Latest news with #sexualHealth
LBCI
04-07-2025
- Health
- LBCI
UNFPA donates medical equipment to support Lebanon's primary healthcare system
Lebanon's Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine received a donation of ultrasound machines and sterilization equipment from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support reproductive and sexual health services in primary healthcare centers. The handover took place at the Health Ministry's warehouse in Karantina, in the presence of UNFPA and ministry officials. Nassereddine stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare to reduce disease burden and healthcare costs, especially amid Lebanon's ongoing crises. He highlighted the ministry's partnership with UNFPA and reaffirmed the commitment to support all healthcare centers as part of the national health strategy, calling them 'the backbone of the health system.'
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Can you tell from a woman's face how often she has sex? One of these women is making love five times a week - one's been celibate for 6 years. But can YOU guess as they confess all...
How often are you having sex? If you're a woman over 50, it seems there's a good chance the answer is not at all. A recent study has found that one in four women aged over 50 has no interest in sex.
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
13 best male masturbators & toys for Aussie men in 2025
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more Here's a PSA for all the straight men out there – you're missing out on some of the best solo sex of your lives. That's because this category is yet to catch up with everyone else when it comes to people using gadgets to give themselves pleasure. We're talking about male sex toys, of course, and it doesn't have to be taboo. 'Research shows around 60 per cent of people of all genders and sexualities are using sex toys, except straight men, where there is only around 25 per cent,' sex and intimacy coach Jack Martin told checkout. Male masturbators should be embraced as they can bring an entirely different and exciting experience to sexual exploration. And the good news is there's a huge range to choose from, from simple sleeves and strokers to more hi-tech options, as well as cock rings and anal toys like prostate massagers and butt plugs. Our top pick is the Fleshlight Flight Pilot Male Masturbator, which five-star reviewers say feels 'just like the real thing' and gives you 'intense stimulations'. BEST SLEEVES AND STROKERS Fleshlight Flight Pilot Male Masturbator, $84.95 at Lovehoney Fleshlight Flight Pilot Male Masturbator Picture: Lovehoney $84.95 at Lovehoney What You Need To Know A stroker should be found in any guy's bedside drawer, and it's hard to go past the this essential male sex toy. Using a Fleshlight is straightforward – it's designed to stimulate the penis via various ridges and textures in the extremely flexible interior that really ups the feel-good factor. This model is more streamlined than the original, and prides itself on its 'stealth opening' for a tighter fit. You can also control the level of suction intensity simply by adjusting the screw-cap base. With more than 800 reviews on Lovehoney, this newer model is definitely one of the best sex toys on the market for guys looking for some superior self-pleasure. 'The inner shape and texture will literally give you some of the best orgasms,' says one thrilled reviewer. 'As close to the real thing as you can get!' While it's not the cheapest on offer, there's plenty to justify the investment. 'If you're new to Fleshlight this is the ideal toy for you,' advises another user. What You Need To Know While it can sometimes be hard to distinguish one sleeve from another, what sets this one apart is that it's almost impossible to find a bad review of it! Which is not altogether surprising considering that it's from the brand created by renowned sex expert Tracey Cox. There's a plethora of internal textures, ribbing and nodules on the interior, which tapers to squeeze tighter the more you plunge into it, making it the gold-medal standard in sleeves that has earned many raves on Lovehoney. 'It was tough not to explode within minutes,' says one user. 'If you want an ejaculation with twice the power … this is the toy for you,' adds another. As well as making solo fun something really mind-blowing, plenty of users also remarked that it's great to use in partner play as well. 