Category: MEN’S HEALTH

ADVICE | I have eczema on my penis, is there anything I can do to clear it up?

Eczema can happen all over the body, but what if you get it on your penis?

We asked the health experts at AXA PPP healthcare to shed some light on the issue and find out what you can do about it.

There are a number of skin conditions that can affect the penis, including atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) – the most common form of eczema. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. It is a matter of discovering and avoiding allergens and preventing the skin from becoming dry by using medical moisturisers.

During a flare-up of eczema, the skin becomes red, inflamed and itchy, which can lead to swelling of the skin and tiny blisters which can then rupture. Infected skin can ooze clear or yellowish pus. Sometimes inflamed skin can become infected especially if it is around the penis, where there are more folds and creases.

In addition, there is increased exposure to bacteria from urine and faeces which can thrive in a warm environment. Eczema can be aggravated by temperature, irritants such as sweat and soap, stress, allergens and friction from tight clothing so it’s important to work out if any of these are aggravating your condition.

Make sure that you clean and wash your penis every day -instead of using soap, use an emulsifying ointment. efes / Pixabay

The penis needs to be washed once or twice a day, after fully retracting the foreskin. Instead of using soap, washing with a cream such as an emulsifying ointment, sometimes with the addition of an antiseptic ingredient, can be helpful. Ironically, after washing it is important to dry yourself thoroughly before applying any medical moisturizer. These emollients, together with applying creams on the normal skin areas, will help to repair damage to the skin’s natural barrier and reduce redness, swelling and itching.

Taking an antihistamine tablet will also help to stop the itching and reduce the urge to scratch. When you scratch the skin it becomes irritated, increasing your risk of infection and making the eczema worse.

Steroid creams, such as Hydrocortisone or Eumovate can also help during a flare-up to reduce the inflammation. As with all health problems, it’s important to see your GP for a detailed assessment.

14th June 2018
Do gay men need to wear tampons?

There are so many questions that people have, especially when their information comes through the grapevine. So rather than letting myth turn to fact, we’ll answer them for you.

Do gay men need to wear tampons or adult diapers? Where to begin. Do you mean receptive gay men? I.e. Bottoms? Because you know it’s not just gay men who bottom. Ever heard of pegging?

So the question is more likely to be: “Do people who have anal sex need to wear tampons?” And the answer is nope. Not if you’re doing it right. Yes, there is a right and a wrong way of having anal sex. Misinformation and myths like this can lead to the idea that you can tell if a guy is straight or gay by giving him an anal examination. This sometimes happens in countries where homosexuality is illegal.

We’ve all heard the story of the guy that had anal sex so much that he couldn’t control his bowels and so he needed to wear a tampon to stop the poop. Whether this guy actually existed we’ll never know, maybe he did. But guys who are having regular receptive sex shouldn’t have any issues in controlling their bodily functions.

What is regular anal sex?

So what is “regular anal sex”, well it’s important to know two things about up-the-butt sex. Time and Lube are your friends. In fact, they’re best buds.

One of the most important muscles is your external sphincter. It like the main ring. It’s a powerful muscle that stops stuff from getting out (and in) but like any muscle, it can be damaged (and even better strengthened).

This and the lining of the rectum are delicate and if you’re too rough or haven’t prepared yourself properly, well you can cause yourself damage, which is why it’s important to communicate how you’re feeling with your “top”.

Doctor Rick Viney, a consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, told us that “Rapidly and forcefully overstretching the anus can tear the anal sphincter which can result in the need for surgical repair. The sphincter can be gently dilated over a short period of time using devices like a plug or a gradual increase in the number of fingers inserted.”

The butt, will after dilation return to its normal size shortly after sex. If you’ve done something more extreme, like fisting, it may take a longer time to go back to normal.

But what if you have lots and lots of anal sex.

Well, regularly having anal sex isn’t really enough for you to need you to wear a tampon. Naturally, if you’re having a lot of sex, you might find your hole does become looser, but you shouldn’t lose control altogether.

If you do find yourself or feel that you’ve become looser, there are exercises that can help you retain a tight ring. The NHS recommends a series of exercises. In one they suggest engaging your muscles like you are trying to stop a fart. They write,

“Try squeezing and lifting that muscle as tightly as you can, as if you are worried that you are about to leak. Your buttocks, tummy and legs should not move much at all. You should be aware of the skin around the back passage tightening and being pulled up and away from the chair. Really try to feel this. You are now exercising your anal sphincter”.

There’s a way of holding that feeling for as long as you can. Like imaging that your sphincter muscle is a lift and that you’re taking it to the fourth floor and holding it while the passengers get out and then back down again.

