Testosterone and the Decline of Modern Male Health

Testosterone plays a key role in health and well-being as well as in sexual functioning. Not only is testosterone responsible for the sexual changes that occur at puberty, it also reduces fat, builds muscle and stimulates a man's sex drive. It also improves a man's mood, imagination and creativity and can even reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. When testosterone levels are low a number of symptoms can manifest including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, decreased sex drive and reduced muscle tone.

The latest disturbing estimates:

• Today the sperm count of the average male is half of what it was 70 years ago.
• 30-50% of all men in the U.S. have some form of erectile dysfunction.
• 25-80% of men over the age of 40 are affected with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
• 90% of men over the age of 80 show signs of prostate enlargement.
• 25% of all men are affected severely enough to require medical attention which often involves surgery.
• Approximately 32% of those undergoing surgery experience complications such as incontinence, impotence or enlargement of the breast tissue due to hormone imbalance.

Another sign of the decline in male reproductive health includes more frequent instances of prostate cancer and birth defects. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among American men and affects one out of every nine males. Birth defects of the penis and undescended testicles in newborn males are also a sign of a growing problem. Because these reproductive problems are now appearing in animals in the wild as well, this suggests that the problem is part of an even greater environmental issue.

Xenoestrogens - Breaking the Balance

As it turns out, a major cause of the decline in reproductive health stems from an environmental pollutant known as xenoestrogen. Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic estrogen, producing an estrogenic effect in the body. Since male health relies on the proper balance between androgens (hormones like testosterone) and estrogen (the female hormones men also produce in small quantities), the introduction of xenoestrogens creates an imbalance which can result in increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, infertility, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes in men.

The Source of Xenoestrogens

Whether men know it or not, they are being constantly exposed to xenoestrogens from a number of sources. One such source is the synthetic estrogens from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy for women that is finding it's way into our drinking supply. A recent article out of Canada has reported a 'Skyrocket of Estrogen Levels' as high as '90 times the normal rate' in the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.

In addition to the contaminated water supply, we are also exposed to xenoestrogens through our food supply. Estrogen supplements are fed to chickens and cattle to increase egg, meat and dairy production which is passed directly to us when we eat those products.

Another source of xenoestrogens are the estrogenic chemicals such as PCP and thalates found in plastic materials which are accumulating in the world's soil, water and air. Combine all of these factors together and most men are practically overdosing on xenoestrogens.

Avoiding Xenoestrogens and Improving Health

An important part in improving sexual health is reducing your exposure to xenoestrogens and other harmful chemicals. If you haven't already, you should make sure to use some sort of water treatment appliance to filter your water. This will also remove fluoride from your drinking water which is known to reduce testosterone levels in men.

Even though red meat has been shown to stimulate testosterone levels in men, most commercially raised red meat contains xenoestrogens. By eating organically raised, grass-fed beef, you can not only reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens but also enhance your testosterone levels at the same time. You can also add body-boosting supplements to your diet which will increase your body's natural production of testosterone, human growth hormone, and DHEA.

Pesticides such as DDT and organochlorines are also considered xenoestrogens. You can reduce your exposure to these chemicals by eating organically grown food whenever possible and making sure non-organically grown food is washed in a natural cleaning solution.

Since heat will release these chemicals from certain materials, you should always avoid using plastic containers in microwave ovens. You should also avoid drinking water (or other beverages) from soft plastic bottles that have been exposed to heat. Make sure that food has been allowed to cool before placing it into a plastic container for storage.

The exposure to environmental toxins like xenoestrogens combined with poor dietary habits is contributing to the decline in health of the modern day man. Fortunately we can still choose to do something about it. Now is the time to take back control of our own reproductive health and work to protect and preserve our sexual wellness!

Increase Penis Blood Circulation

Ensuring that the penis has an adequate circulation of blood is crucial to maintaining it's health and proper function. Supplements and exercises that work to increase the flow of blood help to improve erection quality and enhance overall penile health.