'The [other half] loved watching me burst with excitement,' says one happy customer. What You Need To Know Vaginal masturbators give the standard male stroker toy an added visual dimension replicating heterosexual penetrative sex, which plenty of men really enjoy. The creators at Thrust have made sure to give this stroking toy plenty of textures inside it to provide maximum stimulation, as well as ridges on the outside to enable a strong and controlling grip. The material used also feels great to the touch. One handy design element is space for you to insert a bullet vibrator to make the experience even more intense. There are plenty of thrilled comments to be found on more than 500 reviews of the product, with the word 'explosive' – in terms of orgasm – mentioned many, many times. Other users remarked on how great it felt – both inside and out – and the purposefully snug opening was also a selling point. 'Right from the start, I got the intense stimulation that you get because it's 'super tight',' says one user. 'And it has all those amazing projections inside that work like magic.' Doc Johnson The Tube 5.4" Ultraskin Stroker What You Need To Know When it comes to starting out your sex toy journey, 'Begin with simple, non-intimidating toys like a basic vibrator or a masturbatory sleeve,' advises Martin. 'As comfort grows, you can gradually explore more advanced options.' And while this item from Doc Johnson may not look too exotic or exciting, don't be fooled. This tube has enough ridges on the inside to give you plenty of stimulation, and it comes at a price point that makes it a great first step into the world of sleeves and strokers. It's also a snap to use, just add some water-based lubricant and off you go. Picture: Wild Secrets $37.99 at Wild Secrets What You Need To Know This open sleeve stroker is another great introduction to elevating your solo play, and allows users to change the level of tightness by adjusting the squeeze. The product features a textured interior with ridges at one end for optimal enjoyment, and pleasure nodules at the other for increased stimulation, which reviewers say make for a 'phenomenal' experience. 'A huge upgrade from using my hand,' raved one shopper. 'Unlike many other male toys, clean-up is simple which makes this a winner for me. Definitely recommend.' Picture: Lovehoney $129.95 at Lovehoney What You Need To Know If you want to take your stroker toy to the next level, getting one that both vibrates and can be warmed is a decision you won't regret. This particular stroker is designed to offer authentic oral sex simulation for the user, and you can control the experience on many levels. Six vibration patterns provide users with plenty of options to play around with, each offering three different intensity levels. It may look shorter than other masturbators, but that's a deliberate design move to replicate the sensation of a warm mouth on the head of the penis, including rising to a very pleasurable 40°C. 'Very good feeling, just like the real thing,' enthused one user. Another fan of the warming option states, 'Tap the heater and oh wow, this thing just absolutely becomes a different beast.' What You Need To Know This deluxe hands free male masturbator is no shrinking violet – it's a powerful masturbator that replicates oral sex via 10 different vibrating modes. It's a breeze to use, just lubricate the internal textured sleeve – and yourself – and then enter the device for an experience that users rave about. 'Feels better than anything I've ever tried,' says one reviewer. 'No going back now.' 'The vibrations are insane and seriously take it to the next level,' adds another happy customer. 'Use lots of lube and go to town.' Want to go hands free? Easy! The included suction cup means you can affix it to a flat surface, like a wall, so you don't need to hold it. Another exciting added extra? Plug in your headphones for some aural thrills, care of some tantalising female vocal sounds. Toys like a vibrating butt plug or a prostate massager can increase and intensify any orgasms in solo play. 'Anal play can be a great addition to your masturbation routine,' says Martin. 'While any [gender] can enjoy anal play, those with a prostate can tap into a unique kind of pleasure. Just remember to use plenty of lube, take it slow, and focus on what feels good for you and what you're comfortable with.' This prostate massager is a cut above due to its remote which gives you plenty of control and leaves you free to work on other parts of your body as well. With more than 350 reviews on Lovehoney, there are plenty of satisfied customers for this gadget. 'The pressure on and off from the prostate is super stimulating and you are in for an incredible orgasm!' noted one. 'Would recommend to any men trying to find their p-spot!' added another. Quite a few reviewers also liked handing the remote control over to their partner as well. 