Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is not an old man's problem, in fact far from it; Testicular cancer affects more young men between 15 and 30 than any other cancer. Like no other cancer it is very easy to detect and treat if found early enough, so why do young men and boys die from it? Well that's easy, boys are just becoming sexual aware and masturbate a lot, they think about sex and think very little about their health, a lack of education about testicular cancer and a lack of understanding of the high risk group they are in, boys tend to be boys and just think it will never happen to me, hell they just want to have fun with it, not worry about bits dropping off. Before you know it, you wake up and have a scratch and some Dr has had it away with your boys.
Now how did that happen?
Well it was easy, because guys are strange beings they think it's silly to roll there testicles around feeling for odd bumps, yet guys walk around with their hands down their pants all the time, in any 12 hour period, a guy will scratch them once an hour, adjust them twice in an hour, and play with it at least 10 minutes a day. But they can't take 1 minute a month to check for odd bumps or lumps that can lead to testicular cancer and death (though rare).
What are the symptoms?
A pea sized lump within the testicle
One testicle swelling (none painful) or painful (sign that the lump might be in the centre and not easy to feel)
An ache in the lower stomach
How do I do a self exam?
Doing a self exam once a month while in a warm bath or shower is best, roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers and feel for anything that is not normal (pea sized lump), doing a self exam each month will teach you how they should feel so you'll soon know if something is there that wasn't the month before. If you find a lump, don't panic, not all lumps are cancer, but all lumps need to be checked by your Dr.
Treatment
Almost all cases of testicular cancer end with the testicle being removed (this does not affect a man getting an erection or ability to get a woman pregnant); if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, then radiotherapy or chemotherapy would also be used.
Student.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
How to Have Anal Sex: Without Hurting Her
by Ann Andriani - All Sex Guide
I've received lots of questions over at All Sex Advice asking me how to have anal sex without hurting her. I've found that, like I was, many people are nervous and confused about anal sex. So, I decided to write a brief recollection of my experience. It happened about 8 years ago. Although I'm still having anal sex, I don't do it very often. It's something I enjoy periodically, but it's not something I HAVE to do. So every time I desire anal sex, I usually go through the same steps. So let's get on with it.Here were the steps I took before engaging in my first anal sex, anal intercourse experience. Take note that anal intercourse didn't happen within the first few sessions. It actually took a few months before my boyfriend penetrated my ass with his cock. So that's why patience is vital. Believe me; it's worth it in the end. It's also a lot of fun working up to that point.
Cleansing
Before I get involved in any type of anal play or sex really, I make sure I'm clean as a whistle. When I'm clean, I feel more confident, sexier and more ready to get myself dirty. Cleansing usually consists of emptying my bowels, or at least trying. Quite often during any kind of initial anal penetration, I feel like I have to move my bowels. I believe it's just that.a feeling. So as long as I take of business ahead of time, I know that's just a feeling and not a call to answer from nature.
After that, there's taking a shower or bath no big deal. I make sure I soap myself up down there and I usually even stick one soaped up finger in my anus real quick and I know that I'm clean. Just make sure that you rinse yourself good. Leaving soap behind can be irritating to some. That's the simplest way to clean up and get ready.
Some folks would rather give themselves an enema, which is much more involved. In fact an entire article can be written on that alone. The most important thing about enemas is to make sure you do it hours beforehand so that you're totally emptied out by the time you play. Also, follow all instructions to a tee!
Anal Play
First, my boyfriend and I engaged in a little anal play consisting of him applying latex gloves, lubing up his finger real good and rubbing his finger around my anus and holding a vibrator, the Pocket Rocket, against my anus. The first few times there was NO penetration whatsoever and I can say that all those extremely sensitive nerve endings are in and around the anus, so even if you don't experience penetration right away, which you absolutely shouldn't your first few times around, it's an extremely pleasurable experience. I found, and still do, that just holding a vibrator against my anus makes my orgasm more intense. Yummy!!!! So no penetration the first time around. We really took our time and enjoyed the process. This lasted a few weeks.
Finger Penetration
When I was comfortable with anal play, then we moved on to inserting just one finger into my anus. So my boyfriend donned those latex gloves again, lubed up those fingers and as Tristan Taormino, the anal sexpert has instructed in "The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women," once anything, a finger, a toy, a penis is inserted into the anus, all motion should be paused, letting the receiver adjust to this new sensation and then when ready, the giver can kind of start wiggling finger around a little and tapping on the walls of the rectum. This is exactly what we did and it was so exciting that it brought me to orgasm almost immediately.So much for working my way up, I was finished before I even started. Wow!!!
More Fingers
After a number of sex sessions, which was also at least a couple of weeks and it would also depend on how often you have sex and what kind of time you have for each session, I was then able to accept more fingers. We did the same thing, applied that latex glove, lubed up each finger and then slowly penetrated my ass, then wiggled and tapped the fingers. We applied more lube to my anus before each finger was inserted. You can NEVER have too much lube. Once I was comfortable with that we moved on to the next phase. Now remember, these are totally different sessions of sexual play. I really didn't move past a step in the same session, except here. Once I could take a couple of fingers, I did try an anal toy.
Toys
I tried anal beads first because they were separate little balls, but for some reason I didn't find them to be as exciting as I had hoped, so I moved on to a butt plug, like the small Pop Plug. That's what I needed! I liked the feeling of fullness in my ass from the butt plug. The Pop Plug also works really well because it's made of silicone and can be fully cleaned and disinfected after use.
The anal beads didn't work out for me because at the time, I was ready for something to be put in my ass and to stay put. The beads were popping in and out and all that activity just didn't feel good at the time, it was actually annoying.
Anyway, using lots of lube, I slowly, very slowly stuck the plug in my ass. Then my boyfriend, with clean hands, rubbed my clit and then we started having intercourse. Wow, did that feel exquisite while having vaginal intercourse! After a few more sessions, I felt I was ready for the cock.
Anal Intercourse
In order to prepare my ass for this, on the same night, I went through all these steps listed above before I allowed my partner to thrust me with his cock. We used lots of lube, he wore a condom and we took our time. By going through all these steps beforehand, there was absolutely no pain or unpleasantness, only tons of exquisite pleasure. I think that was the most intense, full body orgasm I ever had, ever! The position that I chose to have anal intercourse for the first time was 'Woman on Top.' That may sound odd to some. Many are thinking ouch too deep, too deep! Although true, it wasn't painful or unpleasant. My boyfriend sat on the bed with his back up against the headboard, he applied the condom, I drenched his cock with lube and straddled him. I, very carefully held on to his cock as I, slowly.very slowly sat down on his penis. In order to help me slide down slowly, my boyfriend assisted me by putting his hands under my ass checks so that if my legs got tired, I wouldn't come crashing down on him.
I'm not all that in shape or muscular in my legs and I didn't have a problem at all. I'm rather petite, so that was not a problem for him either. Once I got the head of his cock in, which is in all honesty the thickest part and this holds true for dildos as well, we paused. At that point I was able to slowly position myself so I could come down on my knees while straddling him and then when ready, I could easily slide down onto more of him. The most important thing here is that my boyfriend, as difficult as it was, never pumped, never lifted his body.
He just sat still and allowed me to come down on him. I rode him, that way I had FULL control over the depth and the speed of penetration. He was so excited about the experience that he climaxed rather easily. Once I was on my knees and felt comfortable, I did ride him a bit, while I did that I lubed up my hand, the one that wasn't touching his cock or was maneuvering around my anus, and rubbed my clit. The whole experience, which was probably one the most intense that I've experienced, didn't last too long because my virgin behind got WAY too excited and I reached an extremely satisfying climax. After that, it was time to slowly and gently lift myself off my boyfriend's cock because after orgasm, anal penetration just didn't feel that great any more.
Some Final Thoughts
Before I wrap things up here, I just want to ask you to please take note that we only fooled around with anal intercourse when we had TIME. If we were only having a quickie, anal penetration was not explored. Anal play was, but penetration took time and that's not something I was going to rush into. My boyfriend, wanting me to have a wonderful first experience, let me lead the way the entire time so that I would remain comfortable and excited about the journey. He enjoyed it also, seeing me experience all these new forms of pleasure and really getting off on it.
