Herpes and More

Herpes and More

herpes symptoms

I have been seeing a girl for some time now and I recently found Acyclovir in her medicine cabinet. Now I know what Acyclovir is -- my boy in college had to take it, poor guy. Anyway, so I asked her about it and she told me that it's for her lips.

Now I thought it was used for herpes, and I thought that herpes 1 or 2 can be spread. So let's say, if she performs oral sex on me (which she already has) that I could get herpes. Am I way off base here? Dear Lord, I hope so. When I found the bottle, I had a small heart attack, so please let me know either way so I can do something about it.

Anonymous Reader

Hi there,

Your thinking was right: Acyclovir is used to treat herpes. While it will not cure herpes infections, it does decrease the irritation associated with them and encourages healing.

Acyclovir, however, can be used as a treatment for other conditions. It is sometimes prescribed to those suffering from chicken pox, shingles or mononucleosis. It can also be used to counter leukoplakia, a viral infection that produces a white or gray patch on the surface of the body. Leukoplakia usually develops in the mouth, but can occur on the female genitalia.

While there's no cure for herpes, it doesn't pose a danger to most who contract it. It's a chronic condition; a nuisance to live with, but one you can live with nonetheless. Of course, none of this is to suggest that it is a desirable condition. Have a sit-down with your girlfriend and find out exactly what she's suffering from -- don't torture yourself any further by leaving it to your imagination.

TMS

you missed a spot

I am a 23-year-old male who was circumcised as a child. However, I still have a piece of foreskin that is attached to the base of my penis. It does not hurt, except for the times when I have long periods of sex or masturbation. I would say about 5% of the foreskin is still attached and 95% is not. Is this normal? Could this potentially lead to any health problems? Do you think I should have doctor take look at this?

If you could let me know, that would be great. Thanks for your help.

Anonymous II

Hello,

Like all surgical procedures, circumcision isn't foolproof. It is pretty close, though; for every 1,000 circumcisions performed, it is estimated that only two result in complications. For that unlucky 0.2%, the ensuing problems can vary widely in terms of pain and lifestyle disruption.

On one end of the scale, a circumcision can go severely awry, resulting in infection, a bending of the penis, the development of cysts at the incision site, or even an inadvertent amputation of the glans, or head, of the penis. So, while it's unfortunate that you fell into that minute 0.2% percentage, you can consider yourself lucky that you escaped with only an incomplete circumcision.

You may still, however, be at risk of developing further complications. Incomplete circumcision can sometimes lead to phimosis, a narrowing of the foreskin opening. It's never too late to have that circumcision completed properly, so book an appointment with your urologist and have him see what he can do about it.

TMS

a red flag

Just today during one of my daily urinations my pee was a brownish color, and naturally this took me by surprise and I was a bit worried. Halfway through my duties, thick, snot-like, bloody chunks came out.

I'm afraid it might be an STD, and don't know what to do. I didn't know who else to ask about this.

Anonymous III

Hello,

There's obviously a problem here. For further specifics, however, you'll have to visit a health care professional.

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, can be caused by many conditions, most of which are happily not serious ones. A simple urinary tract infection, or even a spirited bout of exercise, can produce red blood cells in the urine. Unhappily, hematuria can also be indicative or more worrisome conditions, such as kidney disease.

The fact that you're also encountering solids in your urine stream will help a doctor reach an accurate prognosis -- this combination of symptoms can be indicative of a number of specific conditions. Go see your doctor as soon as you can.

TMS

closet case?

Every time my boyfriend and I have sex, he always insists on playing with my butt -- with his fingers, penis, toys, etc. One time during foreplay, he suggested I play with his butt too using the toy -- which at that time got me excited cause I felt like I was in control. Anyway, it became part of our play every time we would have sex -- to the point where he had me wear a strap-on, so I can do him in the butt! At the time I thought that was sexy! However, lately, it's kinda grossing me out and somehow it's making me think that he might be gay.

He always wants me to wear the strap-on so I can do him in the butt while he licks a dildo or sometimes he has me lick the dildo while he pretends to masturbate my strap-on. And the thing is, he hardly penetrates me, we always just finish off using our toys doing all this kinky stuff; we're always just masturbating each other using our sex toys. Might he be gay?

