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MALE SEXUALITY
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MALE SEXUALITY A Series of Essays on Male Sexuality Understanding Male Sexuality: All the Information you Did Not Learn From your Parents, Your Friends or in Your High School Sex Education Class! Preface This information is intended for those who wish to learn more about male sexuality--particularly information about topics that are considered to be too complicated, controversial or perhaps too embarrassing to discuss. The topics discussed here are loosely based on my responses to several hundred e-mail questions that have dealt with a variety of complicated but interesting issues related to male sexuality. Basic Plumbing and Electrical A suitable starting point is to begin with a discussion of how the basic plumbing and electrical system of male sexuality works. The plumbing and electrical system is complex, but very well designed for its purpose. Medical doctors refer to the electrical system consisting of the portions of the brain governing male sexual response and the associated nerve system as the limbic system. This electrical system connected to the plumbing system--a series of arteries and veins that control the inflow and outflow of blood to and from the penis, and also is connected via nerves to assorted glands. Arousal, Erection and Ejaculation Men often tend to consider these together, but, in reality they are separate but interrelated events, although ultimately related to each other. Any of these events can occur in the absence of the others The Arousal Mechanism Suppose that a man encounters something that excites him sexually. (more about what this might be later on). What happens? First, of course, messages are transmitted to the portion of the brain dedicated to sexual response. The man says to himself "I'm turned on" which is slang for sexual arousal. Many men believe that sexual arousal is always accompanied by an erection, but this is not necessarily the case at this first stage. The experience of being aroused is followed by electrical signals to two tiny glands that lie along the sides of the urethra where the tube that leads from the bladder through the tip of the penis. These two glands, called the Cowper's glands, are located inside the body directly above a point behind the scrotum called the perineum. These little-recognized glands play a role in the male sexual response. They are primarily responsible for the production of glistening drops of a clear, slippery fluid sometimes called pre-ejaculate, but known also in slang as "ooze" or "precum". For many men, if not most, the first physical indication of sexual arousal is the formation of a drop or two of this fluid at the tip of the penis, even before erection occurs. Some men believe that when this fluid appears, they are already starting to leak ejaculate but this is not the case. This fluid acts as a lubricant for sperm and semen and lubricates the tip of the penis in sexual intercourse. It's pH level is quite high and it is very slippery. Research suggests that the high pH may help decrease the acidity of the vagina, thereby increasing the chance that the sperm will be able to fertilize the egg. Nature is very creative; it thinks of everything. Nature is at its very best when creating systems to ensure the continuation of the species, and the human system is one of its best and most elaborate efforts. The sexual arousal section of the brain sends signals to the cowper's glands (sometimes called the bulbourethral glands) telling them go into action. This is an automatic result of sexually-exciting stimuli, and thus outside of conscious control: the only way to stop it's production is to avoid the stimulus that is causing the sexual arousal. These glands are present in many other mammals including the common livestock species. An internet resource dealing with the reproductive system of bulls, for example, indicates that the cowper's gland also secretes a similar clear fluid which is produced (and drips off the end of the bull's penis) during initial sexual arousal! Again, a function of the fluid is to reduce the acidity of the urethra, increasing the chance that sperm will survive. A number of other things happen during the early stages of sexual arousal. First the man suddenly feels very good, psychologically. During arousal, the brain is flooded with natural chemicals that act similarly to drugs such as cocaine. These natural chemicals, called endorphins, make the man say to himself that whatever is causing the sexual arousal is very enjoyable and should be continued. If the sexual response is the result of observing another person, the man may make an effort to meet the other person involved. Nature protects itself here and is very cunning. Nature's goal is to continue the species. If this is to occur, it's important that sexually attractive mates elicit a response that maximizes the chance that the two people involved will become better acquainted and perhaps eventually engage in sexual intercourse. (In case you were wondering, the arousal mechanism works identically for gay males, but the object of the sexual attraction here, is, of course, another male.) Most men will produce pre-ejaculate when anything found to be sexually exciting occurs, perhaps even reading a sexually explicit story or watching a sexually explicit movie. The reason erotic books and videos sell well is because it often elicits this response in men along with feelings of psychological well-being, whether or not they have erections ultimately result in orgasm. There is no limit to the length of time that a man can be aroused, and throughout the man can continue to produce drops of pre-ejaculate. Pre- ejaculate may, of occasion, contain some sperm, and a woman can become pregnant even if actual orgasm and ejaculation does not take place. That is rare, although there are cases of this happening. Erection Normally, however, arousal is followed by erection. An erection of the penis occurs as the spongy tissues of the penis are engorged with blood. There is one large primary artery responsible for blood flow into the penis, but several veins that drain the penis of blood. When an erection is not happening, the inflow of blood and the outflow is maintained in balance and the penis remains flaccid. The valves (actually flaps, according to medical experts) that control the flow of blood, however, are opened and closed by nerves that run through the spinal cord to the brain. During erection, blood flows into the penis and holes in the spongy tissue in the penis fill with blood. At the same time, flaps in the veins leading out of the penis enlarge, cutting off the drainage. As a result, the penis fills with blood. As more and more blood flows in than out, the penis enlarges and becomes harder. Finally, veins in the penis are compressed from the increasing pressure from the erection itself. Not only that, the heart rate and blood pressure increase, the pressure of blood into the penis increases, keeping the penis the hardest. What can go wrong with the plumbing system? Several things. Those with spinal cord injuries are frequently unable to attain an erection because the nerves that control the valves in the veins and arteries have been severed. If these valves cannot be opened and closed an erection is impossible. As a man ages, the valves (flaps) controlling the veins that must be shut off may leak a bit, and not prevent the outflow of blood. And the blood flow into the penis may be restricted. Also, as a man ages, the main penis artery may fill with sludge, reducing blood inflow. Smoking may contribute to this, as it does to the buildup of sludge in other portions of the circulatory system. Furthermore, alcohol use may decrease the ability of the nervous system to close off the necessary valves. That's why intoxicated men often cannot get and maintain an erection. Bicycle and other injuries to the groin area can be dangerous in that the main