This was all a hot show and experience for him as well. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I hope something within is helpful to you and I hope that you understand that anal sex can be extremely pleasurable if done with care and patience. Remember, anal intercourse is not supposed to hurt, if it does stop all activity and take things back a step until you're comfortable. If you have to stop all anal play and resume at a later date. It doesn't have to be done in one session, in one night it shouldn't be.
I wrote this article because I wanted to stress that amount of time I took before I actually had anal intercourse and how much I enjoyed and my boyfriend enjoyed the journey there. That's what it's all about. It's not about reaching the final destination but the fun and the exploration that it takes to get there. I must thank Tristan Taormino and Nina Hartley because without using all their educational materials, I would have rather unaware of all the problem spots and difficulties that come into play when having anal sex which could have resulted in me having a bad first experience and leaving me to never want to try it again, like many people out there. So below I am highlighting those resources so that you can gain the same knowlege and have an experience that's as awesome as mine was. I always say...Get educated before you get busy...and my experiences have been very positive because of that.
I've received lots of questions over at All Sex Advice asking me how to have anal sex without hurting her. I've found that, like I was, many people are nervous and confused about anal sex. So, I decided to write a brief recollection of my experience. It happened about 8 years ago. Although I'm still having anal sex, I don't do it very often. It's something I enjoy periodically, but it's not something I HAVE to do. So every time I desire anal sex, I usually go through the same steps. So let's get on with it.Here were the steps I took before engaging in my first anal sex, anal intercourse experience. Take note that anal intercourse didn't happen within the first few sessions. It actually took a few months before my boyfriend penetrated my ass with his cock. So that's why patience is vital. Believe me; it's worth it in the end. It's also a lot of fun working up to that point.
Cleansing
Before I get involved in any type of anal play or sex really, I make sure I'm clean as a whistle. When I'm clean, I feel more confident, sexier and more ready to get myself dirty. Cleansing usually consists of emptying my bowels, or at least trying. Quite often during any kind of initial anal penetration, I feel like I have to move my bowels. I believe it's just that.a feeling. So as long as I take of business ahead of time, I know that's just a feeling and not a call to answer from nature.
After that, there's taking a shower or bath no big deal. I make sure I soap myself up down there and I usually even stick one soaped up finger in my anus real quick and I know that I'm clean. Just make sure that you rinse yourself good. Leaving soap behind can be irritating to some. That's the simplest way to clean up and get ready.
Some folks would rather give themselves an enema, which is much more involved. In fact an entire article can be written on that alone. The most important thing about enemas is to make sure you do it hours beforehand so that you're totally emptied out by the time you play. Also, follow all instructions to a tee!
Anal Play
First, my boyfriend and I engaged in a little anal play consisting of him applying latex gloves, lubing up his finger real good and rubbing his finger around my anus and holding a vibrator, the Pocket Rocket, against my anus. The first few times there was NO penetration whatsoever and I can say that all those extremely sensitive nerve endings are in and around the anus, so even if you don't experience penetration right away, which you absolutely shouldn't your first few times around, it's an extremely pleasurable experience. I found, and still do, that just holding a vibrator against my anus makes my orgasm more intense. Yummy!!!! So no penetration the first time around. We really took our time and enjoyed the process. This lasted a few weeks.
Finger Penetration
When I was comfortable with anal play, then we moved on to inserting just one finger into my anus. So my boyfriend donned those latex gloves again, lubed up those fingers and as Tristan Taormino, the anal sexpert has instructed in "The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women," once anything, a finger, a toy, a penis is inserted into the anus, all motion should be paused, letting the receiver adjust to this new sensation and then when ready, the giver can kind of start wiggling finger around a little and tapping on the walls of the rectum. This is exactly what we did and it was so exciting that it brought me to orgasm almost immediately.So much for working my way up, I was finished before I even started. Wow!!!
More Fingers
After a number of sex sessions, which was also at least a couple of weeks and it would also depend on how often you have sex and what kind of time you have for each session, I was then able to accept more fingers. We did the same thing, applied that latex glove, lubed up each finger and then slowly penetrated my ass, then wiggled and tapped the fingers. We applied more lube to my anus before each finger was inserted. You can NEVER have too much lube. Once I was comfortable with that we moved on to the next phase. Now remember, these are totally different sessions of sexual play. I really didn't move past a step in the same session, except here. Once I could take a couple of fingers, I did try an anal toy.
Toys
I tried anal beads first because they were separate little balls, but for some reason I didn't find them to be as exciting as I had hoped, so I moved on to a butt plug, like the small Pop Plug. That's what I needed! I liked the feeling of fullness in my ass from the butt plug. The Pop Plug also works really well because it's made of silicone and can be fully cleaned and disinfected after use.
The anal beads didn't work out for me because at the time, I was ready for something to be put in my ass and to stay put. The beads were popping in and out and all that activity just didn't feel good at the time, it was actually annoying.
Anyway, using lots of lube, I slowly, very slowly stuck the plug in my ass. Then my boyfriend, with clean hands, rubbed my clit and then we started having intercourse. Wow, did that feel exquisite while having vaginal intercourse! After a few more sessions, I felt I was ready for the cock.
Anal Intercourse
In order to prepare my ass for this, on the same night, I went through all these steps listed above before I allowed my partner to thrust me with his cock. We used lots of lube, he wore a condom and we took our time. By going through all these steps beforehand, there was absolutely no pain or unpleasantness, only tons of exquisite pleasure. I think that was the most intense, full body orgasm I ever had, ever! The position that I chose to have anal intercourse for the first time was 'Woman on Top.' That may sound odd to some. Many are thinking ouch too deep, too deep! Although true, it wasn't painful or unpleasant. My boyfriend sat on the bed with his back up against the headboard, he applied the condom, I drenched his cock with lube and straddled him. I, very carefully held on to his cock as I, slowly.very slowly sat down on his penis. In order to help me slide down slowly, my boyfriend assisted me by putting his hands under my ass checks so that if my legs got tired, I wouldn't come crashing down on him.
I'm not all that in shape or muscular in my legs and I didn't have a problem at all. I'm rather petite, so that was not a problem for him either. Once I got the head of his cock in, which is in all honesty the thickest part and this holds true for dildos as well, we paused. At that point I was able to slowly position myself so I could come down on my knees while straddling him and then when ready, I could easily slide down onto more of him. The most important thing here is that my boyfriend, as difficult as it was, never pumped, never lifted his body.
He just sat still and allowed me to come down on him. I rode him, that way I had FULL control over the depth and the speed of penetration. He was so excited about the experience that he climaxed rather easily. Once I was on my knees and felt comfortable, I did ride him a bit, while I did that I lubed up my hand, the one that wasn't touching his cock or was maneuvering around my anus, and rubbed my clit. The whole experience, which was probably one the most intense that I've experienced, didn't last too long because my virgin behind got WAY too excited and I reached an extremely satisfying climax. After that, it was time to slowly and gently lift myself off my boyfriend's cock because after orgasm, anal penetration just didn't feel that great any more.
Some Final Thoughts
Before I wrap things up here, I just want to ask you to please take note that we only fooled around with anal intercourse when we had TIME. If we were only having a quickie, anal penetration was not explored. Anal play was, but penetration took time and that's not something I was going to rush into. My boyfriend, wanting me to have a wonderful first experience, let me lead the way the entire time so that I would remain comfortable and excited about the journey. He enjoyed it also, seeing me experience all these new forms of pleasure and really getting off on it.
This was all a hot show and experience for him as well. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I hope something within is helpful to you and I hope that you understand that anal sex can be extremely pleasurable if done with care and patience. Remember, anal intercourse is not supposed to hurt, if it does stop all activity and take things back a step until you're comfortable. If you have to stop all anal play and resume at a later date. It doesn't have to be done in one session, in one night it shouldn't be.