Maintain Tissue Health and Nerve Function

The tissue and nerves contained within the penis are not only vital to proper functioning but are also important in regards to sensation and pleasure. The more you work to maintain the health of these tissue fibers and penile nerves, the greater and more intense the experience will be during sexual intercourse.

Promote Urinary and Prostate Health

Making sure that the penis is stimulated regularly directly improves it's health and that of other associated organs such as the prostate. Most men after the age of 40 start to experience an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the tip of the penis), when it enlarges it can press on the urethra and cause problems with urination.

Eradicate Episodes of Impotence

Men who are unable to achieve an erection or sustain one long enough for sexual intercourse are experiencing a condition called impotence. This problem is thought to affect as many as 10 million men in the U.S. alone. When the penis is kept fit and strong, these episodes will gradually diminish in frequency until they are no longer an issue.

Increase Ejaculation Intensity and Semen Amount

A proper penis enhancement system will incorporate techniques to strengthen the ejaculatory muscle. This translates to more control over ejaculations, harder erections and an increase in the production and storage of semen. Combining these exercises with semen volumizer supplements further enhances ejaculate volume which prolongs the orgasm and consequently increases the amount of pleasure you experience during sex.

Improve Sexual Stamina

In addition to strengthening the penis and ejaculatory muscle, natural penis exercise programs also help to improve staying power and sexual stamina. By conditioning and training the penis to respond to manual stimulus, you learn to gain complete control over your erection and are then able to extend the duration of sex for as long as you wish.

Correct Penile Curvature

For most men, a small bend in the erect penis is a normal condition. In some instances however, the curve can be extreme and result in difficult or even painful intercourse. Specific types of 'milking' techniques will help to straighten the shaft or, for more extreme cases, a penis traction device can be employed to correct the curvature.

Penis Enlargement that Lasts

Unlike risky procedures such as penile surgery, natural penis enlargement programs incorporate researched and proven methods that will safely and permanently lengthen and thicken the penis. They are also far less expensive and much more accessible to the average man.

Elevated Self-Esteem

Men who enhance themselves naturally tend to have a better image of themselves. Knowing that you are well above average in size and have absolute control over your penis elevates your self-esteem which becomes apparent to everyone around you.

Heightened Self-Confidence

When you are proud of your body you naturally exude more confidence. This will manifest itself both in and out of the bedroom. If you are no longer troubled by penis size or ability, you can focus on making the most out of your sexual encounters.

Recommended Methods

If you would like to take control of your life and improve every aspect of your sexual ability, there is every reason to start on a penis enhancement program today. There are several great programs available depending on your personal goals and committment level - see our recommendations for more information.

For those who want something that is easy to follow and doesn't require much time, the system of penis pills and exercises offered by ProSolution™ is ideal.

ProSolution Penis Enhancement Pill System

In just a short amount of time you could experience a larger, stronger and healthier penis that will improve every area of your life. Do yourself a favor and get started today!

E.D. Linked to Standard Bicycle Seats

The main cause of the problem seems to lie in the construction of the traditional bicycle seat itself. Most common saddles feature a long protruding nose that extends outward from between the legs. Resting on this type of seat puts undue pressure on the perineum, the area located between the genital and anus, which can result in urogenital paresthesia and sexual dysfunction. The blood vessels, nerves and arteries that pass through the perineum are largely responsible for regulating sexual and erectile functioning.

Taking the Pressure Off

Reducing pressure on the perineum while biking is the key to alleviating the problem. One way of accomplishing this is to change the type of seat that is used. There are now a number of different seats that are designed for just this purpose.

Cutaway Saddles

This type of seat has the center portion cut out. This helps to take pressure off of the soft tissue areas and instead allows weight to be transferred to the bones.

Noseless Saddles

Another bike seat variation is called the 'noseless' saddle. The ergonomical form of this seat is designed to remove pressure from the perineum. A recently published report by the Journal of Sexual Medicine involving a study of bicycle police officers has helped to confirm the effectiveness of this design:

"With few exceptions, bicycle police officers were able to effectively use no-nose saddles in their police work… Use of no-nose saddles reduced most perineal pressure… Penile health improved after 6 month using no-nose saddles as measured by biothesiometry and IIEF."