artery controlling blood flow to the penis may be squeezed shut, making a firm erection difficult or even impossible. The size of the erection may be relatively unrelated to the size of the non-erect penis. Typically, those with smaller penises tend to enlarge to a greater degree when erect, so the differences in the size of the erect penis may not be that great. According to the book "Man's Body," the average flaccid penis is about 3 3/4 inches long with most falling between 3 1/4 and 4 1/4 inches, though a few fall outside this range. The average erect penis is 6 1/4 inches, with most between 5 and 7 inches, though a few are smaller and larger.A somewhat tongue in cheek primary data survey is at How Do you Measure Up? A Newsweek article (September 16, 1996, p. 73) reported American Geriatric Society average data on the angle of erection from horizontal of the erect penis by age. The data are as follows: Age Angle 20 10 degrees up from horizontal 30 20 degrees up from horizontal 40 1 degree up from horizontal 50 1 degree down from horizontal 70 25 degrees down from horizontal I wonder how data like these are collected! An article in Men's Health Magazine (June, 1996) indicates that these data are overly optimistic, and that the average erect penis length now widely accepted by doctors is 5.1 inches. This seems a bit short to me, at least for an average number, but if these data become widely known, most men may be happy to find out that they are "above average." Part of the problem is that scientific data on this is difficult to collect by other parties, and men, if they measure themselves in private, are perhaps sometimes prone to brag a bit. Furthermore, erect penis length varies with the degree of erection. Past puberty, in the years, and perhaps during the twenties, it is possible to get a full erection without any manual stimulation at all. As men age beyond the 20s, this occurs less and less frequently and increasingly some manual manipulation of the penis is needed. As the penis becomes increasingly erect, the nerve endings located there gradually become more and more sensitive to touch. In general, the harder the penis can become, the more pleasant the sensations from the touch. Other physiological changes occur. As the erection grows, the heart and breathing rate increases. During the initial stages of arousal, before erection occurs, the testicles and scrotum feel quite large and soft, and are very sensitive to touch. Gentle pressure on the testicles with the fingertips produces particularly pleasant sensations. As the erection proceeds, the testicles change as well, increasing in size by up to 50% as they also fill with blood. The become harder and are drawn up to the body as the point of ejaculation becomes nearer and nearer. Many men think that an erection must ordinarily proceed to an orgasm and ejaculation, but this is not necessarily so. By repeatedly massaging and then stopping the manual stimulation of the penis, a man can go through many erection cycles that do not necessary need to lead directly to orgasm. With each cycle, often the man can learn to take a bit more stimulation without ejaculating. Research indicates that stimulation of the septum, a portion of the brain known to be a part of the limbic system, results in the feeling of an orgasm, but this stimulation produces neither an erection nor ejaculation. These findings support the theory that ejaculation and orgasm, though often linked together, are, indeed, separate events. Interestingly, this research finding also lends credence to the theories of those authors who advocate the view that men can learn to have multiple, closely-spaced, orgasms. Learning how to achieve an erection just below the level which will lead to ejaculation is an important part of sexual enjoyment. It is important for the man to learn how to read his body's signals that orgasm and ejaculation are near. Psychologists call the point where the man can no longer delay orgasm the "point of inevitability" There are several physical indications. First, the hole in the tip of the penis will become more slit-like. Precum production will stop. Generally if the fluid at the tip of the penis becomes milky, the point of inevitability is already past. Learning how to lengthen the arousal and erection period while delaying orgasm is an important part of maximizing enjoyment from sex. As the erection proceeds, the physical sensations become increasingly more and more exciting, and the psychological pressure to ejaculate becomes more and more intense. The trick is to lean to keep the stimulation just below the level required for ejaculation while learning to deal with the increasing psychological pressure to ejaculate. Like driving a racing car closer and closer to a wall at ever high speeds, the psychological pleasure becomes more and more intense, the longer the arousal can be maintained without ejaculation, but the greater the enjoyment for the man. Furthermore, the longer this stage can be maintained, the more powerful and enjoyable the orgasm will be for the man. Thus, developing skills for doing this and dealing with the psychological desire to ejaculate for as long as possible are essential for the full enjoyment of partner (and solo) sex, and this is what requires practice. Women usually require a somewhat longer period of time to become fully aroused, so being able to delay orgasm potentially increases the enjoyment of sex by both partners. Many women believe that men are happier the more frequently they can have intercourse. This is not really accurate. What men truly enjoy is being aroused with their partner (and as their partner is also aroused) while both remain in an aroused state for a long period of time, delaying orgasm for as long as is comfortable and possible. A continuing theme of the story lines in erotic literature is a situation in which the woman arouses the man and keep him for a long time at a level just below what is needed to achieve an orgasm. It's important in achieving marital happiness for women to learn how to do this for their husbands. All of the sections of the erect penis are not equally sensitive. Thus, by varying locations being stimulated, the man can perhaps delay orgasm. Stimulation of the base of the penis, near the body, while pleasant, normally will not be sufficient to achieve orgasm. The underside of the tip of the penis, called the frenulum, is very sensitive to manual stimulation. If this area of the erect penis is stimulated very much, an orgasm (and ejaculation) will occur almost immediately. Thus it is important to not stimulate this region, at least not until late in the sex play. There is a reason for this. During intercourse, when the man's penis is fully inside the woman's body, the tip of the penis will touch the cervix at the end of the vagina. Unless the man is deep inside the woman, the vagina is simply a hollow tube, and the tip of the penis is not touched. By ensuring that the orgasm takes place almost precisely when the tip of the penis comes in contact with the cervix, the sperm will have the shortest distance to travel to reach the waiting egg. Thus, a man's "reward" for placing the semen in the location that will maximize the chance that the woman gets pregnant (and the species continues) is the pleasant sensations that occur when the tip of the penis touches the cervix. In sex play, the man can reproduce these pleasant feelings outside of intercourse by touching the tip, particularly the underside of the tip, although orgasm and ejaculation will likely follow almost immediately. Because of the sensitivity and pleasant sensations, the frenulum is often referred to as the "male G spot." A significant portion of the penis, perhaps one- third to one-half of it, lies inside the body. This portion of the penis also responds to manual stimulation. It can be felt and externally massaged at a spot called the perineum area, which is directly behind the base of the scrotum. This is a little-recognized but highly