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Tag: Kegel exercises

  • How to Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

    How to Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

    Did you know that over 200,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year? And many of them end up having prostate surgery. While the surgery can save lives, one challenge some men face afterward is incontinence. The good news is that most men recover within 6 to 12 months. But managing incontinence during this recovery period can still be tough, and it’s essential to seek professional help for bladder weakness.

    Why Am I Dealing with Incontinence After Prostate Surgery?

    Here’s the thing: your bladder control depends on two muscles – the internal sphincter and the external sphincter. When your prostate is removed, the internal sphincter, which isn’t the primary muscle for bladder control, is also taken out. The external sphincter, the muscle that actually controls your bladder, can become weakened or even damaged during the surgery. Add in possible nerve or blood supply damage, and suddenly, you may find it hard to control your bladder.

    Types of Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

    1. Urgency Incontinence: This one’s all about feeling that sudden, desperate need to pee – and not being able to hold it in. You might find yourself rushing to the bathroom, but not making it in time. This happens because your bladder spasms unexpectedly, but the good news is it can often be controlled with medication.
    2. Stress Urinary Incontinence: If your external sphincter was affected during surgery, you could leak urine when you exert yourself. Lifting something heavy, coughing, sneezing, or even changing positions could trigger an accident. This is common right after the catheter is removed.

    How to Manage Incontinence After Prostate Surgery

    There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for incontinence, but don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to manage it. By working with your doctor or joining a support group, you can find the best strategy for you.

    1. Pelvic Floor Exercises
      Strengthening the muscles you use to control urine can go a long way. Think of it like exercising your bladder’s “control muscles” through Kegel exercises or biofeedback training. It might take time, but it can really help.
    2. Lifestyle Changes
      Sometimes, it’s the small tweaks in your daily routine that make a big difference. Try cutting back on alcohol, avoiding caffeine, and going to the bathroom regularly – even if you don’t feel the urge. Also, chat with your doctor to see if any medications you’re taking might be contributing to the issue.
    3. Medications
      There are medications designed to help reduce your urge to urinate or even increase your bladder’s capacity. And with new drugs in development, there are even more options on the horizon to help manage this issue.
    4. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
      Sounds high-tech, but it works. A small probe is placed in the anus, and a mild current is passed through your body, making your muscles contract. As you squeeze your muscles, this helps train and strengthen them, reducing the risk of incontinence.
    5. Artificial Sphincter
      An artificial sphincter is a device that helps prevent urine leakage. It consists of a pump, a pressure-regulating balloon, and a cuff that wraps around your urethra. Up to 80% of men who have used this device have seen positive results.
    6. Bulbourethral Sling
      This sling, made from either synthetic material or your own tissue, is designed to suspend and compress the urethra to help you regain bladder control. It’s a good option for certain types of incontinence.
    7. Surgery
      For some men, surgery may be necessary. One option is placing rubber rings around the tip of the bladder, helping it hold urine in place.
    8. Catheters
      A catheter can help manage incontinence by collecting urine in a bag. A condom catheter, worn over the penis, is a discreet option, or you can opt for self-catheterization, where a thin tube is inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder. This can be done at home, safely.
    9. Incontinence Products
      Incontinence doesn’t have to stop you from living an active life. There are a variety of incontinence products available, such as bed pads, mattress covers, and adult underwear designed to absorb urine and keep you comfortable.

    Managing incontinence after prostate surgery can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment plan and a bit of patience, it’s possible to regain control and live confidently.

  • Ways to Stop Cumming Fast

    Ways to Stop Cumming Fast

    One of the most embarrassing things that can happen during sex is not being able to perform when you need to, especially if it’s about finishing too quickly. This issue, known as premature ejaculation (PE), has become a common challenge for many men. It can lead to frustration, a loss of confidence, and sometimes even avoidance of intimacy altogether. But don’t worry – there are solutions to help you take control and enjoy a more satisfying experience. Let’s dive into some practical ways to stop cumming too fast and reclaim your confidence in the bedroom.

    Tips to Prevent Cumming Too Fast

    Everyone’s experience with sex is different. Some people like to take their time, while others prefer a faster pace. How long it takes to finish varies greatly depending on the person, the partner, and the kind of sex. If you find yourself finishing quicker than you’d like, here are some proven techniques to help you last longer.

