Men's hygiene: how often should you wash your penis?

It's surprising how many men ignore questions about personal hygiene. The rules of intimate hygiene for men in our modern society, oddly enough, are still a closed topic. Not only does a lack of hygiene regularly lead to complications, it is also very unpleasant for a sexual partner. Unlike feminine hygiene, very little is said about it and not very much is written. But in vain.

How often to wash the penis?

Doctors advise washing the penis with a special intimate gel or ordinary warm water twice a day. At the same time, they do not advise using ordinary soap or ordinary body gel.

Why should you not wash your penis with soap?

Many soaps contain fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin, and some contain detergents that are too harsh. Choose a mild, fragrance-free soap that is designed for the body (другими словами, не стоит использовать мыло для рук) Or choose a special intimate gel. Washing too often, especially with regular soap or shower gel, can cause irritation and soreness.

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Why is it necessary to wash the penis?

Behind the area under the foreskin, smegma actively accumulates - sebaceous secretions, a natural lubricant that ensures that the foreskin can slide over the glans properly.

At first, it is whitish in color and odorless. If it is not washed off, after a few days the color changes to gray-green and smegma begins to smell. The place itself becomes a convenient platform for the reproduction of infections. One of them, balanitis, an inflammation of the glans, often caused by smegma accumulation, can be very painful.

Preparation

Take a bath or shower. It is better to wash in warm water rather than hot water to avoid burns or irritation of the genitals and the rest of the body. Shower as usual, washing your entire body with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

However, you should be careful with the foreskin of the boy until adolescence. Do not try to forcibly pull the foreskin away, as this can be painful and harmful. The foreskin can still be attached to the head of the penis and therefore will not move completely. At this stage of the boy's development, there is no need to clean in this place.

How to wash?

Soap your hands with a special soap (or intimate gel) and apply soap foam to the testicles and shaft of the penis. With an uncircumcised penis, the main thing is not to forget to wash part of it under the foreskin.

Gently pull the foreskin back as far as it yields. Do not force it further than its natural point, as this can damage the penis and form scar tissue.

Apply soap under the foreskin, and then thoroughly wash off all soap and dirt that has accumulated there.

Return the foreskin back to its natural position.

Is talc necessary?

It is not worth it.  Now the use of deodorants for the genital area and special scented powders has become fashionable (some use talcum powder or powder for the body). Of course, urologists do not support all this, because it clogs pores and contributes to the accumulation of talcum powder under the foreskin. If you do this, then do not give in to the temptation to sprinkle powder on the penis. If talcum powder gets under the foreskin, it can cause irritation and discomfort. Try to sprinkle deodorant only on the testicles.

However, if you don't have a foreskin, it's technically safe to apply talc or body powder, but it's still worth taking care to avoid skin irritation or talcum powder entering the urethra.

It is not recommended to leave the penis wet after washing

Be sure to dry your penis thoroughly after showering or bathing.  Urologists advise wiping the penis thoroughly. Excessive moisture contributes to the development of candidiasis and in general increased bacterial growth in the area under the foreskin.However, it is important not to forget that the skin in this area is delicate, so there is no need to rub the penis until red. The best thing is to just blot the penis with a towel and cover the foreskin.

I don't have the opportunity to wash my penis every day. What to do?

If you are unable to shower daily due to travel, work schedule, or personal preferences, take the time to wash your penis at least once a day with baby wipes or a warm washcloth to reduce bacterial buildup.