'We highly recommend this product for couples looking to spice things up in the bedroom!!' says one pair. What You Need To Know Plenty of guys enjoy the feel of a butt plug while they masturbate, and there are many on the market. As the toy is being used internally, it's very important that you get one made out of a body-safe material such as silicone. You also want to ensure it has a flared base for safety. It's also vital to use plenty of lube. While many butt plugs are tapered, this one's shape borrows from that of a prostate massager so that it can really apply some pressure to that area. Many reviewers noted that this is a great option for those wanting to try out a butt plug. 'The Booty Buddy is extremely comfortable and stimulates just the right spot to deliver a really intense orgasm,' remarked one first-time user. 'It adds another dimension to sex, foreplay and masturbation.' TENGA Egg Lovers Heart Textured Male Masturbator What You Need To Know With Tenga establishing itself as the go-to for great stroker toys, this little egg is a great option to throw in your bag if you're heading out of town for a night or two and want to add some great orgasms to your itinerary. The heart shapes on the inside of the stretchy plastic (which, by the way, can extend quite substantially to accommodate various penis sizes) aren't just for show, they provide texture to stimulate. 'There's multiple layers of sensations,' one reviewer noted. 'It feels thicker yet also adds more sensation to my delicate parts.' Another thrilled user wrote: 'The super soft plastic gives a real life feel and feels amazing for solo play, it's a real treat from a standard hand job!' And while it's designed for single use (coming with a sachet of lube for that purpose), quite a few users found that when treated with care, used with adequate lubrication and kept clean, it was actually good for a few sessions. PDX Elite EZ Grip Stroker Picture: PDX $41.95 at Amazon This PDX Elite EZ Grip Stroker promises to be 'the star of the show' in the bedroom. Waterproof, non-slip and designed with a textured interior, it's suited to most penis sizes. This stroker also has a snug fit that will deliver 'satisfying suction with every thrust'. For the best results, use the PDX Elite EZ Grip Stroker in tandem with a water based lubricant. Once you're done, all you need to do is wash in warm soapy water and spray with an antibacterial toy cleaner. SHOP HERE BEST NEXT-LEVEL TOY F1S™ V3 AI-Driven Male Masturbator with Real-Feel Silicon, $284.13 (down from $369) at LELO F1S™ V3 AI-Driven Male Masturbator with Real-Feel Silicon Picture: LELO $276.75 at LELO What You Need To Know LELO's latest version of its popular F1S aims to make you see stars via its sonic waves and is one of the best hands free male masturbators on the market. It uses Artificial Intelligence to gauge what's working, drawing from your speed and skill, in order to adjust in real time to increase your pleasure even further. You can control it via Bluetooth – care of the associated app – which gives you access to extra settings and the AI function. The F1S also uses two motors working together. Its streamlined design also makes it a great option to take when travelling. To use, simply add lube, then insert your penis and you'll soon feel those sonic waves coming at you in the most pleasurable way possible. 'It is just a hair shy of the real thing but absolutely close enough to get the job done spectacularly,' enthused one user. 'I couldn't stop using it when I first got it, I had to wean myself off it,' another keen reviewer explains. SHOP HERE BEST FOR PARTNERED PLAY Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Vibrating Love Ring, $49.95 at Lovehoney Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Vibrating Love Ring Picture: Lovehoney $49.95 at Lovehoney What You Need To Know Plenty of the toys here can be used for couple play as well as solo, and this little beauty was great on that front, proving that size definitely doesn't matter! For the uninitiated, vibrating cock rings restrict the flow of blood to the penis, and can be used to create longer lasting erections (NOTE: medical advice recommends not using cock rings for longer than 30 minutes), and can provide intense orgasms. Add some vibrations to the mix and you've got quite the handy go-to for some extra sensations. 'I like this unit because it pleasures both the penis and scrotum at the same time,' explained one reviewer. This also gives it plenty of oomph for use with a partner. 'My man lasted longer than usual, and I could feel the vibrations when he was inside me, huge pleasure,' said one pleased female reviewer, adding, 'It's ideal for first-time users.' 