    1. Do Kegel Exercises The muscles that control ejaculation are called pubococcygeus muscles, and strengthening them can help you control when you climax. These muscles are responsible for controlling the flow of both urine and semen. To strengthen them, try this simple exercise: when you go to the bathroom, stop the flow of urine midstream, and you’ll feel the muscles engage. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this regularly to build strength. Kegel exercises can go a long way in helping you last longer.
    2. Get to Know Your Body Understanding your body’s signals is key to controlling your orgasm. Pay attention to how you feel as you approach the point of no return. Knowing when you’re about to cum gives you the power to take control. Slow down, take deep breaths, or change the pace to hold back. Being in tune with your body is essential for longer-lasting intimacy.
    3. Practice During Masturbation Masturbation can be a great way to practice techniques to delay ejaculation. One method is to stop stroking for 30 seconds when you’re getting close to climax, then resume. Another technique is to apply gentle pressure at the base of your penis (where the head meets the shaft) when you’re near orgasm. Hold the pressure for about 30 seconds, then continue. Practice these techniques to improve your stamina.
    4. Communicate with Your Partner Open communication with your partner is crucial. If you’re feeling close to cumming too soon, let them know. Phrases like “hold on” or “wait a moment” can help you reset and last longer. Anxiety or fear of underperforming can be a significant factor in finishing too quickly, but being open with your partner can help alleviate that stress.
    5. Use Condoms or Desensitizing Sprays If you’re looking for a quick fix, condoms and desensitizing sprays are available at most stores. A desensitizing spray applied to the head of your penis can dull the sensation, helping you last longer. However, some men find that these sprays reduce their overall pleasure. Another option is delay condoms, which contain numbing agents that help extend intercourse.
    6. Incorporate More Foreplay and Change Positions One of the most enjoyable ways to extend sex is by focusing on foreplay. Spend more time kissing, touching, and exploring your partner before diving into penetrative sex. You can also try changing positions if you feel yourself getting too close to climax. Switching it up will not only help prolong the experience but can also make it more exciting for both you and your partner.
    7. Relax and Focus on Your Partner Another common cause of premature ejaculation is performance anxiety. If you’re worried about whether you’ll last long enough, your focus can shift from the experience to your own performance. Instead, try focusing on what your partner enjoys. If you’re concentrating on their pleasure, you’ll likely be able to delay your own orgasm, making for a more satisfying experience for both of you.

    Advice from Others Who’ve Been There

    Here are a few tips from others who’ve faced the same challenge and found ways to cope:

    • Build a Strong Emotional Connection: Some men find that forming a platonic, emotionally supportive relationship with women helps them feel less pressure during sex. Over time, as the emotional bond grows, sex becomes less stressful and more about enjoyment. This can help you become more confident and less anxious about performance.
    • Moderate Alcohol Consumption: A little alcohol can help take the edge off, reducing sensitivity and anxiety. However, don’t overdo it, or you might end up too drunk to perform at all or risk finishing too quickly in a different way.
    • Cut Off Visual Stimuli: Another trick is to turn off the lights or close your eyes during sex. Without visual distractions, like watching your partner’s body move, you might find that it’s easier to last longer. The downside is you’ll miss out on some of the visual excitement, but it might be worth a try if you’re looking for a quick fix.

    Medications and Treatments

    If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with premature ejaculation, medications could offer some relief. Although these treatments aren’t FDA-approved specifically for PE, they are commonly prescribed and may help:

    • Antidepressants: Some SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like sertraline, fluoxetine, or paroxetine can delay orgasm as a side effect. These are often prescribed off-label to help with premature ejaculation.
    • Painkillers: Tramadol, a medication typically used for pain, also has a side effect of delaying orgasm.
    • Erectile Dysfunction Medications: Drugs like Viagra, Cialis, or Revatio, which are used for ED, can also help delay ejaculation in some men.

    In addition to medications, counseling or therapy might help if emotional or psychological factors are contributing to premature ejaculation.

    Final Thoughts

    It’s important to remember that if you’re struggling with premature ejaculation, you’re not alone. Many men face the same issue, and there are plenty of solutions available. From exercises and open communication with your partner to professional treatments, you have options. With the right approach and mindset, you can improve your sexual experience and regain confidence.