Anonymous IV

Hi,

Yes, it's possible that your boyfriend's gay. It's also possible that he's simply developed a taste for having his male G-spot, or prostate gland, stimulated, and he wouldn't be the first guy to do so. Many men have difficulties broaching the stigma of anal stimulation, and can't get past the misplaced idea that enjoying anal play somehow exposes them as a homosexual. It's likely that your boyfriend is just sexually secure enough to pursue the pleasure that anal play gives him without fear of its negative connotations.

I can understand, however, that his tendency to masturbate your strap-on might also produce some pings on your "gaydar." In any case, it seems that his love of toys has grown into something of a fetish. This isn't a problem in and of itself, but it certainly can be when it detracts from one partner's enjoyment of sex. Sit him down, and set him straight (no pun intended).

TMS

leaky faucet

I have read many of your articles and find them very informative. I hope you will be able to provide me with some advice. I'm a 27-year-old male, in good health, average height, and slightly underweight. For as long as I can remember, I have had the following problems:

1- After urination, my penis continues to leak (small amounts) urine for a couple of minutes. This makes it very difficult to use a urinal in the men's room because I have to stand around for a couple minutes after urinating in order to make sure it has stopped leaking. So, I usually try to use the toilet so I can use several bathroom tissues to "wipe" the leaks after I finish urinating. Therefore, it always takes me a couple of extra minutes in the bathroom just to urinate.

2- After ejaculation, I continue to leak (small amounts) of semen. I've also noticed that the volume of my ejaculation is not that much. But the leaking lasts anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes after I ejaculate.

3- I can't seem to hold off ejaculation. It takes only one to two minutes before I ejaculate. I don't have a problem getting an erection. I can usually get a second erection within 30 minutes after ejaculating (even though I might still have small amounts of semen leaking at the tip of my penis).

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Anonymous V

Anon V,

The third problem that you describe is quite a common one, and you can find many strategies to deal with it on both AskMen.com and other websites. The first two, which seem related, will require more than home research to remedy.

A leaky penis could be as simple as a need to exercise your pubococcygeus (or PC) muscle, it may be the product of a tract infection, or it may even be a muscle or nerve problem that causes the bladder to release urine abnormally.

Diagnosing what the specific issue is usually involves a cystometry. I'll be frank with you: A cystometry isn't the most pleasant procedure. It can involve some rather intrusive techniques, such as the filling of the bladder with water or gas (to measure its retention abilities) or the insertion of a catheter into the rectum. But it's still usually preferable to the alternative, which is to let this frustrating condition persist.

TMS

nothing from nothing

In your anal sex tips, you mention that a guy should always wear a condom during anal sex to prevent getting an STD like HIV. What if neither partner has ever had an STD and we were both virgins when we met each other? Is there still a chance to get an STD from either anal sex or vaginal sex?

Anonymous VI

Hello,

If both partners have been tested and it has been established that neither has an STD, there is no possibility of transmission of an STD. For anal sex, you may still wish to use some lubricant, if only for your partner's comfort.

TMS 

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Player Do's

Player Do's

The Player will always have to contend with stereotypes and snap judgments. Perhaps the most insidious and equally inaccurate belief is the idea that a ladies' man lives on the edge, that he knows nothing but bad habits and reprehensible behavior. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, the Player doesn’t drink himself into a stupor every weekend; he remains drug-free; he takes care of his health and general well-being, and although he’s not adverse to heavy partying and even dangerous hobbies, he always respects himself. The idea that one must break the law or become a chemically addled individual in order to be a Player is entirely illogical, anyway. Most women -- or, at least, the women the Player would normally associate with -- would not be interested in a disgusting, loudmouthed drunk. This is because of one immutable fact: Women watch how a man treats himself because it’s an indication of the treatment she will receive.