spot on the male body. This spot is sometimes referred to as the "second male G spot" though many men are not even aware that it is a sexually sensitive area of the body In addition to the possibility of externally massaging the interior portion of the erect penis, a bundle of nerves terminate here, and the main artery that is responsible for providing blood for erections runs through this area. That is why bicycle injuries may lead to impotency. Surgeons are becoming increasingly talented in repairing damage to this artery. In addition, inside, but directly above this area lies the cowper's (bulbourethral) glands, and it is likely that external massage of this area will to a certain degree stimulate these glands. The prostate is a little further up, but close by. A have heard varying opinions as to whether it is possible to externally massage the prostate by touching the perineum area, but I believe it is possible. Massaging the prostate, a walnut-size gland responsible for secreting most of the liquid contained in semen can be very pleasant, and some men do this by inserting a gloved finger directly inside the rectum, as the gland is located only about an inch inside. Orgasm and Ejaculation With practice, a man can learn a degree of control over the point when he proceeds to orgasm and ejaculation. Some men believe that male orgasm invariably results in ejaculation, but this is not entirely true. Some men have learned techniques for having<b> multiple orgasms </font></b>without ejaculating. Many of these techniques involving squeezing of the urethra such that the semen is not allowed to leave the body. To me, this sounds potentially painful and perhaps even dangerous. As indicated earlier, as the point of orgasm approaches, pre-ejaculate production will normally stop, and the hole in the tip of the penis becomes slit-like. The testicles become hard and are drawn up near the body in preparation. Breathing becomes heavier, and there may be involuntary contractions of major muscles (convulsions) throughout the body. Finally, the psychological and physical pressure to ejaculate is released in a series of muscular contractions, usually about 8 major contractions spaced a second or so apart, followed perhaps by several smaller ones that can last 45 seconds or so. In essence, a pump has swung into action. Technically an orgasm is similar to a sneeze in that it involves a series of involuntary muscle contractions in response to an "irritation," though, of course, it is usually a good deal more fun. Semen consist of a mixture of sperm from the testicles and primarily fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, but also contains smaller amounts of other fluids secreted from glands along the urethra. Often the sperm is not very well mixed with the other liquids making the semen appear to have patches of cloudy and clear areas, and has about the same consistency as liquid dish washing detergent. (Somehow, I think of that every time I start my dishwasher!) Semen is usually creamy white in color. Once the orgasm is complete, the valves which maintained the erection are opened, and the penis is drained of blood so that within a space of a few minutes it has returned to its flaccid state. He Dribbles! He Shoots! Generally the more frequently a man has an ejaculation, the less force that ejaculation will have. This results in a shorter shooting distance. Most of the differences, however, appear to be both genetic and age-related. Some men are able to shoot longer distances than other men, and younger men tend to have greater force of ejaculation then older men. The book "Man's Body" indicates that after prolonged abstinence - more than three days - a man may be able to shoot 3 feet or more, but the average is 7 to 10 inches with more frequent ejaculation. If one is able to ejaculate two to three hours after his previous ejaculation, the semen just dribbles out. The ability to shoot long distances not only declines generally with age, but probably varies somewhat according to the hardness of the erection, too. There is also a wide variation in semen production, also according to the book "Man's Body", ranging from 0.2 ml to 6.6 ml.This same book notes that 3.5 ml is average after a few days without ejaculation--about a teaspoonful--while 13 ml has been recorded after prolonged abstinence. So this must be judged in relationship to the frequency of ejaculation.There is undoubtedly normal genetic variation as well. Interestingly, most of he fluid--60 percent on average, comes from glands called the seminal vesicles, whereas 38 % comes from the prostate, with the remainder from glands such as the cowper's. The prostate contribution is responsible for the characteristic odor. The fluid from the seminal vesicles is high in fructose, a type of naturally-occurring sugar, which provides primary nourishment for the sperm in their travels. Frequency of Ejaculation According to a number of studies, Many post- pubescent young men report daily ejaculation, if not more frequently than that. This frequency gradually declines for most males to 2-3 time per week which is typical of men in their forties. But there is still considerable variation among adult men of a given age. The same Newsweek article cited earlier reports the following data on "average" frequency of orgasm per year by age. These data appear 'conservative' to me, but perhaps that is good if nearly all men, like the in the mythical Minnesota town, are "above average." Anyway, here is the data : Age Frequency 20 104 orgasms per year 30 121 orgasms per year 40 84 orgasms per year 50 52 orgasms per year 60 35 orgasms per year 70 22 orgasms per year I wonder how many 20-year old men are content to "survive" on an average of fewer than 3 orgasms per week! Most older men should feel pretty good about their frequency of orgasm, based on these data! Up or Down? Endless discussions have been taking place on the internet newsgroups with respect to the "best" position to wear the penis--that is, pointing either up or down. Obviously, it would be difficult if not impossible to wear the penis in an up position while wearing loose-fitting boxer shorts, but closer fitting briefs allow that as a possibility. Each side in the discussions has its advocates. (There are even a few men who prefer a position "to one side or another". These men appear to have distinct preferences for either pointing right or pointing left, but not both.) The underside of the penis,that is, the outer side when pointed up, is generally more sensitive to the touch. For some men, the sensation of cloth across the underside of the penis is sufficient to sustain a slight erection and the penis produces a larger "bulge" which might be "inadvertently" touched in the up position. Many people wonder why male ballet dancers as a group appear to be so amply endowed. Part of the answer is that the penis is positioned in an "up" position. It is also not widely known that male ballet dancers wear a garment called a "dance belt" which is similar to an athletic supporter but holds the penis in the up position. Some of these belts are padded on the front so that some of the bulge is not actually penis! A "down" penis would ruin "the line" for male ballet dancers. Hence the popularity of the up position. I recently received a letter from a former ballet dancer who claims that he, as well as the other dancers he knew, wore their penises in a "down" position. He argued that the dance belt does not force the dancer to wear the penis in the up position. So the discussion and disagreement on this topic continues. A Curved Penis? I've received a lot of letters asking questions about whether or not a penis that curves up, down or to one side or the other is "normal." That depends. There is considerable variation in this that is considered quite normal. Remember, the penis consists primarily of spongy tissue that fills with blood when erect. Since a delicate system of valves (actually flaps) controls the amount of blood contained