'The pleasure for both of us was phenomenal!' wrote another, while yet another said, 'Great for foreplay, giving some hands-free vibration to my partner.' Rechargeable and easy to clean, this vibrating cock ring also comes in a handy pouch. SHOP HERE WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MALE MASTURBATOR Aim: There's more than one type of male sex toy, so we looked for a range that provided a variety of stimulation. Whether it's a standard sleeve or a stroker that deals with the shaft, to toys that focus on the penis head, or an anal or prostate toy. Material: The materials used for sex toys are important. For those used externally, TPE or TPR is commonly used and safe. If something is being inserted, silicone is highly advised. It's also important to check the waterproof level of any toys before using them in the bath or shower. Recommendations: The toys here have all been recommended by those who have used the products, courtesy of sites such as Lovehoney and Wild Secrets. Price and usage: As well as having different functions, male sex toys can often be designed for different uses. Some are created for single or limited use only, while others are made for long-term enjoyment. Some are smaller and able to be taken travelling while others will take up decent room by the bedside and aren't as portable. Price is also a factor – we made sure to survey a range to show that budget shouldn't be an issue. HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS To help you find the best sex toy for your needs and budget, our team of experienced writers spent hours researching products, reading customer reviews and evaluating ratings from product review sites to find the top products. We also spoke with sex and intimacy coach Jack Martin for his recommendations on the best approach to take with men's sex toys. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I know which sex toy to buy? With so many sex toys for men available, ask yourself what you're looking for and go from there. 'There's a growing number of sex toys available for men, both for the purposes of solo and partnered experience,' explains Moulay. 'Knowing the one that's right for you depends on your situation and preferences. For example, increasing or enabling stimulation or exploring different parts of the body.' Hygiene and safety should also be on your checklist. 'It's important that the sex toys used meet quality manufacturing standards for safe use.' Isn't it a bit embarrassing to buy a sex toy? Some men may feel hesitant to purchase a masturbation toy, but there's no reason to be. As mentioned earlier, many others are doing just that, so why not join them? 'We might feel challenged about societal values, attitudes, norms and expectations,' says Moulay. 'What's important is that pleasure is ours to experience at an individual level and [potentially] with our partner.' With so many online retailers, it's never been easier to bring a sex toy into your life. 'Remind yourself that these tools are simply another way to explore and enjoy your sexuality,' adds Martin. What's the best way to think about sex toys? Male masturbators should be embraced as they can bring an entirely different and exciting experience to sexual exploration. 'Think of it as expanding your toolkit,' Martin explains. 'While hands are great, toys offer different sensations that can't always be achieved with just manual touch. They're not here to replace what you've got but to give you more options.' What are some of the other benefits of male sex toys? Toys can also help to tackle issues such as premature ejaculation or erectile concerns, by helping men learn to control their responses to stimulation or find new ways to do so. So there's little excuse to not have a masturbator in your repertoire. 'It shows that you're comfortable making choices that enhance your sexual wellbeing in a way that suits your individual preferences,' explains Martin. How can sex toys elevate your relationship? Sex toys can change the dynamic during couples play too. '[Partners can use them for] exploring and educating themselves and each other around pleasure, comfort and also values and attitudes,' adds Alain Moulay, a sexologist and relationship counsellor. More Coverage 'Best thing ever': Chappell Roan's fave sex toy 'Intense': World's first showerhead sex toy 'Opening up the conversation in a respectful, non-judgemental way, and with lightness, is a great way to engage and bring some excitement and closeness to the relationship.' To stay up to date on all the best online shopping sales and events, sign up to our free checkout newsletter.
Health Line
06-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Causes Penile Swelling, and How Can I Treat It?
