Conrad Rodriguez of MasculineHealthSolutions interviews AJ “Big Al” Alfaro and Gero from Jelq2Grow on sexual stamina, premature ejaculation, and more.
Please click below to access the podcast:
Many of us are drawn to the idea of achieving a larger size, we know that. This journey often stems from a desire to boost self-confidence, much like the motivation to lose weight to fit into societal beauty ideals. While aiming for a few extra inches can be a personal choice, it’s essential to strike a balance. As individuals see changes in their bodies, they often feel more empowered to challenge societal expectations. Size can indeed enhance one’s erotic capital, symbolizing power in the societal construct of masculinity. However, there’s a fine line between seeking self-improvement and succumbing to vanity. When the pursuit of size starts overshadowing the broader goals of sexual health and well-being, it may be time to reassess the motivations behind the PE journey.
The desire for a larger size is often driven by the wish to increase one’s erotic capital or sexual attractiveness and power. Society’s influence might make some believe that a larger size equals more masculinity. There’s a possibility that adult films and other media have led to the belief that 8 (length) x 6 (girth) inches is the “ideal” size. However, this size goal is more about looks than increasing pleasure for partners. In fact, aiming for this size can sometimes cause pain rather than pleasure. It’s crucial to consider these factors and prioritize both partners’ comfort and enjoyment in the PE journey.
As men traverse the path of PE, the finish line may seem to perpetually extend. The achievement of personal goals often leads to the setting of new, larger goals, leading to the question: when to stop? The pursuit of a larger size, beyond the 8×6 milestone carries the risk of overshadowing the essence of PE. The emergence of issues such as pain during intercourse, perceived by some as a sign of virility (something very present in “interracial” adult films), underscores the potential pitfalls of this journey. This perception not only poses dangers to female partners but also conceals a form of violence in the sexual act, necessitating a reevaluation of the beliefs underlying the PE journey.
|👉 Also read: Overcoming Lack of Ejaculatory Control with the Stop and Start Exercise
However, bigger isn’t always better. The Ohnut, a revolutionary wearable, has been designed as a buffer to ensure comfortable penetration depths during intercourse. As their website states, “Sometimes penetration goes too deep,” and Ohnut provides a solution to this by allowing couples to adjust penetration depths incrementally. This innovation addresses the often-neglected issue of pain during intercourse, which can have severe medical and health implications. Pain during sex should never be seen as a sign of virility or a badge of honor. Instead, it’s a signal that something isn’t right, and it’s essential to prioritize mutual comfort and pleasure.
Interested in Jelqing, Stretching, or ULI’s? Join JELQ2GROW Academy for FREE today!
In the pursuit of PE, it’s crucial to keep a clear goal in mind. The journey should be about enhancing both your physical and emotional well-being. It’s natural for ego to play a part in this journey, but finding a healthy balance is essential. At JELQ2GROW, we emphasize the importance of this balanced approach in our comprehensive guide. We explore the various aspects of PE, from the physical changes to the emotional adjustments, ensuring that your path in PE is healthy, balanced, and mindful of the role ego plays. It’s about making positive contributions to your self-perception, emotional health, and overall well-being, ensuring that the journey is beneficial in all aspects.
As you navigate the path of PE, remember the multifaceted aspects of this journey. It’s about more than just reaching a certain size. Ensure that the process contributes positively to your overall well-being and the well-being of your partners. If the pursuit starts leaning more towards ego and vanity, it’s time to reassess and realign your goals. The ultimate goal is to enhance not just the body but the man as a whole. If you find yourself in need of guidance on this journey, know that support and direction are available to ensure your growth and sexual health journey is on the right path.
If you’re seeking personalized guidance, feel free to purchase an audit call. Your growth and sexual health journey deserve the right support and direction.
If you’re still unsure about how to navigate these complexities, consider an audit call with Coach AJ…
Article courtesy of Jelq2Grow
This is the start of a new regular feature in our Blogs: Customer Stories from our members, you fellow PE Practitioners. Want to tell your story? Just let us know via [email protected]
In this article, we will hear from Paul. In terms of his stats, he has grown from 6” x 5.75” to 8” x 6.25” in 5 years, having started in May 2018.