within a penis, only slight differences in relative pressures on each side could result in a degree of curvature. Joel Block's book,(pp. 207-8; see reference list) however, describes a more serious problem, called Peyronie's disease, in which the penis becomes so curved that it interferes or even prevents intercourse. According to Block's book, the penis may be bent into a J-shape. The exact cause is unknown, but is thought to be due to a buildup of scar tissue.Vitamin therapy has been used with success in some cases, but surgery may be required. If you suspect Peyronie's disease, it's a good idea to check with a doctor. There is an internet reference from the National Institutes of Health on Peyronies disease with detailed information about underlying causes and treatment. Lesions on the Penis I have also received questions regarding the presence of warts, pimples sores etc. on the penis or elsewhere in the genital area. I am not an MD, and could not diagnose these via e-mail even if I were. Any of these should be checked by a doctor. This is particularly true if you have been sexually active with a partner. These kinds of symptoms could be consistent not only with Herpes, but other, more serious Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) as well. Self-treatment is not recommended. The STDs are cunning in that lesions often heal on their own, and yet the infection continues (as well as the possibility that the disease could be transmitted to a partner). This is nothing to fool around with, no matter how embarrassing you think a visit to the doctor might be. Blood in Semen I have received questions regarding the significance of the appearance of blood in semen, particularly whether or not this is a symptom that should be checked by a medical doctor. The internet references I have checked on this topic with respect to possible causes are not necessarily consistent. The consensus is that blood which appears anywhere it should not ordinarily be should be checked by a medical specialist, including blood appearing in the semen. The internet references indicate that the common causes of this symptom include certain kinds of infections of the prostate or perhaps elsewhere in the urinary tract. Another possible cause is slight tears in the blood vessels or walls lining the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen. This symptom could be a result of more serious causes as well, so it should be checked out by a medical doctor. Sexual Tension and Sexual Feelings A lot of men are very "orgasm-centered" in their sexual lives. By that, I mean, a focus on orgasm and ejaculation becomes important to the point where many men do not fully notice the sexually-related sensations prior to orgasm. As a result, many men do not fully appreciate or even experience these sensations. Men may find these statement surprising, believing that orgasm and ejaculation is what "sex is all about." An analogy may be drawn to differences in behavior among people who travel. Some people are very focused on getting to their destination, believing that whatever favorable experiences are to be had will be found at the destination. These people often do everything possible to make travel to the destination as unimportant as possible. If they drive, they drive over the speed limit, stopping only for lunch breaks at drive-through windows, so that they can get back on the road as quickly as possible, and not "waste time." These people tend to fly rather than drive, if possible, because it's faster. When other people travel, the process of getting to the destination may become as important as what happens at the destination. A few people even travel from place to place without even being concerned about reaching a particular destination. For these people, the real enjoyment of the trip is not what happens at the destination, but all the different experiences along the way. Some men, see the sexual experience in much the same way as travel is seen by the destination-oriented person. For them, the events, sensations and feelings leading to orgasm and ejaculation are of little importance, except that they are what leads to the "big payoff." For other men--men whom I believe, on average, enjoy their sexuality far more than the "destination-oriented" men--the feelings and sensations involved in getting to the destination (the destination being orgasm and ejaculation)--take on as much or more importance than the orgasm itself. In short, these men are maximizing what they get from the total sexual experience, not just the experience in its last stage. An analogy may be helpful with respect to other kinds of sensations experienced by the human body. People who enjoy eating at fine restaurants are constantly bombarding their taste receptors with a continually changing collection of new, different and exciting sensations. Many human beings often get quickly "bored" if their eyes are not bombarded with new and different visual stimuli. Hence, the popularity of television! Sexual feelings and sensations are not unlike the sensations of vision and taste in this regard. There is a constantly- changing panorama of sensations available to us, that change from one moment to the next during periods of sexual arousal. Men must simply learn how to take advantage of all of this. Many men believe that it is somehow "unmasculine" to take advantage of (take time to "enjoy") these sexual experiences that occur prior to orgasm. They may have been taught at an early age that masturbation is somehow wrong, that is, either sinful or harmful to one's health. Young males are usually not reluctant to admit to each other that they enjoy "being" with a girl. But any discussion of sexual activities that do not involve being with a girl is considered inappropriate. These same men bring these views into their adult relationships with their partners. Orgasm and ejaculation becomes the focus of their partner-sex as well, rather than full enjoyment of all aspects of sexual feelings. As indicated before, arousal normally starts with a triggering mechanism. Boys learn at an early age that there are some arousal triggering mechanisms that are "ok", that is, socially accepted, and arousal triggering mechanisms that are "not ok." Arousal triggering mechanisms that are considered socially acceptable generally involve visual stimuli by a member of the opposite sex. In our "predominately straight" society, arousal that is triggered by a member of the same sex is not considered socially acceptable. Gay men have coped with this by forming separate (parallel) societies. In addition to the problem faced by gays, there are many other arousal triggering mechanisms that work quite well but are not exactly coffee-room topics of discussion among the majority of men. For example, a close-fitting garment, a hand-held vibrator, an experience involving being "restrained" (bondage experience) or even simply a thought that is found to be sexually arousing. Most men are very embarrassed to acknowledge that these triggering mechanisms--those which do not involve visual or tactile stimulation by a woman--even exist, let alone spend time to learn how to take full advantage of them. In addition, while the vast majority of these arousal triggering mechanisms are quite harmless, sadly, several forms of illegal or otherwise inappropriate sexually deviant behavior have their origins here as well. Men often have questions that begin "Is it normal to be aroused by ___________ (Fill in the blank). I tell these men that if it's not illegal nor causes harm to someone else, then its "ok" and "normal." Once the arousal has begun, there are physical and psychological changes that take place in men. As outlined earlier, typically, an involuntary message is sent from the brain to the nerves that control a series of valves on the veins by which blood is drained from the penis. At the same time, blood continues to enter the penis through the main artery, the heartbeat rate increases, and blood pressure rises. With