I wrote this article because I wanted to stress that amount of time I took before I actually had anal intercourse and how much I enjoyed and my boyfriend enjoyed the journey there. That's what it's all about. It's not about reaching the final destination but the fun and the exploration that it takes to get there. I must thank Tristan Taormino and Nina Hartley because without using all their educational materials, I would have rather unaware of all the problem spots and difficulties that come into play when having anal sex which could have resulted in me having a bad first experience and leaving me to never want to try it again, like many people out there. So below I am highlighting those resources so that you can gain the same knowlege and have an experience that's as awesome as mine was. I always say...Get educated before you get busy...and my experiences have been very positive because of that.
Common Questions about Anal Sex
by Ann Andriani - All Sex Guide
Does anal sex hurt?
There is absolutely no reason why anal sex should be a painful or traumatic experience. It has been said that many of us carry a lot of tension in our lower bodies, making the anus an even more sensitive an area. Anal play can relieve some of this tension. If you stay in tune with your body, during this type of play, you can actually develop muscle leading to more intense orgasms. A warm bath may help to relax not only the area, but your whole being as well. If for any reason, you do begin to feel pain, restrain from inserting any further, wait a moment and slowly pull out. But if you take it slow, you should have no problem.
Is there any special cleansing I should do before having anal sex?
If you or your partner is very concerned about hygiene, a small enema can be used. It is important to only use lukewarm water because if the water is too hot or too cold it could damage the lining or cause painful cramps. Remember, if you give yourself an enema, give yourself some time to release the liquid. Some people need half an hour, others need much longer. But if you do want to give yourself an enema, make sure you know what your doing.
Does anal sex cause hemorrhoids or incontinence?
No, this is just an folk tale. Hemorrhoids are usually the result of a poor diet, constipation or diarrhea. After any kind of anal penetration, your anus will feel very wet and not as tight as normal, but it will feel normal by morning. In the morning, you shouldn’t feel any different.
Are there any techniques to make anal penetration go smoothly?
As I said before, constant communication with your partner and patience is very important. Some people find it easier to masturbate or have their partner also stimulate their genitals at the same time. There are no rules, do what feels good. Anal penetration isn’t something you do first. If you’re just beginning, engage in the foreplay you like and are comfortable with and slowly move into anal play. You’ll find it’s much easier to get into if you’re already well excited.
Does anal sex hurt?
There is absolutely no reason why anal sex should be a painful or traumatic experience. It has been said that many of us carry a lot of tension in our lower bodies, making the anus an even more sensitive an area. Anal play can relieve some of this tension. If you stay in tune with your body, during this type of play, you can actually develop muscle leading to more intense orgasms. A warm bath may help to relax not only the area, but your whole being as well. If for any reason, you do begin to feel pain, restrain from inserting any further, wait a moment and slowly pull out. But if you take it slow, you should have no problem.
Is there any special cleansing I should do before having anal sex?
If you or your partner is very concerned about hygiene, a small enema can be used. It is important to only use lukewarm water because if the water is too hot or too cold it could damage the lining or cause painful cramps. Remember, if you give yourself an enema, give yourself some time to release the liquid. Some people need half an hour, others need much longer. But if you do want to give yourself an enema, make sure you know what your doing.
Does anal sex cause hemorrhoids or incontinence?
No, this is just an folk tale. Hemorrhoids are usually the result of a poor diet, constipation or diarrhea. After any kind of anal penetration, your anus will feel very wet and not as tight as normal, but it will feel normal by morning. In the morning, you shouldn’t feel any different.
Are there any techniques to make anal penetration go smoothly?
As I said before, constant communication with your partner and patience is very important. Some people find it easier to masturbate or have their partner also stimulate their genitals at the same time. There are no rules, do what feels good. Anal penetration isn’t something you do first. If you’re just beginning, engage in the foreplay you like and are comfortable with and slowly move into anal play. You’ll find it’s much easier to get into if you’re already well excited.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Surprising Ways to Increase Your Sex Drive
By Dr MAoshing Ni
Sexual activity is nature's secret fountain of youth! Sex raises the level of life-extending substances - such as endorphins, DHEA, and growth hormone - while lowering the stress hormones that shorten your life span.
Unfortunately, a lot of people are missing out on these health benefits of sex. Take a look at your libido and find out how to live long and last long.
Nature's Viagra for MenEven before 50 years of age, hormone levels begin to decline in men, often resulting in a lower sex drive and interfering with the ability to perform.
Also, by this age, most men have developed plaque buildup in the circulatory system that decreases blood flow to the penis. These factors contribute to erectile dysfunction (E.D.), for many men the most disturbing aspect of aging.
Chinese medicine has had a long, successful history of reversing the decline in male sexual potency. My father, a celebrated doctor of Chinese medicine, created an herbal remedy for low libido called "Dragon Male Formula," which can be found in some select Whole Food stores or online at askdrmao.com.
The formula, used to promote healthy functions of the testicles, circulation, and hormonal system, is made up of deer antler velvet, ginseng root, morinda root, Chinese Senega root, and horny goat weed - effective for both male and female sexual potency. Additionally, for most men, physical fitness and activity can increase their testosterone levels and build confidence. Reduce stress, get enough sleep, and eat a diet rich in zinc, which is found in beans and legumes, Brazil nuts, brown rice, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and the richest source of it all - oyster.
Long Live the Female LibidoWomen, as aging sets in, begin to experience a prominent drop in sex drive. This is largely due to a decline in the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Other factors that diminish female desire include childbirth, the onset of menopause, stress, depression, relationship conflicts, fatigue, poor self-image, and inability to reach orgasm. To preserve and enhance the hormonal aspect of libido, I often recommend an herbal formula to my patients, called "Feminine Desire," that combines horny goat weed with the herbs dong quai, wild yam, ginseng, and the spices anise, ginger, and turmeric.
This formula promotes healthy endocrine system function, as well as stirring up vitality, energy, and natural desires. Other essential elements to restoring the libido for women are getting in touch with emotions, connected with their partner, and feeling desirable. This formula is also available in select Whole Foods stores or online at askdrmao.com.
Libido Enhancement
1. Eat for your libido! Warming and pungent, these foods can help motivate the body's fire energy: garlic, onion, scallion, leek, chives, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, anise, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and horseradish.
Deep sea and cold water fish, including halibut, salmon, sardines, and shellfish can increase libido by improving overall sexual health with their high concentrations of essential omega fatty acids.
2. Desire-enhancing remedy: Make chicken broth by boiling chicken stock with turmeric, cayenne pepper, onion, leek, chive, and ginger. Eat at least one bowl daily.
3. Rekindle with romance. In today's fast-paced world, most people have abandoned the romantic evening meals. Treat your partner to a sensual candle-lit dinner with a little wine to warm up the yang energy. (But drink moderately because too much will cause temporary impotence.) Romance can have a powerful effect on a person's emotions and can instantly arouse sexual desires.
4. Let's get physical! Physical activity has been clinically proven to improve sexual health - 30 minutes of daily walking, jogging, and other cardio exercise can be combined with tai chi or qigong for good results. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the lower pelvic muscles and help prevent prostate problems in men and incontinence in women.
I hope you find the ways to rekindle the flame! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me. May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao
Sexual activity is nature's secret fountain of youth! Sex raises the level of life-extending substances - such as endorphins, DHEA, and growth hormone - while lowering the stress hormones that shorten your life span.
Unfortunately, a lot of people are missing out on these health benefits of sex. Take a look at your libido and find out how to live long and last long.
Nature's Viagra for MenEven before 50 years of age, hormone levels begin to decline in men, often resulting in a lower sex drive and interfering with the ability to perform.
Also, by this age, most men have developed plaque buildup in the circulatory system that decreases blood flow to the penis. These factors contribute to erectile dysfunction (E.D.), for many men the most disturbing aspect of aging.
Chinese medicine has had a long, successful history of reversing the decline in male sexual potency. My father, a celebrated doctor of Chinese medicine, created an herbal remedy for low libido called "Dragon Male Formula," which can be found in some select Whole Food stores or online at askdrmao.com.
The formula, used to promote healthy functions of the testicles, circulation, and hormonal system, is made up of deer antler velvet, ginseng root, morinda root, Chinese Senega root, and horny goat weed - effective for both male and female sexual potency. Additionally, for most men, physical fitness and activity can increase their testosterone levels and build confidence. Reduce stress, get enough sleep, and eat a diet rich in zinc, which is found in beans and legumes, Brazil nuts, brown rice, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and the richest source of it all - oyster.
