Erection Depression, Body Shame and Men's Mental Health
There are too many taboos around men's sexual and physical wellness which conceal a more sinister mental health crisis.
Men's wellbeing often gets brushed aside, or worse still, jeered at. There are so many troubling taboos associated with men's health, so it's no wonder that men are less likely to seek medical support that women.
The risk of men's mental health deteriorating due to common, treatable concerns is one we must reduce. Men have a far higher risk of suicide than women, with suicide rates the highest amongst men aged 40-44 in the UK. With men already facing a mental health epidemic, improving men's relationships with their own bodies and their self-confidence is a healthcare imperative.
After treating patients in the community for years, Welsh pharmacists Jack and Andy (that's us, hi) decided to create an online wellness platform to treat common concerns facing men. Men2BeHealth addresses a whole host of regular issues, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and hair loss.
These are problems we see getting undermined again and again, but doing so can be detrimental to men's wellbeing. Treating ED is so much more than just giving a man a boost in the bedroom. Helping someone take control of their hair loss isn't just a superficial issue. Men's mental health suffers when they don't get the support they require.
Erection Depression
Evidence shows a strong link between erectile dysfunction and poor mental health amongst men.
The correlation between erectile issues and depression is widely reported. A 2009 study of 3,810 men found that those with ED had significantly lower mental health scores than those without ED.
Around 10-20% of ED cases are caused by psychological factors, which may include trauma, stress, anxiety about performing sexually, or low self-esteem. Thus, men who are dealing with the difficulties of ED may also be struggling with mental health challenges. Seeking help for ED should not be stigmatised. In fact, it shouldn't be a big deal at all.
Men2BeHealth as a hassle-free, discreet service; not because men should have to keep these things secret, but because accessing medical support should be easy, and free of any daunting scenarios that may deter people from seeking help.
Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Eight trials including 18,035 participants found that depression was significantly associated with the risk of premature ejaculation. 20-30% of men may be affected by PE, which paints a grim picture for men's mental health. Men with PE complain about decreased sexual confidence and psychological comorbidities, impairing their own mental health and their relationship dynamics.
The relationship between premature ejaculation and poor mental health is a mutual one. It can be difficult to determine whether poor mental health is the pre-cursor to premature ejaculation or vice versa. But, what's evident is that physical symptoms often indicate mental health issues, and they shouldn't be ignored.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is incredibly common. Nevertheless, many men find this distressing and losing hair is heavily associated with the development of anxiety and depression, particularly (but not only) amongst younger men who experience hair loss.
There are several ways of combatting hair loss. We offer a medical solution, called finasteride. Some men may also choose to seek hair transplants. But what's troubling is that these solutions are often sought out in secret. While men are dealing with physical changes, they also have to put up with unnecessary shame around wanting to take control of their appearance.
If you or anyone you know is dealing any of the issues listed above, please feel free to browse our support here. We would always recommend chatting to your doctor or someone with your best interest at heart if you are dealing with mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you've got any questions, please email [email protected] and we'll be sure to help you in any way we can.
How to regain confidence in bed
Lost your confidence in the bedroom? Fear not, these evidence-based tips will help you regain your mojo.
No one feels like a stud in the bedroom every time they have sex. Feeling less than adequate in this department is totally normal. According to Petra Zebroff, relationship counsellor and sex therapist, “Everybody is having (some sort of) confidence issues when it comes to sex”. Don't fret, we've got several practical tips to help you reframe the way you think about and engage in sex. It's not all about 'spicing things up' either.
Tip #1: Be more present
Is your mind somewhere else? If you're worrying about the to-do list waiting for you at the end of your bedroom venture, you're less likely to enjoy the experience. You're also more likely to worry about the way your body looks when you're less engaged in the sensual side of sex.
Practice mindfulness to help you refocus on the moment. It's good practice to build this into your everyday life, but if you want to be more mindful during sex, focus on the things you can see and feel. Let your senses bring you back to the moment.
Tip #2: Try Edging
Lots of men are concerned about premature ejaculation. If you're looking for a medical solution to this common concern, click here to complete our quick online consultation. Otherwise, you could try edging. Edging is a way of masturbating where a men gets as close to climax as possible and then stops, to delay reaching orgasm. This has been found to help delay ejaculation and may promote more intense orgasms. Win win! This may help you feel more in control of your own sexual experience.
Tip #3: Discuss Preferences
News flash: you shouldn’t be expected to just know what to do. Every partner is different, with different preferences. Your needs might change from partner to partner, too. Have open conversations with your partner about what they like in bed, and let them know that you'd like to learn and explore together. Talk positions, turn ons (and offs) and don’t let pride stop you from having these conversations.
