THEGAYUK

Category: WILLY WORRIES

  • 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

     

     

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    Got a problem you’d like advice on?

  • ADVICE | I’m cumming too quickly what can I do?

    This week a reader asks what he can do to stop ejaculating too quickly. Pharmacy2U’s Clinical Governance Pharmacist Phil Day answers his question.

    I'm cumming too quickly what can I do?

     

    Dear Phil,

    I’ve a bit of an embarrassing question. I cum way too quickly. I’ve been with my boyfriend now for six months and we’ve got a great sex life, in fact it’s a bit too good.  I just can’t last.
     
    Literally I last two minutes tops. We have a fair bit of foreplay and I do get a bit close, but always stop, before I climax – however when it comes to the penetration bit I can’t last at all.
     
    Is there a way I can make myself last longer?

    John, Hull

     

    Dear John,

    This really isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. In fact, one in three men say they have suffered from premature ejaculation at some point.

    Despite what blokes say in the pub, the average length of time from the moment of penetration to orgasm is shorter than you might think. We all need to be a bit more realistic about how long we can keep going.

    One of the key things to understand when finding the fix for you is whether this is a temporary problem or something you have suffered from with other partners as well

    There can be underlying physical problems, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety and stress, that can cause it. Some doctors also reckon there are men who have unusually sensitive penises.

    There are a few things you can try, such as masturbating an hour or two before you think you’re going to have sex.

    Also, try taking deep breaths when you’re on the verge of ejaculating as that briefly shuts down the ejaculatory reflex (an automatic reflex of the body during which ejaculation occurs).

    Use positions where you or your partner can pull out easily and quickly if the act of penetration is too stimulating.

    Many sex therapists recommend adopting a ‘stop-start’ technique entailing taking breaks during sex and thinking about something bland and boring.

    Pharmacies also stock a number of over the counter and prescription-only products that could help you too, including thick condoms and desensitising sprays.

    Medication in the form of tablets is also available to treat premature ejaculation in men who experience this regularly and where it causes distress, and is usually taken one to three hours before having sex. You will need a prescription, which can be obtained from your own doctor or through a private consultation with an online GP.

     

    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

     

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  • ADVICE | Will They Stick Things Down My Pee Hole?

    This week a reader is considering going to his first sexual health check up and is concerned they’ll put something down his urethra.

    Will They Stick Things Down My Pee Hole?

    Dear Team

    I’m thinking about going for a check up but I’m worried about things being stuck down my dick, I’ve heard that sometimes you use like an umbrella type device to check for infections… Is that right?

    John

     

    Dear John,
    Thanks for your question. The good news is that you won’t find the umbrella swab in a sexual health clinic…
    If you have no symptoms it’s just a urine test (throat and rectal swabs also for gay men). If you have symptoms we may need to take a tiny swab for the urethra.

    This isn’t painful just uncomfortable. But if you’ve got no symptoms then we just need a sample of pee.
    The staff are super friendly too so if there is anything you don’t want or are worried about just say.

    Jake + Jenna from 56 Dean Street

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  • ADVICE | I’m Finding It Hard To Get A Hard On

    This week a reader confides that he finds it hard to get a hard on.

    I'm Finding It Hard To Get A Hard On

    Dear TGUK
    I’m finding it hard to get a hard on, what can I do?
    Jeff

     

    Dear Jeff
    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.

    Also, you don’t say, but if you’re on any kind of prescribed medication 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.

    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 work load 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.

    You could try Viagra or a herbal supplement available in Holland and Barratt called Horny Goatweed.

    If your problem is being caused by wearing condoms then you can get in touch with the Terrence Higgins Trust. They can actually send you a variety, for free, to check out which ones work for you.

    If you would like condoms then contact Joe Perez at THT, jose.perezdelacruz@tht.org.uk

    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.

    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.

    Wish you will Jeff and keep in touch to let us know how you’re getting on.

     

    ALSO READ: How to last longer in bed. 10 tips for you to try and extend your staying power.

    ALSO READ: Why does my foreskin smell?

    ALSO READ: Feed Your Penis – some power packed recipes to help your stamina and erections strength!

     

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  • ADVICE | Help I Think I Have Broken My Penis

    This week a reader is worried that he’s damaged his penis.

    Dear Jose

    I think I’ve broken my penis. I heard a snap when I was having sex. It’s incredibly painful and it’s looking kinda black and blue. Will it heal by itself?

    JM

     

    Dear JM

    I would recommend that you present at A&E or see your GP as soon as possible. It may heal by itself but it may not heal correctly which may have implications for long term functioning.

    The penis is not a bone despite the term boner. You get an erection by blood flowing through the penis inside two cylinder-shaped chambers which are called the corpora cavernosa. Once those are filled the penis becomes hard.

    Although your penis is pretty robust it is possible to break it or snap the fibrous coverings of the corpora cavernosa called tunica albuginea. As you can see from the above picture the penis may become black and blue.

    Penile fractures can happen during sex, with the majority of accidents happening in the cowboy position (the bottom or person who is being penetrated is on top). So make sure you take care during that position.

