AltHealth: Protecting the Family Jewels

Did you know that forceful banging or bending of an erect penis can cause a traumatic fracture? You can actually break the thing. I never knew. There were a lot of things I didn’t know about the male organ. They require more upkeep than I ever imagined.

Men: Penis health is an important part of your overall health. Despite how it may seem, your penis does not operate as an independent agent with a mind of its own. Your physical condition, and mental state, are reflected in that external organ. You need to take good care of the both of you. So, what factors increase the risk of penile problems in younger men?

• Unsafe sex. Always use a condom if you have sex with multiple partners. One reason men give for skipping condoms is “I lose my erection when I try to put one on.” Hey, maybe that’s your penis’s way of saying, “This might not be a good idea.” Ever consider that? BTW – if you are in a monogamous relationship, make sure you are both screened before tossing the protection. If either of you engaged in risky behavior before committing, it isn’t safe until the tests say it’s safe.

• Excessive drinking. If you are engaging in risky sex, chances are, you’ve been drinking. Even if you practice safe sex, you aren’t safe from the side effects of heavy drinking – it can contribute to reduced libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). It can also lead to other poor choices, which brings us to –

• Piercings. It may have seemed like a great idea when you were drunk, but penis piercings can leave you open to infection and disrupt urinary flow. Depending where the piercing is, it could also weaken your ability to achieve an erection or orgasm. Just say no.

• Poor hygiene. A surprising number of infections can be caused by smegma: an oily, malodorous, ooze that collects below the foreskin. Uncircumcised men are most at risk, but circumcised men can also develop inflammation, including banitis, from poor hygiene. Wash regularly with soap and water.

• Smoking. It’s bad enough for your health in general, but in addition to cancer, heart disease and emphysema, smoking increases your chances of having erectile dysfunction.

• Psychological factors. Not in the mood? The problem may not just be sex. Anxiety disorders, depression, severe stress and a multitude of other mental health impairments can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Paradoxically, ED can also contribute to anxiety and depression. Stressing about sexual performance can literally cause an inability to perform. But if you do seek treatment for any of these problems, there’s something else you need to know: 

• Medications. A number of common medications have the potential to affect your erections. Antidepressants are notorious for causing an inability to ejaculate, or can kill the libido entirely. Blood pressure drugs, prescription sleep medicine, ulcer drugs and drugs for the prostate all have ED as a possible side effect.

Notice anything about those risk factors? They are nearly all under your control. Your lifestyle now can either set you up for a life of healthy sex, or send you heading for a downward spiral. You’re ahead of the game if you take control while you are still young; getting older carries its own set of problems. A decline in testosterone levels brings an increased risk of erectile dysfunction and decreased intensity of orgasms. Then there’s the heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity – in addition to killing you or otherwise making your life a living hell, they can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Just something to consider.

What is the most common complaint that sends younger guys to the doctor? My friend Dr. H says that men in their 20s and 30s most often come in complaining of feeling bumps on their testicles. This is usually a cyst of some sort, but still requires an ultrasound. Fortunately, cysts are nearly always benign. Dr. H tells me that screening for testicular cancer isn’t recommended, especially for younger men, because of all the anxiety that self examination generates. “They always find something…but it’s usually nothing.” Talk to your doctor for advice.

On a final note – that breaking your penis thing? Although the penis doesn’t have bones in it, the term “penis fracture” is a medical term for a penis injury where the lining inside becomes torn. This is often caused by rough sex, so forewarned is forearmed. If you fracture your penis, it will turn black and blue and flatten, and it may make a popping noise. Sound scary? Yeah, it is. Get to an ER quick; this is a medical emergency.