Hello Fellow PE’ers.
I’m pretty stoked to be today’s guest blogger!
I started PE after some bullying at a drunken, cold BBQ where my shrunken, freezing hairy flaccid got exposed by some dickheads pulling my pants down in front of a crowd. Well, good things can come from bad!
Truth be known, I was already out of love with my flaccid!…
Click the link below to continue:
Use coupon code ALJELQ2GROW1 for deep discounts!
This article is a repost which originally appeared on RHODY HEALTH/Cranston HERALD
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.
Written by: Eric Tirrell, clinical manager of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) program and the research operations manager for the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) in Neuromodulation at Butler Hospital and Joshua Davis a program therapist in the Butler Hospital’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program.
Mental health is a crucial part of our overall well-being, yet it remains a topic that is often misunderstood, stigmatized, and overlooked, especially for men. For far too long, men have been expected to suppress their emotions, to tough it out, to soldier on through difficult times. This resulted in a significant gap in our understanding of men’s mental health needs and an alarming disparity in the rates of suicide, substance abuse, and other mental health issues among men.
By breaking down the walls of stigma and shame surrounding men’s mental health, we can start addressing this critical issue with compassion, understanding, and empathy. Here we will explore the importance of men’s mental health, the challenges men face when seeking help, and the available treatment options that can help them achieve greater emotional well-being and fulfillment.
Sobering Statistics
• Men are more likely to die by suicide than women. In the United States, men account for nearly 75% of all suicides.
• Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women. In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, only 35% of men reported they would seek help from a mental health professional, compared to 58% of women.
• Men are more likely to struggle with certain mental health conditions. For example, men are more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol dependence and antisocial personality disorder, while women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders.
• Men are more likely to experience workplace stress and burnout. According to a survey by the American Institute of Stress, men are more likely to report feeling overwhelmed at work and are less likely to take time off to care for their mental health.
• Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors as a coping mechanism. This can include substance abuse, reckless driving, and other dangerous activities.
Importance of Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health is important for many reasons.
1. Mental health issues can severely affect a man’s quality of life. This includes relationships, work, and personal goals.
2. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can impact a person’s ability to function, causing them to feel hopeless, isolated, and overwhelmed.
3. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to physical health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
4. Mental health issues can have a ripple effect on those around them, including family members, friends, and colleagues.
5. When men struggle with mental health issues, it can impact their relationships and those closest to them.
6. Addressing men’s mental health is crucial for building a more equitable society that prioritizes all individuals’ well-being, regardless of gender.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to men’s reluctance to seek help for mental health issues. These include societal expectations of masculinity, mental health stigma, and a lack of awareness about available resources.
Men are often expected to be strong, stoic, and self-sufficient, making it difficult to acknowledge their struggles and ask for help. Additionally, mental health stigma can make men feel ashamed or weak for struggling with mental health issues, further preventing them from seeking help.
Treatment Options for Men’s Mental Health
Fortunately, several treatment options are available for men struggling with mental health issues. These include:
• Therapy: Talk therapy can involve working with a mental health professional to identify and address mental health issues. Therapy can be conducted in person, online, or over the phone and can help men develop coping strategies, manage symptoms, and improve their overall mental health.
• Medication: In some cases, medication can be used to treat mental health issues. This may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, or mood stabilizers. Medication can help manage symptoms and improve overall mental health but should always be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
• Support groups: Support groups can be valuable for men struggling with mental health issues. These groups provide a safe space for men to share their experiences, connect with others going through similar challenges, and receive emotional support.
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-management techniques, can also improve mental health. These changes can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT uses brief, low-energy electrical pulses to stimulate nerve-cell activity in the part of the brain that affects mood. Stimulating this area helps to alleviate symptoms of depression. The electrical impulses are delivered through electrodes placed on the scalp. Patients are given anesthesia to relax and ensure the procedure is pain-free.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS is an FDA-approved outpatient treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerves in the brain non-invasively. This innovative and safe technique requires no sedation or anesthesia and successfully treats individuals suffering from Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Published reports from TMS treatment studies for depression show that more than half of patients treated with TMS Therapy experienced significant improvements in symptoms, and one-third of patients experienced full remission of their depressive episodes.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.