If you can’t go to the fourth, try the 2nd!

You get the idea.

The best thing about exercising these muscles is that you don’t need an expensive gym membership or even proper work out clothes. You can do them in your car at the traffic lights or on your way to work on the train. No one will know. Unless you turn to your fellow passenger and tell them. We suggest you don’t do this. It might freak them the F out.

31st May 2018
These guys share what they think when there’s a poop incident during sex

Rinse, Wash and Repeat

Does sex end when poop happens during anal sex?

Pooping is a fact of life when you’re dealing with the butt and anal sex. Yep, for the most part, the butt is where waste leaves your body – and to that end, nothing really to be ashamed about. We all do it.

If you’re bottoming, there are ways to minimise a poop event, by being careful of what you eat before sex and also taking time over your cleaning preparation. But, sometimes even the most careful of us, will have that moment of, “oh sht, that’s sht”.

Don’t worry it’s not the end of the world. There are some options for you. You can both jump in the shower and have a wash down, or if your partner is up for it, flip roles!

ALSO READ: What’s a white-glove bottom?

ALSO READ: 10 things you should know about rimming

Is it the end of play if poop happens during sex?

So what happens if you accidentally have a pooping incident during sex, these nine guys share what they think when the shiz hits the fan.

1) “Wash, rinse, repeat.” (VIA)

2) “If neither one can get by with a little poo then neither one should be having anal in the first place. Shit happens. It’s a butt – what’d you expect?” (VIA)

3) “Usually, I think that ends anal for the night. Hop in the shower, rinse off, resume oral/body contact/making out. I’ve never gone back to anal after an incident lol but that’s nbd”. (VIA)

4) “Clean up and proceed or flip roles if they happen to be clean. It’s really only a problem if you don’t have a place to wash up around.” (VIA)

5) “Take it to the shower, with silicone lube in hand. Ta-da.” (VIA)

6) “It’s an occupational hazard, like catching a pube when you’re giving a blowjob. Grow up, and towel off, I guess? Humanity is repulsive if you look at it with any seriousness. I find accepting that goes a long way.” (VIA)

7) “It’s the ass’ way of communicating. It says “I want more”” (VIA)

8) “Yeah, have to say I laugh at the tops who get all squeamish about guys ‘cleaning’ beforehand. You are putting your penis into an asshole. It’s where poop comes from”. (VIA)

9) “It’s just literally the male equivalent to a queef. If you’re pounding air into something it’s going to release. The bottom doesn’t even usually know it’s going to happen”. (VIA)

15th May 2018
Will having anal sex cause anal cancer?

Nothing makes us happier than healthy bottoms… So here’s what you need to know about anal sex and what might cause it.

Healthy bottoms are happy bottoms

Anal cancer, although rare, is still a killer disease if it’s not caught in time, but the act of anal sex will not cause cancer, Dr Rick Viney, consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham told us.

In fact, less than 1200 people are diagnosed with anal cancer in the UK every year.

Apparently what you need to look out for is for the transmission of HPV, the virus responsible for genital warts. “The virus responsible for genital warts (HPV) can ultimately lead to the development of a type of anal, penile, cervical and oral cancers called squamous cancer, Rick warns.

HPV is the name for a group of viruses that affect the skin and moist membranes lining the body such as the cervix, anus, mouth and throat. HPV infections are highly contagious when transmitted sexually.

Some strains of the HPV virus can cause genital warts, and cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat. In some cases, it can also cause head and neck cancer.

In the UK, teenage girls are offered the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. There is no plan to vaccinate teenage boys. However, in 2016, 40,000 gay and bisexual men were offered the HPV vaccine to ward against contracting HPV.

What else can cause anal cancer? Well the NHS website suggests that smoking can be a cause and having a weakened immune system, for example, if you have HIV could also be a cause. For women, cancer history also plays a part. If you’ve had cervical, vaginal or vulval cancer could be cause for concern.

What are the symptoms of anal cancer?

Symptoms for anal cancer are very similar to other, less serious conditions. If you’re worried about your bottom’s health, go see a doctor.

Anal cancer can be symptomless and the symptoms that can occur can be similar to less serious conditions like piles and anal fissures.

According to the NHS website, these include: bleeding from the anus, an itchy or painful bottom, small lumps around the anus, a mucus discharge or loss of bowel control.

If you have any concerns, as always, we suggest you consult your doctor.

