Men in general are as familiar with their junk as they are with the back of their hand, and they rely on it to work properly and stay healthy and wholesome. However, occasionally, penile oddities may crop up that are a cause for concern. In most cases, these are not serious, but knowing what is happening can both prevent panic and help a man to determine whether treatment is warranted. Here are just some of the environmental and psychological factors can play a part in a guy’s penile health.

Shy bladder. This issue is something that many people struggle with, especially men. Also referred to as avoidant paruresis or psychogenic urinary retention, it refers to a condition in which a person is unable to urinate in the presence of others (e.g., in a public restroom). In mild cases, shy bladder, or paruresis, happens only occasionally; in other instances, it can be an ongoing problem. If you have trouble peeing surrounded by other men, using a stall instead of a urinal may help. If you are experiencing significant anxiety with urinating, to the point that it is affecting your day to day life, seek professional treatment. This may start with a visit to a urologist, but in many instances, psychotherapy to address the underlying cause is the most appropriate form of treatment.

Penile shrinkage. The idea of a shrinking member sounds like the stuff of nightmares, but it can actually happen in real life, and unlike the spontaneous shrinkage that might happen in an anxiety dream, there is generally a rational explanation. Shrinking of the manhood is more common in older men, especially those who are overweight. During aging, fatty deposits can build up in the arteries, effectively reducing the journey of blood flow to the penis. This will cause smaller, less firm erections. Excess body fat can also engulf the penile tissue, making it appear smaller, although the actual size does not change. On the other hand, smoking can damage the tissue to the point where it does actually shrink, sometimes up to a centimeter or more in length! If that’s not a good enough reason to snuff the butts…!

Bladder stones. These painful little objects are hard masses of minerals that can develop in the bladder when the minerals in urine crystallize. This happens often if a man cannot fully empty his bladder due to a health issue or surgery. Symptoms can range from very serious abdominal pain to blood in your urine, although in some cases, they don’t cause any pain.  In order to be diagnosed with bladder stones, you will need a physical exam, urinalysis or ultrasound. Treatment typically involves inserting a rigid tube into the urethra and breaking up the stones with a laser, after which the fragments are washed out in the urine.

Varicoceles. This condition involves an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs. They may not cause direct pain, but if the veins are severely enlarged, they can cause the testicles to swell, leading to discomfort. Varicoceles are common causes of low sperm count, production and quality, and they can even effect testicle growth and development. For pain or discomfort, men can take ibuprofen to reduce the swelling. The most common treatment for varicoceles is surgery.

Ejaculation disorders. Ejaculatory issues such as premature or delayed ejaculation can wreak havoc on a man’s sex life and on his relationships. Premature ejaculation is often caused by an underlying psychological problem such as anxiety; delayed ejaculation may be due to psychological concerns, as well, or can be caused by medications or certain medical conditions. Medical treatment with a trained urologist or psychotherapy can address these problems.

Erectile dysfunction. Most men will experience occasional ED, which can have a profound effect on their sex life, their relationships and their self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction is particularly common in older men, but those who smoke have a higher likelihood of experiencing issues with their penis later in life. Other common causes for erectile dysfunction are heart disease, diabetes, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  Keep your heart and lungs healthy by eating right, exercising, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and taking your vitamins.

When unusual penile symptoms do occur, it’s important to seek appropriate treatment and to follow the recommendations of your health care provider. But everyday care can go a long way toward preventing abnormalities and promoting overall health and wellness. To keep the penis in good form, be sure to wash every day with a mild cleanser. While bathing, use the opportunity to check over the skin for any unusual spots, rashes, lumps or bumps.  After properly cleansing the area, pat dry and make sure to moisturize the skin with a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This particular health crème is a super weapon, containing vitamins and nutrients essential to the wellbeing of penis skin, like vitamin C, for collagen production, and Shea butter, which hydrates the skin leaving the area soft and smooth. Keep the penis skin clean, dry, and hydrated for optimal health.