Sex is a significant part of life for both men and women. As is male sexual health – for this reason, it is essential to maintain good hygiene, especially down there!
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about male sexual health – but never dared to ask – unfolded out loud in this article!
Men start thinking about sex very early, often before puberty. From the age of 16 to around 30, they reach the peak of their sexual desire.
Even if less consistently, men continue to think about sex, often until their last days on earth
From a purely evolutionary standpoint, sex is just another hormone-driven biological function developed to preserve the species.
But, in a more modern and contemporary view, it is a social activity that can help to cement bonds between two people.
Male sexual health refers to a state of well-being that fully allows a man to participate in and enjoy sexual activity.
Many physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors affect a man’s sexual health.
What Does Male Sexual Health Means?
Healthy male sexual health includes sexual desire (libido) and the ability to get and maintain an erection (erectile function).
However, physiology can affect both sexual desire and the ability to have sex. Mental health and emotional factors also play an essential role.
Male sexual health isn’t only about the absence of disease: erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection or maintain it long enough to satisfy sexual activity.
Many factors can cause erectile dysfunction, including stress, depression, relationship problems, low testosterone, damage from urological surgery, and even cholesterol-clogged arteries.
It is often an early warning sign of heart disease. Erectile dysfunction can be treated with pills, injections into the penis, or devices that allow erections mechanically. Men may also experience ejaculation-related difficulties, including premature ejaculation, late ejaculation, or the inability to experience orgasm after ejaculation (anorgasmia).
Male sexual health also includes the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and the assessment and treatment of male infertility.
But, when we talk about male sexual health, we cannot limit ourselves to analyzing problems such as erectile dysfunction and sexually transmitted diseases.
Good intimate hygiene is just as important in preventing infections as fully enjoying our sex life.
In addition, while ageing, a man’s physical and mental behaviours undergo radical changes that should be taken into consideration.
This article will unfold habits, routines, and good practices to keepmale sexual health in shape.
While we pay so much attention to all forms of hygiene, we tend not to give the intimate one the proper attention it needs.
Whether it is a foul smell or good health, intimate hygiene is as essential as any other form of personal hygiene.
The private area is, in some ways, more sensitive than any other part of the body.
That’s why you need a dedicated intimate hygiene routine that is gentle enough yet effective for this sensitive area.
The popular belief is that male intimate hygiene is important for both sexual and physical well-being.
Although this is true, proper pubic hygiene benefits both our general health and our social status.
Unpleasant odour, itching, excessive sweating, rashes, pimples, etc. are all symptoms of poor intimate hygiene.
The area around the inguen has more sweat glands than other parts of the body, so having a personal hygiene routine is extremely important.
In addition to a quick wash in the shower, there are many other things every man should do.
- A targeted wash.
On the market, there are many products specially developed for male intimate hygiene. Make sure you choose gentle and natural products. Using mild soap and cold water is one of the safest ways to clean the area – especially if you are running out of time. Washing the area after sweating activities, such as exercising, is extremely important.
- Go to the bathroom before and after sex.
Emptying the bladder before and after sex is a habit that we tend to neglect but that every man should follow. This preventative measure will ensure that you do not contract and transmit certain types of bacterial infections. It is an excellent hygienic habit to follow to protect yourself and your partner.
- Frequently inspect the area.
Another great hygienic habit is to check your intimate area for any redness, bumps, rashes, or anything unusual that catches your eye. Sometimes you may not experience any infection symptoms, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pass it on.
- Avoid shaving it all.
Shaving pubic hair has become a popular choice. However, it would help if you remembered that hair is there for a reason, and it is unnecessary to shave it completely. Pubic hair helps minimize friction during sex and acts as a protective barrier. Also, shaving accidents are more common than you would expect. Even the most minor cut can allow bacteria to enter and cause serious infections.
In case you wish to shave, be extremely careful and gentle while doing it. Use the right products to avoid itching and irritation, which are prevalent side effects of shaving sensitive areas.
- Yes, to proper hair removal.
A good shave, which is not total, is essential to reduce sweating and, therefore, the accumulation of bacteria. Start by taking a quick shower with hot water, which will open the pores and make it easier to proceed with a close shave once you have an overall clean look. Rinse over the area to clean well.
- Use moisturizing products.
If you decide to opt for grove shaving, be sure to use moisturizing products to minimize possible unwanted effects. Before starting, apply some lather or shaving cream. Once you have finished shaving, moisturize the skin of the pubic area with a gentle body lotion.
