Latest news with #PaulCThur

Health Line

Here's Why Rubbing Toothpaste on Your Penis Won't Make You Last Longer

Some people claim that putting toothpaste on your penis could help reduce premature ejaculation. But no research supports this, and it may even cause severe complications. Premature ejaculation (PE) refers to the release of ejaculatory fluid sooner than you or your partner would like. It affects around 3 in 10 people with a penis. Sometimes, PE is defined as ejaculating sooner than 2 minutes after beginning penetrative sex, but there's no consensus on the definition of PE, meaning there's no set amount of time. Some people on YouTube and internet blogs suggest that rubbing toothpaste on your penis can help eliminate PE, maintain erections for 30 minutes, and cure erectile dysfunction (ED). However, no research supports these purported benefits, and rubbing toothpaste may lead to severe complications. Keep reading to learn more about this myth, why rubbing toothpaste on your penis may be dangerous, and some safe alternatives to consider instead. Toothpaste may damage your penis According to urologist Paul C. Thur, MD, putting toothpaste on genitalia may be dangerous. 'If it did nothing, fine, there'd be no risk in trying it,' he said. 'But toothpaste has chemicals, bleach, and oils, such as peppermint oil, that are caustic and can burn sensitive skin.' In some cases, applying toothpaste to your skin may lead to severe complications that could require emergency medical attention. 'If you have a break in your skin, you may even get cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection,' Thur added. 'In some instances, this can cause disfigurement, such as penile scarring. All of this can lead to loss of sensation.' Putting toothpaste on your penis before sexual activity can also adversely affect your partner. The chemicals and bleaching agents in toothpaste can irritate or cause an infection to occur within the vagina, penile area, or anus. When to connect with a doctor As common as it is, PE is not completely understood. It has many potential causes, which may be biological, psychological, or both. PE may be classified as lifelong (primary) or acquired (secondary): Lifelong PE: PE occurs all or most of the time, and that started with your earliest sexual encounters. Acquired PE: Ejaculatory issues start later on in life, after months or years of sexual activity. PE is not life threatening. If this condition only affects you occasionally and doesn't cause undue stress to you or your partner, seeking treatment may not be necessary. However, you may want to consider contacting a doctor or therapist if PE is affecting your: quality of life self-esteem relationship A healthcare professional could help develop an appropriate treatment plan for you, which may include a combination of natural remedies, psychological therapies, and medications. When to get immediate medical attention If you have already applied toothpaste onto your penis and experience any of the following symptoms, consider getting immediate medical attention: pain burning blistering rash difficulty passing urine