Tip #4: Leave your Expectations at the Door
Assume a growth mindset when having sex. Enjoy each interaction and don’t worry if something awkward happens or if your positions just aren’t clicking. Sex is about exploration and no two encounters are the same- it would be boring if they were.
Tip #5: Laugh with Each Other
Laughter is attractive, and it puts you and your partner at ease (as long as you're not laughing at them, of course). Humans are flawed and you don't have to perform immaculately. Let yourself laugh when something's funny.
Tip #6: Get Regular Exercise
A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found an association between regular exercise and better erectile and sexual functioning. Being generally healthy and fit may offer you more strength and stamina in the bedroom, and it's likely to improve your self-confidence.
Tip #7: Don't Learn from Porn
Don’t get your sex education from porn. It’s not a realistic representation of healthy sexual relationships. Do you know the difference between the vagina and the labia? Do women actually ejaculate? Is lube really necessary for anal sex? Knowledge is power.
Tip #8: Switch It Up
Here comes the most obvious but maybe least important tip for improving sexual confidence: spice things up to keep sex interesting. Trying something new in the bedroom can help you feel more sexually savvy, as it’s the same old routines that make us question our allure. You don’t have to be bold, simply try a new position, have sex in a different room or switch up foreplay.
Medical Support
If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation on a regular basis you may be eligible for medical support. To see what options are available to you, click here to take our quick online consultation.
Do guys need a skincare routine?
"Do guys need a skincare routine?" is one of the most commonly googled questions around men's skincare.
The fact that this is a frequently asked question shows how little we talk about men's self-care. Guys, if you have skin, you need to take care of it. It's not just about your appearance or vanity (though, there's nothing wrong with taking pride in the way you look). Your skin is your body's largest organ and taking care of it is a good, healthy habit to practice.
What are the staples in any skincare routine?
Cleanser
A cleanser is used to wash your face. You may choose to wash your face with good old fashioned soap and water, but generic bar soaps can strip your skin of moisture, as they have a higher pH than liquid cleansers. Over time, this may cause the skin to look more dull and feel less plump or dry to the touch.
Cleansers help remove grease, sweat and dirt from your skin - hey, we're not calling you grubby, but it's natural for dirt to build up from our surroundings. Cleansing your skin properly every day helps minimise the risk of break outs and clogged pores caused by oil build-up. If you have particularly oily skin, opt for a gel cleanser that caters to oil control, such as the Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel by Clinique.
Exfoliator
Exfoliating is the process of removing dry/excess skin cells from the top layer of your skin. Exfoliating one to two times a week helps keep your skin feeling silky smooth. It's also another great habit for preventing breakouts, as it rids the skin of surface debris. If you shave regularly, you may also notice your skin becomes dryer or broken as your hair regrows, breaking through the surface. Exfoliating helps remove this skin.
Traditional exfoliators have particles that feel gritty, to slough off dry skin, but you may find these products too abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. Go for an exfoliating liquid toner if you're concerned about this. The Ultra Facial Toner by Kiehl's is a popular choice.
Moisturiser
Using moisturiser is like giving your skin a drink. You may find your skin feels more comfortable after applying moisturiser, especially when the weather's chillier. It may also appear more glowy and youthful with regular moisturising, as dry, dehydrated skin is more likely to show fine lines and signs of ageing.
If you suffer from acne or breakouts, you should still apply a moisturiser. It's a myth that this causes spots. In fact, when your skin lacks moisture, it may be more likely to over-produce oils to compensate, contributing to breakouts. Simply go for a lightweight moisturiser if you don't want to use anything too rich, such as Mesoa's Revitalising Moisturiser.
Does diet make a difference?
Certain foods have been known to cause or exacerbate acne breakouts. Simple carbohydrates and sugary foods are amongst the culprits. These include foods such as chocolate and sweets, white bread and pasta and processed foods such as crisps, crackers and cookies.
Highly processed foods don't offer much (if any) nutritional value either, so you could try cutting these out of your diet and monitoring your skin's response. While this is general advice for improving your skin, everyone's body is different and your skin's response to your diet is personal to you.
For a more accurate picture of diet's impact on your skin, keep a food diary and make note of any skin changes in line with your diet choices. If you struggle with food monitoring, don't reach for the fitness tracking app, simply jot down what you eat (roughly, you don't need to log every last bite) on pen and paper, without attaching caloric value to your food.
