Proper penis hygiene should be performed daily using water and mild soap. This simple habit helps prevent fungal infections and even cancer. But there are other penis care practices equally important for male health. Stay here to discover them.
Male health is closely related to penis care, including proper hygiene, wearing clean underwear, and using condoms. Although these actions may seem routine, they are essential to reduce the risk of infections and penile cancer.
As many men still neglect genital hygiene, we have prepared this guide with 11 practical tips on how to care for your penis. Check it out below:
1. Wear loose, breathable underwear
Wearing loose cotton underwear is recommended because the fabric helps maintain a stable penis temperature. Cotton also absorbs moisture, keeping the skin dry for longer. Men living in warmer regions often notice these benefits the most.
2. Change your underwear frequently
While cotton absorbs moisture, this doesn’t mean you can wear the same underwear for days. Changing your underwear daily reduces the risk of infections caused by urine residues that facilitate the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to skin irritation and candidiasis. Symptoms include irritation, redness, and intense itching.
3. Avoid using oils and creams
Oils and creams should not be part of male intimate care routines, especially not for penetration. These products can contain substances that cause allergies on the penis and the partner.
4. Use mild soaps during showers
Mild soaps are ideal because they have a pH level close to that of the skin, between 4.5 and 5.5. They are perfect for male intimate hygiene, as they clean the area without irritation.
5. Retract the foreskin
The foreskin covering the glans should be pulled back to expose the head of the penis. This is necessary to remove smegma, a whitish secretion formed by oil, dead cells, and moisture. Although it is naturally produced by the body, excess smegma must be removed as it can lead to balanitis, an inflammation affecting the glans, foreskin, or both. When both are affected, it’s called balanoposthitis.
Symptoms of balanitis include redness, foul-smelling discharge, itching, and swelling of the glans.
6. Dry the penis after urinating
Many men don’t know that they should dry their penis with toilet paper after urinating. The last drop of urine left in the underwear can irritate the skin and lead to inflammations like balanitis.
No paper available? Shake and gently squeeze to release the last drop of urine and clean the penis later at home.
7. Clean semen after ejaculation
Men should shower after ejaculation from masturbation or sex. This helps prevent urinary and genital infections caused by semen residues, condom latex, lubricants, or vaginal secretions (in the case of unprotected sex).
8. Use condoms during sexual intercourse
Condoms protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as HIV, syphilis, and HPV. They are also a crucial preventive measure against urinary tract infections. By creating a barrier, condoms prevent bacteria from reaching the male urethra.
Using condoms during all sexual encounters also reduces genital friction, helping to prevent skin infections like dermatitis and folliculitis.
9. Perform self-exams at home
During a testicular self-examination, men should feel their testicles for any lumps, swelling, redness, or discharge. Ideally, this exam should be performed monthly, during or after showering, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.
10. Visit a urologist
Urologists are specialists in the male reproductive system and urinary tract. Men shouldn’t visit a urologist only when they notice problems with their penis, testicles, or signs of prostate cancer. Annual consultations are strongly recommended as many health issues are detected during routine exams.
What does a healthy penis look like?
Check out the characteristics of a healthy penis:
- The glans has a color similar to the mucosa of the mouth;
- The member’s color varies according to skin tone;
- Slightly curved upward, downward, or to one side;
- No spots or flaking;
- Has a characteristic odor, but it is not unpleasant.
Problems caused by poor penis hygiene
Among the issues related to poor hygiene, penile cancer is the most severe. This rare tumor accounts for only 2% of male cancers and, in severe cases, may lead to amputation.
According to the Ministry of Health, in addition to poor hygiene, penile cancer is also associated with HPV infection and lack of circumcision surgery to remove the foreskin covering the glans.
Take care of your penis health and prevent serious diseases
Penis hygiene should be performed daily during showers with water and soap. This practice contributes to well-being, promotes intimate health, and helps prevent infections, inflammations, and more severe problems like cancer.
For more information about male health and prevention tips, visit our WhatsApp group. There, you will find reliable and practical information to actively care for your health and avoid complications.
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