Barrier Protection and Performance Problems: A Not-So-Solid Link
Many men loathe barrier protection, but also understand that
it’s a necessary component of safe sensual activity. And while most men can
still have an enjoyable sensual experience with a barrier between their bodies
and a partner’s, some find achieving and/or maintaining tumescence when using a
barrier difficult, if not impossible. There are a number of reasons why this
might be, and several things men can do about it. Since barriers are imperative
to manhood health, simply
foregoing barriers is almost never the best option. Recent research provides a
number of clues concerning what may be behind barrier-associated performance
problems.
Might not be the barrier
A recent survey of men with barrier-associated performance
problems sought to examine whether barriers might really be to blame for their
troubles. Researchers took a number of measures from the men, including how
correctly they apply barriers, the quality and fit of the products used, their
perceptions about barriers and their motivation to use protection. They found a
number of correlations with performance problems both while applying the
barrier and when engaging in protected penetrative activity which suggest that,
at least for many men, the problem might not be barriers, per se.
Fit
Men in the study who reported difficulty staying hard both while
applying a barrier and when having sensual activity also reported a high rate
of not feeling that the barrier fit “just right.” There are different sizes of
barriers made to accommodate a range of girths, and different shapes as well.
Men should take the time to find the ones they need.
Correct application
The ease with which a person applies a barrier correctly likely
contributes to maintaining stimulation and tumescence. Many men in the study
with barrier-associated performance problems reported low self-efficacy when
applying barriers, meaning the act may require more of their attention and be
bound up with worry, both things that can cause a deflation in the downstairs
region.
Worry/Distraction
It may be no surprise that men who have performance problems
while using barriers reported high levels of worry and distraction around
barrier use. But men with such problems also reported high rates of performance
problems when not using barriers. Barriers can become a scapegoat, and the
concerns around them, a self-fulfilling prophecy. Anxiety about ability to
perform is a major turn-off, and men can find themselves trapped in a cycle of
performance problems causing fears causing more performance problems, etc. Men
with general issues staying and getting hard should consult with a medical
professional to consider root causes.
Sensation
Of course, it’s true that sensual activity with a barrier feels
different, and some men just find it harder to enjoy. There are a couple things
men can do, in addition to getting the right-sized barrier, to increase
pleasure.
First, consider going for thinner (but still reliable) brands.
Kimono, for example, is an ultra-thin latex variety that is considered as
reliable as thicker brands.
Second, apply a drop of lube to the reservoir tip inside the
barrier (remember that oil-based lubes can degrade latex, so avoid them when
using latex barriers!). This will allow for a much more natural feel.
Another way guys can work toward greater sensations during
sensual activity is to use a cream with acetyl L-carnitine, which protects
nerves from the damage that can occur from rough handling. A male organ health crème (health professionals
recommend Man1 Man Oil) with
this ingredient, as well as natural moisturizers like Shea butter and vitamin
E, will help keep the skin in good condition, optimizing a man’s ability to
sense pleasurable feelings. In addition, taking care of skin health makes the
manhood more appealing and inviting of touch, something any man along with his
partner are sure to appreciate.
Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ
health issues, tips on improving organ sensitivity and what to do to maintain a
healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's
health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.