Article courtesy of Mike from TotalManShop
I’ve had frames of mind that have almost killed me in the past.
Others that have made me who I am and will continue to build me moving forward.
And the best part, we can choose to change these frame at any time to better serve us!
VIDEO COMING SOON
Visit TOTALMAN SHOP for ALL of YOUR Male Enhancement needs!
JOANNA HAYES [email protected] Jun 30, 2023 Updated 13 hrs ago
This article is a repost which originally appeared on Post Register
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.
Key Points
‧ Men often find it difficult to discuss mental health issues.
‧ Men make up to 80% of suicides.
‧ Everyone struggles with something. Talking about it can go a long way towards helping.
Five years ago, Charles Hale walked down Park Avenue, having finally mustered the courage to seek help out of homelessness.
Hale looked up and saw the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission sign. His heart beating uncontrollably. His shame hanging over his head. He couldn’t carry the burden of addiction any longer.
What were the people at the Rescue Mission going to tell him? What were they going to think of him? Hale never thought he would find real help in Idaho Falls, a town full of strangers.
He took a deep breath and opened the mission’s front door. He had nothing with him. Hale sat down at the front desk and explained that he needed a safe place to sleep. He didn’t want to spend another night on the street. He had been without shelter for five years, spending cold nights in Phoenix, Spokane, Seattle and, now, Idaho Falls.
“You know how they say the grass isn’t any greener?” Hale said. “Well the streets aren’t any blacker. It didn’t matter where I went.”
After meeting with a volunteer at the Rescue Mission for a few minutes, Hale started to wonder if the Idaho Falls streets might be less black. He might get off of them this time around.
The volunteer asked Hale if he could pass a urinalysis, as the Rescue Mission requires their guests to be sober upon admission and throughout their stay.
Hale couldn’t. He had been struggling with addiction his entire bout with homelessness. The Rescue Mission sent him to the Behavioral Health Crisis Center while he got sober.
But Hale knew he didn’t want to stay at the crisis center. There was something different about the Rescue Mission. They smiled when he entered. He felt his heart beat slower. His shame lifted. The Rescue Mission would help him carry the burden.
“I had become jaded from seeing the world (on the streets),” Hale said. “My breakthrough moment was when I walked through those doors and saw someone with a smile. It broke me.”
Hale never thought he would end up homeless. No one does. His family was close. They went to church every Sunday. He got a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s degree in business.
Hale climbed the corporate ladder in Phoenix for 15 years. He married a lovely woman and had three beautiful boys. And then his mental health took a turn for the worse. He lost his father and fell into a deep reliance on alcohol and drugs.
“It was three strikes,” Hale said. “I lost my father, then my career and then my wife and three kids.”
For five years, Hale struggled under the weight of grief and addiction.
“It feels like you’re wearing a placard around your neck saying ‘addict’ or ‘homeless.’ You don’t need people to tell you that you are less than. You already feel that,” Hale said.
Hale said many men find it difficult to open up about their struggles, especially when it comes to mental health.
“It feels like a badge of dishonor,” Hale said.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Men make up 50% of the United States population but 80% of the suicides.
Kade Anderson, a psychiatrist with Ascend Mental Health Center in Idaho Falls, said the reason for that is layered. Anderson said men tend to use a more “final method,” such as firearms, when attempting suicide.
However, Anderson believes that the stigma surrounding men’s mental health also contributes to that statistic.
“Men can be afraid to admit weakness,” Anderson said. “They don’t want to talk about it. They want to do it all on their own.”
He said many people aren’t ashamed of other health struggles they have, but when it comes to mental health, they feel less than if they admit vulnerabilities. One way Anderson tries to combat stigma surrounding men’s mental health is through his own vulnerabilities.
“I tell my patients that I struggle with mental health, too.” Anderson said. “I have had to ask for help. I have zero shame. I think that helps them open up.”
Anderson said the best thing people can do is to be honest. Talk about wins. Talk about losses. Talk about the highs, and talk about the lows. He said the more open people are about their struggles, the more one realizes that everyone struggles with something.