Understanding hormonal acne
Spots or pimples form when there is excess sebum build up on or under your skin. Sebum is an oily substance that's produced by your sebaceous glands. If this substance is left on the skin (and not cleansed away), it may create a breakout. Your hormones (specifically androgens, including testosterone) stimulate sebum production, which is why a spike in your hormones can result in a skin flare up. Your hormones can spike for a number of reasons, including stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and illness. Living as healthy a life as possible can help stabilise your hormones, but you may be able to get treatment if you're struggling to manage your hormonal acne.
What to do when your skin doesn't play ball
Dealing with acne and breakouts can be frustrating, but it's actually pretty common. 85% of people in the US have experienced acne at some point in their lives. While a good skincare routine and healthy diet can help keep breakouts at bay, there are many lifestyle factors that may affect your skin. If you're feeling overwhelmed and you would like to explore your medication options, you can begin your online consultation here.
Movember: How Does it Work?
Giving the mo' a go? Here's everything you need to know...
If you're a living, breathing human on planet Earth, there's a good chance that you've heard about Movember. But, not everyone knows exactly why they torture their partners with fuzzy moustaches for a month each year. Here's exactly how Movember works.
How Movember Started
Like many good ideas, Movember was thought up at the pub. Two mates, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery were having a quiet beer in Melbourne, when they wondered how many guys they could get to take up the challenge of bringing the moustache back. This was in 2003, and they managed to get 30 men on board.
Inspired by the power of the mo' and the conversations they start, the next year, the friends decided to push the effort further and raise money for charity. They got 430 people on board, and raised a huge $40,851 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. It was the biggest check the charity had ever received.
Fast forward to 2020 (yes, we shudder at the memory too), and the team announced Movember funding for 34 separate projects to support the mental health and wellbeing of boys and men in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 6.5 million people have taken part in Movember worldwide, with over 1250 men's health projects supported since 2003.
Why is Movember so popular?
Aside from the free pass to grow a furry friend on our faces? Movember resonates with people around the globe because men's health is often underfunded and underdiscussed. Movember treats men's health as the crisis it is. Here are some stats about the scale of the problem:
- On average, men die 5 years earlier than women, often for preventable reasons.
- 10.8 million men globally have a prostate cancer diagnosis.
- Throughout the world, one man dies every minute from suicide.
- 75% of all suicides are males.
Movember brings our attention to these issues every year, when they may otherwise go unmentioned. Typically, men don't like to talk about difficult health issues, especially in our stoic British society. Part of the allure of Movember is that we're given that much-needed nudge to air these issues and support men in the most important way. Plus, all our mates are doing it, too.
Movember: How to Raise Money
Raising money for Movember is as easy as not shaving. The most popular way to raise funds is to let your upper lip get fuzzy, or downright overgrown for the whole month of November. While this is still the most popular choice, if you can't grow a mo' (or the partner won't let you), you can participate in other fundraising activities of your choice.
Once you've signed up online, Movember will email you fundraising information and details of how to collect money.
In the sign up process, you can choose to go it alone or sign up as a group. We highly recommend getting all your mates involved. Start a Whatsapp chat, send a picture of your fuzzy face and spark some banter with your best blokes - we all need some uplifting social connection this time of year, anyway.
Donating to Movember
Can't quite commit to the fundraising effort but still want to do your part? You can donate to the cause by clicking here. Every donation will be put to good use.
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How to Quit Smoking Right Now: Your Ultimate Guide
If you're looking for the ultimate fact file about quitting smoking, you came to the right place. No BS, just the information you need.
Quitting smoking is doable for everyone. It takes commitment and smart choices, but you'll begin feeling the benefits very quickly. If you're daunted or don't know where to begin, we've got you. Our Smoking Cessation experts answer some of the most common questions about kicking the habit.
How do I quit smoking right now?
Set an intention and stick to it.
Quitting smoking begins with an honest intention. Make a plan to quit smoking because you know it's the best thing for your health. Set a date on it and make a promise to yourself that that will happen. For example, you may say 'I will quit smoking on Wednesday', and from Wednesday, you will not smoke. Try not to make that date too far in the future to avoid 'the diet starts Monday' trap that might make you want to smoke more beforehand.
Make a list of reasons to quit.
While we all know that not smoking is the healthy choice, everyone's reason for quitting will be personal to them. Write down your reasons and keep them in your wallet or on your phone. They could be anything from being able to run around the park with your child or not having to stand outside the office in the rain.
Make a diet plan that will support your effort.