Long Live the Female LibidoWomen, as aging sets in, begin to experience a prominent drop in sex drive. This is largely due to a decline in the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Other factors that diminish female desire include childbirth, the onset of menopause, stress, depression, relationship conflicts, fatigue, poor self-image, and inability to reach orgasm. To preserve and enhance the hormonal aspect of libido, I often recommend an herbal formula to my patients, called "Feminine Desire," that combines horny goat weed with the herbs dong quai, wild yam, ginseng, and the spices anise, ginger, and turmeric.
This formula promotes healthy endocrine system function, as well as stirring up vitality, energy, and natural desires. Other essential elements to restoring the libido for women are getting in touch with emotions, connected with their partner, and feeling desirable. This formula is also available in select Whole Foods stores or online at askdrmao.com.
Libido Enhancement
1. Eat for your libido! Warming and pungent, these foods can help motivate the body's fire energy: garlic, onion, scallion, leek, chives, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, anise, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and horseradish.
Deep sea and cold water fish, including halibut, salmon, sardines, and shellfish can increase libido by improving overall sexual health with their high concentrations of essential omega fatty acids.
2. Desire-enhancing remedy: Make chicken broth by boiling chicken stock with turmeric, cayenne pepper, onion, leek, chive, and ginger. Eat at least one bowl daily.
3. Rekindle with romance. In today's fast-paced world, most people have abandoned the romantic evening meals. Treat your partner to a sensual candle-lit dinner with a little wine to warm up the yang energy. (But drink moderately because too much will cause temporary impotence.) Romance can have a powerful effect on a person's emotions and can instantly arouse sexual desires.
4. Let's get physical! Physical activity has been clinically proven to improve sexual health - 30 minutes of daily walking, jogging, and other cardio exercise can be combined with tai chi or qigong for good results. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the lower pelvic muscles and help prevent prostate problems in men and incontinence in women.
I hope you find the ways to rekindle the flame! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me. May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
How to Increase Penis Size with Penis Exercises
Ancient records tell us that exercises were used as a means of penis enlargement thousands of years ago. However, only recently serious medical studies and clinical trials proved that penis exercises can indeed increase penis length and girth. Moreover, the same studies found out that the increase in penis size is not the only benefit of penis exercises.
Some of the benefits of these exercises (also called male enhancement exercises) are increasing your ability to maintain harder and longer erections (making you able to last longer in bed), increasing the amount of semen you produce when ejaculate, improving your overall sexual control and performance, and, of course, making your penis larger. All of these effects can greatly improve your life: just imagine how confident you would be if you knew that your penis is longer than average and your can last enough time in bed to make your partner happy. This is possible to achieve if you follow to the penis exercise program.
How penis exercises work? The specific mechanism depends on the exercise in question but basically what makes exercises effective is the ability of our organisms to adapt to environment. For example, when a bodybuilder lifts weights, his or her body tries to adapt to the weights growing stronger muscles.
The following is an explanation how different penis exercises work:
* Jelqing.
Jelqing is probably the most ancient male enhancement technique (it was used by nomadic Arabian tribes.) It involves movements similar to "milking" your penis to increase the amount of blood, which fills Corpora Covernosa (the part of your penis that is filled with blood and enlarged during erections) thus making your penis visibly larger. The important fact is that jelqing, if performed regularly, can permanently increase the size of Corpora Covernosa and thus your penis size (both length and girth).
* Penis Stretching.
There are several types of penis stretching exercises but their basic principle is the same: stretching the tissues of your penis. Stretching makes cells composing your penis grow increasing the length and girth (lesser effect) of your penis.
* Kegel Exercises.
These exercises are not targeted at the penis itself but rather at the pubococcygeus muscle, which is used to delay erections. Thus, if you train this muscle, you will be able to prolong your erections.
Some of the benefits of these exercises (also called male enhancement exercises) are increasing your ability to maintain harder and longer erections (making you able to last longer in bed), increasing the amount of semen you produce when ejaculate, improving your overall sexual control and performance, and, of course, making your penis larger. All of these effects can greatly improve your life: just imagine how confident you would be if you knew that your penis is longer than average and your can last enough time in bed to make your partner happy. This is possible to achieve if you follow to the penis exercise program.
How penis exercises work? The specific mechanism depends on the exercise in question but basically what makes exercises effective is the ability of our organisms to adapt to environment. For example, when a bodybuilder lifts weights, his or her body tries to adapt to the weights growing stronger muscles.
The following is an explanation how different penis exercises work:
* Jelqing.
Jelqing is probably the most ancient male enhancement technique (it was used by nomadic Arabian tribes.) It involves movements similar to "milking" your penis to increase the amount of blood, which fills Corpora Covernosa (the part of your penis that is filled with blood and enlarged during erections) thus making your penis visibly larger. The important fact is that jelqing, if performed regularly, can permanently increase the size of Corpora Covernosa and thus your penis size (both length and girth).
* Penis Stretching.
There are several types of penis stretching exercises but their basic principle is the same: stretching the tissues of your penis. Stretching makes cells composing your penis grow increasing the length and girth (lesser effect) of your penis.
* Kegel Exercises.
These exercises are not targeted at the penis itself but rather at the pubococcygeus muscle, which is used to delay erections. Thus, if you train this muscle, you will be able to prolong your erections.
Cunnilingus: Lesbian Oral Sex
Spend some time and get your lover excited before making the plunge. Tease her whole body before you head south. When having oral sex with your lover, it's not all about her clitoris. Let your mouth and tongue explore her whole labia, clitoris and vagina.
Slowly lick up her thighs and kiss her vulva. Spread her legs and open her lips with your fingers. Take a look. Tell her how beautiful she looks.
Use your tongue. Your whole tongue. Flatten it out. Use just the tip. Lick her like an ice cream cone. Flick it like a butterfly wings. Use gentle strokes. As her excitement builds, add more pressure.
Focus more on the area around her clit.
How to tell if she likes itWith your head smashed between her thighs, it may be hard to see what her response is. Feel for the clues. If she raises her hips to meet your lips, that is good. If her vagina gets wet and her vulva swells, she's getting aroused. If she starts moaning and trembling, keep doing what you're doing. Rapid breathing and writhing around are good things. If she grabs your hair and pushes you in for more, things are definitely going well.
Take her clitoris in your mouth. Suck gently. Release. Gentle flicking can send her over the edge.
Use your hands. Place your hands under her butt and gently lift her towards your mouth. Reach up and stroke her nipples. Put a finger in her vagina or her anus. [Note: DO NOT go from her anus to her vagina--you can spread unwanted bacteria.]
Rhythm is the key. Tune in to her responses. All women are different. Have her tell you what she likes and wants more of. Some women love having their clits stroked, others are too sensitive. What turned her on one day, may not work the next. Some love a finger or two or three inside them, others do not. Some women love the feel of a finger in their anus, others jump to the ceiling with a screech.
Communication is necessary for great sex. If you're न्यू to, or even if you're not, talk तो this your partner. See what worked, what you might do differently and have fun perfecting your skills!
Slowly lick up her thighs and kiss her vulva. Spread her legs and open her lips with your fingers. Take a look. Tell her how beautiful she looks.
Use your tongue. Your whole tongue. Flatten it out. Use just the tip. Lick her like an ice cream cone. Flick it like a butterfly wings. Use gentle strokes. As her excitement builds, add more pressure.
Focus more on the area around her clit.How to tell if she likes itWith your head smashed between her thighs, it may be hard to see what her response is. Feel for the clues. If she raises her hips to meet your lips, that is good. If her vagina gets wet and her vulva swells, she's getting aroused. If she starts moaning and trembling, keep doing what you're doing. Rapid breathing and writhing around are good things. If she grabs your hair and pushes you in for more, things are definitely going well.
Take her clitoris in your mouth. Suck gently. Release. Gentle flicking can send her over the edge.
Use your hands. Place your hands under her butt and gently lift her towards your mouth. Reach up and stroke her nipples. Put a finger in her vagina or her anus. [Note: DO NOT go from her anus to her vagina--you can spread unwanted bacteria.]
