All posts tagged with: pain

It has been estimated that over 75% of homosexual males will participate in anal sex. It is considered a high-risk. Unprotected anal sex, also known as barebacking, is the riskiest of all forms of sexual intercourse.

The insertive partner is known as the “top” and the partner being penetrated is called the “bottom”. Those who perform either role are referred to as “versatile”.

Generally viewed as less pleasurable and inconvenient, the best way to protect both partners during anal intercourse is with the use of condoms. Condoms are most commonly made from latex, however, they are also available in non-latex. They come in a wide assortment of styles and sizes. Condoms can break or come off during anal intercourse, so both partners must pay attention.

The anus does not produce sufficient natural lubricant so anal intercourse requires a generous application of personal lubricant to prevent tearing. There are three common types of lubricant: water-based, silicon, and a hybrid of water-based and silicone.

Risks of physical damage to the rectum include anal fissures, rectal prolapse, rectal trauma and hemorrhoids. Pain during anal intercourse can be caused by inadequate lubrication, feeling tense, lack of stimulation and anxiousness.

Other dangers during anal intercourse include the transmission of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HPV/genital warts, and syphilis. Risk of transmission can be reduced by practicing safer sex and using a condom. The risk is increased through casual sex, barebacking, and sex with someone you do not know.

Although you may believe your partner appears to be symptom free because they look fit and healthy, it is not always the case. It’s the responsibility of both partners to ask the status of their partner and to use safer sex practiced.

Today, thanks to advances in medical research, people infected with HIV and AIDS live longer lives. New drug and support treatments are available; however, unfortunately there is still no cure. There are more than 10 subtypes of HIV/AIDS, which results in an exponential number of strains.

For more information and education on sexual health, visit the Health Initiative for Men website.

During marathon training your body will go through periods of stress and rest. It’s extremely important to listen to your body before, during and after each run. Your body will give you signals if something is wrong, or if you’re ready for your next training period.

Do not run if you experience bruising, swelling, intense pain during or after your run, or if you have to dramatically have to alter your form in order to run.

At the start of your run, if you experience pain but it gradually disappears while you run, it’s safe to continue to run. Warm-up by walking, start off running at a slower pace, and stretch well post-run.

During your run, if you experience pain, try taking a quick stretch break, then go back to running. If that does not work, stop running before injury occurs. Spend more time cross-training and consider investing in new shoes with different padding.

For pain that starts post-run, ice immediately. I will reduce blood flow to the injured area and reduce inflammation. Use ice for 10 minutes on, 60 minutes off. Repeat as often as required. Do not use ice directly on skin. Place ice in ziplock bag and wrap in a towel, then apply to injured area.

For chronic pain, where inflammation is not present, apply heat to the injured area, 10 minutes on, 60 minutes off. This will increase blood flow to the area and speed up the healing process.

To train injury free, respond to pain and aches immediately by seeking treatment or modifying activity. Slowly increase activity distance and intensity by 10% maximum each week. Stretch well after each run and take rest days on a regular basis.

With the weather warming up, many runners are starting to get back into a regular regiment of running, or trading in their indoor treadmills for outdoor running. After a few runs you notice a sharp pain starting to become noticeable in your lower leg. A few days later you wake up in the morning and realize the pain has become even worse with just regular walking. Yikes ~ you’ve got a classic case of shin splints!

Shin splints are injuries to the lower leg, when occur when the muscles from the shin bone start to pull away from the bone. This area of micro-tearin and damage becomes very painful and inflamed.

Shin splints can be located on the inside of the lower leg (medial shin splints), or on the front of the leg (anterior shin splints). The area of discomfort usually measures 4-6 inches (10-15cm). Often there aren’t any visible signs of swelling, and pain is noticed at the beginning and often disappearing once warmed up, only to reappear later into the workout. Continuing trauma can make the pain become so extreme forcing the workout to come to an early, very painful end.

Anterior shin splints can also be caused by lack of blood supply to the muscle. This should be treated immediately by a trained physician.

Common causes of shin splints include:

• Improper foot biomechanics and over-pronation
• Sudden increase in activity – either starting too fast or too far at the beginning of seasonal training
• A change in footwear not suitable for your feet.
• Change in running surface (ie from treadmill to concrete or asphalt)
• Change in gradient / routine

Treatment:

• Try natural anti-inflammatories
• Take a rest period from the routine and substitute non-impact exercise to maintain cardio fitness
• Ice the area to reduce inflammation
• Stretch
• Check / replace footwear
• Find out if you need orthotics or insoles
• Gradually ease back into your training to reduce re-injury