#the generation that grew up with STIs that could all be treated with antibiotics wound up getting hit hard by HIV because of this

[tyrannosaurus-trainwreck]

This is such a jacked-up thing, though. STIs can be a real problem in retirement communities and nursing homes because The Olds are like "No pregnancy risk means we can rawdog it! :D" and everyone who's like "Okay, we need some some sex ed and free condoms up in here." gets aggressively shouted down by people who'd rather clutch their pearls about old people banging than make sure they have the tools to be safe about it.

why do young people act so shocked about elderly people having sex. why does this shock you.

[wiisaakodewinini]

Adult Circumcision, It Happens!

*This has (obviously) a lot of penis-heavy content and surgery procedure talk below, so if that’s not something you’re interested in/upset by, keep on movin’! 

Kay so, I’m by no means a doctor, but I saw a post that really made me wanna share my story cus not a lot of people with penises are super aware that circumcisions happens for a variety of reasons and that they can be necessary at any point in life (not just infancy) and that its important that you talk about problems you’re having down there, because it could cause you bigger problems later in life. Penis health is important and circumcision can be a touchy subject because a lot of people with a penis often have insecurities related to whatever problems they may have with theirs, out of fear of shame or humiliation. 

So when I was growing up as a little lad, I was taught about good genital hygiene and how I was supposed to pull back my foreskin to clean because well, things get stuck in under the head with the skin over, and all that jazz. However as I got a bit older, approaching adolescence, I noticed I physically could not pull it back, like the skin would just not widen enough to expose the glands properly, it would get stuck. Any attempt to do so would result in a tearing sensation that felt something like when you get a hangnail, sharp buzzy pain. So after being confused about it for honestly a couple years, my father ended up needing a circumcision in his 60′s, and his surgeon asked him to talk to me about if I had been having any problems. I was honest and said I hadn’t been able to pull it back in a while because it hurt too much/was too tight. This was apparently a big problem, and I was in the surgeon's office for a diagnosis later the following week. 

Turns out, after having him and a nurse do some simple tests on it, it turned out that I had phimosis, which is basically just the technical term for what the problem was, for some weird reason, my foreskin was unnaturally tight at the top, which would have caused me problems during puberty and later in life it could have been particularly complicating so I was recommended for surgery and about a month later after a series of blood tests (like 3 sets of 8~12 vials) I was booked for a week after my 13th birthday and that was it.

The actual surgery itself, I was put under and didn’t feel a thing. And I was able to go home the same day, on the condition I could pee by myself and not throw up food eaten post operation. I was given special mesh underwear and my penis was wrapped tightly with gauze over lots of stitches. 

Now everyone has a different experience but recovery wasn’t super easy at first for me, and this is my account of what it's like:

*warning graphic

On the first night, I got an involuntary erection which ripped 3 stitches. I bled a LOT and had to go back to emergency and that was NOT fun. 

A newly exposed penis is EXTREMELY sensitive. Sweatpants and loose-fitting shorts only. Car rides were a nightmare and I didn’t do much moving from the couch for about a week and a half. 

A LOT of swelling the first few days, peeing was honestly a delicate experience that was like controlling a pressure-washer...

Changing your gauze every two days is not pleasant. Your blood dries to the gauze and your various fluids and such cling to it also so peeling it away from your wounded penis is very sensitive and cringe-worthy, but absolutely necessary. 

Sleeping was tricky for the first few days. It was hard for me, a stomach sleeper having to sleep on my back and not being able to move too much with what essentially was a temperamental roll of toilet-paper (gauze) between my legs  that protested every toss and turn throughout the night

I don’t think the process could be done alone, you’re very reliant on everyone around you for a lot of things. From changing the bandages to getting food.

I wasn’t allowed to wear tight/proper-fitting underwear for a month. 

After the dust settled and I got used to my newly circumcised penis:

I was a lot more comfortable in general, I hadn’t realised how much discomfort I was living with Phimosis. 

I found masturbation (and later intercourse) was just as satisfying as before, if not maybe a bit more.

My penis grew in properly which was one of the concerns related to the condition. 

The sensitivity subsided and is not an issue

Much easier to clean 

Stays cleaner longer, regular showering is sufficient, special attention isn’t needed.

Life goes on without any thought of it. 

I supposedly have a lower risk of contracting a variety of STI’s which is a great plus

Reduces the likelihood of penile cancer

Decreased risk of UTI

Why might someone with a penis need a circumcision beyond infancy?

Usually its one of these culprits...

PHIMOSIS (This is what I had)

“phimosis is a condition where the inability to pull back the foreskin of the penis results in symptoms such as pain and urinary difficulties. Physiologic phimosis is a condition where the prepuce (foreskin) is tight and not fully retractable, but where there are no symptoms.

At birth, the foreskin is naturally tight, with some estimates suggesting that 96% of male infants have physiologic phimosis. Normally, the foreskin slowly loosens as the boy develops, but in the case of phimosis, the tightness remains or is slower to resolve. Typically, the problem resolves between the ages of 5 and 7, with just 2% of adult males thought to have non-retractability of the prepuce, despite being otherwise normal.

If the problem persists and there is inflammation or ballooning during urination, intervention may be sought. In rare cases, circumcision is used to permanently remedy the situation.

PARAPHIMOSIS

“Paraphimosis is effectively the opposite to phimosis: the foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis and restricts the blood flow to the end of the penis.

This condition is considered to be a medical emergency. Paraphimosis is often iatrogenic; in other words, it is a reaction to a medical procedure, such as a urethral catheter or penile examination.

If left untreated, paraphimosis can lead to gangrene and autoamputation. Once the initial issue is resolved, a circumcision is often prescribed to prevent future occurrences”

BALANITIS

“Balanitis is a condition where the head of the penis swells up and the foreskin can no longer be brought to its natural position.

This condition can be caused by an infection, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or lichen planus (a skin disease). Having unprotected sex with a partner who has vaginal thrush can also increase the chances of balanitis, as can suffering from diabetes.

Depending on the initial cause of the issue, balanitis can be treated by steroid or antifungal creams, a course of antibiotics, or, as a last option - circumcision”

[Source Article]

Hopefully, you all feel a little more enlightened on penis health! I encourage you to examine yours or talk to your children/siblings about it and encourage a dialogue about any problems or discomfort they have been having. Doctors are super understanding about it and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Its better to get it out of the way now before it becomes a serious problem down the road! Just as a disclaimer, I can only speak from my experience and what I learned from my healthcare practitioners, you, or someone else may have a different experience with the whole process if you find you might be at risk for the above conditions!

Take care ~