In the past, it was common for mothers to tell their sons not to touch themselves because it was immoral. This idea of morality and sexuality has been around for such a long time, but even if you think of the most puritan periods of history, there has always been an obsession with studying men’s virility in relation to their penis. Take for instance the Middle Ages. Unlike what we could think about their lack of awareness on their health, sexually transmitted infections were widely studied and treated. They paid extra attention to every single sign or change the penis presented. Of course, in many cases, they didn’t really know how these conditions were originated, so they believed most of them came from a curse or a punishment for having sex with evil women. However, the thorough examination of the penis wasn’t only related to STIs. Conception was also a huge matter to be checked upon. For example, did you know that in some cities and towns when a man wasn’t able to perform well during sex, a woman was in her right to consult a monk and he would arrange some experts (elder women) to examine his penis? If they saw some irregularity or even a slight deformity, the couple could be granted a marriage annulment.
What this shows is that for years many health issues have been associated to the penis and how it looks and feels. Somehow with the passing of time, that notion disappeared and prudish ideas started to take over the society’s mindset, making men believe that touching and exploring their bodies was something they should avoid at all cost. So, the taboo on masturbation has prevailed, and even today there are many people who don’t dare to explore their sexuality in a more open way. This is terrible because, just as people during the Middle Ages believed, there are many things about your health that your penis can tell you, besides possible STIs. So, take a look at the following signs on your penis, which might be telling you the condition of your overall health:
When erected it has a weird angle
Now, there are some penises that are naturally arched, so if yours has always been like that, there’s nothing to worry about. The other option, however, generally happens to men over forty (although there are reports of younger cases) and it’s called Peyronie’s disease. It makes the penis bend, which is more noticeable when it’s erected. This happens when there’s an unusual formation of collagen in the spongy tissue inside the penis. It gets calcified, provoking that curvature. Now, according to Dr. Darius Paduch (urologist at Weill Cornell Medical College), this can be a genetic condition or it can be provoked by “too much or too little sexual activity.” As he explains, it’s also very important to control the sugar levels in blood, since sugar increases the possibility of these collagen callus to form. It’s also important to go to the doctor, because if the callus gets harder and stiffer, it could make of your sexual interactions hurtful or even provoke a penile fracture.
You’ve lost some sensitivity
As one of your most sensitive parts of the body, it’s easy to notice if you’ve lost some sensitivity on the penis. The main and most common reason for this is a lack of vitamins. Since you’re not getting enough nutrients, the blood circulation doesn’t reach all the corners of your body as it should, producing numbness in certain areas. Besides that, a vitamin deficiency prevents the nerve fibers to send signals to the brain, which affects sensations. So, perhaps it’s time you take good care of what you’re eating and pay more attention to foods high in vitamins such as milk, fruits, vegetables, etc. The other possibility is diabetes, so if you’ve noticed this numbness, it would be advisable for you to take a blood test. They’re so easy that to do so you can actually use a glucose meter.
You notice some patches
Generally, there’s nothing to be alarmed of, since in most cases these appear due to the normal friction of sex. What do we mean with patches? It refers to a reddish irritation that is too sensitive or even painful when touched. Now, according to Ryan Terlecki (urologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) if these patches aren’t sensible or painful, it’s important to get a doctor to see them, since this is could be a sign of penile cancer. Now, that’s why it’s important to constantly take a look at your penis. If this condition is noticed, it can be easily treated with topical medication or a minor surgery.
The tip is red and swollen
Okay, it’s normal to have a slight inflammation on the tip of the penis. However, when this inflammation gets more noticeable and it produces pain and redness, it could be a condition called Balanitis. This is generally caused by external bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even a sloppy hygiene of the region. Again, it’s important to constantly check your sugar levels and consumption, since Balanitis is also a common symptom of diabetes.
It feels tight
If out of a sudden you start feeling that the skin of your penis is getting tighter with no reason, it could be caused by a condition called Lichen Sclerosus, which can be provoked by a hormone imbalance or a problem in the immune system. This is basically a skin condition that most people have never heard about, but that could lead to very serious diseases like cancer or even a total blockage of the urinary tract. Tightness is only one of the signs. If you feel this together with some noticeable white spots on the region, you should pay a visit to the doctor. In some cases, there is also pain.
There are some sensations or visual signs in our body that we generally don’t pay attention to because they’re not as frequently explained or widely talked about. However, it’s important to remember that even the slightest change or symptom you experience can be your body telling you there’s something you have to take care of.
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For more information, take a look at these:
6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sperm
10 Masturbation Pros For Women And Men According To Science
So, What Happens If You Get E.D On Your First Hook Up