Shaving can cause breakouts, dryness, and irritation, so it is crucial to moisturize the area.
- Use mild intimate cleansers.
One of the essential tips for male intimate hygiene is to use a specific male personal cleanser. This sensitive region needs regular washing but remains delicate.
Everyday male body care products can be a little too aggressive for intimate areas. Invest in an excellent male intimate wash product to avoid any reactions caused by sensitive skin.
It happens to several men, but few want to talk about it. After all, manhood plays a big part in our concept of the real man.
There is this one that “real men were born for sex.”
Many men have a low sex drive for a variety of reasons. And there are many ways to treat it.
- The causes.
The causes can be different, both physical and psychological, and, at times, they can concern both spheres.
Physical problems, which can cause low libido, include low testosterone levels, medications, too little or too much exercise, and alcohol and drug use.
Psychological ones, on the other hand, can consist of depression, stress, and relationship problems.
About 4 in 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapies remain somewhat controversial, but they are also a standard solution to the problem.
- How can it be cured?
Depending on the cause, possible treatments include:
Healthier lifestyle choices, improve your diet, get regular exercise, get enough sleep, and reduce alcohol and stress.
If you notice a drug you are taking affects your libido, consider replacing it with another or talking to your doctor.
In many cases, a low libido indicates a desire for a closer connection with the partner.
This relationship is not sexual but still intimate.
It may be helpful to discuss it with your partner or also try to look for the best testosterone supplements.
If depression is the problem, antidepressants can help, although, in some cases, they can be the cause.
Sexual Issues in Couples
Sexual satisfaction plays a vital role in healthy relationships. Still, some factors can affect the quality of sex life and individual desire throughout a relationship.
From a sexual point of view, you can go through lean periods when one of the two partners is suddenly less interested in sex than the other.
Decreased sexual desire intimacy tends to be shared as people get older.
Research has shown that sexual intimacy begins to decline around 45 and remains as people age.
Many factors can reduce sex interest.
So while you may think your partner is cheating on you, is gay, or just has lost interest in you, you need to be open to other possibilities and always talk to him/her.
Moreover, it is essential to distinguish between low libido (loss of sexual desire), hypoactive sexual desire (absence of sexual fantasies), and sexual dysfunction.
Each can have physical and psychological causes, but how they are treated are entirely different. By understanding the difference, you can approach the problem more objectively and avoid many emotional consequences.
Male Sexual Health After 50
As you get older, sex is no longer the same as when you were in your twenties! But it can still be satisfying.
Contrary to common myths, sex isn’t just for young people. Many seniors continue to enjoy their sexuality into their 80s and beyond. Healthy sex life is not only fulfilling, but it is also suitable for other aspects of life, including physical health and self-esteem.
As man ages, testosterone levels drop, and sexual dysfunction becomes quite familiar.
Other physiological changes can include:
- A need for more stimulation to achieve and maintain an erection or orgasm
- Shorter orgasms
- Less potent ejaculation with less amount of ejaculated semen
- More time is needed to achieve another erection after ejaculation
You may feel a little anxious about these changes, but remember that they don’t have to end your sexuality. Adapting to the changing body can help maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life.
Sex may not be the same for you or your partner as it was when you were younger. But sex and intimacy can continue to be a rewarding part of your life.
Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable sex life:
- Talk to your partner. While it can be difficult, sharing your needs, wants, and concerns openly can help you enjoy sex and intimacy more.
- Expand your definition of sex. Intercourse is just a way to have a fulfilling sex life. Touching, kissing, and another intimate contact can be rewarding for you and your partner.
- It is common for you and your partner to have different sexual skills and needs as you age. Be open to finding new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy.
- Change your sex routine. Simple changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of day you have sex to a time when you have more energy. Try it in the morning, when you’re rested from a good night’s sleep, rather than at the end of a long day.
- As it may take longer for you to get aroused, take more time to set the stage for romance. Try a new sex position or explore other ways to connect romantically and sexually.
- Don’t give up on romance. It can be hard to imagine starting another relationship if you’ve recently break-up. But continuing to socialize is worthwhile for many single seniors. No one overcomes the need for emotional closeness and intimacy.
- If you start an intimate relationship with a new partner, use a condom. Many seniors are unaware that they are still at risk for sexually transmitted infections such as herpes and gonorrhoea.
One final tip for maintaining a healthy sex life – take care of yourself and stay healthy as much as possible:
- Follow a healthy diet.
- You exercise regularly.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol.
- Avoid smoking.