Rhythm is the key. Tune in to her responses. All women are different. Have her tell you what she likes and wants more of. Some women love having their clits stroked, others are too sensitive. What turned her on one day, may not work the next. Some love a finger or two or three inside them, others do not. Some women love the feel of a finger in their anus, others jump to the ceiling with a screech.
Communication is necessary for great sex. If you're न्यू to, or even if you're not, talk तो this your partner. See what worked, what you might do differently and have fun perfecting your skills!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
THE UNDESCENDED TESTICLE
What is an undescended testicle?
The testicle (testis) is responsible for the production of male hormone and also sperm. Before the child is born the testicle migrates down from high in the abdomen and passes through abdominal wall and groin to take its normal position in the scrotum. Undescended testicles are quite common. They may be present in 4% of boys at birth, and there is an even higher incidence in premature infants. Three-fourths of undescended testicles will descend within the first three months of life.
When a testicle is not in the normal scrotal location several possibilities exist:
There may never have been a testicle (congenital absence).
The testicle may have atrophied (withered away) before birth due to torsion (twist) or blockage of the testicular blood vessels.
The testicle may have descended incompletely and may lie within the inguinal canal (just above the scrotum).
The testicle may have not descended properly, but remains within the abdominal cavity.
In some children the testes may be found in the groin, but can be brought down into the scrotum during examination. These 'retractile' testicles also will be seen to descend when the child is in the bathtub. Retractile testicles are due to hyperactive muscles that temporarily pull the testicle into the groin. However, retractile testicles are not believed to injure the testicles and require no treatment.
Why should an undescended testicle be treated?
In humans, the scrotal location of the testicles keeps them cooler than the core body temperature. This lower temperature is important for the development of the testicle as well as for production of normal sperm. Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of infertility in men with a history of undescended testicles. Relocating the testicle into the scrotum may decrease the risk of fertility problems, particularly if done at an early age.
The testicle (testis) is responsible for the production of male hormone and also sperm. Before the child is born the testicle migrates down from high in the abdomen and passes through abdominal wall and groin to take its normal position in the scrotum. Undescended testicles are quite common. They may be present in 4% of boys at birth, and there is an even higher incidence in premature infants. Three-fourths of undescended testicles will descend within the first three months of life.
When a testicle is not in the normal scrotal location several possibilities exist:
There may never have been a testicle (congenital absence).
The testicle may have atrophied (withered away) before birth due to torsion (twist) or blockage of the testicular blood vessels.
The testicle may have descended incompletely and may lie within the inguinal canal (just above the scrotum).
The testicle may have not descended properly, but remains within the abdominal cavity.
In some children the testes may be found in the groin, but can be brought down into the scrotum during examination. These 'retractile' testicles also will be seen to descend when the child is in the bathtub. Retractile testicles are due to hyperactive muscles that temporarily pull the testicle into the groin. However, retractile testicles are not believed to injure the testicles and require no treatment.
Why should an undescended testicle be treated?
In humans, the scrotal location of the testicles keeps them cooler than the core body temperature. This lower temperature is important for the development of the testicle as well as for production of normal sperm. Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of infertility in men with a history of undescended testicles. Relocating the testicle into the scrotum may decrease the risk of fertility problems, particularly if done at an early age.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Masturbation
Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation, especially of one's own genitals (self masturbation), often to the point of orgasm.[1] The stimulation can be performed manually, by other types of bodily contact (short of sexual intercourse), by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods.
Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism, and the two words are often used as synonyms, although masturbation with a partner (mutual masturbation) is also common. Animal masturbation has been observed in many species, both in the wild and in captivity.
Etymology
The word masturbation is believed to derive from either the Greek word mezea "penises") or the Latin manus ("hand") and the Latin turbare ("to disturb").
A competing etymology based on the Latin manu stuprare ("to defile with the hand") is said by the Oxford English Dictionary to be an "old conjecture".
Techniques
Ways of masturbating common to members of both sexes include pressing or rubbing the genital area, either with the fingers or against an object such as a pillow; inserting fingers or an object into the anus (see anal masturbation); and stimulating the penis or vulva with electric vibrators, which may also be inserted into the vagina or anus. Members of both sexes may also enjoy touching, rubbing, or pinching the nipples or other erogenous zones while masturbating. Both sexes sometimes apply lubricating substances to intensify sensation.
Reading or viewing pornography, or sexual fantasy, are often common adjuncts to masturbation. Often people will call upon memories during masturbation. Masturbation activities are often ritualised. Various fetishes and paraphilias can also play a part in the masturbation ritual. Some potentially harmful or fatal activities include autoerotic asphyxiation and self-bondage.
Some people get sexual pleasure by inserting objects into the urethra (the tube through which urine and, in men, semen, flows).
If these objects are urethral sounds, the practice is known as "sounding".
Other objects such as ball point pens and thermometers are sometimes used, although this practice can lead to injury and/or infection. Some people masturbate by using machines that simulate intercourse.
Men and women may masturbate until they are close to orgasm, stop for a while to reduce excitement, and then resume masturbating. They may repeat this cycle multiple times. This "stop and go" build-up can achieve even stronger orgasms.
Rarely, people quit stimulation just before orgasm to retain the heightened energy that normally comes down after orgasm. Doing this could lead to temporary discomfort due to pelvic congestion.
Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich in his 1922 essay Concerning Specific Forms of Masturbation tried to identify healthy and unhealthy forms of masturbation. He tried to relate the way people masturbated to their degree of inclination towards the opposite sex and to their psycho-sexual pathologies.
Female
A woman masturbating.
Female masturbation techniques include a woman stroking or rubbing her vulva, especially her clitoris, with her index and/or middle fingers. Sometimes one or more fingers may be inserted into the vagina to repeatedly stroke its frontal wall where the g-spot is located.
Masturbation aids such as a vibrator, dildo or Ben Wa balls can also be used to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Many women caress their breasts or stimulate a nipple with the free hand, if these are receptive areas for sexual stimulation. Anal stimulation is also enjoyed by some. Lubrication is sometimes used during masturbation, especially when penetration is involved, but this is not universal and many women find their natural lubrication sufficient.
Common positions include lying on back or face down, sitting, squatting, kneeling or standing. In a bath or shower a female may direct tap water at her clitoris and vulva. Lying face down one may use the hands, one may straddle a pillow, the corner or edge of the bed, a partner's leg or some scrunched-up clothing and "hump" the vulva and clitoris against it. Standing up a chair, the corner of an item of furniture or even a washing machine can be used to stimulate the clitoris through the labia and clothing. Some masturbate using only pressure applied to the clitoris without direct contact, for example by pressing the palm or ball of the hand against underwear or other clothing.
In the 1920s, Havelock Ellis reported that turn-of-the-century seamstresses using treadle-operated sewing machines could achieve orgasm by sitting near the edge of their chairs.
Women can sexually stimulate themselves by crossing their legs tightly and clenching the muscles in their legs, creating pressure on the genitals. This can potentially be done in public without observers noticing. Thoughts, fantasies, and memories of previous instances of arousal and orgasm can produce sexual excitation. Some women can orgasm spontaneously by force of will alone, although this may not strictly qualify as masturbation as no physical stimulus is involved.
Sex therapists will sometimes recommend that female patients take time to masturbate to orgasm, especially if they have not done so before.
An uncircumcised man masturbating, with the foreskin slid up and down over the glans head
Male masturbation techniques are influenced by a number of factors and personal preferences. Techniques may also differ between circumcised and uncircumcised males. Some techniques which may work for one individual can be difficult or uncomfortable for another person.
The most common male masturbation technique is simply to hold the penis with a loose fist and then to move the hand up and down the shaft. This type of stimulation is typically all that is required to achieve orgasm and ejaculation. The speed of the hand motion will vary from person to person, although it is not uncommon for the speed to increase as ejaculation nears and for it to decrease during the ejaculation itself.
