exercise to increase scrotum size. But you can improve your overall testicular health but consuming antioxidants, exercising regularly, keeping your scrotum cool, avoiding smoking both tobacco and marijuana products have been linked to an increased risk for testicular cancer, and maintaining a healthy weight (BMI <25). All of these interventions allow for normal signaling of your testes to produce testosterone without the negative feedback of excess adipose tissue and estrogen as in obesity and maintain a healthy microenvironment to create sperm with the antioxidants and nutrient supply. ✔️ References 1. https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/141/4/1414/2988074 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5483704 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6015250 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2677959/ 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3017339/ 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4770484 7. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/h/hydroceles-and-inguinal-hernia 8. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-staging-of-testicular-germ-cell-tumors 9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33662254/ 10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8498875/
Learn moreWays to Increase Male Sensitivity
Do you want to make sex and masturbation more pleasurable? Do you have trouble orgasming during sex? Do you cum too quickly and want to find ways to make sex last longer? Different techniques, supplements, and strategies can help you increase male sensitivity and make both sex and masturbation more pleasurable. We’ll start with general tips to increase penis sensitivity and then how to get sensation back (if you’re lost it), how to increase sexual stamina, and whether masturbation is bad for your health. Increase Penis Sensitivity We’ll start with general tips to increase penis sensitivity. Firstly, recognize that penis sensitivity is to some degree fixed by your body’s unique anatomy. Your ability to feel touch is thanks to various receptors in the skin called “mechanoreceptors”. These receptors respond to stimulation such as touch or friction. The relative density of these receptors varies throughout the body (3) and varies from person to person. You can’t change your anatomy, so what can you do? Lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on penis sensitivity. Improving your diet, increasing your daily physical activity, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can improve your overall health and increase blood flow to the penis, which can help with sensitivity. Supplements such as L-arginine can increase blood flow and improve penis sensitivity. But what if you’ve tried the things above and you’re still not as sensitive as you’d like to be? How To Get Sensation Back When it comes to masturbation: too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. While masturbation itself is not harmful (we’ll talk more about that later) masturbating can “train” your penis to respond a particular type of stimulation which can impact your ability to orgasm while having sex. “Death-grip syndrome” is a term that was coined by sex columnist Dan Savage to describe the inability for someone to orgasm while having sex as a result of masturbating with too tight of a grip. When you grab your penis very firmly while masturbating regularly the more subtle sensations of partnered sex may not be strong enough for you to orgasm. One solution for “death-grip syndrome” is to abstain from masturbating and allowing your penis to readjust to partnered sex. If you are having sex and unable to orgasm, it is tempting to pull out and finish yourself off. However, you need to “relearn” how to cum without stroking yourself so do not revert to masturbating to climax. This can be frustrating (no one likes blue balls!), but with time your male sensitivity will increase and you will find that you can orgasm again with a partner. How To Increase Sexual Stamina Let’s take a second to level-set our expectations. A survey done in 2005 of 500 couples from five countries found that the average total time for penetrative sex was 5.4 minutes. (6) Alright, feeling a bit better about yourself? Let’s look at a couple ways to increase your sexual stamina. 5.4 minutes is only the time taken to reach orgasm once penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex begins. This does not include foreplay, oral sex, cuddling, or just rolling around with your partner and having fun. The absolute easiest way to improve your sexual stamina is to increase the range of activities that you think of as sex. Take your time and focus on your partner. Don’t rush to bring your penis on-stage. Your dick should be a supporting actor to an otherwise already excellent performance. If you’re already focusing on all the right things (taking your time, focusing on your partner’s pleasure, etc.), but you want to increase your sexual stamina further let’s dive deeper. Fortunately male sensitivity is not correlated with premature ejaculation. (5) You can