Some causes of a swollen penis include balanitis, contact dermatitis, urethritis, and priapism. Treatment may include home remedies, topical ointments, medications, and surgery. Penile swelling is usually a symptom of a health condition rather than a condition itself. It may show up with other symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. If you have penile swelling, your penis may also look discolored and the area might feel sore or itchy. The swelling can occur with or without unusual discharge, foul odor, or bumps. These symptoms can make it difficult to urinate or have sexual intercourse. In rare cases, a swollen penis may be a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Read on to learn the common causes of penile swelling and what to do to treat it. You'll notice the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of 'male' and 'female' or 'men' and 'women.' While we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings. Balanitis Balanitis is a common cause of penile swelling. It occurs when the glans (head) penis is inflamed. About 3% to 11% of people with a penis will experience balanitis in their lifetime, and it's more common in uncircumcised penises. Balanitis usually results from improper penile hygiene, which causes an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that naturally occurs on the body. The second most common cause is due to the bacteria Streptococcus. Recurring balanitis is associated with unmanaged diabetes and immunodeficiency. Common symptoms of balanitis may include: skin discoloration shiny, thick skin itching foul odor painful urination sores swollen lymph nodes in the groin smegma (thick white discharge under the foreskin) While the condition isn't a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the microorganisms that cause it can be physically transferred. Treatment Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but may include topical medications or oral antibiotics. Regularly cleaning the penis area with warm water and a gentle soap is important to help prevent fungal or bacterial growth. Allergic or irritant reaction Contact dermatitis involves an allergic or nonallergic reaction to an irritant, which may cause penile swelling. Some common irritants of penile contact dermatitis may include: latex condoms silicone-based lubricants spermicides chemicals in soaps or lotions chlorine certain clothing fabrics In addition to swelling, symptoms of contact dermatitis may include: skin discoloration itching dryness bumps blisters burning Treatment The best treatment for penile contact dermatitis is to avoid the irritant or allergen altogether. As such, you might consider: wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear using fragrance-free soaps and detergents wearing latex-free condoms during sexual activities A healthcare professional can help you identify possible irritants and allergens. Urethritis Inflammation of the urethra, known as urethritis, may cause swelling of the penile urinary meatus (external urinary opening), but not the entire penis. The urethra carries urine from your bladder to your penis. In the United States, urethritis affects 4 million people every year. Urethritis is typically the result of an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcal urethritis), but nongonococcal bacteria can also cause it. Less common causes include irritating chemicals or injury from a urinary catheter. Other symptoms of urethritis may include: pain or burning during urination irritated glans penis whitish-yellow penile discharge Treatment Urethritis is usually treated with a course of antibiotics. Symptoms usually go away after 1 to 2 weeks. Peyronie's disease Peyronie's disease happens when plaque builds up in the corpora spongiosa of the penis, below the skin. Blood can't fill the areas where the plaque is located so the penis bends at that point during an erection. Experts estimate that 4 in 100 males between 40 and 70 years old have Peyronie's disease. In rare cases, younger people may be affected. Most Peyronie's is first noticed as a bend or curvature with no other symptoms. Over time, the swelling may turn into a hard scar. Other symptoms of Peyronie's disease may include: inflammation with swelling painful erections soft erections lumps painful sexual intercourse erectile dysfunction The cause of Peyronie's disease isn't clear. However, it's associated with: penis injury autoimmune disease connective tissue disorder aging Treatment Treatment for Peyronie's disease will depend on the severity of the condition. A doctor may prescribe drugs to be administered orally or by injection. In more severe cases, you may need surgery to help shorten or lengthen a side of the penis, or to have a prostethic device implace. »More on this: How is Peyronie's disease treated? Posthitis If only your foreskin is swollen, you might have posthitis. This is inflammation of the foreskin. An overgrowth of fungus often causes it. Posthitis often develops with balanitis, a condition known as balanoposthitis. Foreskin symptoms may include: soreness discoloration tightness smegma buildup Treatment Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include oral or topical