When uncircumcised, stimulation of the penis in this way comes from the "pumping" of the foreskin, in which the foreskin is held and slid up and down over the glans head, which depending on foreskin length, is completely or partly covered, and then uncovered, in a rapid motion. During this time, the glans itself may widen and lengthen as the stimulation continues, becoming purplish in colour, while the rapid sliding motion of the foreskin over the glans reduces friction. For circumcised males, on whom the glans is mostly or completely uncovered, this technique creates more direct contact between the hand and the glans. To avoid soreness from this resulting friction, some males prefer to use a personal lubricant during masturbation.
Another technique used by both circumcised and uincircumcised males is to place just the index finger and thumb around the penis about halfway along the penis and repeatedly slide the shaft skin up and down. A variation on this is to place the fingers and thumb on the penis as if playing a flute, and then shuttle them back and forth.
Another common technique is to lie face down on a comfortable surface such as a mattress or pillow and rub the penis against it. This technique may include the use of a simulacrum, or artificial vagina.
Auto-fellatio.
There are many other variations on male masturbation techniques. Men may also rub or massage the glans, the rim of the glans, and the frenular delta. Some men place both hands directly on their penis during masturbation, while others use their free hand to fondle their testicles, nipples, or other parts of their body. Some may keep their hand stationary while pumping into it with pelvic thrusts in order to simulate the motions of sexual intercourse. Others may also use vibrators and other sexual devices more commonly associated with female masturbation. A few extremely flexible males can reach and stimulate their penis with their tongue or lips, and so perform autofellatio.
The prostate gland is one of the organs that contributes fluid to semen. As the prostate is touch-sensitive, some directly stimulate it using a well-lubricated finger or dildo inserted through the anus into the rectum. Stimulating the prostate from outside, via pressure on the perineum, can be pleasurable as well. Some men also enjoy anal stimulation, with fingers or otherwise, without any prostate stimulation.
A somewhat controversial ejaculation control technique is to put pressure on the perineum, about halfway between the scrotum and the anus, just before ejaculating. This can, however, redirect semen into the bladder (referred to as retrograde ejaculation).
Mutual masturbation
Mutual masturbation is a sexual act where two or more people stimulate themselves or one another sexually, usually with the hands.
It can be part of a full repertoire of sexual intercourse. It may be used as an interlude, foreplay, or as an alternative to penetration. For some people, non-penetrative sex or frottage is the primary sexual activity of choice above all others. Participants who do not want full sexual intercourse thus still enjoy mutual masturbation.
Mutual masturbation is practiced by people of all sexual orientations. When used as an alternative to penile-vaginal penetration, the goal may be to preserve virginity or to prevent pregnancy. Some people choose it as an alternative to casual sex because it results in sexual satisfaction without actual sex. For some people, masturbating with friends helps lift the stigma they feel surrounding the act. This helps them develop their orgasm, increase its pleasure, and inspires them to masturbate on a more frequent basis.
Frequency, age, and sex
Frequency of masturbation is determined by many factors, e.g., one's resistance to sexual tension, hormone levels influencing sexual arousal, sexual habits, peer influences, health and one's attitude to masturbation formed by culture; E. Heiby and J. Becker examined the latter.Medical causes have also been associated with masturbation.
Different studies have found that masturbation is frequent in humans. Alfred Kinsey's 1950's studies on US population have shown that 92% of men and 62% of women have masturbated during their lifespan.
Similar results have been found in a 2007 British national probability survey. It was found that, between individuals aged 16 to 44, 95% of men and 71% of women masturbated at some point in their lives. 73% of men and 37% of women reported masturbating in the four weeks before their interview, while 53% of men and 18% of women reported masturbating in the previous seven days.
In 2009, the U.K. Government joined Holland and other European nations in encouraging teens to masturbate at least daily. An orgasm was defined as a right in its health pamphlet. This was done in response to data and experience from the other EU member states to reduce teen pregnancy and STIs (STDs), and to promote healthy habits.
In the book Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America, by Strong, Devault and Sayad, the authors point out, "A baby boy may laugh in his crib while playing with his erect penis (although he does not ejaculate). Baby girls sometimes move their bodies rhythmically, almost violently, appearing to experience orgasm." Italian gynecologists Giorgio Giorgi and Marco Siccardi observed via ultrasound a female fetus masturbate to orgasm.
It appears that females are less likely to masturbate while in an active heterosexual relationship than men. Popular belief asserts that individuals of either sex who are not in sexually active relationships tend to masturbate more frequently than those who are; however, much of the time this is not true as masturbation alone or with a partner is often a feature of a relationship. Contrary to conventional wisdom, several studies actually reveal a positive correlation between the frequency of masturbation and the frequency of intercourse. One study reported a significantly higher rate of masturbation in gay men and women who were in a relationship.
Evolutionary utility
Masturbation may increase fertility during intercourse. A 2009 Australian study found daily ejaculation to be an important factor in sperm health and motility.
Female masturbation alters conditions in the vagina, cervix and uterus, in ways that can alter the chances of conception from intercourse, depending on the timing of the masturbation. A woman's orgasm between one minute before and up to 45 minutes after insemination favors the chances of that sperm reaching her egg. If, for example, she has had intercourse with more than one male, such an orgasm can increase the likelihood of a pregnancy by one of them.
Female masturbation can also provide protection against cervical infections by increasing the acidity of the cervical mucus and by moving debris out of the cervix
In males, masturbation flushes out old sperm with low motility from the male's genital tract. The next ejaculate then contains more fresh sperm, which have higher chances of achieving conception during intercourse. If more than one male has intercourse with a female, the sperm with the highest motility will compete more effectively.
Health and psychological effects
Benefits
It is held in many mental health circles that masturbation can relieve depression and lead to a higher sense of self-esteem.
Masturbation can also be particularly useful in relationships where one partner wants more sex than the other – in which case masturbation provides a balancing effect and thus a more harmonious relationship.
Mutual masturbation, the act by which two or more partners stimulate themselves in the presence of each other, allows a couple to reveal the "map to [their] pleasure centers". By watching a partner masturbate, one finds out the methods they use to please him- or herself, allowing each partner to learn exactly how the other enjoys being touched. Intercourse, by itself, is often inconvenient or impractical at times to provide sufficient sexual release for many people. Mutual masturbation allows couples to enjoy each other and obtain sexual release as often as they need but without the inconveniences and risks associated with sex.
In 2003, an Australian research team led by Graham Giles of The Cancer Council Australia found that males masturbating frequently had a lower probability to develop prostate cancer. Men who averaged five or more ejaculations weekly in their 20s had significantly lower risk. However they could not show a direct causation. The study also indicated that increased ejaculation through masturbation rather than intercourse would be more helpful as intercourse is associated with diseases (STDs) that may increase the risk of cancer instead. However, this benefit may be age related. A 2008 study concluded that frequent ejaculation between the ages of 20 and 40, may be correlated with higher risk of developing prostate cancer. On the other hand, frequent ejaculation in one's 50s was found to be correlated with a lower such risk in this same study.
A study published in 1997 found an inverse association between death from coronary heart disease and frequency of orgasm even given the risk that myocardial ischaemia and myocardial infarction can be triggered by sexual activity.
The association between frequency of orgasm and all cause mortality was also examined using the midpoint of each response category recorded as number of orgasms per year. The age adjusted odds ratio for an increase of 100 orgasms per year was 0.64 (0.44 to 0.95).
That is, a difference in mortality appeared between any two subjects when one subject ejaculated at around two times per week more than the other. Assuming a broad range average of between 3 to 5 ejaculations per week for healthy males, this would mean 5 to 7 ejaculations per week. This is consistent with a 2003 Australia article on the benefits against prostate cancer. The strength of these correlations increased with increasing frequency of ejaculation.
A 2008 study at Tabriz Medical University found ejaculation reduces swollen nasal blood vessels, freeing the airway for normal breathing. The mechanism is through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and is long lasting. The study author suggests "It can be done [from] time-to-time to alleviate the congestion and the patient can adjust the number of intercourses or masturbations depending on the severity of the symptoms."
Masturbation is also seen as a sexual technique that protects individuals from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Support for such a view, and for making it part of the American sex education curriculum, led to the dismissal of US Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders during the Clinton administration. E.U. Nations include masturbation in their sex education and promote the practice. (see above)
Sexual climax, from masturbation or otherwise, leaves one in a relaxed and contented state. This is frequently followed closely by drowsiness and sleep – particularly when one masturbates in bed.