9th May 2018
Is it safe to bottom after prostate surgery?
One of the major concerns for gay men who have had prostate surgery to remove the prostate gland is whether they can ever bottom again.
Table of Contents
What and where is the prostate?
What happens when the prostate is removed?
Can you have gay sex after prostate surgery?
How long should you wait after prostate surgery to have gay sex?
The prostate is often referred to as the G Spot for men, or indeed, trans women. It has tonnes of nerve endings and when manipulated, it can cause huge amounts of pleasure for the recipient. Due to its placement in the body, the only way to access the prostate is either through fingering, anal sex or sounding.

What and where is the prostate?

The Prostate is a satsuma sized gland, located between the penis and bladder. Its function is to help in the production of semen. It produces the white fluid which is mixed with sperm created in the testicles.

What happens when the prostate is removed?

Removing the prostate is an operation which will be done under general anaesthetic, and it’s called a prostatectomy. This is where the entire or part of the prostate gland is removed. Usually due to cancer, but it might be removed for other reasons.

The operation does carry risks, including erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and loss of ejaculation, however, it doesn’t mean that sex for gay men has to stop.

In order to check the health of your prostate, you might receive a rectal examination.

Can you have gay sex after prostate surgery?

One reader recently asked whether it was safe for him to bottom again after surgery. We asked Doctor Rick Viney, a consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, whether it was possible to bottom, or be the receptive partner in anal sex after a prostatectomy, he told us,

“With plenty of lube and going very gently at first there should be no problems.

“Now the prostate has gone the sensations may be diminished.

“Probably best done on an empty bladder as there may be a risk of some urinary incontinence unless you are ok with that – you might want to warn a potential partner of this possibility, beforehand.”

ALSO READ 10 things you probably didn’t know that happens if you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer.

How long should you wait after prostate surgery to have gay sex?

Prostate charity, Prostate Cancer UK, suggests waiting at least 6 weeks after surgery or treatment before attempting anal sex and say that you should be a little more cautious.

In our podcast with Prostate Cancer survivor Martin Wells he told us, depending on your treatment, you could lose your ability to get a self-maintained erection, but said, that even though he couldn’t have sex in the same way as he had before his treatment, he learned a brand new way of being intimate with his partner. He now enjoys a more tantric approach to sex.

As always, it’s always best to ask your own physician or GP after surgery to see if there might be any other complications.
5th April 2018
Can I get Herpes from oral sex?

Is herpes only transmittable with penetrative sex or can you get from oral sex as well?

There are two main types of herpes, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV1 tends to affect the mouth. HSV2 tends to affect the anus or vagina, both, however, are transmitted by direct touch contact.

So yes, you can get herpes (on your genitals) from someone who has a cold sore.

HSV1 tends to show itself as cold sores, HSV2 tends to show itself as genital herpes. There is no known cure for herpes, but its symptoms can be controlled. Medications like Compeed, Zovirax or Bonjela can help with cold sores, or genital herpes can be controlled with Aciclovir Tablets.

The problem is that herpes is often unknowingly spread amongst people, meaning people either don’t know they have it – or it’s still contagious even when there are no visible symptoms.

How can you protect yourself from Herpes?

Protection, such as condoms, during sex – whether it is oral or anal, is the only real way of making sure that you don’t contract herpes.

Most people have at least one of the strains…

What’s more many people have at least one of the strains. It’s estimated that between 50 and 80 per cent of adults have oral herpes, according to the World Health Organization. That means your risk of getting herpes is actually quite high.

Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Rick Viney a urology surgeon from the BMI The Priory said, “The two principal strains of herpes are hsv1 and hsv2. Hsv1 classically affects the mouth and hsv2 the vagina and anus. These are transmitted by direct contact, so it is entirely possible for the two strains to end up in the wrong place during oral sex. “

So HSV1 can cause genital herpes, and HSV2 can cause cold sores. The only way to stop transferal is by using condoms or a dental dam.

28th March 2018
What you can do, if you think your penis is too small

It’s a perpetual worry for a lot of guys, but what can you do if you think your D is too small?

Just what can you do if you think your penis is too small

The average length of the erect penis is smaller than you think but thanks to porn many guys have completely unrealistic expectations of their own manhoods and its abilities, like just how long they can last.

We asked Doctor Nitin Shori from Pharmacy2U what can be done to get a bigger penis, he told us that penis size is a common worry amongst men, but there really isn’t anything that is “normal” when it comes to penises or their size. He told us, “try not to get anxious about it. So long as you are otherwise healthy and happy, the most important thing is taking precautions to ensure that you do not run the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including using condoms, when you do have sex.”

So what can actually be done to make a penis bigger?