Additional Preventive Measures

Even if you're not ready to make the switch to a new seat, there are still a few things you can do to help improve seat comfort and prevent excessive pressure on the sensitive soft tissues.

• Ensure that your seat height is adjusted properly. If it is too high you will tend to shift your weight from side to side which can result in perineal irritation.
• Positioning the seat nose on a slightly downward forward angle will help to alleviate pressure on the soft tissues. Make sure not to tip it too far forward or you may experience lower back pain and hand numbness due to excessive weight on the wrists and hands.
• You may also want to try angling the seat either slightly left or right as opposed to aligning it directly forward.
• Be sure to stand up once in a while and adjust your riding position periodically.
• Always take a short break if you experience tingling or numbness.

You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to enjoy the many health benefits of bicycling. Besides being an excellent cardiovascular workout and muscle strengthener, bicycling is also just plain fun! Remember that while it's a good idea to exercise and stay in shape, always make sure you're not doing it at the expense of your sexual health.

Before we get started you should keep in mind that everyone's metabolism is unique. Since the rate at which our bodies metabolize nutrients varies, each person is likely to report different results. Some may experience progress rather quickly, even within the first month, while others may need several months before their body begins to respond. Regardless of these disparities, each and every man is still capable of great personal development.

Stages of Enhancement Progress

Month One

The first month is when you begin using your enhancement product, commonly in the form of either penis pills or transdermal penis patches. It's also when you start to learn how to properly perform your penis exercise routine. By the end of this month you will usually notice an increase in libido and improved erection hardness, both of which serve to boost your sexual confidence.

Month Two

Most users will start to notice that the penis feels heavier while flaccid (non-erect) and also experience a new level of sensitivity within the penis itself. A beneficial side effect from performing your penis exercise program is increased sexual stamina which will allow you to prolong intercourse. It will also help to decrease the chances of premature ejaculation and erection loss during sex.

Month Three

During the third month you'll likely notice a more prominent increase in penis size, the specific measurement depending upon the individuals own growth response. Your body will become more efficient at assimilating the supplement's nutrients and blood flow will improve. You should also experience more control, greater erection responsiveness and quicker arousal times.

Month Four

As you settle into your regimen and become more adept at performing the exercises, you'll notice that your penis continues to expand. Usually by this time you will also see an increase in ejaculate volume which translates to longer and more pronounced orgasms.

Month Five and Beyond

By this time you will have reached an entirely new stage of penis development. Erections will be both longer and stronger and your level of erotic pleasure (and that of your partner as well) will have been greatly augmented. You will have new heightened control over your sexual performance and your confidence will be through the roof!

Usually at this point most men begin to tone down their training to maintain their gains. This of course depends on whether or not you are satisfied with your growth or still wish to further your progress.

As mentioned previously, results will vary from one man to the next. The most important thing is to follow your program instructions accurately and never quit before your body has a chance to undergo penile improvement.

For recommendations on some of the leading penis enhancement products, see the following:

Top Rated Penis Pills

Penis Patch Review

The findings of the study were published in a July 2008 press release issued by the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology and involved data collected from a group of 99 men attending a fertility clinic.

Soy Study

For the study, men were asked how much and how often they had eaten 15 soy-based foods over the previous three months. The foods included tofu, tempeh, tofu or soy sausages, bacon, burgers, soy milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and other soy products like roasted nuts, drinks and energy bars.

"Men in the highest intake group had a mean soy food intake of half a serving per day: in terms of their isoflavone content that is comparable to having one cup of soy milk or one serving of tofu, tempeh or soy burgers every other day"

Findings

• Men who ate the most soy food had on average 41 million fewer sperm per ml (milliliter) of semen compared with those who did not consume any soy products. (Normal sperm counts for men range between 80 million and 120 million per ml).
• The relationship between sperm concentrations and soy consumption was greatest among overweight and obese men.
• The link between soy products and sperm concentration was more pronounced in men with originally higher sperm concentrations.

