Keeping the Penis Clean

Courtesy of WebMD

Fun Fact: Did you know that 85% of men in the United States are circumcised?

We live in a hygiene obsessed society where almost everyone likes to keep their bodies clean. Unfortunately, we can fall into the trap of thinking that the harder we scrub and the harsher the soap, the cleaner we’ll be. This approach may be good for keeping your kitchen floor sparkling, but it’s not great for your skin, especially the sensitive skin of the genitals. Gentlemen, just because you can see your “plumbing” doesn’t mean you need to go crazy scrubbing to clean your penis. Ladies, don’t worry I’ve got you covered; click here to learn more about keeping your vagina clean.

What do I use to clean my penis?

You don’t need a special product to clean your penis.  In fact, just warm water can get the job done. If you choose to use soap, you can use the same soap you bathe the rest of your body with, but you need to rinse well. If you use a harsh soap, like one with a heavy scent,  you may want to consider using a milder one. All of your skin will thank you, not just your penis. Remember no matter what you use, be gentle when washing!

How do I keep my penis clean?

If you are circumcised, all you need to do is wash gently and rinse. If you are uncircumcised, you will need to pull the foreskin back from the head of the penis to clean it thoroughly. You should only pull your foreskin back as much as is comfortable, don’t force it. Rinse the glans or head of the penis and underneath the foreskin. If you use soap, rinse well, and then pull the foreskin back in place over the head of the penis.

Why should I keep my penis clean?

Cleaning under the foreskin regularly will prevent the build-up of smegma, a foul smelling cheese- like substance, on the penis. Both circumcised and uncircumcised men can develop smegma, however it will accumulate faster in uncircumcised men due to the foreskin. The presence of smegma is also a risk factor for penile cancer. Cancer of the penis is very rare, but by preventing the build-up of smegma, you can reduce your risk. Poor hygiene in uncircumcised men has also been linked to balanitis, which is inflammation of the penis.

Those are just some health reasons for keeping your penis clean. On a side note, your sex partner(s) will also appreciate your extra efforts if oral sex is a part of your extracurricular activities. Just ask yourself:  would you want to kiss someone that had poor oral hygiene? Would you want to put a body part in your mouth that had not been washed very well? You probably answered “no” to these questions, and if you asked your partner they’d probably feel the same way. Do your partner the courtesy of washing up on a regular basis, especially if you will be on the receiving end of oral sex. Even if you don’t engage in oral sex, you’ll smell nice.

Resources

Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford

Care of the Uncircumcised Penis

National Library of Medicine

Cancer of the Penis

WebMD

Circumcision Basics

Penis Disorders

Myesha Johnson

REACH Peer Educator

Wellness Education and Promotion

813-974-4936

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