still do everything else listed in this article to increase your male sensitivity and you’re not going to make yourself ejaculate faster. We talked about masturbation techniques in the previous section on “how to get sensation back”. It turns out that how you masturbate can also impact your overall sexual stamina. If you condition yourself to ejaculate quickly while masturbating (for example, if you’re used to masturbating quickly as a teenage to avoid getting caught) then you may have trouble breaking this habit during sex. (7) So slow down… even when you’re alone! Similar to our recommendation to take it slow (both solo or partnered), educate yourself on edging. Edging is the act of bringing yourself to the edge of orgasm and then pulling back. Doing this repeatedly helps you build a sense of where your “orgasmic inevitability” lies. This is the line over which no matter what you do, you will cum. Figuring out how to tiptoe up to this line and then pulling back, slowing down, or changing stimulation can help you increase sexual stamina. Is Jerking Bad For Your Health No. Jerking is not bad for your health. At least, not in the ways that common myths present. Masturbating will not make you go blind, it won’t give you erectile dysfunction, and it won’t cause low testosterone (8). Jerking off can cause issues if done in ways that cause death-grip syndrome or condition yourself to ejaculate too quickly, but masturbating itself is normal and healthy. Too much masturbation has been known to cause Erectile Dysfunction, but that amount is different depending on the person. There are certain supplements which you can take to increase the pleasure that you get from masturbation and ejaculation. Supplements such as zinc, pygeum, and lecithin can all increase your semen volume and orgasm intensity. Difference Between Circumcised and Not Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin which normally covers the head (or glans) of the penis. The majority of newborns in the United States are circumcised (4). Let’s start with some good news: studies have found that circumcision has no adverse effect on penis sensitivity. (1) This is good news because unless you have a time machine that’s one thing you’re not going to easily change about your anatomy (although foreskin restoration is possible!). (2) When it comes to sexual stamina, studies have shown no difference between people with circumcised or uncircumcised penises. (6) ✔️ References 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23937309/ 2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foreskin-restoration 3. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/jn.00313.2020 4. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/circumcision_2013/circumcision_2013.htm 5. https://www.nature.com/articles/3900368 6. https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)31189-9/fulltext 7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/ 8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11760788/
Learn moreHow Is Semen Made And How Does Ejaculation Work?
Semen is an intricate combination of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are created by 4 parts of the male reproductive system: testicles, prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands. In this article, we'll cover how your body produces semen, sexual preferences about semen volume, and what you can and cannot change about your ejaculation volume. THE SHORT ANSWER. Ejaculation volume changes over time. The amount you cum depends on a number of different factors and will fluctuate day to day. You can increase your semen volume by staying hydrated and taking supplements containing zinc, pygeum, lecithin, and l-arginine. Abstaining from ejaculating will also increase semen volume. Some medical conditions have been shown to cause changes in the amount that you ejaculate. Research indicates that low sperm count is correlated with low semen volume, though one does not definitively indicate the other. How is Semen Made? Semen is an intricate combination of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are created by the testicles, prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands. 1. Seminal Vesicles and Semen Production These are small, tubular glands located between the bladder and rectum. Though small in size, they are responsible for 50 to 65% of your ejaculate volume. The fluid produced by the seminal vesicles is primarily made of fructose, a type of sugar. Sugar acts as a fuel for sperm cells, allowing them to travel through the body. Seminal vesicle fluid also contains nutrients such as ascorbic acid (vitamin c), amino acids, phosphorus, potassium, and more. Ultimately, this blend of nutrients helps keep sperm healthy and energetic. 2. Prostate Gland and Semen Production The prostate gland is responsible for 20 to 30% of your semen volume. Similar to fluid from the seminal vesicles, fluid secreted by the prostate is an important nutrition source for sperm and also plays a role in lubrication. It primarily consists of zinc, calcium, citric acid, and magnesium. 