Male Sexual Health - Past and Present

Preoccupation with the male genitalia and virility is not a new social behavior. Ancient civilizations had already placed a high value on the phallus not only for sexual reasons but also for the preservation of peace and order. The phallus was a very important symbol in the Roman Empire, specifically in the city of Pompeii. Pompeii is famous for being the Roman city that was literally buried in lava, mud, and rocks when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 B.C. Accidentally discovered in 1748, the city was found beneath meters of ash and pumice. People who resided in that city were found stone-like and lying in different poses that showed their panic and despair that fateful day when the volcano took away their lives and property.

But another interesting find in the ruins was a fresco inside the Villa dei Vetii. The fresco showed Priapus weighing his penis against a sack of money. In Greek mythology, Priapus was a fertility god who was also considered the protector of livestock, plant life, and yes, even the male genitals. Called Mutinus Mutunus in Roman mythology, the said minor god was the son of Aphrodite and Adonis. The fresco boasted how Priapus' privates outweighed the bag full of coins. In fact, sculptures and images of Priapus were placed by farmers in the field supposedly to ensure the abundance of the harvest. For the Romans, his status also served as a scarecrow. The erect penis was not only propped to scare off the birds but burglars as well. These statues usually had inscriptions that contained the threat of sodomy on anyone caught stealing in the field or house where the said stone figures were set-up. During those times, rape was a common punishment for criminal offenders.

Archaeologists and sociologists believe that for many men during those ancient days, a properly functioning penis was crucial to having self-esteem. Proficiency and endurance in sexual activity were considered "manly" attributes, and are still viewed as such by most 21st century men. But what is really interesting in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii is how the penis as a symbol was highly regarded, even revered, by the Roman people.

Today, we can hardly see pictures or statues of men that show the disproportionately sized penis. In ancient Rome, it was important enough to commission an artist to paint such a scene inside one's villa. Still, the preoccupation with the male genitals and sexual performance is still a "silent concern" for most men. Lack of sexual ability, or more accurately, the inability to achieve an erection is a major male concern. It is estimated that at least 30 million American men have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. As a sexual health problem, male impotence is defined as the total inability to achieve an erection; an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection; or a tendency to sustain an erection for only brief moments.

Sexual health is more than just an issue of prevention and control of sexually transmitted disease. More appropriately, it is concerned with the physical, emotional and even relational conditions of people. Specifically, male sexual health is focused on a man's ability to have an erection, which is crucial to performing the sexual act. Intimacy in marriage or in deeper, physical relations between a man and a woman is normally attached to the issue of having the "capacity to perform." While professional definitions of sexual health goes beyond anatomical and coital discussions, most ordinary men and women attribute the term to acts "in the bedroom." Surely, men will do well to elevate the discussion of male sexual health above sexual trivia, positions, and performance. Aside from the obvious need to be informed about the dangers of sexually transmitted disease, men should also be educated about the women's sexuality and women's needs. Unlike men, the sexual functions of women are influenced by a number of factors, and not the normal rise in libido.

To access reliable and professional advice regarding sexuality and sexual health, both men and women should consider an appointment with a professional counselor or doctor at the nearest sexual health clinic. It is a known fact, especially in poor countries, that what goes around as knowledge about sexual health is nothing short of a myth. Often, young boys and girls rely on the peer group to get information about sexual health, or about sex itself.

But for men, whether they live in a poor country or in a developed nation, sexual problems must still be addressed by going to a sexual health clinic. Erectile dysfunction is not just a physical problem. It is also linked to emotional and psychological distress. While men who suffer from erectile dysfunction still have the ability to father a child, they do encounter challenges in sustaining their relationships and even their own self-esteem. By getting professional help, men with erectile dysfunction can benefit from science-based information and even medications such as Sildenafil (usually sold under the brand name Viagra), Vardenafil, and Finasteride.

Indeed, getting information on how to attain good sexual health need not be as difficult as excavating Pompeii. Male sexual health is not about achieving the legendary size of Priapus or have circus-like abilities for the most intimate human act. Sexual health is, above all, about maintaining physical health, safety in intimacy, and sustaining good relationships with those we love.


Sexual Health - Simple Steps For Maintaing Optimum Sexual Health

Sexual health today, is nothing more than an expression of your general state of health. Moreover, your sexual health is a good indication of your general state of health.

If your libido is falling, if you have erectile dysfunction, or painful intercourse, you probably have other conditions affecting your general health.

Here's what to do about guarding your sexual health.

Conditions that Affect Your Sexual Health

There are a few conditions that obviously affect directly your sexual health:

o Overall state of your health

o Obesity (being overweight)

o Sexually transmitted diseases

o Self-Image

o Impotence

o Lack of sexual satisfaction

What can be done about these?

1. If you are overweight, you must go on a diet and stick to it .There is no substitute.
Overweight people have a decreased libido. Seek help, do what you have to do, but lose some weight. You will see your sexual health improving in direct relation to the weight loss.

2. Exercise

Is indispensable for sexual health. Whatever your condition is, make a daily effort to exercise, and in the least condition, walk. Walking is one of the best exercises known.
It will help you to lose weight as well. Your exercise will help you boost your testosterone levels and this will increase your libido, and sexual ability.

3.Besides dieting, choose foods that promote sexual health.

Make a red list (things not to eat) and a green list (things to eat).
The red list Will contain foods that are on your diet as forbidden, but also can contain red meat, junk foods, anything fried, things not fresh, hard alcohol, and other foods that do not promote general health. Your green list will contain lots of fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, and green tea, for example.

5. Examine your lifestyle.

Are you getting enough rest? Rest and relaxation are crucial to overall health as well as sexual health. Your mood and outlook improves when you are rested and relaxed. You have to include chill out periods during your day, no matter how busy you are, and also sufficient sleep.

6. A major cause in the decline of sexual and general heath is stress.

You must, for the sake of both your general health and sexual health (which is very directly related to stress mis-management), learn stress management techniques.

Lifestyle vs. Sexual Health Issues

Finally you must make a good examination of your whole lifestyle. Are you living the way you really wish to?

Is your sex life satisfactory?

Are you aging earlier than you expected? These are some basic questions that you must answer, and honestly.

If your lifestyle is not promoting your sexual and general health in an acceptable manner, you have to begin to think about changing it. This self-examination is very good for each person, and you can simply sit down by yourself, before you sleep and review your day.

Go over each action you can remember. Think about them, were they correct, clever? Did they bring you happiness and satisfaction? Were you acting positively or negatively?

All of the above affects your sexual health in one way or another. If you would be healthy and happy, you must start now to guard your sexual health.