THEGAYUK

Category: MEN’S HEALTH

  • Here’s what a stinging sensation when you go to the toilet could mean

    If you’ve ever experienced a stinging sensation down below whenever you’ve urinated, you’ll know it really isn’t a great feeling and it can be a worry too. So what could it be?

    stinging sensation when you go to the toilet meaning

     

    It could be a sexually transmitted infection, after all, there was so many of them floating about. Medical Director at Pharmacy 2U Dr Nitin Shori told us, “statistics from NHS England show that there were more than 435,000 STI diagnoses in 2015, we may have forgotten the safe sex message”.

    However, it isn’t all bad news, Nitin continues, “There are different types of STIs and some, if caught early, are easy to treat with antibiotics. Chlamydia is the most common STI in England and can be treated with antibiotics.

    What are the infections that cause stinging whilst peeing?

    So according to webmd.com stinging whilst you urinate could be caused by: genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. But stinging could also be a symptom of other problems such as kidney stones, diabetes, having an enlarged prostate, or a Urinary Tract Infection UTI – which is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract.

    Cystitis can also cause pain during urination although women are more likely to be affected by this than men. It’s caused by inflammation of the bladder caused by a bladder infection. Those infections are caused by certain bacteria – like those found in your poo.

    What should I do if it burns when I pee?

    The best thing to do is make an appointment where you can be tested for STIs. This can be done at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP surgery. Some people prefer the privacy of buying a

    Some people prefer the privacy of buying a reliable testing kit online from a reputable supplier, such as Pharmacy2U.co.uk.

  • ADVICE | I’m going to have sex with someone who has a vagina… like me, how can I stay safe?

    This week our medical expert answers a sexual health question on lesbian, bisexual women and people who have vaginas.

    Dr Nitin Shori is Medical Director of Pharmacy2U.co.uk, which provides NHS repeat prescription and Online Doctor services, answers, 

    Dear Doctor,

    I’m planning to have sex with someone else who has a vagina (like me) and I want to know more about how to stay safe.

    Thank you

    M

    Dear M

    Women can catch sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) through sex or any ‘one-on-one’ contact, such as oral sex or foreplay.

    To make oral sex safer, use a dental dam – a small square of very thin plastic or latex, which can be used to cover the genitals or anus. It acts as a barrier and helps to prevent STIs being passed from person to person.

    You should avoid receiving oral sex if you are on your period, as menstrual blood can carry HIV or hepatitis. You should also avoid oral sex if your partner has told you they have an STI, if they have a sore throat or if they have any blisters, cuts, rashes, sores or warts around the genitals, anus or mouth, or if they have unhealed piercings in their genitals or mouth.

    Some infections can be passed by touching or vulval rubbing. Wash your hands before and after sex, and use latex gloves with plenty of water-based lubricants.

    If you are using sex toys, use a condom to cover them. Change the condom for each partner or between penetration of different body openings. Sex toys should also be washed with soap and water between sessions.

    If you have had unprotected sex, have any symptoms of STIs or think you may be at risk of catching one, speak to your GP or sexual health clinic. Regular STI tests are a good idea, to ensure you have a healthy sex life.

    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.

    YOUR QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS |

    Have you got a question for our medical experts?

  • ADVICE | It really hurts after I get fingered

    ADVICE | It really hurts after I get fingered

    Dear TGUK

    Well, every time I have anal sex or am fingered it’s really fun at the time but really hurts after. Is there something I’m doing wrong or what can I do to make it pleasurable?

    Simon

    why does it hurt after I get fingered?

    Hello Simon,

    The ass is pretty darn resilient and there’s a pleasure to be had from anal sex, but there are a few golden rules to make sure you keep safe and reduce pain.

