Sherry
Legend Member
- Points
- 501
And here I am thinking that it is less maintenance being a guy-but after reading this I'm not so sure now.....
The penis is easily a man’s most guarded and revered appendage. As such, the penis commands a level of care and respect. We're all familiar with the importance of wearing condoms in certain situations, but proper penis health care certainly doesn't end there. Let’s review some tips on proper care that will keep you — and your unit — rising happily each morning.
regular maintenance
Grooming
For many men, genital grooming is a simple part of their penis health care routine, while for others it may be nothing more than a part-time annoyance. Keeping genitals hairless does have its benefits, but there are still definite pitfalls to both shaving and waxing that might not be immediately apparent:
Pros
If you wish to avoid shaving or waxing, a simple trim with an electric razor is always a safe bet. If you choose to groom, however, which weapons should you choose? You’re probably best off using a simple razor with mild shaving cream or soap followed by a mild moisturising aftershave lotion or warm salt water. Avoid chemical removal techniques and electric razors if you're opting to take it all off, as with both you risk wreaking havoc on your scrotum. Lastly, you may choose to wax. Wait… what? There’s no need to feel ashamed of a little waxing as part of your penis health care, just know that it can be expensive and painful.
Washing
Your member is a sensitive organ, a point that should always be kept in mind. For some odd reason, many men feel the need to vigorously scrub their units with powerful soaps or disinfectants to keep clean. Guys, simple washing with warm water and, if necessary, a mild soap or non-soap cleanser (such as sorbolene or glycerine cream) is more than satisfactory. Uncircumcised men should slide the foreskin back and wash the head of the exposed penis simply with warm water, not soap. Then, be sure to dry the area very well.
Both infrequent and too-frequent washing have been associated with balanitis (an inflammation of the penis or head). If you do notice irritation, avoid scented soaps or shower gels and try warm salt water instead. New clothes or even new laundry detergents can also cause irritation. If irritation persists, see a doctor.
We have more tips on penis health care…
self-examination
Particularly when sexually active, men should regularly perform genital self-examination to identify testicular cancer or any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that present themselves visibly. How regularly? Well, there is no golden rule, but once a month should be satisfactory.
For testicular cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:
Once a month, after taking a bath or shower:
red flags
There are many red flags for STIs. Be vigorous in your self-examinations and know that certain STIs, such as chlamydia, can be completely asymptomatic — meaning that you may show absolutely no identifiable signs or symptoms of infection. In such cases, it’s important that you keep an open channel of communication with your sexual partners. If your partner develops an STI, there may be a chance that you gave it to them without knowing.
The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights some of the major signs and symptoms of common STIs that you should be on the lookout for:
Lastly, don’t panic if you do notice something unusual. Pearly penile papules found around the rim of the head of the penis are no need for alarm. Similarly, pimples or irritation from shaving are normal. If you are unsure, it’s always best to see a doctor first to understand what is and isn’t normal. Waiting is the worst thing you can do. If you are a little bashful, just remember: Every man has a penis! Man up and go see a doctor.
men's health 101
Like it or not, your penis is with you until the end. As a source of procreation and pleasure, the penis commands proper care. Take care of it properly and you might not be the only benefactor — your lady friends will be equally thankful.
The penis is easily a man’s most guarded and revered appendage. As such, the penis commands a level of care and respect. We're all familiar with the importance of wearing condoms in certain situations, but proper penis health care certainly doesn't end there. Let’s review some tips on proper care that will keep you — and your unit — rising happily each morning.
regular maintenance
Grooming
For many men, genital grooming is a simple part of their penis health care routine, while for others it may be nothing more than a part-time annoyance. Keeping genitals hairless does have its benefits, but there are still definite pitfalls to both shaving and waxing that might not be immediately apparent:
Pros
- Improves cleanliness/reduces moisture
- Inviting/sexually stimulating
- Can increase sensitivity during sex
- Facilitates skin examination
- Can be a fun partner experience
- Makes you look bigger
- Tedious
- Painful (waxing)
- Expensive (waxing)
- Can cause irritation
- Can cause new or spread existing infection
If you wish to avoid shaving or waxing, a simple trim with an electric razor is always a safe bet. If you choose to groom, however, which weapons should you choose? You’re probably best off using a simple razor with mild shaving cream or soap followed by a mild moisturising aftershave lotion or warm salt water. Avoid chemical removal techniques and electric razors if you're opting to take it all off, as with both you risk wreaking havoc on your scrotum. Lastly, you may choose to wax. Wait… what? There’s no need to feel ashamed of a little waxing as part of your penis health care, just know that it can be expensive and painful.
Washing
Your member is a sensitive organ, a point that should always be kept in mind. For some odd reason, many men feel the need to vigorously scrub their units with powerful soaps or disinfectants to keep clean. Guys, simple washing with warm water and, if necessary, a mild soap or non-soap cleanser (such as sorbolene or glycerine cream) is more than satisfactory. Uncircumcised men should slide the foreskin back and wash the head of the exposed penis simply with warm water, not soap. Then, be sure to dry the area very well.
Both infrequent and too-frequent washing have been associated with balanitis (an inflammation of the penis or head). If you do notice irritation, avoid scented soaps or shower gels and try warm salt water instead. New clothes or even new laundry detergents can also cause irritation. If irritation persists, see a doctor.
We have more tips on penis health care…
self-examination
Particularly when sexually active, men should regularly perform genital self-examination to identify testicular cancer or any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that present themselves visibly. How regularly? Well, there is no golden rule, but once a month should be satisfactory.
For testicular cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:
Once a month, after taking a bath or shower:
- Examine each testicle individually.
- With both hands, hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers and roll it gently.
- Be on the alert for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape or consistency of your testes.
- Do not mistake the epididymis (a tightly coiled tube on the upper, outer side of each testicle) or the blood vessels and spermatic cord that extend from the testicles as being cancer.
red flags
There are many red flags for STIs. Be vigorous in your self-examinations and know that certain STIs, such as chlamydia, can be completely asymptomatic — meaning that you may show absolutely no identifiable signs or symptoms of infection. In such cases, it’s important that you keep an open channel of communication with your sexual partners. If your partner develops an STI, there may be a chance that you gave it to them without knowing.
The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights some of the major signs and symptoms of common STIs that you should be on the lookout for:
- Discharge from the penis: The drip could be thick and yellow or it could be watery and very slight.
- Change in smell (including foul odor) or color of semen.
- Blood in the semen or urine (dark color).
- Pain during sex or when urinating or ejaculating.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area, anus, tongue, and/or throat.
- Flesh-colored or reddish bumps, sores or blisters on the skin of the genitals that may or may not itch.
- Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area.
- Soft, flesh-coloured, cauliflower-like warts around the genital area.
Lastly, don’t panic if you do notice something unusual. Pearly penile papules found around the rim of the head of the penis are no need for alarm. Similarly, pimples or irritation from shaving are normal. If you are unsure, it’s always best to see a doctor first to understand what is and isn’t normal. Waiting is the worst thing you can do. If you are a little bashful, just remember: Every man has a penis! Man up and go see a doctor.
men's health 101
Like it or not, your penis is with you until the end. As a source of procreation and pleasure, the penis commands proper care. Take care of it properly and you might not be the only benefactor — your lady friends will be equally thankful.
