Men’s Sexual Health Guidelines – A New Angle on Penis Care

When it comes to penis care, the majority of men have the basics down, and they follow a similar routine just about every day when it comes to grooming and hygiene. On the other hand, while all of the steps they were taught growing up – by parents, doctors, and health teachers, most guys are not aware of one vital step that could make a big difference in their overall penis health.

The average male follows a routine that looks something like this:

• Hygiene – Of course, cleanliness is the first step to good health, and there is no substitute for a daily shower or bath to cleanse away any built-up grime, sweat, body fluids and dead skin cells. Keeping the penis clean is necessary for preventing issues like fungal infections, irritation, swelling and unpleasant odors. Washing with a mild cleanser is best, as ordinary soaps can dry the delicate penile skin; and men should avoid scrubbing with rough cloths or sponges – the fingertips alone will do the trick.
• Grooming – Many men opt for a little extra grooming beyond the cleansing step; trimming or shaving the pubic hair is a good way to keep the area neat and tidy, control odor, and present the manhood in its full glory to a potential partner (for those who haven’t heard, trimming or shaving the bushy hair around the penis can actually make it look bigger!).
• Protection – Every male who has been through a high school health class knows that a major factor in sexual health is using barrier protection for each and every encounter. Covering up is not only the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, save abstinence – it is also the most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted disease. For men who cannot tolerate latex, there are plenty of good alternatives, so there is no excuse for missing this important aspect of penis care.
• Self-exams – Most diseases and conditions can be treated if they are caught in the early stages, so men are encouraged to carry out a regular self-exam. A monthly inspection of the penis and scrotum, with the help of some gentle probing and a good magnifying mirror, can help men detect small problems before they turn into big ones.
• Annual checkups – As with the steps described above, most men are reasonably aware that they should be seeing their doctor for an annual checkup; and for men who are sexually active, a trip to the STI clinic or urologist every 6 months or so can help them protect themselves and their partners from infections that can lead to serious problems.

What’s missing from the penis care routine?

Men who make the steps listed above a part of their personal care routines are well on their way to good sexual health, not to mention good health overall. However, there is one further aspect of penile care that can give men an extra boost when it comes to fighting diseases, performing at their peak, and experiencing pleasurable sensations.

Even men who exercise daily care and protect themselves and their partners during intimate encounters can sustain surface-level damage to the penile skin. This damage can be cumulative and can cause a breakdown in the nerve fibers that transmit pleasurable sensations to the brain. Furthermore, constant friction – whether from clothing or from sexual activity – can cause a keratinization response in the penile skin, where a thicker outer dermal layer is formed as an extra level of protection for the body. Unfortunately, this protective response can also contribute to a gradual loss of sensation – and even a decrease in function.

To avoid these problems, men may consider adding a top-shelf penis vitamin cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to their daily regimen. A cream that is fortified vitamins, antioxidants and rich moisturizers can provide an extra layer of protection against friction-related injury, as well as helping to constantly rejuvenate tissue that is damaged during the wear and tear of daily life. Applying a cream like this after a shower, once or twice daily, can leave the penis feeling soft, healthy and responsive.