Male Intimate Hygiene: How to Keep the Genital Area Free of Problems

BY DR. PAULO EGYDIO · CRM-SP 67.482 · RQE 19514

04 Mar, 2025

Male intimate hygiene helps avoid unpleasant odors and can reduce the risk of skin cancer related to poor hygiene. Taking a daily shower, wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding synthetic fabrics are essential care tips. Stay here and clear your doubts.

Male intimate hygiene is an important ally in disease prevention. The lack of male intimate hygiene is one of the risk factors for developing penile cancer, which is why it’s crucial to keep the genital area always clean and dry. Learn more.

Why is male intimate hygiene important?

Male intimate hygiene is important because it helps prevent fungal and bacterial infections, inflammation, and even penile cancer. This type of tumor is rare, and the main risk factor is the lack of proper hygiene.

This care is even more essential in cases of excess foreskin, the skin that covers the glans. In such cases, the large amount of skin can make it difficult or even impossible to expose the head of the penis. When the glans is not fully exposed, it’s not possible to remove all the accumulated debris throughout the day.

What is the relationship between male intimate hygiene and penile cancer?

Failing to practice male intimate hygiene daily, or doing it incorrectly, leads to the buildup of smegma, a white or yellowish secretion resulting from the combination of dead cells, oils, and dirt.

This creates a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of balanitis. Although balanitis is not a direct cause of penile cancer, chronic inflammation can be an additional risk factor for cellular changes.

Consequences of poor male intimate hygiene

An unpleasant odor is the immediate consequence. However, the lack of male intimate hygiene brings other issues. Check them out:

Skin irritation: the combination of sweat, smegma, and secretions irritates and sensitizes the skin. In some cases, sores on the penis may occur;
Phimosis: so-called secondary phimosis can begin at any age, and poor hygiene is one of its causes. Because phimosis makes glans exposure difficult, men with this condition struggle to clean the penis adequately, leading to infections, inflammation, and an increased risk of cancer;
Urinary tract infection: not practicing male intimate hygiene every day increases the risk of urinary tract infection, because accumulated dirt favors the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which can migrate to the urethra, spread to the bladder, and reach the kidneys;
Balanitis: penile inflammation of bacterial or fungal origin that affects the glans, with symptoms such as itching, redness, burning when urinating, and sores.

After all, how to do male intimate hygiene?

The first step is to choose male hygiene products. The recommendation is to use neutral or coconut soap, or soap with a pH between 5 and 6. The first does not alter the skin’s pH, while the latter is indicated for men with sensitive skin.

Now, see how to do male intimate hygiene:

Wet the intimate area;
Gently pull back the foreskin to expose the glans;
Apply soap to the glans and remove all smegma;
Rinse with water and remove all soap residue;
Apply soap to the shaft of the penis, the testicles, groin, and pubic region, then rinse;
Finish the male intimate hygiene by washing the anus;
Use a clean, dry towel to pat dry.

Regular hygiene

Male intimate hygiene should be consistent, meaning taking a shower every day. Those who do physical activity should not skip a shower after exercise to avoid leaving the intimate area moist, an environment conducive to fungi and bacteria.

Washing and drying correctly

After cleaning the penis with neutral or coconut soap, dry the area with a clean, dry, soft cotton towel.

Remember to expose the glans again to avoid leaving it damp. Also, dry the shaft of the penis, the testicles, and the anus.

Changing underwear frequently

Just as important as knowing how to do male intimate hygiene is changing your underwear daily.

Wearing clean underwear after each shower is important for the following reasons:

Prevents unpleasant odors;
Helps prevent infections such as candidiasis and urinary issues;
Avoids irritation and dermatitis.

Care to avoid STIs

A lack of male intimate hygiene is not a direct cause of any STI, but not washing the penis daily makes it easier for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms transmitted during sexual intercourse to proliferate. Check out what to do to avoid STIs:

Proper hygiene of intimate parts;
Use of male or female condoms;
Regular STI testing;
Avoid sharing towels, toothbrushes, and razors.

Male intimate hygiene care

Washing the genital area regularly with water and neutral soap or male intimate soap is essential. However, caring for male intimate health also includes:

Washing your hands before and after using the bathroom;
Not using products with irritating substances;
Wearing cotton underwear;
Taking a shower after sexual intercourse;
Exercising in clothing that helps absorb sweat;
Not staying too long in workout clothes or swimwear;
Avoiding aggressive hair removal methods.

How to eliminate unpleasant odors in men’s intimate area?

A good male intimate hygiene routine usually helps reduce odors. However, if the odor persists despite these care measures, it is recommended to consult a urologist to investigate possible medical causes.

Male intimate hygiene is straightforward and can help reduce the risk of infections and penile cancer. Now that you’re well-informed, how about continuing on Dr. Paulo Egydio’s blog to learn more about male intimate health?

Male Intimate Hygiene: How to Keep the Genital Area Free of Problems

Why is male intimate hygiene important?

What is the relationship between male intimate hygiene and penile cancer?

Consequences of poor male intimate hygiene