blood flowing in faster than it is returned, the penis starts to become erect. When the penis is flaccid, touch seems little different than touch on any other part of the anatomy. But as erection starts to take place, the nerve endings concentrated in the penis start to become more sensitive and pleasant to the touch. Sexual tension has started. The first sexual feelings are rather unfocused, but as arousal begins, the man's attention increasingly is focused on the sensations emanating from the groin area. Many men believe these sexual sensations occur only in the penis, but there are many other places in the groin area that are quite sensitive as well. Equally interesting are the psychological changes that are taking place, something that few men acknowledge. At the initial stages of arousal, the man has no particular psychological "urge" to press forward to ejaculation. But as the arousal and erection continues, the psychological urge to press forward to ejaculation becomes stronger and stronger. This is the essence of building sexual tension. Psychologically, the man experiences the feeling of wanting more and more stimulation to continue and increase the intensity of the sexual feelings. The entire experience can be likened to the winding of a "sexual" spring. Increasing stimulation causes the "sexual" spring to be wound tighter and tighter, increasing the sexual tension. These sensations are extremely pleasant, but at the same time, the unreleased tension is also described as very "frustrating" by most men. Interestingly, some men describe this as a "delicious" frustration, and many agree that it is among the best, if not the best of experiences that life has to offer. The tighter the sexual spring can be wound, the more exciting the sexual "ride" and the more "extreme" the ultimate release will be. This is a human experience not to be missed. Fully recognizing this and fully taking advantage of these sensations and psychological urges in an effort to more completely enjoy them for a longer period of time without moving directly forward to orgasm is something that most men must learn. But the results are well worth the effort, both in terms of the man's own enjoyment as well as for the benefit and enjoyment of a sexual partner. Testosterone Cycles, Refractory Periods, and "Wet" Dreams Some research has suggested that testosterone produced by the sex organs in males and the adrenal glands (on top of the kidneys) in females, has less to do with whether a man will become sexually aroused than is widely believed. Other recent research suggests that it is not testosterone, but a compound closely related to testosterone that is important. Ordinarily, after ejaculation, a man has no further interest in sexual activity of any kind. For a period of 10 minutes to perhaps more than an hour for some men, a man is physically unable to achieve either another orgasm, even if he is able to either keep or achieve another erection. The is called the refractory period. The internet references I have checked suggest that the generally pleasant feelings of satiety, a lack of interest in further sexual activity and sleepiness following the male orgasm (which many women do not appear to fully understand or appreciate) are primarily liked to a chemical called oxytocin that is released during orgasm. If a man has an orgasm in the early morning hours, he may want to sleep afterward for an hour or two at minimum. Testosterone levels in the body tend to rise, not fall, for a period of time after orgasm. Sexual activity (intercourse or masturbation) prior to sleep in the evening may act as an excellent, natural sleeping pill. Most men have a daily cycle of testosterone levels that peaks somewhere between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. This coincides with the period of time when many men have early morning erections, but some research has revealed that these early morning erections are more a result of involuntary reflexes during dream sleep--not the sexually explicit content of the dream nor the testosterone level in the body. Most men, however, (including me) have certainly had the experience of abruptly waking from an erotic dream to discover an erection on the verge of ejaculation, and I question whether these research findings are completely valid. These involuntary erection (in younger men particularly, sometimes leading to orgasm) are a normal part of the sleep cycle for most men, and according to research, most men have perhaps three or four during each night. there are various theories as to why nature planned it this way. One theory suggests that this is a way the male penis "renews" itself with an ample supply of oxygen. These erection cycles are quite normal. In fact a man who does not have such cycles is likely physically impotent. A simple test that is sometimes used is to wrap the base of the penis tightly with a strip of postage stamps before retiring. If the circle of stamps tears during the night, the man is not physically impotent. In the early years of post-pubescence, night-time erections are frequently accompanied by a full- fledged ejaculation, resulting in crusty spots on the pajamas and sheets in the morning. Most young men are somewhat embarrassed by this, but it is quite normal. Wet dreams gradually occur less frequently as men grow older, and masturbation is more frequent and sexual intercourse become increasingly important. There is considerable discussion in the medical literature I have read with respect to the exact role of testosterone in the body. There appears to be broad-based agreement that testosterone (or perhaps compounds closely related to testosterone) are primarily responsible for sexual desire in both men and women. In short, individuals with low testosterone levels tend to experience lowered interest in sexual activity and have fewer sexual fantasies. Testosterone is not necessary, however, for a man to be able to have an erection or an orgasm--it's just that when testosterone levels are low or absent, the desire to engage in sexual activities of any form will be reduced. This conclusion, however surprising, is supported by research involving men who have been castrated. These men are still capable of both obtaining erections and having orgasms, though the semen will, of course, contain no sperm. Hence, the interest in the use of castration as an approach for dealing with sex offenders. I visited with a woman whose husband had been tested to have virtually zero testosterone levels. He still had normal erections, and they were having intercourse about 8 times a week. In other words, his ability to achieve an erection from physical stimuli was unaffected by the zero testosterone levels. However, he was not aroused and could not achieve an erection by any visual or psychological stimuli--photos of nude women, pornographic videotapes or anything similar. So the contention that testosterone is not necessary to achieve an erection, but is necessary if a man (or a woman, for that matter) is to be interested in having sex (the sex drive) seems to be consistent with this evidence. Since testosterone is produced by glands in addition to the testis, castrated males still have testosterone at some level, albeit probably lower than normal without drug therapy. Most, but not all, of the testosterone in males is produced by the testis, although small amounts are produced by the adrenal glands, and testosterone is also stored in large amounts in body fat. Unwanted Erections and "Bashful Kidneys" I have had a number of letters from men complaining of erections that occur unexpectedly in potentially embarrassing situations,for example, in a locker room, a public shower, while having a massage, or similar situation. Since your brain tells you when you are aroused, these responses are automatic and not under conscious control. The nerves running to the valves that control blood flow in and out of the penis are tied directly to the portion of the brain responsible for arousal and