 

 

Exercise

You are no longer 18. The days of cramming down Big Macs and milkshakes should be far behind you for two obvious reasons: 1) At 18, you could get away with it, and; 2) You’re a grown-up now. Mature, intelligent individuals don’t waste their lives by living on fast food and frozen dinners; they expand their horizons by actively seeking new food experiences and keeping an eye on their caloric intake. This may sound like an ad for the latest “stay healthy” public service announcement, but honestly, remaining trim and slim is of the utmost importance for any active Player. It goes well beyond looking more attractive to women (although, of course, that’s a benefit); it’s about respecting yourself and showing the world that you have some discipline, motivation and ambition. It all comes together into one very appealing package in the eyes of most women, so make sure you actually use that gym membership. Player payoff: Nice Physique

Moderate alcohol intake

It seems to be the cornerstone of any good party, and while you may not wish to abstain entirely, you should be fully aware of the pitfalls involved with overindulgence. We’re not in a high school health class here, but at the same time, while many men will simply roll their eyes and say, “I get it, I get it,” they’re often the first to fall. They start to rely on alcohol to become attractive to women; they begin to ply women with alcohol rather than rely on their own God-given gifts. And, finally, their entire “scene” revolves around the bar. Even worse is when alcohol makes a guy believe he’s a hit with the ladies -- it’s just plain embarrassing to see a wannabe Player who thinks he’s Bond because he’s drunk. Moderation is key, people. A cocktail for the ladies at 11 p.m., maybe a beer for you -- then sober up and find yourself in the throes of passion by 2 a.m. Get it right. Player payoff: Self-Control

Active lifestyle

It’s an accepted fact that those who maintain an active lifestyle simply make better first impressions. The reason does involve your healthy physique, of course, but it also relates to everything that is associated with activity. You’re not sitting at home, are you? You’re out and about doing things; maybe you’re rock climbing today and taking a kickboxing class tomorrow. And beyond this, activity begets other activity in that you’re simply more open-minded and willing to try new things. All of this translates to one thing that is always crucial for any Player: an interesting aura. People want to know more about active individuals. They want to hear the stories they have because, obviously, they must have stories. By keeping your calendar full of active events and activities, you will immediately become more attractive and intriguing to the opposite sex, and this is a tried-and-true fact. Player payoff: Positive Perception

No drugs

Humans are fickle, hedonistic creatures who, at times, have little in the way of effective willpower. We all have to admit this -- it’s a universal weakness. This is why we need to be all the more wary of temptations that, at the time they gallop attractively into our field of view, appear relatively harmless.

“What can one hit of X really do to me?”
“So I smoke pot a few times a week -- it doesn’t hurt me.”
“No, I’m not addicted to painkillers -- I stubbed my toe.”

There are those who will extol the fringe benefits of certain drugs and I’m here to tell you that absolutely none of it is worth the trouble. There is no drug that won’t eventually backfire and there’s an even more persuasive argument for some of you: Only sober highs are truly experienced. And besides, classy, respectable women aren’t interested in the adolescent egomania that participates in drug use. You are a mature, well-adjusted, confident man who needs no artificial boost in life. Player payoff: Positive Perception

Physical fitness

People who don’t normally exercise or workout are confused on this issue. One of the excuses they give for not getting involved is because it will “tire them out.” See, those who frequently get their heart rate up understand that such activity will only give you more energy. And what’s more important to a ladies' man playing the field? You don’t have to spend the majority of your free time jogging or playing racquetball, but you should certainly find a way to sweat at least several times per week. Again, it’s not so much about the cosmetic result; it’s how much better you feel. You’ll smile more, food will taste better and the added stamina in the bedroom is a 100% bonus for all interested parties. In general, the in-shape individual is simply happier and more fun to be around, both of which are essentials for the Player’s mood and attitude. Player payoff: Mental Fitness

Sexual protection

Guys have been looking for a way around the condom since the moment of its introduction all those years ago. Sadly, if you’ve opted for the swinging bachelor lifestyle, the condom must remain your sidekick if you’re to remain erect -- and both meanings of “erect” apply. Being safe has never been more important and even discounting the more serious and potentially deadly STDs, no Player can be effective with genital warts. It just doesn’t work. Furthermore, while the woman may do her damndest to convince you that she’s clean, that she’s on the pill (etc., etc., etc.), the bottom line is that if you just met her a few hours earlier, the condom still has to make an appearance. Outside of STDs, no statement can ruin a Player’s day as quickly as, “I’m pregnant,” so you’re just going to have to bite the bullet and face the facts. Player payoff: Cleanliness and Health

Clean-living lover

The idea that the out-of-control, immature frat kid in college is a “Player” is an irritation for the true ladies' men and pickup artists of the world. It not only takes practice and experience, it also demands that we treat ourselves appropriately; in addition to the obvious personal bonuses, it increases our overall appeal in countless ways. The Player lives clean and reaps the benefits.

 

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