    1. It can’t be stressed enough lube is your friend. Use a good amount – and have a towel handy that you can wipe your hands, as it can get quite messy. **That** scene in Brokeback Mountain – as hot as it looks, is just not that realistic. A bit of spit and shove isn’t going to cut it. Use a good lube – and there are loads of lubes to choose from on the market. You might find that you get on with some better than others. Try the trial sizes until you find the perfect lube.
    2. Take your time. One of the most misleading things about porn is that you can’t just stick it in – and that includes fingers. You need to take it gradually. You could start off with a bit of rimming and then move on to a finger – then if that feels good maybe two. Don’t just go for it. You will cause yourself a lot of pain.
    3. Warm yourself up. You could do a bit of prep yourself before sex. Perhaps while you’re in the shower – or if you douche you could get your butt used to the feeling of a finger or two up there before you get down with your partner. Using warm water to douche could help you relax as well.
    4. Anal Training. Why not try a set of dilating anal training toys. The toys vary in size and girth. You start small and gradually get bigger as you become accustomed to the size.
    5. Finger maintenance. You say that it hurts after fingering, are your boyfriend’s fingernails ragged? If he’s got claws that a Gruffalo would be proud of it’s time to invest in some nail clippers for him. He may be, unknowingly tearing your insides – which will make the whole experience uncomfortable.
    6. Keep the action smooth. Keep the fingering motion smooth and long and thin (goes right in). He shouldn’t curl up his fingers inside you – this is going to cause discomfort. No vigorous finger jamming like he’s Donald Trump giving a speech.
    7. You could always try a desensitising spray or lube.

    So to recap: take time and use lube.

    If you’re really concerned that there’s something wrong book an appointment to see your GP.

    Have you got a sexual health or dilemma you want answered by our team of experts? Click here to let us know.

    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.

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  • 7 reasons your penis does not smell so good

    Is your manhood smelling less than rosy? There might be a number of reasons for that hideous cheesy aroma that’s making all the lads faint…

    why does my penis smell so bad
    CREDIT: Depositphotos

    No one wants a smelly penis. So if you’re wondering why yours is smelling so bad, here are some reasons, as always if you’re really concerned about your health then book yourself an appointment with your doctor.

    Just general sweat and dirt…

    Are you cleaning down there enough? Guys who tend to do a lot of sport might be getting smelly in their private parts. Make sure after each workout or run that you wash your genitals using fresh, clean warm water. Your groin could be causing the smell rather than your penis. It’s a brilliant place for bacteria to multiply by their millions. It’s dark, damp and warm – the perfect environment.

    Crotch rot

    Yep, as nasty as that sounds – some sports fanatics will know about crotch rot, it’s caused by wearing dirty underwear or jocks for a prolonged period. Make sure after exercising that you wash your undies, in a hot wash to get rid of any bacteria. BTW it does have a proper name, it’s called Tinea cruris. It causes itching or burning in the groin area and near the anus. It can be caused by athlete’s foot and can be transferred through your clothing. So be careful when putting your trousers on!

    Smegma

    Smegma is a cheesy, white looking substance that you’re more likely to have if you’re uncut (have a foreskin), although cut guys produce it too. It’s a natural lubricant for the penis, but it does start to smell if you don’t wash it. It’s basically made up of dead skin cells, fatty oils and other debris from penis secretions. That cheesy smell? Well, that’s bacterial breakdown my friends. So give it a wash.

    Balanitis

    Poor hygiene will cause Balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the dick. The foreskin can also be infected. It can also be created by a thrush infection or other skin condition. See your doctor if this happens.

    STIs

    Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can both cause your cock to smell. You might not even know you have either of these infections, but it’s wise to look out for these symptoms:

    • White discharge from your penis – when you’re not peeing or cumming
    • A painful, burning when you pee
    • Penis irritation and needing to pee frequently.

    Go see your docs and do not delay.

    You’re not washing it properly

    If you give your penis the showerhead but not giving it a good old rub, you might not be getting all the smeg off. So as well as the shower head get your fingers over that helmet and give it a good rub!

    No roll back…

    If you can’t roll back your foreskin or your foreskin is really tight around the head of your penis there might be a build up of dirt and bacteria which you’re not able to wash away. You should probably try and get an appointment with your GP to discuss what you can do about it…

     

  • ADVICE | I have genital herpes and it’s cleared up… Can I have unprotected sex?

