A smart man is always very careful about his intimate activity. He knows how to have fun and let loose, but he also knows how to carefully screen and choose partners. He definitely knows to use barrier protection each and every time. Now there is new research that reveals just how important barrier protection use can be for good manhood care – especially where gonorrhea is involved. Here’s what every man needs to know about this ever-evolving male organ health issue.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a socially shared infection that affects both men and women. The infection can take hold in the rectum, throat or most commonly, the private area. It is one of the most common intimate infections among those aged 15-24, though it can be contracted by anyone who is intimately active. The CDC reports that about 820,000 people contract gonorrhea each year, but even more frightening is the fact that less than half of those are actually diagnosed.

Some men have no symptoms at all of gonorrhea. Others, however might experience a burning sensation when urinating, a discharge from the member (this might be white, yellow or green), and swollen or painful sacks. Less common signs include rear itching, soreness, painful bowel movements, and bleeding from the rectum or manhood.

These signs should send a man to the doctor immediately. However, keep in mind that the ‘silent’ nature of the disease in some people necessitates regular social infection testing for anyone who is intimately active.

The latest news on gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can be treated and usually cured with the proper medications. However, recent studies have shown an alarming trend: Antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are becoming much more common. While the common treatment included a dose of two different antibiotics, studies show that the efficacy and usefulness of those treatments is steadily falling. Scientists expect that soon over 800,000 people in the United States alone might suffer from untreatable gonorrhea.

While new medications are being tested that might fight against these new strains of gonorrhea, nothing is on the market yet. That means that those who do get gonorrhea – especially those who contract it multiple times – might face the risk of carrying gonorrhea much longer than they would have in the past. Since long-term gonorrhea infections can do great damage to intimate and male organ health, including reducing fertility, this could have terrible implications for those who suffer from the untreatable strains.

Ensuring the best male organ health

Proper male organ health requires a day-to-day effort. One of the most important components of good male organ health, as well as good overall health, is to do whatever possible to avoid contracting a socially shared infection. This means being very careful when being intimate with a new partner, including using barrier protections each and every time.

Other ways to lower the risk of gonorrhea among those who are intimately active is ensuring that all partners in a relationship are tested for socially shared infections, and entering into relationships in which both partners agree to be monogamous. At the first sign of discharge, itching, a burning sensation when urinating, or other potential signs of a problem, men (and women!) should always visit the doctor for a full workup.

Another key aspect of good male organ health is choosing a proper member health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) that can be applied every day. The best creams will have the right combination of antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins, such as L-Arginine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and vitamins B5, A, D and C. Vitamin E is an excellent hydrator, while Shea butter makes for a perfect moisturizer. The combination of these health-promoting ingredients can help ensure supple, smooth male organ skin. Remember that no member health crème can protect against socially shared infections; that’s why the responsible man will always keep a supply of barrier protections on hand to protect himself during intimate play.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving member sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy manhood. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.