Written by If you are trying to prevent yourself from drinking too much alcohol at social gatherings or even in your daily life, there are certain things you should know about how to live a life that is balanced and alcohol-free. Here are a few ways that you can keep your alcohol intake under control. READ MORE »
Posts in category Men’s Health
10 Questions to Ask a New Partner Before Having Sex …
Before hopping into bed with a new sex partner, have an open and honest conversation about your sexual histories, risks, and the last time you were tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Knowing someone’s test results isn’t enough. “Even if your partner tested negative for HIV last week, it doesn’t mean he or she isn’t HIV positive,” says Perry N. Halkitis, PhD, a psychologist specializing in HIV at New York University. “Most HIV tests can only detect the virus starting three to six months after infection—so you should ask about your partner’s sexual history for the past six months.”
Here’s what you need to find out. Of course, you probably won’t get too far down the list if you just roll out the interrogation; but these are the questions you really do need answers to, one way or another. One option: Start by sharing your history, and see what you get back.
- Are you HIV positive?
- Have you ever tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease? If so, were you treated?
- How many sex partners have you had since your last STD and HIV tests?
- Have you had any STDs in the past six months?
- If you have been diagnosed with herpes or genital warts, are you having outbreaks? Are you being treated?
- Have you been at risk for HIV in the past six months?
- Do you have any objection to using a condom?
- Are you allergic to latex?
- Are you on any form of birth control?
- Which sexual activities do you want to engage in?
Infertility
Infertility implies the failure to conceive. It is termed
Primary: when conception has never occured and
Secondary: when the patient fails to conceive after having a child.
How conception occurs.
Conception results from the fertilisation of the ovum (female gamete) by the spermatozoa or sperm (male gamete). After ejaculation the sperms migrate towards the fallopian tubes and fertilisation takes place in the fallopian tubes. The usual life span of a sperm is estimated to be about 24 hours; while the life span of ovum is estimated at 12 hours. So a coitus to be capable of fertilisation, must take place within twelve hours of ovulation (release of ovum from the ovary). That certainly explains why some married couples fail to conceive, though they are potentially fertile. The intercourse should be able to coincide with the short time after ovulation, when the ovum is viable, so that chances of fertilisation are there. And even then there are numerous factors like sperm motility, viability of sperms, etc. before fertilisation can eventually occur. READ MORE »
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is the common sexual problem which affects nearly all men at some stage in their life. The main cause can be psychological- anxiety about the possibility of ejaculation before, during or straight after penetration. Premature ejaculation often occurs during the first experiences with sex but majority gradually learn to control their orgasm.
Increasing the number of ejaculation with the help and understanding of the partner or by masturbation can be of benefit to achieve control gradually. This is brought about by using the squeeze method in which the partner gently but firmly compresses the end of the penis to halt impending ejaculation. when both partners feel ready, ejaculation can then be allowed to proceed.
Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)
Impotence is the inability to have sexual intercourse due to failure in achieving or maintaining erection. Impotence is common and most men have it once in a while or for short periods of time. It can occur at any age, but is most common in men above 65.
Impotence is treatable at any age. There are now successful treatments for this disorder which ensures that most men with the problem return to normal sexual activity.
Possible causes of Impotence
- Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, an endocrine gland disorder, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis etc.
- Problems with the structure of the penis or its surrounding tissues may prevent an erection.
- Damage to arteries, smooth muscles and fibrous tissues, often as a result of disease, surgery or injury that interfere with nerve impulses or blood flow to the penis.
- Psychological or emotional factors like stress, anxiety, grief or problems with relationships.
- *Excess consumption of alcohol or drug abuse.
- Obesity and smoking which affects blood flow and arteries.
- As a side effect of some prescription drugs like high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, cimetidine, an ulcer drug etc.
- In older men over 65 years, impotence can be caused by low levels of testosterone, a condition which can be corrected by Hormone replacement therapy.
There are various treatment for impotence depending upon the underlying cause. These may include measures to combat stress, counseling and sexual therapy to help resolve relationship problems, changes in life style, weight control, alternation in prescribed medication which causes impotence, pelvic floor exercises, use of an oral medication, a vacuum device or injection or insertion of medicine into the penis. For those men whose impotence has resulted from injury to nerves and blood vessels supplying the penis, two forms of penile implant can be inserted by means of surgical operation.
Prevention
- Keep your blood sugar in a safe range if you have diabetes.
- Quit smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid excess alcohol intake and use of drugs.
- Keep your cholesterol level low to reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- Lower stress in your life.
Priapism
Priapism is a condition in which a male develops a permanent erection. If your erection lasts for an unusual period of time and is unrelated to sexual contact, consult a physician immediately as timely can prevent permanent damage
Possible causes of Priapism are :
*Penile injection therapy for impotence
*Physical trauma to the penis or surrounding region
*Diseases which thicken the blood like leukemia or sickle-cell anemia
*Cancerous growth around the penis preventing outflow of blood
Medication, or minor surgery to remove the old blood from the penis are the most common treatment options.
Loss of Libido (sexual desire)
A reduced interest in the desire for sex is experienced by most people at some age. It becomes a problem for a man when he can not longer satisfy the sexual needs of his partner. There are very many factors, both physical and emotional which can cause a lowering in libido. Physical causes include diseases and drugs. Emotional factors can be stress, worry, grief, anxiety about satisfying their partner, fear of the consequences of sexual activities like STDs, conflicts between partners, boredom in long term relationships etc. It is important for couples in long- term relationship to work actively at their sex life. Low sexual desire in older men can be caused by a low level of the hormone androgen. Hormonal deficiency can sometimes be treated with hormone injections. Discussing problems and being prepared to enjoy intimacy on all levels can help but couple may need professional counseling if there is a danger of a break down in their relationship.
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is the common sexual problem which affects nearly all men at some stage in their life. The main cause can be psychological- anxiety about the possibility of ejaculation before, during or straight after penetration. Premature ejaculation often occurs during the first experiences with sex but majority gradually learn to control their orgasm.
Increasing the number of ejaculation with the help and understanding of the partner or by masturbation can be of benefit to achieve control gradually. This is brought about by using the squeeze method in which the partner gently but firmly compresses the end of the penis to halt impending ejaculation. when both partners feel ready, ejaculation can then be allowed to proceed.
Sperm Penetration Assay (PSA)
When Semen analysis has not found the cause for infertility, Sperm Penetration Assay may be done to determine whether a man’s sperm can penetrate an egg. Sperm are mixed with hamster eggs that have had the outer membranes removed. The number of sperm penetrations per egg (sperm capacitation index) is measured. Good SPA results combined with a favorable semen analysis indicate that the sperm is of good quality for in vitro fertilization.
This test is also done to evaluate how the sperm function when semen analysis has shown mild to moderate abnormalities; to confirm abnormal results from the postcoital test and to test sperm before doing in vitro fertilization.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is one of the first tests done to determine the cause of infertility in a man. It is also done to determine whether a vasectomy has been successful. This test measures the amount of semen and determines the number and quality of sperm.
The tests done on a sample of semen, checks the volume, liquefaction time and pH value of the semen; count, morphology and motility of the sperm; white blood cell count and sugar level of the semen.