    This week Dr Nitin Shori answers a question from a reader who is concerned that they might pass on herpes, even though the outbreak has cleared up.

    I have genital herpes and it's cleared up... Can I have unprotected sex?

    Dear Doctor
    I was diagnosed with genital herpes 1, 6 months ago and have recently started to use Valtrex treatment. Is it possible to have unprotected sex with someone not infected? Or is there still a chance they can contract it even if there are no outbreaks?

    Thank you

     

    Once you have been infected with the herpes simplex virus, it will remain in your body and can lead to occasional outbreaks.

    Unfortunately, it is possible for you to pass the virus that causes genital herpes to a sexual partner at any time – even if you are not experiencing an outbreak and have no symptoms.

    Transmission is even more likely during an outbreak. Condoms are proven to reduce transmission.

    Even if you do not have symptoms, people at risk of passing on herpes should always use an effective barrier method of practising safe sex, such as a condom or dental dam. The same virus causes cold sores and genital herpes and can be passed from one area of the body to the other during oral sex if protection is not used.

    ALSO READ: Ask the doctor…. Did I catch herpes?

    Valtrex helps the body to fight the herpes simplex virus but is not effective in preventing it from being passed from one person to another.

     The symptoms of a genital herpes episode can include small blisters in the anal or genital area, which burst to leave small red sores which can be painful; pain when urinating; stinging, tingling, or itching in the genital area; and a general feeling of malaise, or a flu-like symptom. Prescription treatments are available that shorten the duration and severity of an outbreak.

    Dr Nitin Shori is the Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service,

     

    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.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE | Why does it sting whenever I pee?

    So a reader asked our sexual health experts about a stinging pain whenever he pees. What could it be?

    ADVICE | Why does it sting whenever I pee?

    If you’ve ever experienced a stinging sensation down below whenever you’ve peed, you’ll know it really isn’t a great feeling and it can be a worry too. So what could it be?

    It could be a sexually transmitted infection, after all, there was so many of them floating about. Medical Director at Pharmacy 2U Dr Nitin Shori told us, “statistics from NHS England show that there were more than 435,000 STI diagnoses in 2015, we may have forgotten the safe sex message”.

    However, it isn’t all bad news, Nitin continues, “There are different types of STIs and some, if caught early, are easy to treat with antibiotics. Chlamydia is the most common STI in England and can be treated with antibiotics.

    What are the infections that cause stinging whilst peeing?

    So according to webmd.com stinging whilst you urinate could be caused by: genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. But stinging could also be a symptom of other problems such as kidney stones, diabetes, having an enlarged prostate, or a Urinary Tract Infection UTI – which is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract.

    Cystitis can also cause pain during urination although women are more likely to be affected by this than men. It’s caused by inflammation of the bladder caused by a bladder infection. Those infections are caused by certain bacteria – like those found in your poo.

    What should I do if it burns when I pee?

    The best thing to do is make an appointment where you can be tested for STIs. This can be done at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP surgery. Some people prefer the privacy of buying a

    Some people prefer the privacy of buying a reliable testing kit online from a reputable supplier, such as Pharmacy2U.co.uk.

     

  • ADVICE | My penis is stinging what should I do?

    This week a reader is concerned that his penis has started to sting and the end has gone all read. Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori looks into for him.

    My penis is stinging what should I do?

    Dear TGUK team

    My foreskin has gone all tight and is stinging whenever I pee and my urethra is all red. I had unprotected sex around a month ago.

    Martin, Salford

     

    Dear Martin,

    The first thing you must do is get a test that will rule out a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

    The latest statistics from NHS England show that there were more than 435,000 STI diagnoses in 2015 alone and many people now fear that we may have forgotten the safe sex message, with disease rates on the increase.

    In Wales, reports of new diagnoses of chlamydia, herpes, LGV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C have been increasing for the last two years.

