MEN’S YOUROLOGY

Did you know that up to 55% of men report dissatisfaction with their penis size—and that number jumps to 84% in men seeking help for erectile dysfunction? What’s fascinating in this study is that this dissatisfaction isn’t usually about actual size but about perception. Men in communities (e.g. gay communities) that emphasize penis size, or those dealing with sexual dysfunction, tend to feel the most pressure.

Why does this matter? Most of these men actually fall within the normal size range, yet still pursue surgeries or cosmetic procedures that may not be medically necessary. In fact, true medical reasons for intervention, like micropenis, penile cancer, or abnormalities, are very rare. This study highlights that addressing body image concerns and offering psychological support should come first, instead of rushing into unnecessary procedures.

WOMEN’S YOUROLOGY

Did you know the most effective nonhormonal ways to ease menopause symptoms like poor sleep and psychological stress?

A new systematic review looked at 13 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 1,500 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women worldwide. The findings were consistent—different types of movement or exercise, including aerobic exercise, yoga, Pilates, resistance training, stretching, and even relaxation practices, all significantly improved sleep quality and mental well-being.

While hormone therapy is great, there are lots of tools you can use to improve your quality of life.. This review shows that movement isn’t just good for your body, it can be a powerful tool to help women through the menopause transition, improving both rest and resilience.

This week, someone asked me, “Vacuum pump to prime before having sex, is it true and do you recommend a good and affordable pump?”. Using a vacuum erection device (or penis pump) can be a really effective way to help achieve and maintain an erection before sex if you need help getting an erection. If you don't need help, it's not really necessary because as soon as you remove the pump, you will be relying on your own biomechanics for an erection. For men with ED, the good news is that it works regardless of the underlying cause. The way it works is simple: by creating gentle suction, the pump brings more blood into the penis, helping you get firm enough for intercourse, and a constriction ring is used to help keep the erection during sex. Many men like that it doesn’t involve medication or surgery, and it can be used as often as needed. When it comes to choosing a pump, I always recommend going for a medical-grade, FDA-approved device rather than something from a sex shop because safety features like a vacuum limiter are crucial to avoid injury. It can take a few tries to get the hang of it, so don’t get discouraged if it feels awkward at first, that’s completely normal. I have a video reviewing some of the top VEDs and explaining what to look for, you can watch it to get a clearer idea of how they work and which features matter most.

I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

I recently spent a couple of weekends on the East Coast celebrating my niece’s wedding and my cousin’s wedding. It was such a joy to be surrounded by family and friends, and I had an absolute blast soaking in all the love and festivities. You can catch a glimpse of the celebrations here!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY CHANNEL

Does “use it or lose it” really matter for your erections or sexual health as you age? Let’s break it down together. “If you are not having nighttime either erections or clitoral tumescence because of your overall health, yes, you will lose it. You will lose the ability to fill blood flow into those tissues and they will get scarred and they will shrink.”

Here are some quick takeaways:

• Good health—not just having sex—keeps blood flowing where it matters most.

• Address erection or lubrication problems early to avoid long-term issues.

• Staying active, eating well, and managing things like blood pressure are the true “secrets” to lasting sexual wellness.

Remember, sex should be enjoyable—not stressful. Focus on your health, and pleasure can follow!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY PODCAST

I had a super insightful conversation with Dr. Lora Shahine about fertility—how both men and women can boost their chances of having a baby, keeping sex fun during the process, and what NOT to say after a miscarriage. Dr. Shahine really nails it when she says, “Some of the bravest people in the world are my patients who have had miscarriage and are able to try again because they really are putting themselves out there again without knowing what the outcome is.”

Here are a few takeaways:

• Men’s health and lifestyle matter just as much as women’s for fertility.

• Keeping sex enjoyable helps during the stress of trying to conceive.

• After miscarriage, say “I’m sorry for your loss”—skip the advice.

You’ll want to listen for more heartfelt wisdom, so listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here and see why people are commenting, “Great podcast. I even got my partner to listen to about the first 45 minutes as we're considering our own journey after almost 7 years together. Very informative podcast Dr Rena! Thank you!🤗 We both learned some stuff!”

NEW MEDIA

Ever heard of the viral ‘peegasm’? Curious if it’s real—or safe? Check out my NEW blog: A Urologist Explains: Can You Really Peegasm? Is It Safe?

In this article, I unpack the science behind the so-called peegasm, why it might feel good, and the hidden risks of holding your pee on purpose.