Conclusions

Although the link between soy and sperm count isn't clear, researchers suspect that soy may increase estrogen activity which can negatively affect sperm production and interfere with hormonal signals. Soy beans and other soy-derived products contain a plant compound called isoflavones which has estrogen-like qualities.

This may become further compounded in men who are overweight since fat tissue converts male hormones (androgen) to more female hormones leading to even greater levels of estrogen in the body. Why men who have normal or high sperm counts may be more susceptible to soy products than those with lower sperm counts remains a mystery.

Before giving up on soy, it should be noted that these findings are both preliminary and inconclusive. Additional research and further trials are certainly necessary. You may however wish to consult with your physician if you happen to have a high soy intake and are experiencing abnormal sperm concentrations and/or infertility issues.

The naturally occurring substance researchers are talking about is called citrulline. It is found mostly in the rind of watermelon and is known to react with the body's enzymes to create arginine. Arginine is an amino acid and precursor for nitric oxide, a gas molecule that relaxes and dilates blood vessels and helps to ease blood flow. This effect is important for treating erectile dysfunction problems and improving sexual performance.

Although this may sound like great news for men, it should be noted that the majority of citrulline is located in the exterior rind (the green and yellow parts). Unfortunately most people don't eat this part of the watermelon but instead prefer the sweet interior flesh (the red part).

It should also be mentioned that approximately six or seven slices need to be consumed in order to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine levels and produce the desired effect. If you eat that much watermelon you'll probably spend more time in the bathroom than in the bedroom!

While watermelon may not be the most practical of male sexual solutions, the importance of naturally occurring nutrients should not be understated. In fact, many herbal male enhancement formulas contain ingredients that similarly promote sexual health. For instance, all-natural ingredients in ProSolution Pills such as Taj, Safflower, Apigenin, Amla and Arjuna all work to increase blood flow and improve blood vessel health. The combination of these ingredients helps to keep the penis healthy and functioning properly.

Ultimately watermelon is not the cure-all for a weakened male libido. I doubt that products designed specifically to deal with that problem will have much to fear. It is however an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It's also a healthy snack especially for those hot summer days!

The data compiled since the inception of the study in 1986, detailed in this article, presents some very interesting statistics:

"Compared to men who reported 4 – 7 ejaculations per month across their lifetimes, men who ejaculated 21 or more times a month enjoyed a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer."

A similar study done by Australian researchers also concluded that men who ejaculated more frequently showed a reduced risk of prostate cancer:

"In all, men who averaged 4.6 – 7 ejaculations a week were 36% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 70 than men who ejaculated less than 2.3 times a week on average."

The Harvard study also found that men who ejaculated more frequently tended to have higher testosterone levels. As these are the same men who enjoy a reduced risk of prostate cancer, this suggests that any adverse effects of male hormones are somehow offset by a protective effect caused by frequent ejaculation.

While ultimately the results of these studies does little to shed light on the underlying cause of the disease itself, it does link the importance of early prostate health and development with sexual activities. It also raises some important questions such as what role ejaculate volume plays in the healthy functioning of the prostate gland. Does increasing the amount of ejaculate, as observed through the use of semen enhancers, help to further lower the risk of prostate cancer? While further research is certainly necessary, the knowledge gained from these studies is indeed good news for sexually active men.

Note: A poignant phrase to remember here is, "everything in moderation." Eating or drinking too much can trigger your body to release cytokines, the hormones that induce sleep. This obviously would be counter-productive to our goal.

For Men

Pepper Steak

Also called steak au poivre, this French dish consists of a steak coated on one side in loosely cracked peppercorns and then cooked. The high-protein content of this meal helps to boost production of dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that increase alertness and assertiveness. The pepper works to aid in digestion which is important for later high energy activities, i.e. sexual intercourse.

Prawn Cocktail

Prawns, or as they're called in the U.S., shrimp, are known to increase sperm levels and help make orgasms more powerful. This is due to the high levels of zinc they contain. Zinc is also a key element in many natural enhancement supplements - see Effects of Zinc on Fertility. Prawns also contain a stress-reducing amino acid and the "feel good" hormone called serotonin.