    Alarmingly, in some patient groups, the number of cases of syphilis have increased by 76 percent in three years, while gonorrhoea cases have risen by 53 per cent. Even more worryingly, there appears to be evidence of some drug resistance that can make some STIs more difficult to treat.

    STIs are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact, which is why it is so important that we spread the message of using condoms and other barrier methods when we’re going to be intimate.

    You can be tested for STIs at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP surgery. Some people prefer the privacy of buying a reliable testing kit online from a reputable supplier, such as Pharmacy2U.co.uk.

    There are different types of STIs and some, if caught early, are easy to treat with antibiotics. Chlamydia is the most common STI in England and can be treated with antibiotics.

    But many have no cures, including genital herpes and HIV. There can be far reaching health implications with some STIs, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated.

    In many instances, STIs don’t give their sufferers symptoms, but obviously, you sound to have symptoms that something is not right.

    Get tested and I hope everything works out for you but remember prevention is better than cure. Speak to a GP for treatment if you do test positive.

     

    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.

     

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE | Is My Penis Too Small?

    Dear TGUK,
    My flaccid penis is quite small, probably about 2-3inches but it becomes 5.5-6 inches when erect. Is this normal? How do I get over my fears about being naked in front of another person, as I am 20 and still a virgin?
    Jeff, Edinburgh

    Dear John,

    This is a very common worry. The truth is that there really is no such thing as ‘normal’ when it comes to penises. For example, there is a lot of variation in the angle of an erect penis. Some erect penises point straight up, others straight down or a slight bend to the left or right. There are many different sizes too.

    It is normal for men to be worried about size because of all the cultural pressure society places on it. 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.

    While there are many products and procedures available suggesting that they can help men to increase the size of their penis, there is little conclusive evidence to prove that they are safe and that they work. There really isn’t much that men can do to change what they are born with, so my advice would be to come to terms with what you have.

    There are however some steps that you can take to improve your own and others’ perception of the size of your penis, including trimming your pubic hair and losing weight. Staying fit and healthy can also improve your sex life.

    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.

    Have you got a question to ask our experts? Use the form below to submit your question.

    THIS PAGE SHOULD NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF A VISIT TO YOUR GP, A&E OR A SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC. INFORMATION PRINTED HERE IS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY. IF CONCERNED FOR YOUR HEALTH MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • ADVICE| Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

    This week’s sexual health column focuses on the possibility that depression medications cause erectile dysfunction.  Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori takes a closer look.

    Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

    Dear TGUK,

    I’m in my 30s and I’ve been having trouble getting it up. I’m currently on medication for depression so I’m wondering if that’s what’s causing it. I don’t want to come off the depression meds, but my failure at not being able to keep an erection is causing a few issues in the bedroom.

    Paul

     

     

    Dear Paul,

    A low sex drive and inability to maintain an erection can be a side effect of many antidepressants. However, depression itself can also cause these same problems.
     
    It’s important that you treat your depression and tackle the underlying factors that might be causing it. If you speak to your GP they may be able to change your medication to one that has less of an affect on your libido or consider whether your depression itself is the cause.
     
    There are also other factors that can affect your sex drive and it may be worth considering them.
     
    Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a very common condition, particularly among older men.
     
    Stress, anxiety, fatigue and certain health conditions are also common factors in causing impotence, while excessive drug or alcohol miss-use can also affect sexual performance.
     
    Another factor could be age. Testosterone levels naturally start to fall for most men from the age of about 30 or 40.
     
    While many automatically associate testosterone with sexual performance, this powerful hormone has a much wider influence and can often impact on energy levels and motivation, as well as loss of strength and muscle mass.
     
    If the above is ringing bells you can test for testosterone and consider gels or supplements which will boost your levels. You can get testosterone testing kits and prescriptions online if you’re pressed for time to see your doctor and want to rule this out.
     
    There’s also a range of products that can help with erectile dysfunction available online if you want to be discreet, including Viagra.
     