Following Anderson’s advice is what brought Hale out of his cycle of addiction and struggles with depression. Hale knew he had to be honest about his situation in order to overcome it.
The Rescue Mission was different from any other safe house Hale had been to, and he had been to a lot. Safe houses focused on mental, physical and emotional health. But the Rescue Mission added spiritual health into the equation.
Hale found both “law and grace” while staying at the Rescue Mission. The workers were caring and loving, but they didn’t enable anyone, Hale said.
Hale joined the Rescue Mission’s recovery program. The seven-month course helped him find a job and permanent housing. He also found a mentor from a local church.
Today, Hale is the mission’s director of operations. He uses his story to help the men there overcome their battle with mental health.
He mentioned that over the past few months, he has seen men walk into the shelter who seemed to be struggling with their mental health, but they weren’t talking about it.
“(Men) can be concerned with stigma and they can’t make that connection. It’s heart-breaking,” Hale said. “Someone has told them they are suffering and it’s too hard to accept. They think ‘If I’m labeled this, how am I going to be successful?’”
Everyone struggles with something, he said, it’s just whether they talk about it.
“We have all experienced a mental health crisis in our lives. Whether it’s you or someone you know,” Hale said.
June was Men’s Mental Health Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call or text 988 to reach the suicide hotline. You can also reach out to Ascend Mental Health Center at 208-419-3002 or the Behavioral Health Crisis Center at 208-522-0727.
Peaking and Stress: Ask The Experts
Big Al, of MaleEnhancementCoach.com, answers questions about peaking during a training cycle and emotional stress.
If you have questions you’d like answered in an Ask the Experts article, please PM Big Al
Q. I’ve often read you referring to peaking at the end of a cycle. What exactly does this mean?
Al: The peak of your training is when you’re both at your highest level of conditioning AND training your hardest. You’ll want this to happen towards the end of your training cycle. Continuing past this point often leads to a plateau or even overtraining.
Q. My biggest challenge is setting the mood. This applies to training and sex. I don’t see myself as inadequate, but I’ve found as I got older that stress (especially from work) leaves me feeling like not training or having sex. Is there a way around this?
Al: Stress is THE #1 cause of ED, and it’s also the biggest killer (when used in comorbidities).
Emotional stress management should be a daily part of your life- not just for male enhancement, but to maintain optimal physical and emotional health. Practicing your Emotional Visualizations and regular meditative rest is something you should make a part of your lifestyle.
There’s also diet, regular exercise and good sleep. If any one of these is lacking, you’re going to feel it.
* * *
Joe Miragliotta | 3 months ago
This article is a repost which originally appeared on JOE’S DAILY
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.
Key Points
‧ Men often pressure themselves to neglect healthy methods of coping with health issues.
‧ The above is further compounded by a lack of communication.
‧ Learning stress self-awareness can help men to better manage their maladies.
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Men, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to their mental well-being. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles often prevent men from acknowledging their emotions and seeking help. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of therapy for men’s mental health and how it can lead to a happier, healthier life. By incorporating the key phrases ‘Men’s Therapy Benefits’, ‘Male Mental Health Support’, and ‘Improving Men’s Emotional Well-being’, we aim to provide valuable insights into the world of men’s mental health.
#1: Breaking Down Barriers
One of the most significant benefits of therapy for men is that it helps to break down the barriers that have been built up over the years. Men often face societal pressure to be stoic and emotionally resilient, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and reluctance to seek help. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where men can openly discuss their feelings, experiences, and concerns. This process helps to dismantle ingrained beliefs about masculinity and vulnerability, allowing men to develop a healthier relationship with their emotions.
#2: Improved Communication Skills
Therapy can help men improve their communication skills, both in expressing their emotions and in listening to others. By learning to articulate their thoughts and feelings more effectively, men can experience increased emotional intimacy in their relationships and a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others.