medications and maintaining proper penile hygiene. Balanoposthitis Typically, balanitis and posthitis occur together, a condition known as balanoposthitis. It's inflammation of both the glans and foreskin. Compared to balanitis, balanoposthitis is less common and only affects uncircumcised penises. It affects up to 1 in 5 people with an uncircumcised penis. Balanoposthitis may cause penile swelling along with: discoloration pain smelly discharge itching Treatment Treatment for balanoposthitis may include a combination of: maintaining proper penile hygiene avoiding possible irritants and allergens taking oral medications or applying topical creams Paraphimosis Paraphimosis is another cause of penile swelling that only affects people with an uncircumcised penis. It happens when the foreskin is stuck just behind the glans, causing constriction. This may be a medical emergency. If the foreskin can't be pulled back, it can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death in the glans. Additional symptoms of paraphimosis may include: pain discomfort discoloration tenderness difficulty urinating Paraphimosis may result from: forgetting to pull the foreskin back down infection injury incorrect circumcision diabetes-related inflammation Paraphimosis affects about 1 in 100 people over 16 years old who aren't circumcised. Treatment Treatment for paraphimosis will depend on the severity of the condition. A doctor may use compression techniques like ice, elastic bands, aspiration, or surgery to relieve tension. Penile cancer Penile swelling might indicate penile cancer, but this is extremely rare. In North America and Europe, fewer than 1 in 100,000 men are diagnosed with penile cancer. Typically, skin changes are the first sign of penile cancer. Other symptoms may include: skin thickening discoloration lump or ulcer flat, blue-brown bumps foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin bleeding under the foreskin You're more likely to develop penile cancer if you: are age 60 years or older have difficulty managing personal hygiene have phimosis use tobacco products have human papillomavirus (HPV) Treatment Treatment for penile cancer will depend on the stage and severity of your cancer. It may include: medications, such as chemotherapy radiation therapy surgery Home remedies for a swollen penis If you have minor penile swelling, home remedies might provide relief. These include: soaking in a warm bath applying gentle pressure to your penis applying a cold compress to your penis It's also best to avoid harsh soaps, lotions, and other potentially irritating substances. When to see a doctor If you have penile swelling that worsens, doesn't go away, or occurs after injury, connect with a doctor. A doctor may perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. They may also request other tests, depending on your symptoms, including: swab test urine test blood tests imagining tests, such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI biopsy This could help them determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. In some cases, a doctor might refer you to a urologist. The bottom line Penile swelling is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause, you might also have skin discoloration, itchiness, unusual discharge, or bumps. There are many causes of penile swelling, so see a doctor if it gets worse or doesn't go away. Many conditions can be diagnosed with a basic physical exam.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Kinky sex relieves the pain of a bad back or arthritis, research suggests
KINKY sex relieves the pain of a bad back or arthritis, research suggests. Those with a taste for whips and handcuffs in the bedroom reported health benefits as well as sexual enjoyment in the study. Many said they experienced short-term relief from chronic pain after a session with a Miss Whiplash. It is said to be down to the simultaneous release of stress hormones in response to the pain and the feelgood hormone dopamine during a bondage session — known as BDSM. Researcher Reni Forer said: 'Many BDSM practitioners experience benefits beyond sexual pleasure. Given the overlap in brain circuitry involved, BDSM could unknowingly result in pain relief for people with chronic pain.' Up to half of us are believed to live with long-term aches and pains from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or long-term injuries. The study, from the University of Michigan in the US, involved 525 people into BDSM, short for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. Four in ten of them also suffered from chronic pain, defined as lasting longer than three months. In the study, 35 per cent said they felt pain relief after a kinky romp. A similar proportion said it helped to increase their pain tolerance and their ability to talk about their condition or cope with it emotionally. Ms Forer said: 'Participation can also benefit other aspects of one's life, including trauma processing, decreased psychological distress and higher wellbeing.' A recent Australian study found nine out of ten back pain remedies were no good, with no proof there was any benefit from steroids, paracetamol, acupuncture, heat or massage.