Many smokers smoke after eating because they feel like they need something extra after their food, or they've simply formed a habit of doing so. A US study found that some foods (such as meat) make cigarettes taste more satisfying, whereas others (such as cheese, fruit and vegetables) make them taste terrible. Strive to get the latter into your meals as a taste barrier to cigarettes.
If you reach for a cigarette after meal times, you should also try to form a new habit. As soon as you finish your food, why not wash up your plates and pour yourself a glass of water, or go for a quick walk. Find a post-meal ritual that breaks your usual habit.
Remember that cravings only last 5 minutes.
A nicotine craving lasts for up to 5 minutes. Come up with 5 minute strategies to distract your mind from smoking. That could be making a cup of tea, going for a walk around the office or doing a 5-minute guided meditation. Studies show that moving your body can actually help reduce your cravings, too.
Don't be around people who smoke.
This may not be an easy one for everyone, but try not to be around people smoking. If you're out at a bar, don't venture into smoking areas and stick with the people who aren't smoking. If someone in your household smokes, try and educate them on the benefits of quitting so you can support each other through a healthy change of lifestyle.
Keep your hands and mouth busy.
Many quitters struggle with the absence of having a cigarette to hold. Try simple swaps like using a fidget spinner or an elastic band to occupy your hands. If you miss the action of putting a cigarette in your mouth, try getting a water bottle with a straw to sip on through the day, or keep a pack of lozenges at hand.
Should I take tablets to help me quit smoking?
You may be able to take medication to support your journey to being smoke-free. You can find information about the Smoking Cessation products here. If you'd like to find out whether these are suitable to you, start our quick online consultation that has been created by experienced pharmacists to determine whether medication would be a right fit for you.
What will happen when I give up smoking?
Let's start with the extraordinary benefits of quitting smoking.
After 20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse will start to reduce.
After 12 hours: The amount of oxygen in your blood returns to normal levels, which will benefit your whole body, including your vital organs.
By day 2: Your body will be completely rid of carbon monoxide.
After 2 weeks: Your circulation starts to improve and your sense of taste will get better.
After 1 month: Your skin will appear to be less grey and you may notice signs of wrinkles diminishing. You may also notice that you're coughing less and that breathing feels easier.
Between 3 and 9 months: Your lung capacity can improve by up to 10%.
After 1 year: Your risk of heart attack will be cut in half.
Longer term benefits: After 10 years, your risk of getting lung cancer cuts in half, and after 15 years you have the same risk as someone who has never smoked. Your risk of getting other cancers, such as throat, mouth, oesophageal and pancreatic cancers also decreases. Quitting smoking is also associated with better mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression.
Now let's get into the short-term symptoms you may experience.
The hardest part: The first few days are the hardest, as you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how long you have been smoking for, this may last anywhere from several days to several weeks. But remember, these withdrawals are signs of nicotine leaving your body. They are a positive thing, even though they may not feel it. Push through this early stage. Once you've overcome this hurdle, you're well on your journey to better health, for the rest of your life. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Increased coughing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tremors
Is quitting smoking 'cold turkey' dangerous?
Quitting 'cold turkey' means quitting without any nicotine replacement aids or medication support. Quitting cold turkey is not dangerous for your health. In fact, it will mean that your body starts benefitting from better health markers (as mentioned above) more quickly.
However, quitting cold turkey may make you feel withdrawal symptoms more acutely, so it may feel burdensome or worrying. If you have been smoking for a long time, the American Thoracic Society recommends that you begin with the support of medication. This medication is called Champix, and you can find more information about it here.
Can quitting smoking cause anxiety or depression?
While you may experience short term symptoms of anxiety or depression as your body withdraws from nicotine, giving up smoking can actually improve your mental health in the long run. Quitting smoking is associated with better mental wellness, as your brain will be getting a healthy supply of oxygen. Quitting smoking also makes it easier to breathe, which means physical activity will be more comfortable, and this physical activity promotes endorphins (the happy hormone).
Will I gain weight after I quit smoking?
Some people experience weight gain after quitting smoking, but it's not inevitable. When you quit, your sense of taste improves, which is a positive sign of better health. This may make you more inclined to eat more. However, if you're worried about weight gain, make a conscious effort to prepare healthy meals that include nutrient-dense fruits and veggies that are also low in calories. As mentioned above, you may also find exercise more attainable due to easier breathing after you give up smoking, so enjoy regular walks or workouts to ensure you're maintaining a healthy weight.
Ready to make the move to a smoke-free lifestyle? Good for you. Click here to check out our support packages.