#3: Better Stress Management
Men often face unique stressors, such as job pressure, financial concerns, and societal expectations. Therapy can help men identify the sources of their stress and develop healthy coping strategies to manage it more effectively. This may include learning relaxation techniques, setting realistic goals, and creating a better work-life balance. Improved stress management can lead to enhanced overall well-being and a reduction in the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
#4: Enhanced Self-Awareness
Therapy can help men gain a better understanding of themselves, their emotions, and their thought patterns. This self-awareness can lead to improved decision-making, stronger relationships, and a more authentic sense of self. By understanding the root causes of their emotional struggles, men can work towards making positive changes in their lives and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
#5: Access to Professional Guidance
Seeking therapy provides men with access to a trained professional who can offer support, guidance, and evidence-based techniques to help them overcome their mental health challenges. Therapists can help men develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective care possible.
#6: Normalizing Help-Seeking Behavior
Attending therapy can help to normalize the idea of seeking help for mental health issues among men. By engaging in therapy, men can challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek support when needed. This can lead to a more supportive and empathetic society where men’s mental health is valued and prioritized.
#7: Stronger Relationships
Therapy can help men build and maintain healthier relationships with their partners, family members, and friends. By learning how to communicate more effectively, manage conflicts, and express vulnerability, men can forge deeper connections with others and experience greater emotional intimacy.
#8: Increased Resilience
Engaging in therapy can help men develop the skills and tools needed to cope with life’s challenges and bounce back from adversity more effectively. This increased resilience can lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-efficacy in managing future difficulties.
#9: Enhanced Overall Well-Being
Men who participate in therapy often experience improvements in their overall mental and emotional well-being. This can manifest in various ways, such as reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased self-esteem, and a more positive outlook on life. These improvements can lead to a higher quality of life and a greater sense of fulfillment.
#10: Prevention and Early Intervention
By seeking therapy early on, men can address potential mental health issues before they become more severe. This early intervention can be crucial in preventing the development of chronic mental health disorders and promoting long-term emotional health.
Conclusion
The benefits of therapy for men’s mental health are extensive, from breaking down barriers and improving communication skills to enhancing overall well-being and preventing mental health issues. By seeking male mental health support and prioritizing self-care, men can work towards improving their emotional well-being and living a happier, healthier life. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and self-awareness. By taking this important step, you can embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and emotionally balanced life. Together, we can continue to break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and create a world where everyone feels supported and empowered to seek the help they need.
A study ties depression, anxiety and lack of a partner to erectile dysfunction in younger men.
Author: James Anderson
Published: February 20, 2023
This article is a repost which originally appeared on Giddy
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.
Key Points
‧ The quality of a relationship will have an impact on sexual performance.
‧ Anxiety can lead to low libido and ED.
‧ Problems arise when anxiety medication side effects add to sexual performance issues.
A single man in his late 20s occasionally dates but hasn’t been on a date in some time. He has sex infrequently. That’s been the case for a few years, maybe about a decade.
He has developed depression and anxiety. He has struggled with those mental health issues for a while, and now he has problems getting erections. When he does get hard, his penis doesn’t remain that way for long, certainly not long enough to enjoy penetrative intercourse.
He’s been saying to himself, “Man, I’ve been single for so long. I feel broken because of my mental health issues, and now I can’t even get it up or keep it up. Nobody is going to want to be with me.”
Any young guy experiencing mental health issues and erectile dysfunction (ED) should know there’s hope. Their situation is not as dire as it might seem, according to Ravi Hariprasad, M.D., M.P.H., a psychiatrist with Intuitive Psychiatry in San Francisco.
“His first step was recognizing the problem and seeking help and taking the steps required to make the situation better,” Hariprasad said about the hypothetical young man.
Relatively young single men who suffer from both a chronic mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, and ED are not alone, contrary to what they might fear. There’s not only hope for them, but also help and coping strategies available.
Risk factors for depression, anxiety and ED
Authors of a study first published in 2020 in the Journal of Urology found an association between relationship status, mental health and ED. The mental health and ED link appeared common among a sample of 2,660 sexually active men between 18 and 31 years of age. About 14 percent reported some form of ED. Anxiety and tranquilizer use were associated with greater odds of moderate-to-severe ED; antidepressant use was associated with more than three times the odds of moderate-to-severe ED. Married men and those with partners were 65 percent less likely than single guys to experience it in moderate-to-severe form.