erection. Frequently, the situation in which the unexpected erections occur involve "novel" tactile stimulation from a massage, the texture or fit of an article of clothing, or something similar, There is no simple way to avoid the "problem" of an unwanted erection other than to avoid the stimulus that is causing it. The novelty of the situation is in part, responsible. Over time, when a man becomes familiar with the tactile sensations, the erections may subside, at least to a certain degree. It may be helpful to remember than men do not normally seek to avoid having erections, and erections should be enjoyed, not scorned. Another common problem is the so-called "bashful kidney." A bashful kidney is a situation where a man has difficulty urinating in a public rest room, This problem was actually discussed in Ann Landers a number of years ago. The problem is exacerbated if the rest room is noisy, crowded, and the individual urinals offer little or no privacy. In addition, long trips in a car or on a bus or airplane seem to make the problem worse. Again, there is no simple solution as the muscles that control the flow of urine are not entirely under voluntary control. Over time, as a man ages, the problem tends to gradually recede. A rest room with private stalls may be the only solution. Taboo Topics: Masturbation Masturbation remains a taboo topic within much of American society. Parents who openly discuss nearly any other sexual behavior topic with their often are embarrassed when the subject of masturbation is approached. There are biblical passages which suggest, at least in some people's minds, that masturbation is sinful. And the "Boy Scout Manual" in the 1940s made note that masturbation was somehow harmful. Various physical maladies over time have been associated with or blamed on masturbation. Examples include pimples (nearly every adolescent boy has them, so there must be a connection) lack of agility and ability in sports, near-sightedness, and even blindness. I remember discussing the subject with a medical doctor during the 1950s when I was about 13 years old. His advice was, "I'm not going to discourage you from doing that, but I don't believe that it is a good idea, either. I thought to myself, "That is certainly strange advice, I wonder what he means." But I was too scared to ask any more questions. Fortunately, today most medical doctors are enlightened, and now believe that masturbation is not only normal, but perhaps even necessary for good sexual health, at least for post-pubescent males who lack other "sexual outlets." A medical text published in 1975, "Funk and Wagnall's Family Medical Guide," in its discussion of treatment for enlarged prostate, notes that "All viable males need to have a periodic release of sperm. Years of such abuse can have an effect later in life." The text does not give advice, however, as to the specific techniques that should be used to ensure that this periodic release of sperm takes place. Who? Virtually all males masturbate, though some more frequently than others. Masturbation usually continues throughout adulthood, even when other forms of sexual activity are available. Most adolescent males are very embarrassed their self-stimulation activities. Only a small percentage of male adolescents discuss their masturbation even with close male friends, and most are terrified that their friends will find out. Many are also terrified that they will be " discovered in the act" by a parent. So, many adolescent males learn to get it over quickly, to minimize the chance of being discovered. Only later in life do they learn that the ability to delay orgasm is very important to learn in order to maximize sexual pleasure. So all the "quickie" techniques must be unlearned. Frequency Although as a man ages, the frequency of masturbation tends to gradually decline, but continues even for most married men. Some men believe they should not do this when they have opportunities for sexual activity with their partners and therefore try not to masturbate, in part, because they believe that masturbation implies partner rejection. As a result, they try to hide this from their wives (often by picking times and places where their wife is not around. But I have visited with a number of men who have wives who are quite aware of their husband's masturbation practices and, indeed, encourage it. Some of the most happily married men I have encountered are those whose wives enjoy mutual masturbation, which becomes a regular part of the sexual activity. Part of the psychological problem that most men face is that this is a difficult subject to bring up with a partner, because any expressed interest in masturbation might be interpreted by the partner as a form of rejection. The men who have gotten past this point with their wives almost invariably report having a very satisfactory sex life. A favorite male sex fantasy is getting the opportunity to watch a woman masturbate, and many woman find watching men masturbate to be sexually exciting, once they get over any hangups with the basic idea. Unattached single men, and gay men, of course, tend to masturbate more frequently than married men. For gay men in a relationship, mutual masturbation is a primary sexual outlet, if not the primary one. While it is true that some women my interpret their male partner's interest in masturbation as a form of rejection, other women may interpret this somewhat differently. By masturbating in front of the woman, the man is sharing the most personal of all activities. That a man is willing to do this with a partner is an expression of love, not rejection. Thus, mutual masturbation could be a highly erotic and loving activity for men and women. It could also be something regularly done at the initial stages of love making. Masturbation Techniques Men employ a variety of masturbation techniques. The simplest technique is to begin by simply squeezing the penis. Once the penis becomes semi-erect, stroking normally takes place, from tip to base. By concentrating at first on the base of the penis and avoiding the tip permits the erection to proceed and is a basic technique for delaying ejaculation. The entire groin area, including the penis, scrotum and the groin itself, gradually becomes more sensitive to the touch. Once the erection is underway, many men enjoy gently pressing on and massaging the scrotum. Gentle touch anywhere within the area can be sexually exciting, and even on other parts of the body, such as the male nipples. Some men prefer to masturbate while lying prone on a bed, with the underside of the penis rubbing against the bed. Many men enjoy masturbating using a lubricant, rather than dry. Pre-ejaculate is an excellent lubricant, although the supply may be somewhat limited. Hand lotion or vaseline can be used, though, since these contain oils, they are probably not the best choice if intercourse with a condom is to follow. A clear, water based gel, such as KY gel, is made for this purpose and does not destroy condoms. Some men enjoy using devices while masturbating--a vibrator, a shower massage unit or similar. Many of these devices produce an interesting, though short-lived effect. A shower massage unit or tub jet, for example, puts stimulation on the penis such that the feeling is much like having a giant vacuum cleaner sucking the semen out of the body. The whole thing is over in about 30 seconds, even without much of an erection. Interesting, but not something one might want to do on a regular basis, Then there is masturbation employing articles of clothing, which can also be classified as a sexual fetish. Taboo Topics: Fetishes Fetishes are actually quite common among males, although men who enjoy fetishes are often very embarrassed by their turn-ons. Generally, a fetish is any situation where arousal occurs as the result of an inanimate object, most often an article of clothing. Fetishes are normally harmless, except for the possible psychological harm for a partner who does not understand what