3. Testicles and Semen Production Only 5% of one's sperm volume is produced in the testes. That being said, the contribution from one's testes is significant - they produce sperm cells. On average, the testes contribute 80 million spermatozoa per milliliter of ejaculate. 4. Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands) and Semen Production Also known as Cowper's glands, these are pea-sized glands located near your prostate that secrete a clear, lubricating fluid. This fluid makes up about 5% of your ejaculate. You might be familiar with its more common name: pre-cum. How much semen is ejaculated on average? On average, about 1.5 to 5 ml of semen is produced each time that you ejaculate (0.05 to 0.17 fl. oz - a bit less than a table spoon on the upper end). There is a strong correlation between testicle size, semen volume, and semen composition. In other words, big balls are correlated with big, healthy ejaculatory loads. Semen Volume & Sexual Preferences Do people actually care about how much a man ejaculates? In 2018, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published the first study that explored how male ejaculation volume and intensity are related to women's pleasure during sex. The study surveyed 240 sexually active heterosexual women and found that: 41% of participants said that the ejaculate volume that they felt contributed to their orgasm intensity. Almost half of the women in the study said that their orgasm was better when their partner produced more semen. 1 in 8 study participants considered the quantity of their partner's ejaculate to be a reflection of their own sexual attractiveness. Some people feel more attractive and get more enjoyment out of sex when their partner cums a lot! How to Cum More There are many factors that go into how much ejaculate you produce. Let's explore each of these areas, including what you can and cannot control. Things you can control: 1. Hydration and Semen Volume Semen is mostly made of water. It shouldn't come as a surprise that dehydration decreases the volume of semen that's ejaculated. Additionally, dehydration has even been shown to lead to decreased sperm quality, which researchers define by measures like sperm motility and the concentration of sperm for a given volume of semen. 2. Diet and Semen Volume Semen is created by many complex processes in your seminal vesicles, prostate gland, testicles, and bulbourethral glands. To function properly, these body parts need many different vitamins and minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, Copper, Vitamin C, L-Arginine and many others. If you're deficient in the building blocks that make up semen, then your body will not be able to produce as much. 3. Abstinence: Patience is a Virtue! Abstaining from ejaculating is a great way to increase the amount of semen that you produce. A group of physicians and researchers from the American Society for Reproductive Health conducted a study that found that semen volume increases by 16% per day over the first 5 days of abstinence. Ejaculation volume DOUBLES after 5 days without ejaculating. 4. Sexual Health Supplements Aside from drinking more water, making sure that your body has the vitamins and minerals that it needs is likely the easiest area for you to affect the amount of semen that you produce. As mentioned above, vitamins and minerals are critically important in the production of semen. A few commonly used prostate-supportive and semen-boosting compounds are: Zinc, Pygeum, Saw Palmetto, Lecithin, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Pumpkin Seed, Amino Acids, and Selenium. These are commonly found in supplement stacks known as the holy grail of sex. You get out of your body what you put into your body. Lifestyle decisions like eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, actively managing stress, and avoiding drinking alcohol will improve your health and wellbeing. These things will help improve your mood and libido, which will ultimately increase the odds that you will have a good time in bed. Things you can't control: 1. Age and Semen Volume According to Seth Cohen, MD, MPH from the NYU Langone Health Center in New York City, "the most semen that you will ejaculate in your life will be when you're young and going through puberty. As you age, the amount of semen that you produce will decrease. This is because the prostate grows as you age, which makes urinating and ejaculating more difficult. Additionally, your prostate produces less seminal fluid over time." 2. Genetics and Semen Volume As with all things in life, your abilities ultimately come down to a combination of your genetics and the way that you live your life. Some people simply have a natural ability to cum more, while others do not. There are ways to increase the amount of semen that you ejaculate, which we will discuss next. 3. Medical conditions that can affect semen volume and sperm production Certain medical conditions lead to a decrease in the amount of semen that's produced. Dr. Cohen says that there are two main culprits: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Enlargement of the prostate gland. It leads to issues urinating including difficulty expelling all of your urine, increased frequency of the urge to urinate, and a slow or weak urine stream. BPH is extremely common: Over 50% of men over the age of 50 have BPH and over 90% of men over the age of 80 have BPH. Prostatitis Swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. It can cause painful urination as well as changes to the consistency, scent, and color of semen. ✔️ References 1. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. doi: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8 2. Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: A review of literature. doi: 10.4103/0974-1208.170370 3. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Human Reproduction Update, November, 2017
Learn morePremature Ejaculation Treatment With Exercises And Supplements
Much like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation can negatively affect your sexual health. With proper premature ejaculation exercises to delay ejaculation regularly, you can have better control during intercourse. Aside from exercises, there are also supplements that can help with premature ejaculation and improve orgasm intensity. Premature Ejaculation Exercises There are many exercises for delayed ejaculation, but we’ll cover the most effective ones. While these ejaculatory control exercises and techniques aren’t lifelong treatments, they may help to delay orgasm and result in a more pleasurable sexual experience for all parties involved. Doing a kegel exercise for premature ejaculation will help strengthen the ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles which are located in the pelvic floor muscle area. These are found around the penis and are active when it becomes aroused. Back Squeeze Method - Lie on the floor (carpet works best for comfort, otherwise use a yoga mat) with your hands flat with knees bent and pointing upward. Relax your breathing. Draw your penis inward toward your body and hold for five seconds before releasing. Next, squeeze your anus muscles and hold for five seconds before releasing. Make sure your pelvic floor muscles are engaged. Side Squeeze Method - Lie on the floor on your side. Put a pillow between your legs to help spread your legs apart. Squeeze your legs together and hold for five seconds before release. Chair Squeeze Method - Sit on a chair and relax your breathing. Squeeze your penis like you’re stopping urine flow from coming out. Hold it for five seconds. Only squeeze as hard as you're comfortable with. Do any or all of these therapeutic exercises in o five sets with ten repetitions per set. Regularly doing these exercises, as well as calming breathing, will help delay ejaculation. If you feel any pain while performing these exercises, stop doing them and consult your doctor immediately. How To Not Cum Fast The most simple fix for premature ejaculation is becoming calm during sex. Slow down and be more relaxed with your partner. If you feel like you're in a rush, it can lead to premature ejaculation. Take your time, and breathe in a relaxed fashion. This alone can have a big difference in how fast you cum. Edging is a popular technique used by both men and women to extend sexual arousal time. Sex can be prolonged without orgasm, until you wish to orgasm. Changing positions is a great way to slow things down. Use that time to catch your breath, and communicate with your partner. The break in stimulation will give you some more time before you cum. Premature Ejaculation Pill Some scientific research suggests that men with infertility or sperm issues have reduces levels of zinc in their semen (1). Zinc and Pygeum supplements, among others, like the nutrients found in Load Boost, can have a positive effect on anxiety induced premature ejaculation. Knowing your semen is healthy can give you the confidence to last longer in bed! While there isn't a perfect premature ejaculation pill, the combination of kegel exercise and proper supplementation has shown to be quite effective. SSRI Induced Premature Ejaculation Many medications, especially SSRIs, are known to have an effect on ejaculation, and sexual function in general. Some of these medications include Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro (2). The NIH researchers indicate that reports of sexual dysfunction exist, “With virtually all of the antidepressants.” Another study, conducted in 2006, concluded that more than 34 percent of male study participants and 32 percent of women taking antidepressants experienced sexual side effects. Those researchers also concluded, “No clear pattern” related to specific antidepressants. Researchers believe that elevated serotonin levels contribute to diminished sexual function. Another theory suggests that when serotonin levels increase, dopamine levels decrease, potentially affecting sexual arousal. Condoms and Lidocaine For Premature Ejaculation While condoms are great for sexual health, preventing disease, and preventing unwanted pregnancy, they are generally considered a temporary solution to premature