Some professionals consider masturbation to function as a cardiovascular workout. Though research is still as yet scant, those suffering from cardiovascular disorders (particularly those recovering from myocardial infarction, or heart attacks) should resume physical activity (including sexual intercourse and masturbation) gradually and with the frequency and rigor which their physical status will allow. This limitation can serve as encouragement to follow through with physical therapy sessions to help improve endurance.
Blood pressure
Both sex and masturbation lower blood pressure. A small study has shown that in one test group, recent full intercourse resulted in the lowest average blood pressure in stressful situations. Masturbation then led to lower blood pressure than did no recent sexual activity.
Pregnancy
Masturbation involving both a man and a woman (see mutual masturbation) can result in pregnancy only if semen contacts the vulva. Masturbation with a partner can also theoretically result in transmission of sexually transmitted diseases by contact with bodily fluids.
Male masturbation may be used as a method to obtain semen for third party reproductive procedures such as artificial insemination and IVF which may involve the use of either partner or donor sperm.
At a sperm bank or fertility clinic, a special room or cabin may be set aside so that semen may be produced by male masturbation for use in fertility treatments such as artificial insemination. Such a facility is known as a masturbatorium (US) or men's production room (UK). A bed or couch is usually provided for the man, and pornographic films or other material may be made available.
Problems for males
A man whose penis has suffered a blunt trauma, severe bend or other injury during intercourse or masturbation may, rarely, sustain a penile fracture[45][46][47] or suffer from Peyronie's disease.[48] Phimosis is "a contracted foreskin (that) may cause trouble by hurting when an attempt is made to pull the foreskin back". In these cases, any energetic manipulation of the penis can be problematic.
Compulsive masturbation
See also: Hypersexuality and Sexual addiction
Compulsive masturbation, like all other compulsive behaviors, is a sign of an emotional problem and needs to be addressed by a mental health specialist. In either case, as with any "nervous habit", it is more helpful to consider the causes of that compulsive behavior, rather than try to repress the masturbation.
There is no scientific evidence of any causative relationship between masturbation and any form of mental disorder, excessive or compulsive levels of sexual behavior is generally understood to be a symptom rather than a cause.
There is some discussion between professionals and other interested parties as to the existence of, and validity of the concept of, sexual addiction. Compulsive masturbation is regarded as one of the symptoms of sexual addiction by the proponents of that concept.
In history and society
Masturbation was depicted in 19th century Shunga prints, such as this piece by Kunisada.
A satyr masturbating. Greek krater from 6th century BC
There are depictions of male masturbation in prehistoric rock paintings around the world. Most early people seem to have connected human sexuality with abundance in nature. A clay figurine of the 4th millennium BC from a temple site on the island of Malta, depicts a woman masturbating. However, in the ancient world depictions of male masturbation are far more common.
From the earliest records, ancient Sumer had a relaxed attitude toward sex, and masturbation was a popular technique for enhancing potency, either alone or with a partner.
Male masturbation became an even more important image in ancient Egypt: when performed by a god it could be considered a creative or magical act: the god Atum was believed to have created the universe by masturbating to ejaculation, and the ebb and flow of the Nile was attributed to the frequency of his ejaculations. Egyptian pharaohs, in response to this, were at one time required to masturbate ceremonially into the Nile.
The ancient Greeks had a more relaxed attitude toward masturbation than the Egyptians did, regarding the act as a normal and healthy substitute for other forms of sexual pleasure. They considered it a safety valve against destructive sexual frustration. The Greeks also dealt with female masturbation in both their art and writings. One common term used for it was anaphlan, which roughly translates as "up-fire".
Diogenes, speaking in jest, credited the god Hermes with its invention: he allegedly took pity on his son Pan, who was pining for Echo but unable to seduce her, and taught him the trick of masturbation in order to relieve his suffering. Pan in his turn taught the habit to young shepherds.
As late as the seventeenth century in Europe the practice was commonly employed by nannies to put their young male charges to sleep. That tolerance was soon to change. The first use of the word "onanism" to consistently and specifically refer to masturbation appears to be Onania, an anonymous pamphlet first distributed in London in 1716. It drew on familiar themes of sin and vice, this time in particular against the "heinous sin" of "self-pollution". After dire warnings that those who so indulged would suffer impotence, gonorrhea, epilepsy and a wasting of the faculties (included were letters and testimonials supposedly from young men ill and dying from the effects of compulsive masturbation) the pamphlet then goes on to recommend as an effective remedy a "Strengthening Tincture" at 10 shillings a bottle and a "Prolific Powder" at 12 shillings a bag, available from a local shop.
One of the many horrified by the descriptions of malady in Onania was the notable Swiss physician Samuel-Auguste Tissot. In 1760, he published L'Onanisme, his own comprehensive medical treatise on the purported ill-effects of masturbation. Citing case studies of young male masturbators amongst his patients in Lausanne, Switzerland as basis for his reasoning, Tissot argued that semen was an "essential oil" and "stimulus" that, when lost from the body in great amounts, would cause "a perceptible reduction of strength, of memory and even of reason; blurred vision, all the nervous disorders, all types of gout and rheumatism, weakening of the organs of generation, blood in the urine, disturbance of the appetite, headaches and a great number of other disorders."
Though Tissot's ideas are now considered conjectural at best, his treatise was presented as a scholarly, scientific work in a time when experimental physiology was practically nonexistent. The authority with which the work was subsequently treated – Tissot's arguments were even acknowledged and echoed by luminaries such as Kant and Voltaire – arguably turned the perception of masturbation in Western medicine over the next two centuries into that of a debilitating illness.
This continued well into the Victorian Era, where such medical censure of masturbation was in line with the widespread social conservatism and opposition to open sexual behavior common at the time. There were recommendations to have boys' pants constructed so that the genitals could not be touched through the pockets, for schoolchildren to be seated at special desks to prevent their crossing their legs in class and for girls to be forbidden from riding horses and bicycles because the sensations these activities produce were considered too similar to masturbation. Boys and young men who nevertheless continued to indulge in the practice were branded as "weak-minded." Many "remedies" were devised, including eating a bland, meatless diet. This approach was promoted by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (inventor of corn flakes) and Rev. Sylvester Graham (inventor of Graham crackers). The medical literature of the times describes procedures for electric shock treatment, infibulation, restraining devices like chastity belts and straitjackets, cauterization or – as a last resort – wholesale surgical excision of the genitals. Routine neonatal circumcision was widely adopted in the United States and the UK at least partly because of its believed preventive effect against masturbation (see also History of male circumcision). In later decades, the more drastic of these measures were increasingly replaced with psychological techniques, such as warnings that masturbation led to blindness, hairy hands or stunted growth. Some of these persist as myths even today.
At the same time, the supposed medical condition of hysteria—from the Greek hystera or uterus—was being treated by what would now be described as medically administered or medically prescribed masturbation for women. Techniques included use of the earliest vibrators and rubbing the genitals with placebo creams.
Medical attitudes toward masturbation began to change at the beginning of the 20th century when H. Havelock Ellis, in his seminal 1897 work Studies in the Psychology of Sex, questioned Tissot's premises, cheerfully named famous men of the era who masturbated and then set out to disprove (with the work of more recent physicians) each of the claimed diseases of which masturbation was purportedly the cause. "We reach the conclusion", he wrote, "that in the case of moderate masturbation in healthy, well-born individuals, no seriously pernicious results necessarily follow."
Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of The Scout Association, incorporated a passage in the 1914 edition of Scouting for Boys warning against the dangers of masturbation. This passage stated that the individual should run away from the temptation by performing physical activity which was supposed to tire the individual so that masturbation could not be performed. By 1930, however, Dr. F. W. W. Griffin, editor of The Scouter, had written in a book for Rover Scouts that the temptation to masturbate was "a quite natural stage of development" and, citing Ellis' work, held that "the effort to achieve complete abstinence was a very serious error."