is going on. Fetishes are virtually entirely a male domain, and few if any women can relate to enjoying anything similar.I do not know for certain if a majority of men enjoy fetishes, but certainly a large number of men do, and they are quite "normal." College students who engage in "panty raids" of women's dormitories are revealing a very mild, and perhaps "peer group-acceptable" fetish. Men who enjoy seeing women dressed up in clothing that is over the edge of feminine attire--4 inch heels, fish-net stockings etc, are probably exhibiting a mild fetish. Most men, however, see this fetish as part of their overall heterosexual interest in women, and few men would regard this as "abnormal." Transvestites--that is, men who are sexually aroused by dressing up in womens clothing, are sometimes treated by society as being abnormal, but many of these men are married to women and have otherwise normal sex lives. The only consequence of this fetish for many of these men is that they are sexually aroused by actually dressing in women's clothing.For a small percentage of men, however fetishes that involve women's clothing can ultimately lead to dissatisfaction with "being male." Given the amount of e-mail I've received dealing with issues related to fetishes, I conclude that they are far more commonplace than is widely believed--even among professional therapists. Interestingly, the e-mail I receive suggests that among the most common are those involving clothing items not even mentioned in most discussions of the topics found in books--in particular, underwear, swimwear and jock- strap fetishes, and even fetishes involving other mens clothing items, such as lycra cycling shorts or tight-fitting blue jeans. In most instances, the clothing item that is responsible is worn, and is used in conjunction with masturbation or other forms of sex play. A combination of texture, fit and appearance seems to be involved in these kinds of fetishes. While surveys on this are difficult to conduct accurately, one clue as to how commonplace a particular type of fetish might be can be obtained from the Internet. Internet newsgroups generally form on topics where there is widespread interest. So far, there is an internet newsgroup that deals strictly with underwear fetishes; another that deals specifically with garments made with lycra (that newsgroup attracts both men and women);and a third newsgroup dealing specifically with jock-strap fetishes. All of these newsgroups are quite active in exchanging information and preferences about brands and styles of garments that are best for the purpose. Of course, there are newsgroups for many of the more widely known fetishes involving cross dressing and the like. There is even an internet site for those who get "involved" with plush (stuffed) toys! The list goes on and on! Just when you think you have heard it all, another, even stranger fetish pops up. For the men who have a fetish for blue jeans, a separate newsgroup has yet to form, so these men have been showing up on some of the other fetish-related newsgroups. A fetish based on a coarse-textured fabric. is somewhat different from fetishes involving lycra or silk garments, where the smooth, slippery rather than the rough-textured fabric plays a role. Also, many fetishes involve items of clothing normally worn in conjunction with sports activities, and there are small business operators who specifically cater to that market and sell products over the internet. The recent popularity of boxer shorts made from silk is, at least in part, due to the fact that many men find the feel of silk against the skin arousing. Some men find the tight-fitting lycra or spandex compression shorts to also provide some interesting sensations in the groin area. Touch feels quite different through lycra than on bare skin. And there are plenty of fans of brief-style lycra swimwear. There are also mail-order clothing companies which cater to these kinds of interests. Those who have underwear fetishes appear to be about equally divided between those who have a preference for briefs, bikinis and thong-type underwear, and those who have a preference for boxer-style shorts. The group interested in boxer- style shorts seem disinterested in other underwear styles, and vice versa. There is considerable specialization among the various groups. Those interested in jock-straps have strong preferences as well, The various brands of jock-straps available on the market are carefully evaluated with respect to how tightly they "fit" and the feel of the material and the straps as well as the particular sensations they are capable of producing in the groin area. Some brands are clearly preferred over other brands, and there is considerable discussion on newsgroups over the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each brand. A sub-group of jock-strap wearers are particularly interested in those which have plastic protective cups, such as those worn for sports requiring heavy protective gear. There are many different shapes and sizes of cups and each particular type has its own group of advocates. Some prefer the large cups often worn over clothing in sports such as hockey or boxing. Still others prefer tighter fitting cups that can be worn under other clothing items. Advocates of this form of activity claim that the sensations obtainable when even a slightly erect penis presses against a hard cup are quite enjoyable indeed. One unique activity engaged in my many men with underwear fetishes is underwear trading. This activity appears to take on a particular importance in gay society. The newsgroups are filled with requests by gay men to trade underwear, jock-straps, or other similar garments. Though there may be straight men who also engage in this activity,I have yet to hear from one, although some of the gay men I have visited with claim that their interest in underwear is incidental to their sexual orientation. Among the underwear traders, there are specialists. Some prefer to trade underwear or jock-straps that are new, and still in the original packaging, much the same as someone might collect coins or model trains. They may catalog their collection in detail for other participants in the newsgroup to read. Other men, gays primarily, are interested in trading underwear, jockstraps or swimwear that are "used." A number of men have admitted to stealing (they call it liberating) these kinds of clothing items from laundry rooms, locker-rooms etc, when they are left unattended. Many of these men prefer, used, stained, garments, particularly if stained with semen. It's unclear as to whether the primary sexual interest is in the garment or the wearer. Garments from other gay men who are of a similar age and build appear to be most preferred. Underwear trading among gay men appears to be the first step in an internet dating ritual that, if the underwear seems ok, may eventually involve first a phone conversation and then perhaps actually meeting the underwear trader. In addition, many gay bars have underwear nights in which men dress up in underwear. Based on the internet sites and newsgroup activity, it may appear that underwear and jock- strap and similar fetishes are largely a gay activity, but straights engage in these activities as well. However, gays usually seem more willing to discuss fetishes, perhaps because they see many of the fetishes as merely a part of their overall interest in other men as objects of sexual attraction. I have visited with very happily married men whose wives not only knew about the underwear fetish, but help their husbands pick out underwear that is particularly arousing to them! In these instances, the underwear was simply part of the overall sexual chemistry between the man and his wife. All of these activities are quite safe, harmless fun. The only down side is the potential embarrassment for the man who enjoys these sorts of activities should someone "discover" them. Sexual Repression and Sexual Enjoyment: Now and Then Those who visit