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I’m a urologist and here’s the penis warning sign no man should ignore 0 751

Stanley Myrick

THERE’S no such thing as a “normal” looking penis, docs will tell you – with a range in size, girth and shape.

However, a urologist has warned there is one warning sign in the appearance of your todger that you should not ignore. 

Getty – ContributorA curvature of the penis may indicate disease[/caption]

Putting off medical help could lead to pain, erectile dysfunction or even mental illness. 

Petr Holy, consultant urological surgeon at the Men’s Health Clinic in Kingston, south-west London, said curvature of the penis is a sign to watch for.

It could be the first sign of Peyronie’s disease.

Mr Holy said: “Peyronie’s disease is something that flies under the radar with most men but it can have a huge impact on sexual health and self-confidence.”

The disease can cause intense pain when aroused, making intercourse difficult or even impossible.

Without treatment it can cause erectile dysfunction, infertility and negatively impact on intimate relationships.

A 2016 study found that around half of those who have Peyronie’s disease suffer from depression and 80 per cent experience distress related to the condition. 

Another 50 per cent admitted it negatively impacted their relationship. 

Many male members have some form of bend in them, especially when erect, Mr Holy said.

This is not usually a problem, as he said: “It’s completely normal to have a penis with a curved shape.”

However, if a curve in the penis is new for you – either upwards, downwards, or either side – it’s worth seeing your GP.

What is the disease?

Peyronie’s disease is when scar tissue builds up in the penis, causing its shape to change.

The scar tissue is known as plaque, and depending on where it forms, causes the shaft to bend in a different direction. 

In some cases it can cause the penis to become “dented”, making it shorter or take on an hourglass shape from base to tip.

Mr Holy said: “When you have Peyronie’s disease the scar tissue in your penis, known as plaque, can cause a variety of symptoms that appear gradually or quickly.

“Common signs include pain with or without an erection, a significant curve, flat lumps that you can feel under the skin and a shortened penis.

“If you do have any worries it’s best to see your GP as soon as possible, and they will be able to advise you or refer you for treatment.

“The main thing is not to suffer in silence.”

Peyronie’s disease can affect men of all ages but is most common over the age of 40.

While just one in 100 men have been officially diagnosed with the condition, experts claim the real figure is closer to one in 10.

Men may feel too embarrassed to come forward and see their GP, so the true figure could be higher than data suggest.

The condition is permanent and rarely goes away on its own. However, changes in the penis can be improved with treatment.

One of the treatments available is shockwave therapy, where a sonic gel is used to transmit single pulses of energy to the affected areas.

This process helps produce new blood vessels in the site and breaks up plaque, which helps increase blood flow.

Mr Holy added: “Shockwave therapy may provide relief from pain. Treatment usually takes between around half an hour, doesn’t require any anaesthetic or numbing cream.

“At the most you might feel a mild tingling or buzzing sensation. To help you reach the best results it’s recommended to have a series of six treatments spread out over six weeks.”

Other warning signs you should never ignore

If you think something is different down there, it’s worth flagging up to your doctor as soon as you can.

Some of the key symptoms to be wary of in your privates are:

  1. Hard, painless lumps on your balls

According to the NHS, this is a sign of testicular cancer.

And while most lumps are harmless, with testicular cancer being the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 35, it’s worth getting it checked out just in case.

If it’s caught early, 99 per cent of testicular cancer cases are curable so it’s well worth checking yourself out in the shower at least once or twice a month.

2. Painful orgasms

If it hurts when you hit that high, whether it’s anywhere around your willy, testicles or even your lower back, you should let your doctor know.

Painful ejaculation could be indicative of a inflammatory condition in your prostate, or even prostate cancer.

3. Burning sensations or difficulty urinating

If you’re struggling to go to the loo or finding it painful, it could be the sign of an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection and you should get it checked out by a professional.

Similarly, if there is blood in your urine it can also be a sign of an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.

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Porn and Mental Health: The Challenges and Strategies for Coping in the Industry 0 177

Alice Trout

Pornography is a billion-dollar industry that has gained widespread popularity across the globe. However, while it may be a source of entertainment for some, the industry can be challenging for performers’ mental health. The pressure to perform and meet the expectations of producers and viewers can take a toll on performers’ mental wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that the porn industry poses to mental health and strategies for coping with them.

The Challenges

  1. Stigma and Shame

The porn industry is still stigmatized, and performers can face a lot of shame and judgment from society. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, making it difficult for performers to seek help and support when needed.

  1. Pressure to Perform

Performers in the porn industry are expected to meet certain expectations and perform at their best every time. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

  1. Isolation and Loneliness

Performing in the porn industry can be a lonely experience, with performers spending long hours on set or on their own, away from friends and family. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can take a toll on mental health.

  1. Trauma and Abuse

The porn industry is not immune to issues such as sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation. Performers may experience these traumatic events, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Strategies for Coping

Seek Professional Help

Performers in the porn industry should seek professional help and support when they need it. There are many therapists and counselors who specialize in working with performers in the industry and can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for performers in the porn industry. Taking breaks when needed, exercising, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help performers manage stress and promote mental wellbeing.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Having a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues can make a big difference in performers’ mental health. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of the industry and offer non-judgmental support can help performers cope with the stresses of the job.

Address Trauma and Abuse

Performers who have experienced trauma and abuse in the industry should seek support and address these issues head-on. This may involve therapy, reporting incidents to the authorities, and taking legal action if necessary.

Conclusion

The porn industry poses significant challenges to performers’ mental health, from stigma and shame to pressure to perform and trauma and abuse. However, with the right strategies, performers can cope with these challenges and maintain good mental wellbeing. Seeking professional help, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and addressing trauma and abuse are just a few strategies that can help performers in the porn industry maintain good mental health.

Navigating Consent and Boundaries in the Porn Industry: A Guide for Newcomers 0 165

Alice Trout

Consent and boundaries are crucial aspects of the porn industry, and it’s essential for newcomers to understand how to navigate these issues. In this article, we’ll provide a guide for those who are new to the industry on how to approach consent and boundaries in a professional and respectful manner.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that consent is always required in the porn industry. This means that every actor must give explicit and enthusiastic consent to any sexual act that is portrayed on camera. Consent can be given verbally or non-verbally, but it must always be clear and enthusiastic.

In order to ensure that consent is obtained, communication is key. Actors should have open and honest conversations with their scene partners and the director prior to filming. They should discuss what they are comfortable with and what their boundaries are, as well as any specific instructions or concerns.

It’s also important for actors to feel empowered to set their own boundaries and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe during filming. This means that if an actor does not want to perform a particular act or if they feel that their boundaries are being pushed, they have the right to stop the scene and speak to the director about their concerns.

It’s also essential for actors to be aware of their own physical and emotional limits. This means that they should take breaks as needed, communicate with their scene partner and director about any discomfort or pain, and engage in self-care practices to ensure that they are physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of the job.

Finally, it’s important for actors to have a support system in place. This can include talking to other actors who have experience in the industry, seeking out counseling or therapy, and having trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support.

Navigating consent and boundaries in the porn industry can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. By following these guidelines, newcomers to the industry can ensure that they are approaching these issues in a professional and responsible manner.

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