ejaculation. The same goes for dumbing agents like lidocaine, which are often not recommended by doctors. Rather than using temporary solutions it's best to get to the root of the problems. Simple solutions like strengthening your pelvic muscles with kegels, and learning to control your arousal level with breathing exercises and communication with your partner will be far more effective in the long term. Cumming Too Early From Nervousness One of the most common reasons for premature ejaculation is simply being too nervous. When you're with a new partner, things are new, scary, and uncomfortable at times. You need to build trust and a relationship with this person. As time goes on you will feel more comfortable and have less trouble with cumming before you want to. ✔️ References 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6321397/ 2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354900
Learn moreCum Control and Effects of Edging
Edging is a method of sexual stimulation where the person becomes sexually aroused to the point of orgasm, but stops before actually reaching orgasm. Then, the person often starts the cycle again to reach that “edge.” The goal of edging and orgasm control is often to prolong sex or masturbation, or to achieve a more intense orgasm/ejaculation. Edging Cumshot - Is It Bigger? There are several effects of edging, but the main point of edging for many men is to achieve a larger and more intense ejaculation. As a man approaches orgasm the body readies semen for ejaculation. Stopping before orgasm allows the body to build up more ejaculate than a regular orgasm would product had the man not edged. So the answer is; Yes! Edging can absolutely product a larger volume of semen, as well as a more intense orgasm (1). How To Edge Yourself Masturbation is a common method of edging. The simple method is, as you approach orgasm, stop before you achieve orgasm. This can be done in a number of ways. Changing masturbation technique is an easy way to make sure you don’t orgasm. If you’re with a partner, it’s a great time to change sexual positions with them, or take a break. You can also mix in what would previously be considered foreplay, for a less intense sexual option that might not cause you to orgasm. Paying attention to specific parts of your partner’s genitals like the penis head or labia, rather than the entire thing, is a method of sexual stimulation that can keep the orgasm on the edge, while making sure not to push over the edge. Ruined Orgasm A “Ruined Orgasm” is when, while orgasming (usually a male) the person causing the orgasm stops providing stimulation. This can be done while masturbating, so you would stop touching yourself once you begin cumming. It can also be done with a partner. A common method is the partner giving oral sex, and when the man starts to orgasm, stops the oral sex. Some people seek out ruined orgasms, while others hate the practice. It’s important to know what your partner likes before trying a ruined orgasm. Edging and Premature Ejaculation People who experience premature ejaculation may find edging beneficial because it can increase the duration of sex before orgasm. Increasing the duration of sexual activity can change the intensity and move the focus away from the orgasm, and instead engage in less intense sexual activity. This can allow people to spend more time enjoying the process of stimulation. Orgasm Control for Women ge in edging and orgasm control the same as men. This can be done through masturbation or with a partner. One important thing when edging as a woman or with a woman is to know that the clitoris is extremely sensitive, so if edging and orgasm control is the goal, you must remember to be gentle, and pay attention to how your partner responds. Paying special attention to the labia, and anywhere other than the clitoris is a great way to build closer to orgasm without pushing over the edge. Is Edging Safe Sexual edging, also known as orgasm control or orgasm denial, is a sexual practice in which a person intentionally delays or stops their own or their partner's orgasm in order to prolong sexual pleasure. While there is nothing inherently dangerous about sexual edging, it is important to practice safe sex in a consensual manner. Communicate with your partner about your boundaries, preferences, and limits before engaging in sexual edging, and to pay attention to their nonverbal cues and verbal communication during the activity. It is also important to stop if either partner feels uncomfortable or experiences pain. Practice safe sex by using condoms and other barrier methods to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Sexual edging can be a enjoyable and consensual sexual activity as long as it is practiced safely and with open communication between partners. If you have any concerns about sexual edging, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Edging Porn An increasingly popular porn category is "edging." This usually involves a woman performing oral sex on a man in a slow, less intense technique, or using her hands. During the blowjob the woman often starts and stops sucking and licking, causing the man to experience varied levels of arousal and intensity. Like with masturbation, the effects of edging from oral sex or a handjob ends with an intense ejaculation, or with a ruined orgasm. ✔️ References 1. https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-edging-sex