The works of Sexologist Alfred Kinsey during the 1940s and 1950s insisted that masturbation was an instinctive behavior for both males and females, citing the results of Gallup Poll surveys indicating how common it was in the United States. Some critics of this theory held that his research was biased and that the Gallup Poll method was redundant for defining "natural behavior".
In 1994, when the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Joycelyn Elders, mentioned as an aside that it should be mentioned in school curricula that masturbation was safe and healthy, she was forced to resign, with opponents asserting that she was promoting the teaching of how to masturbate. Many believe this was the result of her long history of promoting controversial viewpoints and not due solely to her public mention of masturbation.
Religious views
Religions vary broadly in their views of masturbation, from considering it completely impermissible to encouraging and refining it (see, for example Neotantra and Taoist sexual practices).
Philosophical arguments
Immanuel Kant regarded masturbation as a violation of the moral law. In the Metaphysics of Morals (1797) he made the a posteriori argument that 'such an unnatural use of one's sexual attributes' strikes 'everyone upon his thinking of it' as 'a violation of one's duty to himself', and suggested that it was regarded as immoral even to give it its proper name (unlike the case of the similarly undutiful act of suicide). He went on, however, to acknowledge that 'it is not so easy to produce a rational demonstration of the inadmissibility of that unnatural use', but ultimately concluded that its immorality lay in the fact that 'a man gives up his personality … when he uses himself merely as a means for the gratification of an animal drive'.
Subsequent critics of masturbation tended to argue against it on more physiological grounds, however.
Law
The legal status of masturbation throughout history has varied from virtually unlimited acceptance to complete illegality. In a 17th century law code for the Puritan colony of New Haven, Connecticut "blasphemers, homosexuals and masturbators" were eligible for the death penalty.
Masturbate-a-thon
Masturbation is becoming accepted as a healthy practice and safe method for sharing pleasure without some of the dangers that can accompany intercourse. It is socially accepted and even celebrated in certain circles. Group masturbation events can be easily found online. Masturbation marathons are events that are occurring across the globe. These events provide a supportive, encouraging environment where masturbation can be performed openly among young and old without embarrassment. Participants talk openly with onlookers while masturbating to share techniques and describe the pleasure and benefits.[70][71] Masturbate-a-thons are often charity events that are "intended to encourage people to explore safer sex, talk about masturbation and lift the taboos that still surround the subject."[72] May is considered "Masturbation Month" by sex-positive organizations and activists, including Betty Dodson, Joani Blank, Susan Block, and Carol Queen.
Encouraged masturbation
In the UK in 2009, a leaflet has been issued by the NHS in Sheffield carrying the slogan, "an orgasm a day keeps the doctor away". It also says: "Health promotion experts advocate five portions of fruit and veg a day and 30 minutes' physical activity three times a week. What about sex or masturbation twice a week?" This leaflet has been circulated to parents, teachers and youth workers and is meant to update sex education by telling older school students about the benefits of enjoyable sex. Its authors have said that for too long, experts have concentrated on the need for "safe sex" and committed relationships while ignoring the principal reason that many people have sex. The leaflet is entitled Pleasure. Instead of promoting teenage sex, it could encourage young people to delay losing their virginity until they are certain they will enjoy the experience, said one of its authors.
The Spanish region of Extremadura launched a programme in 2009 to encourage in young people, aged between 14 and 17, "sexual self-exploration and the discovery of self-pleasure". The €14,000 campaign includes leaflets, flyers, a "fanzine", and workshops for the young in which they receive instruction on masturbation techniques along with advice on contraception and self-respect. The initiative, whose slogan is, "Pleasure is in your own hands" has angered local right-wing politicians and challenged traditional Roman Catholic views. Officials from the neighbouring region of Andalucia have expressed an interest in copying the programme.
Among some cultures, such as the Hopi in Arizona, the Wogeno in Oceania, and the Dahomeans and Namu of Africa, masturbation is encouraged, including regular masturbation between males. In certain Melanesian communities this is expected between older and younger boys. One interesting twist is the Sambia tribe of New Guinea. This tribe has rituals and rites of passage surrounding manhood which lasts several years and involves ejaculation through fellatio often several times a day. Semen is valued and masturbation is seen as a waste of semen and is therefore frowned upon even though frequent ejaculation is encouraged. The capacity and need to ejaculate is developed or nurtured for years from an early age but through fellatio so that it can be consumed rather than wasted. Semen is ingested for strength and is considered in the same line as mothers' milk.
Rites of passage
Other cultures have rites of passage into manhood that culminate in the first ejaculation of a male, usually by the hands of a tribal elder. In some tribes such as the Agta, Philippines, stimulation of the genitals is encouraged from an early age.[77] Upon puberty, the young male is then paired off with a "wise elder" or "witch doctor" who uses masturbation to build his ability to ejaculate in preparation for a ceremony. The ceremony culminates in a public ejaculation before a celebration. The ejaculate is saved in a wad of animal skin and worn later to help conceive children. In this and other tribes, the measure of manhood is actually associated more with the amount of ejaculate and his need than penis size. Frequent ejaculation through masturbation from an early age fosters frequent ejaculation well into adulthood.
Euphemisms
While "masturbation" is the medical term for this practice, many other terms and expressions are in common use. In the vernacular, terms such as "pleasuring oneself", "wanking" and "jerking off" are common. A large variety of other euphemisms and dysphemisms exist which describe masturbation. For a list of terms, see the entry for masturbate in Wikisaurus.
In popular culture
Paintings and drawings
There are depictions of male masturbation in prehistoric rock paintings around the world. Most early people seem to have connected human sexuality with abundance in nature. A clay figurine of the 4th millennium BC from a temple site on the island of Malta depicts a woman masturbating. However, in the ancient world depictions of male masturbation are far more common.
Music
In popular music, there are a several notable songs that deal with the issue of masturbation. Some of the earliest examples are "My Ding-a-Ling" by Chuck Berry and "Mary Ann with the Shaky Hand" and "Pictures of Lily" by The Who.
More recent popular songs include "I Touch Myself" by the Divinyls, "You're Makin' Me High" by Toni Braxton, "Touch of My Hand" by Britney Spears, "Orgasm Addict" by the Buzzcocks, "Longview" by Green Day, "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too" by Say Anything, "Fingers" by P!nk and "Masturbating Jimmy" by The Tiger Lillies. The 1983 recording "She Bop" by Cyndi Lauper, was one of the first fifteen songs ever required to carry Parental Advisory sticker for sexual content.[80] In a 1993 interview on The Howard Stern Show, Lauper claimed she recorded the vocal track in the nude.[81] The 1980 number-one hit "Turning Japanese" by The Vapors has often been believed to be a euphemistic reference to the facial expression men make at orgasm, [82] a theory refuted by songwriter Dave Fenton.
The song "Masturbates" by rock group Mindless Self Indulgence also deals with the concept of auto-erotic activity in a punk framework.
Literature
In October 1972, an important censorship case was held in Australia, leading to the banning of Philip Roth's novel Portnoy's Complaint in that country due to its masturbation references. The censorship led to public outcry at the time.
Television
In the Seinfeld episode "The Contest", the show's main characters enter into a contest to see who can go the longest without masturbating. Because Seinfeld's network, NBC, did not think masturbation was a suitable topic for prime time television, the word is never used. Instead, the subject is described using a series of euphemisms. "Master of my domain" became a part of the american lexicon from this episode.
Another NBC show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, had a character known as the Masturbating Bear, a costume of a bear with a diaper covering its genitals. The Masturbating Bear would touch his diaper to simulate masturbation. Prior to leaving Late Night to become host of The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien retired the character due to concerns about its appropriateness in an earlier time slot.
In March 2007 the UK broadcaster Channel 4 was to air a season of television programmes about masturbation, called Wank Week. (Wank is a Briticism for masturbate). The series came under public attack from senior television figures, and was pulled amid claims of declining editorial standards and controversy over the channel's public service broadcasting credentials. However, its constituent films may yet be shown by the channel at a later date.
In other animal species
Main article: Animal sexual behaviour
Masturbatory behavior has been documented in a very wide range of species. Individuals of some species have been known to create tools for masturbation purposes.
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