Spinach Salad

Spinach contains an abundant source of the element magnesium. This is vital for producing strong erections as it helps to dilate blood vessels and ensures smooth blood flow to the penis. Other foods high in magnesium include raw broccoli, oysters, scallops, pumpkin seeds and black beans.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes contain a large amount of potassium, an essential component to reducing stress. Lowering stress plays an important part in avoiding performance anxiety and preventing conditions like premature ejaculation. For additional flavor, top the dish with a bit of sour cream, another source of "libido friendly" protein.

For Women

Lest we be remiss, women complete the other half of the sexual equation and sometimes need a little boost in the libido department as well. Here are a few things that can help to increase her enjoyment of sex.

Red Wine

The skin of the grapes that make up red wine contain resveratrol. This antioxidant helps to increase the production of estrogen which in turn heightens sexual appetite. It also aids in the process of vaginal lubrication. Research into muscadine grapes has shown that they contain a higher resveratrol content and therefore may be more effective than other red wines. Moderation, again, is the key. Forcing the body to absorb too much alcohol too quickly will cause drowsiness.

Dark Chocolate

Healthy desserts, such as raspberries or strawberries topped with melted dark chocolate serve as excellent natural sexual enhancers for women. Recent studies have shown that chocolate may in fact be more effective at releasing endorphins than kissing actually is - see the article chocolate better than kissing. The caffeine contained in chocolate also acts to increase alertness and improve your focus on the sex act.

While many don't realize the important relationship between eating and having sex, it's probably safe to say that they're both activities we all enjoy. When we can combine the two, the result is nothing less than a win-win situation. With a little forethought and planning, anyone can learn to satisfy their appetite for both good food and great sex.

Because sex is such a vital part of most people's lives, being sexually healthy is necessary in order to keep both ourselves and our partners happy. For men, improving virility and enhancing the sexual experience can be accomplished with a few modifications to our lifestyle. While it does take personal committment and effort to change, the benefits received are well worth the price.

Since being physically fit plays such an obvious and important role, we'll first begin with the body.

Physical Health

Research shows that being overweight adversely affects the human sex drive. Shedding some extra pounds not only helps to make one look and feel better, it also helps to improve stimulation of the sexual hormones. For most, losing weight can be accomplished by incorporating exercise into our lives and paying attention to the foods we put in our bodies.

Exercise and Rest

Engaging in cardiovascular exercise regularly can help to improve virility by increasing endurance and strengthening the heart. Strength-based weight training is also important to build stronger muscles which are needed for various activities, including sex. Exercising our bodies serves to boost self-confidence which is important both in and out of the bedroom.

While regular exercise is vital to maintaining good health, getting enough rest, particularly at night, is equally as important. The body needs to recharge and recuperate from the daily stresses it is put through. When our bodies are tired and low in energy, sexual performance will suffer.

Diet and Nutrition

Following a healthy diet and getting enough of the right foods is just as important as exercise in losing weight. Starving yourself is never the answer. A healthy dietary plan means cutting back on fatty foods, avoiding high cholesterol meals and opting instead for things that are nutritionally rich. Since having a healthy cardiovascular system is fundamental, heart-friendly foods such as nuts, fruits, vegetables and grains should be abundant in your daily intake.

Adding nutritional supplements such as multivitamins is also an important part of maintaining a healthy diet. These help insure that your body is receiving enough of the necessary nutrients that might otherwise be lacking in the foods you consume. For specific sexual-enhancement supplements, you may wish to add some natural herbal bedroom boosters.

Mental Health

Just as the physical condition of your body directly impacts sexual libido and virility, so to does your mental state.

Positive Thinking

It's not always easy to remain positive when sometimes it seems life throws one curve ball after another. It is however very important that we try to take things in stride and remain optimistic. Maintaining a feeling of well-being about ourselves and others is a sure way to improve the quality of our relationships, both sexual and platonic.