Learn moreIs It Safe To Eat Your Own Cum
Semen is a substance that exists to contain sperm while the sperm travel to impregnate an egg. In order to make this long and difficult journey it must contain various nutrients to support the health of the sperm. Many people consume semen during oral sex for their own or their partner's pleasure. Some people also like to consume their own semen. So is it safe to consume? Let's cover the different aspects of semen, and how they relate to the safety behind eating cum. Is It Safe To Eat Semen? The short answer is, yes, it's safe to eat semen. Semen is made up of vitamins and minerals that many people take as a dietary supplement, or already naturally occur in your body. Among those nutrients: Calcium Citrate Fructose Glucose Lactic Acid Magnesium Potassium Protein Zinc As you can see there's nothing unsafe in the makeup of semen (1). Many of those nutrients are sought after! Unfortunately the amounts of these nutrients within semen are small enough that they're unlikely to have a nutritional impact on your diet. There is a common myth that semen is high in protein, which is not true. How Much Semen Can You Eat? The average ejaculation is 1ml to 5ml of semen. That's a relatively small amount of liquid compared to other foods or drinks you might consume. Being that an ejaculation is such a miniscule amount of liquid volume, it's extremely unlikely that one could consume enough cum to have any dietary effect. If you're eating your own cum rather than a partner's, it's doesn't change the safety of the situation for the negative. In fact, it's safer to consume your own semen, as there isn't the possibility of catching an STD from a partner. Can You Get Pregnant From Oral Sex? The short answer is no, you can't get pregnant from oral sex. For pregnancy to occur, the sperm must travel through the vagina to fertilize an egg. Since semen consumed orally would go into the stomach after being swallowed, it would never have a chance to reach the vagina, or the egg. There is, of course, an exception to most things. One bizarre case involves a girl that has a birth defect causing her to have no external reproductive organs. She didn't eat that day, performed oral sex, and swallowed the cum. Later she was stabbed, which caused the semen to leak into her reproductive organs. Due to not eating her stomach was at a safe enough Ph level for the sperm to survive. This is an absurdly rare case, where everything had to happen exactly as it did! (2) How To Make Cum Taste Better? The main ingredient in semen is water, so the most simple step you can take in trying to improve the taste of your semen is to drink more water. Next, water is made up of various forms of sugars including Fructose and Glucose. Natural sugars found in fruits are a great way to supplement these sweeteners. The next option is Bromelain. Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme mixture derived from the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. Bromelain is also taken as a supplement to improve the taste of male ejaculate ("precum" and "cum"). Regular supplementation imparts a sweet or lightly fruity flavor. This effect is well-documented anecdotally. What Does Cum Taste Like? There is no simple answer, as it depends on the person. Some common descriptions of the taste of semen include, salty, sweet, and thick. Some people note that semen has the smell of bleach, but doesn't taste like what it smells like. Acidic foods like coffee can give cum a more acidic taste. Some people say that eating more fatty meat like beef can give it a salty taste. As we stated above, eating foods with natural sugars like fruits can give semen a sweeter taste. Smoking cigarettes is known to give semen a bad, bitter taste. Can You Get An STD From Eating Cum? The ingredients that make up semen are generally considered safe. Some people have reported to have had allergic reactions to cum, but this is extremely rare. The biggest risk when swallowing semen is getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI, STD). It's possible to contract herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea from performing oral sex and eating the semen. Studies have shown it’s more difficult to get the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from oral sex but not impossible. Semen is known to carry the human papillomavirus (HPV). But HPV is undetectable in semen when tested. Some strains of this virus can cause throat cancer. If there's any question of the health of a partner, it's best to not consume their semen. ✔️ References 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29024507/ 2. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/teen-girl-vagina-pregnant-sperm-survival-oral-sex/story?id=9732562
Learn more