“This information may not necessarily function the same way when reversed and used as a predictive model of whether a young single man may be at risk of having or developing ED of any severity,” according to Joshua Poole, M.D., a psychiatrist in California who works with Open Mind Health, a virtual mental wellness network. “It more so tells us that those surveyed who were already partnered were less likely to have moderate to severe ED.”
We don’t yet have definitive data clarifying just how relationship status, mental health and sexual dysfunction relate to each other, however, Poole said.
“Clinically, I have witnessed that the quality of the relationship frequently has more to do with sexual dysfunction than the presence or absence of a relationship,” he explained. “There are many instances where a relationship can be the source of both mental health issues and sexual dysfunction. In speaking to therapists who specialize in sex therapy, I have often been told that a great deal of sexual dysfunction is actually the result of emotional dysfunction in the dynamic of a relationship.”
For young men, the major risk factors for developing anxiety and depression include genetics, stress, and drug and alcohol problems, said Eric Yarbrough, M.D., a psychiatrist based in New York City. Like Poole, though, he doesn’t consider the relationship between partner status and mental health clear-cut.
“Some people have relationships which are healthy and supportive,” he said. “Others might have relationships which cause them stress and do more harm than good. There are reasons to be single and reasons to be in a relationship, but they are highly individual and relative.”
Nevertheless, several factors might account for the association observed in the study.
Ways mental health interferes with sexual health
Anxiety and depression can both lead to low libido, ejaculatory dysfunction and ED, Poole explained.
Those mental health conditions, Hariprasad suggested, can keep someone from being present and can interfere with their ability to focus when trying to have sex.
“This can make it more difficult for men to achieve and maintain an erection, leading to erectile dysfunction,” he said in an email. “Additionally, single men may be more likely to be in sexual relationships with less familiar partners, which can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, further exacerbating erectile dysfunction.”
There’s nothing mysterious regarding the comparatively lower prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men in emotionally supportive, multidimensional and close partnerships vis-à-vis young single men, Hariprasad said.
“I’ve seen over these years of our Tinder culture—our hookup culture—people are losing these other dimensions of friendship and intimacy in relationships, and that’s leading to some of this difficulty,” he said in reference to struggling single men. “Contrary to what the media says, the novelty of having sex with a partner you don’t know is not universally arousing. It can be terrifying to some, and it can activate feelings of insecurity and anxiety in others, none of which are very sexy.”
In contrast, as Hariprasad stressed, arousal can emerge from intimacy.
Conversely, frequent masturbation and excess ejaculation can exacerbate the cycle of mental health issues contributing to relationship difficulties and vice versa, he said, adding that porn consumption often gets paired with incessant masturbation, and that can cause another vicious cycle. Watching a lot of porn can desensitize someone to the amount of stimulus needed for arousal, which could result in ED, Hariprasad explained.
“Often, people are not watching the entire clip,” he said. “They’re just fast-forwarding to the components that are highly arousing, and that’s leading to an inappropriate mental patterning of the sexual response cycle that’s not often conducive to a normal sexual response cycle with a partner.”
Therapy and coping strategies
So what can the young, single guy dealing with ED as well as anxiety and/or depression do to address his problems?
Yarbrough would advise the man to prioritize treating his anxiety and depression since the conditions can affect myriad facets of life, from work to family to friendships to romance. He should also see a primary care physician to rule out any potential health problems that could be causing the mental health difficulties.
“After all of this, a person can explore their sexual history and views on sex to understand how they might be affecting his ability to maintain an erection,” he said.
Poole cautioned that the gold standard for treating both anxiety and depression has a reputation for contributing to sexual dysfunction. These are typically antidepressants derived from the family of medications that includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
“It’s a tricky thing when the treatment for a problem can also cause the problem,” he acknowledged.
If ED results as a side effect of antidepressant medication, Poole recommended decreasing the dose or switching to a medication that doesn’t worsen the patient’s mood disorder.
Nonpharmaceutical strategies, including practicing breathing techniques to help in the moment and writing a journal to identify and alter spiraling negative thoughts, can help some people cope with anxiety and depression.