    It can also happen during aggressive wanking. See our advice on wanking too much<

    by Jose Perez / Jake Hook

    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 

     

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  • ADVICE | Why Does My Foreskin Smell?

    This month a reader is concerned with a smell coming from under his foreskin. Our experts answer his question.

    Why Does My Foreskin Smell?

    Dear TGUK
    Inside my foreskin. I keep getting a smell from it. Once in the past I was given a cream to sort an area out and it’s that where the smell is coming from.
    G, 33

    Hello G

    Thank you for your message. Nobody likes a stinky pinky, so hopefully we can get this sorted for you.

    Smells coming from the foreskin are usually created by bacteria. The penis is a fantastic incubation ground for all sorts of bacterias. Warm, moist and if you don’t wash, or aren’t able to wash the area properly it can lead to smells, often from what’s called Smegma. The white, creamy material that you can often find under the foreskin.

    You don’t say whether you’ve got a tight foreskin or whether you are able to fully pull back your foreskin. If you’re not able to do this, it could stop you getting rid of the smegma build, which after a while, smell.

    The best way to clean the area is with warm water. It’s often advised not to use shower gels or soaps because they may cause irritation.

    If you’re not able to fully retract the foreskin you should see your doctor about this.

    However you say that you have been given a cream in the past to sort out the smell. Without knowing what the cream is or what it is for, we suggest that you go back to your docs and get to the root of your problem.

    If you have an infection or your penis is red and sore or has a rash then you definitely should book in with your GP – or take some time to go to a walk in sexual health clinic.

     

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

     

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  • Not Cumming Out – Delayed Ejaculation

    Guys have it hard. Or at least when sex isn’t explosive life can get a bit challenging. Physical intimacy, including penetration, is so enjoyable but when something goes wrong then it can really go wrong.

    You cum too quickly. You can’t get it up. You get it up but it goes down again. You meet a guy you fancy but can’t figure out if he is top or bottom. Then it turns out that you both want the same and neither are prepared to try the other position. He wants to do something you haven’t heard of much less tried.

    But all of the above are more or less well known about. And you’d probably be able to find a mate to talk about it. But there is one sexual issue that remains in the closet – delayed ejaculation (DE). DE is exactly what it says on the label. You have great difficulty in cumming. But why on earth is that a problem? It must be great to be able to shag for hours and not cum. To be able to take on one guy after another. Actually, it’s not all that it’s cut out to be.

    Our fundamental sexual desire is to ejaculate – to spread our seeds. If we don’t achieve that or it takes too long to do so we can get depressed. If we’re in and out of a hole for too long both our cock and partner will get sore. And the likelihood is that he has already cum, maybe even twice. If that’s the case he may begin to feel that there is something wrong with him. Or you begin to think that there is something fundamentally wrong with your techniques and wonder why you can never cum with a guy who really turns you on. In fact DE can cause considerable anxiety, distress and loss of sexual confidence.

    It is estimated that between 2 to 10 percent of men can suffer DE at some time of their lives and there seems to be a trend of it happening more as you get older. It has also been recently observed in men who watch a lot of porn. This could be because you are used to the stimulation that your hand gives or it may be because you are ‘trained’ to react to screen pictures. Because this isn’t a common disorder there is little research on the issue and so practitioners struggle to understand the issues and to help those affected.

    There are believed to be a number of potential causes. Some men have always suffered from DE from puberty. This can mean that they think it normal until they come upon a partner who questions their sexual abilities. DE may be tied in with a strict upbringing, a family who didn’t talk about sex and men who control their lives for a number of reasons but there could be an issue around sexuality acceptance.

    The second type of DE is situation induced. You can be happy squirting your spunk everywhere and then you suddenly find you can’t. There could be a number of reasons. For example how a partner makes you feel; stress at work; fear of penetrating either the anus or a mouth or something happened to you while you were having sex.

    Can it be cured? That depends. In general yes it can be helped but it could mean that you have to retrain your sexual techniques. You may even have to abstain from sex for a period of time including wanking off. The best thing to do is talk either to your GP if you think you have a problem or a counsellor.

    But whatever you do don’t suffer alone. Finding out that you are not the only one with delayed ejaculation is the first step. Accepting that you have a problem is the next. And doing something about it could change your life. Don’t worry GPs and therapists know about delayed ejaculation – you are not alone. Cum out and tell someone.

     

    by Owen Redahan

     

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  • ADVICE | When he enters me… I lose my erection

    ADVICE | When he enters me… I lose my erection

    Hi guys

    I’m having erection issues. I’ve been in relationship for three years and the sex is still great and I get aroused and stiff quickly and solidly but on a number of occasions recently, as soon as he enters me, I lose my erection. What can you advise?

    cheers

    Jon

    Dear Jon,

    Thank you for your question. Firstly be reassured that plenty of people have issues like this so you are not alone.

    We have a specialist service at 56 Dean Street for people who suffer from erection problems, however, you would need to be referred in by your GP. You can get him to do this directly with a letter, or we have a form which you can collect and ask the GP to fill out before sending it back.

    Hopefully, this helps!

    Jenna