Men talk about it, brag about theirs and compare it to others. It’s probably one of the most talked about body parts along with breasts and vagina, but it’s also probably the most neglected when it comes to hygiene.
Men, give your penis the care it deserves. You’ll find out that you won’t be the only one to benefit – your partner will be grateful too. Here’s how:
Don’t Forget Underneath
Gently wash the penis with warm water each day when you’re having a shower or bath. If you have a foreskin, pull it back gently and wash underneath.
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If you don’t wash underneath the foreskin correctly, a cheesy-looking substance called smegma may begin to gather. Smegma is a natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist. It’s found on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. If smegma builds up in the foreskin, it can start to smell, stop you easily pulling your foreskin back and become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause redness and swelling of the head of your penis, called balanitis.
If you have a foreskin, pull it back gently and wash underneath. Don’t try to forcefully pull back the foreskin of a baby or young boy as this could be painful and cause harm. Their foreskin might still be attached to the head of the penis and will therefore not retract fully. At this stage of their development, there’s no need to clean inside the foreskin.
Gently wash the penis with warm water each day when you’re having a shower or bath.
Washing Too Much
While regular personal hygiene is important, too much washing with soap and shower gels can cause soreness. Gently washing your penis once a day with warm water is sufficient to maintain good hygiene. If you want to use soap, choose a mild or non-perfumed soap to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
It may be tempting to use talc and deodorants on your penis, but these are best avoided because talc will get under the foreskin, where it may cause irritation.
Circumcised men have to be just as careful about cleaning their penis. Gently washing the penis with warm water once a day is sufficient.
Testicles and pubic area
All About The Bass
Don’t forget to clean the base of the penis and the testicles, where sweat and hair can combine to produce a strong smell, just as unpleasant as in your armpits. These areas need frequent washing to stop sweat from accumulating, especially as they are enclosed in underwear for most of the day. Make sure the area between the base of the testicles and the anus is also clean and odour-free.
While you’re down there, it’s a good idea to check your testicles for lumps once a month after a warm bath or shower. Look out for any unusual lumps or swellings that were not there before.
