More than 50 percent of men suffer from some sort of penis disorder. However, it’s not like you’d see men at a neighborhood barbeque talking about them like, “Hey, Richard! You know, lately I’ve been having a lot of trouble retracting my foreskin. Ever happen to you? What’s your trick?” Talking about this subject is actually not really socially accepted.

Until society changes and men are freely discussing their droopy testicles or issues with ejaculation, this article will just have to do. Here’s a list of five of the most common penis problems men have and how to blaze a path forward by learning more about them, preventing them when possible, and (hopefully) telling a friend.

Penis Disorder #1: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Okay, so if men talked about any penis disorder, it’s most likely this one. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the failure to get and maintain an erection. ED has taken center stage over the last 15 to 20 years thanks to more open discussion about sex and the miracle of the little blue pill that “cures” it. Some studies suggest that ED affects nearly one-half of men over 40. Causes of ED can include:

• High blood pressure
• Diseases that affect blood flow
• Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and sedentary living
• Stress, depression, and performance anxiety
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Penile injury

Treatment should begin at the root cause of ED, which can reverse it in many cases. Medication can also be used to stimulate erections.

Penis Disorder #2: Priapism

Going hand-in-hand (kind of) with ED, a priapism is an erection that persists for 4 or more hours. It happens when blood in the penis cannot drain, leaving it engorged. Untreated, this painful occurrence can go on for days if not treated and can have serious consequences.

Penis Disorders #3 & #4: Phimosis and Paraphimosis

This is a two-for disorder since they are so closely related. Phimosis is a penis disorder in which the foreskin of the penis is so tight around the head of the penis that it will not retract. Paraphimosis is kind of like the opposite – it happens when the retracted foreskin won’t return to its original position around the head of the penis.

Phimosis generally happens as a result of infection, scar tissue, or balanitis, or it can be something a man is just born with. There are several ways to treat phimosis, which may include:

• Light, slow stretching of the foreskin over a prescribed amount of time
• Sometimes medication is applied to the foreskin during that manual stretching for additional effect
• Circumcision
• Preputioplasty – a procedure that separates the foreskin from the glans, or head, of the penis

Paraphimosis can be caused by an injury or sexual activity. Paraphimosis is very serious and must be attended to medically as quickly as humanly possible. Apply ice immediately and head to the hospital. It’s likely that surgery will be the most likely option to remedy this penis problem.

Penis Disorder #5: Problems With Ejaculation

There are 3 main types of ejaculation issues. They are:

Premature ejaculation – This happens when a man ejaculates immediately before or too soon into penetration. This can be caused by a lot of things. Sometimes not having sex for a prolonged period will cause heightened sensation that results in it. Other causes include performance anxiety, stress, sexual repression (intentionally doing it quickly due to shame), or depression.

Delayed ejaculation – This is the opposite of premature ejaculation. This happens when a man either takes a long time to orgasm or he just can’t release. This is most colorfully known as “Whisky Dick.” Causes include alcohol abuse, psychological issues, relationship problems, medication, or other chronic health problems.

Retrograde ejaculation – The most astrological-sounding of all the ejaculation issues, retrograde ejaculation happens when a man orgasms and instead of exiting the building, it goes back into the bladder. This is most often associated with men who have nerve damage as a result of diabetes.

Men with any of the above ejaculation issues should head to the doctor for help and referrals, if needed. Treatment can include surgery, medication, therapy, and lifestyle modification.

Ways to Help Prevent Penis Disorders

There are some things, like genetics, that a man can’t change. However, a man can control everything else (for the most part). Staying on top of anything different or worrisome and heading to a doctor as soon as it’s noticed is key, as is getting an annual checkup. Also, try for weekly self-exams in the shower. Practice a healthy lifestyle and adhere to happy penis hygiene regimens.

Finally, put a cherry on it with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to nourish, protect, and strengthen the penis. Crèmes that include numerous vitamins and essential amino acids can ensure that the penis will retain its elasticity and sensitivity and be free of infection-causing bacteria. Crèmes expressly created for the penis should also include protection against premature aging and peripheral nerve damage, which can lead to penis disorders.