    Given your circumstances, you should discuss your antidepressant medication with your GP before you start exploring other potential causes of impotence.

     

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

  • Why does my boyfriend’s penis smell so much?

    So if you like peen – and we’re assuming you do – what happens if your boyfriend has a stinky pinky what can you do about it?

    Why does my boyfriend's penis smell so much?

     

    Well one concerned Reddit user asked the internet what could be done about the boyfriend’s stinky junk. The internet was well versed on this problem and wisdom leaked from every pore. Here’s 9 thing you could do…

    1) He needs to do more than just wash while showering.

    “The cause of the odor is in the skin so just washing off the goop isn’t going to completely eliminate the smell. He has to keep himself clean enough so that it doesn’t build up in the first place.”

     

    2) Proper cleaning.

    “Foreskin should be pulled back completely. He should rinse every part of the glans with his fingers and water. Rub away the smegma/residue.” salem2474

     

    3) Stop using soap

    “This part will be controversial, but….I stopped using soap. Like, nowhere on my body. And my odour improved. Other people who have tried no soap have reported the same thing.” salem2474

     

    4) Sugar monster

    Could sugar be your problem?

    “I neglected to add diet. I mostly cut out sugar. I’ve noticed if I ever go on a binge, there will be a temporary increase in odour/smegma just afterwards.”

     

    5) Get hard in the shower

    “I also know how easy it is to fix. tell him he needs to get hard in the shower, and once his forskin [sic] is stretching back, rub it with his fingers, he’ll be able to see how much white film is caked there (You really cant clean it soft) sugarantssuck

     

    6) Are you able to retract?

    “Is it difficult for you to pull back when soft? That could actually indicate something like phimosis. You’re supposed to be able to fully retract it while soft.”

     

    7) Save water and co-shower

    How to clean your penis from nasty smells
    ©-Dmyrto_Z-Depositphotos

     

    “Make it sexy by co-showering pre-sexy time.” IamtheBiscuit

     

    8) Rubber duckie

    “Rather than showers, take a long warm bath with lots of water and add some baking soda to the water.”Not_Reddit

     

    9) Dry it off

    “drying it properly also as a wet willy is perfect for bacteria to grow in under foreskin”judochop1

     

     

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

     

    Got a problem you’d like advice on?

  • ADVICE | I have little whiteheads on my balls

    This week a reader is concerned about little whiteheads on his ball bag. We ask Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori from Pharmacy2U whether it’s something to be concerned about.

    I have little whiteheads on my balls

    Dear TGUK
    I noticed that I have a few little whiteheads on my ball bag. They are tiny – maybe a few millimetres big.
    They don’t hurt and they’ve been there for as long as I can remember.
    I know this is gross but you can squeeze the little whiteheads – and a little bit of stringy white stuff comes out of them, when you do that. The pus or whatever it is doesn’t smell. I pop a few now and then in the bath – and sometimes a couple more appear a week later.
    Are they normal? Should I stop squeezing? Is it something to be worried about?

    Ben, Somerset

    Hi Ben

    You can get rashes on your testicles as you can any other part of your skin that are caused by anything from blocked pores to allergies or heat irritation.

    If anything, this area is a bit more sensitive so treat it with care. Shaving can often cause symptoms like yours. Could this be a factor? Have you had break outs anywhere else? Are you using a new body-wash or even a new washing powder that could be causing a reaction?

    Also, the weather has been humid lately and this can cause rashes through sweating. You need to ensure you wash regularly and properly dry yourself before dressing as rashes love moist, damp places! If you shave you need to keep the area clean afterwards.

    Rashes can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but from what you describe it doesn’t sound likely. However, if it doesn’t clear up, do go and see your GP or local GUM clinic just to make sure.  The majority of STDs can be treated quickly and efficiently the earlier they are diagnosed, so even if it is that I wouldn’t worry unduly at this stage. You can also get an STD testing kit online if you just want to put your mind at rest and rule that out.

     

    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.

    OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

    Got a problem you’d like advice on?