Certain physical activities, done regularly, have been shown to be potentially helpful, such as the following:
‧ Practice stress-management techniques, such as meditation and yoga
‧ Engage in mindful movements like tai chi
‧ Adopt a proper sleep schedule
‧ Avoid excess caffeine
‧ Eat a balanced diet
CBD oil might be a mild therapeutic option for some folks struggling with anxiety and depression. Assistance from professionals in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a talk therapy tool worth exploring to pinpoint triggers and manage symptoms.
A new lens for sexual behavior
Hariprasad affirmed talk therapy and lifestyle changes as treatment possibilities.
“Then, in parallel, we’d need to change your sexual behaviors and hygiene so that you’re more likely to succeed,” he said.
Depending on the person, that could involve cutting back on masturbation and time spent viewing porn.
Since a lack of exercise for the muscles in the pelvic floor can make them lax, potentially leading to problems like premature ejaculation and ED, Kegel exercises can be useful, he added.
“A lot of literature and common knowledge has been about Kegel exercises for women,” Hariprasad said. “And what’s not appreciated is that the same set of exercises can be used by men to enhance their performance. I think it’s one of the single-most helpful things that someone could do as a practice, is [to] learn to isolate those muscles and exercise them so they’re stronger.”
Doing Kegels, together with exercise for the abdominal muscles, might enable men to improve the quality of their erections and their ejaculatory control, he added.
Hariprasad further suggested that guys in their 20s and 30s could begin to address the entanglement of issues that stand in the way of good psychological health, erections and relationships by learning how to form close, meaningful connections.
“That means forming friendships and then learning to have intimacy in those friendships—not necessarily seeking sexual encounters—and allowing the sexuality to arise organically from within those intimate, connected, safe relationships,” he said.
“Taken all together, this strategy has helped countless men I’ve worked with over the years reboot their sexual life and get their life and self-esteem back in order. But [men need] to understand that the situation is hopeful. [The work] just needs to be done methodically and patiently,” Hariprasad concluded.
It’s not always easy for men to seek help, especially for something as personal and sensitive as erection troubles. Plus, a lot of people don’t have a therapist they see regularly, so it’s not always intuitive to take that first step. Video visits have become a viable option for most people, and more physicians and therapists have added them as a service. Giddy telehealth makes it easy to get connected to a qualified healthcare professional who can help with a variety of mental and physical health conditions.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Just Shared His Tips for Smashing Your New Year Goals
“Negativity freezes you,” he says. “It makes you depressed about where you are instead of excited about where you can go.”
By Philip Ellis Published: Dec 27, 2022
This article is a repost which originally appeared on Men’sHealth.
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.
Arnold’s Advice:
‧ Be honest but not negative
‧ Don’t set out to finish these things this year
‧ Make one of your goals about physical health
As we head out of the holiday period and look towards 2023, many of us are starting to plan our New Year’s resolutions. Some of these targets for self-improvement will be simple, like wanting to eat healthier or work on personal fitness, while others might be more ambitious, like learning a new language or progressing in your career.
Regardless of what milestones you may have set for yourself, one man has got a few words of advice: Arnold Schwarzenegger. In his most recent newsletter, the champion bodybuilder and movie star shared his own approach to smashing his goals, breaking it down into three simple roles in the hopes that it will help others to stick to their own resolutions.
His first piece of advice is to “be honest but not negative” about where you are right now, and not judge yourself too harshly. “Do you think I’m more likely to follow through with change it I start out saying ‘Arnold, you look like a pig, you look like garbage, it’s time to fix it’ or ‘Arnold, studies show that people in better shape lead longer lives with less health problems, so losing a few pounds means more time to be here hanging out with the people you love?'” He writes. “Negativity freezes you – it makes you depressed about where you are instead of excited about where you can go. Lose the negativity (unless you are one of the small percentage where negativity actually fuels you.)”
“Second, don’t set out to finish these things this year,” he continues. “These are big, big visions about changing who you are, not what you are. You’ll make insane progress this year, but you don’t need to finish.”
Thirdly, Schwarzenegger recommends making at least one of your goals about your physical health. “The Greeks always talked about a sound mind in a sound body, so I’ve always focused on both,” he says. “The others can be things you’ve wanted to do for ages but you’ve put off, or things you know you should do, or things that will improve you as a person or at work.”