Doctor Nitin, says that evidence that products and procedures that claim to make your penis larger is thin on the ground and that many just don’t work and more worryingly that many just aren’t safe.

He suggests some steps that you can take to improve your own and others’ perception of the size of your penis and best of all they are free. They include trimming your pubic hair – a bushy pubic area can obscure over an inch of your length and losing weight. As you put on weight and as you get older you tend to put fat on around your pubic area leading to buried penis syndrome.

Counselling?

If you’re still concerned then maybe you might find counselling beneficial. Shori adds, “In some cases, people inaccurately conclude that they are not as big as they should be. Counselling has been shown to be beneficial for men with penis anxiety as therapy helps patients identify and correct any distorted views, building self-confidence and overcoming fears about sexual relations”.

A world of small willies…

Even if you do have a small penis there’s a world of information out there for you. Did you know there’s a small penis festival? There are also many advantages of having a small penis – check them out here.

21st March 2018
Can we use ginger as an insertable during sex?

This week a reader asks whether he and his partner can use a ginger root as an insertable during sex.

“Hey guys,

My partner and I want to be adventurous, and try vegetable insertion, and have been told ginger is particularly good as it gives a burning sensation.”

Anon

Dear Anon

Oh dear god don’t. Have you ever put a ginger directly on to your tongue? It burns. Now multiply that by many times over and that’s what, I imagine, putting a ginger up yer bum will most likely feel like.

Like chillies, ginger has chemical compounds that cause a burn. In ginger, the chemical is called Gingerol which is very similar to capsaicin – the heat and taste creating chemical in a chilli.

Now if you’re looking for something that gives off heat that is warming whilst putting something up your ass – then there are loads of lubes that will give you that sensation. For instance, Durex’s Warming lube will effectively warm up your hole, without making it a ring of fire.

Plus, it’s condom compatible and safe to use internally.

stux / Pixabay

If you’re looking for a bobbly insertable, there are many butt plugs or dildos on the market, like these anal beads from Carvaka that will give you interesting and unexpected feelings, down there.

As with anything that you might think about putting up your bum, a good rule of thumb is, if it burns on the tip of your tongue, it will feel even more intense elsewhere. Remember, the anus is much more difficult to wash out, at speed, than your mouth.

The advice listed above is not intended to replace or take the place of that of your own doctor, GP or medical professional who knows your full medical history. If in any doubt make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

To get your sexual health and emotional questions answered click here.

8th March 2018
How to check your balls for lumps and bumps

Take the matter into your own hand…

Finding lumps on your balls can be worrying, but there’s lots of stuff going on down there. Jackie Hall, Health at Hand operations manager at AXA PPP healthcare gives us some insight on how to check our balls for cancer.

Testicular cancer is a male cancer which should be checked for regularly, and just like other cancers, it can be easier to treat if detected early. By regularly examining yourself, you are more likely to notice if anything changes or feels unusual so it is best to make this a part of your usual daily routine.

The best time to check your testicles is after a warm shower, as this is when the skin is most relaxed, by following the below guide:

Contrast and compare

Rest your testicles in the palms of your hands and compare one testicle with the other for equal heaviness. A lot of men have one testicle which is larger than the other, or one that hangs lower than the other, so don’t worry if this is the case

Roll them balls

Place your fingers behind the scrotum and gently roll your testicle between your thumb and fingers

Hard lumps?

You are looking out for any hard lump or swelling – or any particular changes in shape. Make sure you check each testicle individually

Does it seem normal?

A normal testicle is oval shaped and feels firm, but not hard

Heavy balls?

Most cases of testicular cancer start with a painless lump in the testicle; though sometimes there can be pain or discomfort or a heavy feeling in the scrotum. Make sure you consult your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of these sensations, or if you find a lump

If you experience any of the above symptoms for testicular cancer, make an appointment with your GP.

21st February 2018
6 Facts You Should Know About Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STIs in the UK – but many people are still misinformed about how the infection is contracted and what the symptoms are. The team at the STI Clinic gave us six key facts about gonorrhoea we should all know.

5 percent of men will have the infection and show no symptoms.

Around 95 percent of men will develop the symptoms of gonorrhoea within 2-7 days. It can take up to 30 days for symptoms to appear, but it is unusual for the infection to take this long to show. Five percent of men do not show any symptoms at all when infected with gonorrhoea.