primate exhibits at zoos are often amazed at the speed by which the sex act takes place:in some instances, less than 30 seconds from start to finish. I understand this varies somewhat by primate species, with the sex act taking considerably more time (more "monkey play") in some species than in others. The idea to drag out the sexual act into something that lasts much longer than a few minutes is uncommon among living things and is part of what makes us human. I've often thought about the concept of "sexual enjoyment" in various societies and for those who grew up in various families which have either quite restrictive attitudes or quite liberal-minded attitudes toward sexuality and sexual activities. I also like to think about this issue as societal values change over time, from the restrictive views of the immediate post World War II era, to the free-love era of the early 70s, to the more conservative know-your-partner views increasingly favored in an era marked by AIDS and other STD's. An interesting question, I believe, is under what conditions do humans secure the greatest enjoyment from their sexuality. Consider first a family with very restrictive religious or other views toward sexuality. Are those living in such families actually experiencing less "enjoyment" from their sexuality. Those living in such families likely have less opportunity to date, engage in sexual intercourse and other forms of "partner sex may not be available at all." But under such conditions, whatever sexual activity does take place acquires a new meaning in terms of its importance. In addition, the "delicious frustration" of not being able to have an orgasm whenever one wishes in itself becomes a source of sexual pleasure. Or consider sexual attitudes during the 1950s versus currently with respect to the role of sex in dating behavior. In the 1950s, I gather, pre-marital sex was considered quite "wild" and not something "good" young men and women engaged in. By the 1980s, sexual intercourse was common after the second or third date. The attitude of the 80s seemed to be "sex first, we will get to know each other later on." Does this new set of attitudes mean that the Generation Xers are enjoying their sexuality more than those living in the 1950s. Somehow I doubt it. The attitude in which sex after the second date is expected puts enormous pressure on he psychological relationship between the two people. Women reach adulthood believing "that's what men are after." Men begin to think that "If I don't offer to have sex with her after the second date, she will think there is something wrong with me" (that is, she will think I must be gay or something!). It's no wonder men and women stumble into relationships they don't really want, and find out only much later (often after marriage) that they are "psychologically incompatible". Many of the ills of current society, illegitimate births, high divorce rates, spouse abuse, are linked to these so-called "modern liberal attitudes" with respect to the role of sex in a relationship. This idea goes right along with the "orgasm centered" attitudes many men have about their sexuality. Or consider the free love of the 70s, a period of time when young adults experimented a lot with promiscuous sex, drugs and on and on. Did sex somehow acquire more meaning because of the then-new liberal views that prevailed in this time period? Did the young people who became adults during this period really get more enjoyment out of their sexuality than did their parents? Again somehow, I doubt it. The freedom to do anything you want in the sex department does not automatically mean that the sexual pleasure quotient has increased. Could it be that men living in societies where intercourse is less free and frequent are actually getting more out of their sexuality than those men living in societies where sex is more readily available? The quantity versus quality issue thus reappears. These issues are certainly worthy of pondering. If our response to the AIDS epidemic has accomplished anything positive, it has focused our attention on the importance of a relationship in partner sex. It is not at all sad that humanity once again focuses on the importance of knowing very well the partner you have sex with. If this delays intercourse a few dates longer, so be it. Sexual Orientation and Preference Issues Even the terms "sexual orientation" and "sexual preference" are controversial. I have visited with a number of gay men who strongly prefer the term "sexual orientation" rather than the term "sexual preference." The vast majority of gay men believe that sexual orientation is not a matter of choice but is instead genetically programmed at conception. They do not see sexual orientation as anything that is chosen any more than eye color is chosen. The term sexual preference suggests a degree of choice. That being gay is genetically programmed argues that environmental effects (home, parents) have no impact at all on whether an individual is straight or gay. To a certain degree, contemporary science is moving toward the view that sexual orientation is genetically programmed, although existence of a gay gene or genes have not yet been confirmed. There have been some intriguing clues that genetics does indeed play at least the major role. The basic problem with the genetic explanation for sexual orientation is that it suggests that everyone is either straight or gay. But the real world contains many individuals not so easily explained in such a simple categorization. Not only are there guys who can be sexually aroused by either sex, there are many guys who are quite uncertain of their sexual orientation. Many gay guys I have visited with are absolutely certain that they are gay because of their genes, These guys "knew" they were gay at a very early age, often even before puberty, some even as young as age seven or eight. These guys are often quite convinced that sexual orientation must be as simple for everyone as it is for them. Guys who appear to be less certain of their sexual orientation are sometimes viewed by these individuals with a certain amount of disdain--as individuals who are psychologically not confident enough yet to be "out". I have visited with many men who are well past their teens and are still quite uncertain of their sexual orientation. I conclude that this is actually quite common. The media portray male sexuality as if most men are either straight or gay, with but a few men falling in a middle category that is potentially aroused by members of either sex. Many gays are aware of their sexual preference at a very early age, perhaps nearly from the moment they realized they were male and obviously there are many men who are clearly heterosexual, or straight, and have no same-sex interests whatsoever. However, I have visited with a surprising number of men where the preference is not nearly that clear. One book I have--Sexual Happiness for Men: A Practical Approach--that discusses sexual orientation issues lists seven different categories of sexual preference, depending on the relative arousal in and preference for same-sex versus different-sex activities. These categories are based on the original work by Alfred Kinsey (who, interestingly, was an entomologist by training). Using this categorization, bisexuals are only those who are equally aroused by both same- and different-sex activities, and thus have no preference for one over the other. Most men, however do have some preference for one or the other. Sexual orientation (preference) is, at least to a certain degree determined by whether a man is aroused by a member of the opposite sex or by a member of the same sex. You don't get to tell your brain what you find arousing: your brain tells you! Very few straight men are so straight that there are not certain kinds of same-sex activities that are at least slightly arousing. Most heterosexual men, for example, would likely get a bit aroused if they |
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