We talk a lot about listening to your physiological indicators, when doing penis exercises. But, your penis is a really good barometer of your health, in general.
Let’s take a look at 6 warning signs your penis may be giving you.
- Challenges with Your Erection Quality – If your erections aren’t as hard as they once were, or you’re having erectile dysfunction two or more times per month, then this could be a warning sign from your penis. “Blood vessels in the penis are significantly smaller and start to narrow long before those in the heart or brain,” says urologist Dr Darius Paduch. In fact, an Austrian study found that the risk of developing heart disease within 10 years was 65% higher in men with moderate or severe erectile dysfunction than in men without ED.
.. - Decreased Sex Drive – If you find your sex drive significantly decreased, and your partner tells you you snore – it might be sleep apnea. Men with reduced nightime oxygen intake, due to sleep apnea have been shown to have an 11% lower sex drive. In addition, sleep apnea can result in a reduction in testosterone, which also negatively affects sex drive.
. - Pink or Red Urine – Optimally, you should be so well-hydrated that your urine is pale yellow, at its darkest. But, if you notice the toilet bowl with a pink or red tinge, it could be something serious. “Blood can be a sign of prostate, bladder or kidney disease, so you need to find out where the blood is coming from,” says Kevin Billups, MD, an associate professor of urology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
. - Blood in Your Semen – Although blood in your semen usually isn’t typically a foretelling of a very serious health issue, like blood in the urine, it’s still something that needs to be addressed. You could have prostatitis, a gland inflammation that’s often caused by an E. coli infection. If this is the case, antibiotics are needed.
. - Reduced Penis Sensitivity – If your penis isn’t as sensitive as it used to be, it could be from a variety of things, including rough masturbation. However, it also might be a sign that you need to eat more B12 and folate. Be sure you’re eating enough eggs, milk, cheese, beef, fish, shellfish and poultry, for B12. And be sure to eat enough leafy greens, citrus fruits and beans for folic acid. “A deficiency in these vitamins can prevent nerve fibres in your penis from carrying signals to your brain,” says Dr Paduch. Also, be sure to have your blood sugar tested. Reduced sensitivity in your penis may be a sign of diabetes or pre-diabetes.
. - A Curved Penis – 23% of men over the age of 40 get Peyronie’s Disease. This penis curve happens when collagen plaque forms on the connective tissue surrounding the spongy interior of the penis, causing it to curve. For some men, this is a genetic condition; however, for some it may be due to uncontrolled diabetes. High glucose levels alter stem cells in your penis, encouraging plaque to form.
So, listen to your penis! If it’s telling you something’s wrong – believe it! Talk to your doctor. Be honest about what you’re experiencing. It may actually save your life.