There are many different symptoms

Symptoms of gonorrhoea vary hugely – and some people don’t develop any symptoms at all. Men who are infected can have some or all of these symptoms, depending on which area of the body contains the infection:
- Conjunctivitis
- Sore throat
- White, yellow or green discharge from the penis
- Inflammation of the foreskin
- Swollen testicles
- Discharge from the urethra
- Pain during urination
- A burning sensation in the urethra.
Gonorrhoea can infect the genitals, eyes, throat and rectum

The genitals are the most common area to be infected – but it’s not the only place that the disease can be found. The infection can also reach your eyes, throat and anus. Some of the symptoms of these areas will include discharge and itching, a sore throat, or red and painful eyes.

Gonorrhoea is spread through genital, oral and anal sex

The gonorrhoea bacteria can grow in the urethra, mouth, throat and anus. It cannot be spread through normal contact, contrary to popular belief. The bacteria cannot live outside the body for very long – so it can’t be contracted through toilet seats, sharing eating utensils or swimming pools.

It can be treated

The usual treatment for gonorrhoea is an intramuscular injection of Cefraxone accompanied by a single oral 1000mg dose of Azithromycin. If an intramuscular injection is not possible, then an oral medication can be prescribed.

If you find out that you are infected, any sexual partners should be treated at the same time and any past sexual partners should be notified. If you are avoiding doing this because you don’t want to have an awkward conversation with a past sexual partner – remember that many clinics have a service that can let you notify your past partners anonymously.

A drug-resistant strain of “super gonorrhoea,” has emerged

The number of cases of this rare, new strain of gonorrhoea is slowly increasing. This is very alarming, and doctors are concerned that this new strain might soon become untreatable. This new strain is resistant to antibiotics and drugs, which is why if you are infected it’s important to finish your course of prescribed drugs, get tested again 2 weeks after treatment, and avoid sex for at least 7 days after treatment.

If you are in doubt as to whether you have gonorrhoea – visit a GP or GUM clinic to get tested. Alternatively, if you are busy and want to avoid having to go anywhere to get tested, it is now possible to be sent out a test package discreetly in the mail. Simply supply a sample and send it back to get quick and easy results – it’s never been easier to ensure you are STI free.

Advice by Ajay Jadhav from The STI Clinic.
26th January 2018
Guys, here’s why you might be finding it hard to get hard

When a reader confided that he can’t stay hard, we decided to have a look at some of the reasons why your erection might be elusive.

Last year Jeff, asked THEGAYUK why he kept on losing his erections. There are many reasons from stresses to tiredness, medical to emotional. There are many reasons. So here’s what we found out.

First of all, don’t give yourself a hard time about not being able to get a hard-on. It happens to the best of us at the worst of times – and stressing about it can actually make the situation worse. So take a moment and breathe.

It sounds as though you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). Lots of things can cause ED; from being too stressed out at work to money worries. Even lifestyle choices such as too much alcohol or drug taking can hinder a strong erection.

The problem might also be prescribed medication. For instance, some depression medications say that ED is a potential side effect. You can read more about that here. You might want to check and see if any side effects listed by the meds include ED. Do not come off any prescribed meds with out talking to your GP first.

There are a variety of things you can do to try to get your little Mr back up and working again, but first of all, see whether you can get an erection when you’re by yourself – or during your sleep.

Take the erection test

There’s a very simple test to see whether you get erections during your sleep. One of the tests is the famous stamp test. If you can still get a row of stamps that are joined by a perforated edge you can perform this in the comfort of your own home.

Before you go to bed put a row of four or five joined stamps around the shaft of your flaccid penis and seal by moistening the two ends together. If any of the perforations between the stamps is broken in the morning you’ll know that you are getting nocturnal erections, because your enlarged penis will naturally break the perforations between the stamps. This test can help you rule out a more serious erectile dysfunction because you know that you can physically have an erection.

If this is the case take a look at external factors such as your workload or your alcohol consumption. As frustrated as you might be, you just might need to take your time with this.

If you don’t break the perforations, then you might consider getting an appointment with your GP, who should be able to help you find a medical solution.

There are a number of other at home tests you can do like the Rigiscan and The Penile Plethysmograph.

Meds?

You could try Viagra or a herbal supplement available in Holland and Barratt called Horny Goatweed. You should definitely seek the advice from your doctor if you’re planning to try out medications.

Condoms Problems

If your problem is being caused by wearing condoms then you’ll be able to find a wide variety now that are different shapes, sizes and yes, there’s even a musical one. Don’t let your Jonny be a problem for your Johnson.

You might not need a full erection to have full on sex

It’s important not to let this ruin your sex life – there are many options available to you – and you can even have sex without having a full erection or taking the pressure off yourself by focusing on your partner rather than your erection.

Communication

Talking your issues over with your partner may also help as well. It’s important to keep communication open between partners if you’re going through a tough time.

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22nd January 2018