Staying optimistic also means accepting ourselves for who we are, not only emotionally but physically. When we learn to love our bodies, regardless of perceived flaws, we allow ourselves to get in better touch with our sexuality which in turn heightens the sexual experience.

Reduce Stress

Stress is something that no one can avoid, especially in today's fast-paced world. While some amount is actually normal, excessive stress can cause any number of health related problems. It also effectively kills your sex life. When you learn to control and reduce stress, the amount of positive energy made available to your sex drive increases dramatically.

There is of course always the possibility that even while following a generally healthy lifestyle, some men may still experience lower than normal sexual virility. In this case it is always advisable to seek professional help. A substantially decreased libido or even total lack of sexual vitality will usually have either a physiological or psychological foundation. In these instances a trained professional can determine your best course of action.

In the past, options for skin care were limited to cheap over-the-counter products. These did not take into consideration all the areas of the male body that require attention. Recently, however, men's skin care needs have created an influx of new products. But how do you know which products are best? While a product may be inexpensive and have a nice scent, does that make it good for you to use on one of the most important parts of your body?

"Old Spice" has been around for generations, and offers a "High Endurance" Body Wash for men that you can buy for under $5. The product description grabs the attention by phraseology such as 'rich gel lather that SLAMS the dirt away!' and 'intense clean!' However, if you were to go beyond that and read the active ingredients, you would find mostly chemicals and dyes.

In fact, you do get what you pay for when it comes to the low priced, trendy body care products made for men. But do you really want to bathe yourself in chemicals? Many of these products do not counteract the effects of aging, contain any sunscreen protection, and do not contain natural ingredients, and therefore, in my opinion (and from experience) are very damaging to the penis and genital region.

I personally have battled extremely dry skin my entire life and have tried product after product to find one that nourishes and treats my skin in all areas. One particular line of skin care for men that I have been using for the past 6 months has literally changed my life. It is the NutriMenC™ RE9® line by Arbonne Swiss Skin Care. The REality Moisturizing Sunscreen offers intense moisturizing properties and when used regularly, increases skin tone and elasticity and also contains an SPF sunscreen 8.

It was created for use on the face, but I have used it all over my body with great results. The active ingredients are all natural: Octinoxate (a natural sunscreen), bilberry and sugar maple. The NutriMen line offers a 5-step process, conveniently packaged in a Revolution kit, that includes REveal Exfoliating Wash; REsurface Shave Gel; REstoring Toner; REality Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 8 plus a FREE Arbonne Intelligence Thermal Fusion Hair & Scalp Revitalizer.

I was sold on trying the Arbonne product line after I viewed a presentation of before and after pictures, with one in particular of a burn victim. Here is the testimonial:

Electrical Burn 4/30/06 - 5/17/06

"Dave, a journeyman electrical lineman experienced a flash fire from an electrical panel which threw him on the ground. The County Burn Unit gave him an expensive petroleum based ointment. They thought his ear may need a skin graft. His wife Margaret, gave him Arbonne Intelligence Cleansing Gel and Skin Conditioning Oil instead. Dave said the skin conditioning oil eased the pain. No grafting was necessary."

The original study along with the actual before and after pictures can be found in this PDF file (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader): skincare-case-studies

I felt that if this man's condition improved so quickly, that I had nothing to lose by trying Arbonne and I'm glad I did!

No, you cannot purchase these products at Target, and yes, they are more expensive than Old Spice. But as Penis Resources is geared towards quality products for men, I am recommending this for care of the penis and surrounding areas, as well as daily care for the face. For more information on the NutriMen products visit Arbonne International.

Arbonne products can only be ordered through a consultant. If you are interested in placing an order for Arbonne or just learning more about their products, email me and I will be happy to provide you with the contact information for my personal consultant. If you mention hearing about the products through this blog, you will receive an additional 10% discount off your purchase!

Having healthy skin is something that must be addressed daily. This is especially true of the penis and testicles. Taking care of that most sensitive of areas should be included in every man's daily skin care regimen.