The Bent Banana

Sex education done differently.

  • The Evolution of Sex Ed in Australia: From Morality Lessons to Modern Day Challenges

    The Evolution of Sex Ed in Australia: From Morality Lessons to Modern Day Challenges

    Sex education has been part of Australian schools for over a century, yet even today, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what’s being taught and what’s missing. A History of Morality Over ScienceWhen sex ed was first introduced, it wasn’t about biology, relationships, or pleasure. It was about morality. Thanks to advocacy from groups like…

  • Balanitis and Sexual Health

    Balanitis and Sexual Health

    What You and Your Partner Need to Know Balanitis, the inflammation of the glans penis, can be a source of discomfort and concern, especially if you’re sexually active. Its causes range from infections to irritation, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment. But what does this mean for your sexual health and your partner? Understanding…

  • Recurrent Balanitis

    Recurrent Balanitis

    Recurrent balanitis refers to repeated episodes of inflammation of the glans penis (and sometimes the foreskin, termed balanoposthitis). This condition is characterised by redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge. Men who experience multiple episodes should consider the underlying causes and how they are addressed, as untreated recurrent balanitis can lead to complications such as phimosis,…

  • Understanding Balanitis: What It Is and What Causes It

    Understanding Balanitis: What It Is and What Causes It

    Balanitis is a relatively common condition that affects the foreskin and the head of the penis, causing discomfort, redness, swelling, pain, itching and other symptoms. While it’s not often discussed openly, balanitis can significantly impact the quality of life and overall health. In this first instalment of our series on balanitis, we’ll examine the condition,…

  • Phimosis Part 4: Exploring Surgical Options for Treatment

    Phimosis Part 4: Exploring Surgical Options for Treatment

    Surgical options may be the next step when non-surgical treatments like stretching exercises or topical creams don’t relieve phimosis. These procedures are designed to address the underlying tightness of the foreskin, offering effective and often permanent solutions. Surgery is generally recommended for high grades of phimosis, mainly Grades 4 & 5.  These grades often cause…

  • Phimosis Part 3: Stretching Exercises for Effective Treatment

    Phimosis Part 3: Stretching Exercises for Effective Treatment

    In this next instalment of our Phimosis series, we explore another commonly recommended treatment: stretching exercises. We’ll cover everything you need to know—what these exercises involve, how to do them safely, how often they should be performed, and the important factors to remember for the best results. Recommended Phimosis Stretching Exercises for Treatment Stretching exercises…

  • Phimosis Part 2: Exploring Steroid Creams as a Treatment Option

    Phimosis Part 2: Exploring Steroid Creams as a Treatment Option

    In the first of our phimosis series, we explored what phimosis is, how it feels, and its various causes. Now, let’s tackle the big question: What can you do about it?Regarding treatment, one thing cannot be stressed enough: your first step should always be consulting a healthcare professional. Why? Because no two cases of phimosis…

  • Phimosis Part 1: Understanding the Condition

    Phimosis Part 1: Understanding the Condition

    Every day, I answer at least five questions from men seeking relief or guidance about phimosis. For many, seeing a healthcare professional feels daunting, well outside their comfort zone. They’re looking for ways to address the issue at home.  While I completely understand their hesitation, my first and strongest recommendation is to see a healthcare…

  • Boner Acne, is it a thing?

    Boner Acne, is it a thing?

    Recently, I had a male friend message me and ask me what I knew about boner acne.  Of course, I usually ask follow-up questions before jumping into advice.  Still, in this case, I jumped straight into the “pimples on your penis are completely normal and not something you should ever be embarrassed about.” This still…

  • Is it high blood pressure or the blood pressure medication that causes erectile dysfunction?

    Is it high blood pressure or the blood pressure medication that causes erectile dysfunction?

    It can be both, so let’s explore it further. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the pressure of the blood pumped by the heart around the body is elevated.  Okay, but what is considered high or low blood pressure, and what exactly is blood pressure? A quick lesson on blood…

  • The Dysfunction of the Sugar High

    The Dysfunction of the Sugar High

    Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) go hand in hand like lovers walking down the street.  Both are different conditions with their own symptoms and characteristics.  However, as a male, if you have diabetes, you are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop ED.  So, what comes first?  Much like the egg and chicken debate,…

  • Milking the prostate

    Milking the prostate

    Prostate milking stimulates the prostate gland, also known as prostate massage.  It can be performed for either medical or sexual reasons.  Correct me if I am wrong, but for some men, massaging your prostate gland can feel taboo, dirty, or wrong.  So often, we focus on the sexuality of the act rather than the health…