Men usually focus on grooming only their facial hair and hairstyle but often overlook their intimate hygiene. Most men have a lot of questions about intimate hygiene, but they are often brushed under the rug because they are too shy to ask.
Neglecting intimate hygiene causes issues like foul odors, infections, and discomfort. In this article, I pen down the significance of men’s intimate hygiene, the most common mistakes guys make, and the best methods to keep clean and healthy down there. It’s just a few tips and tricks that can help you keep your intimate area clean, healthy, and fresh, so you can feel confident and at ease all day long.
Why is it important for men to clean their intimate parts?
Grooming the intimate parts for better hygiene.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping your intimate area clean, we must first know why it’s important to do so. Proper intimate hygiene is crucial for men’s health and well-being for several reasons:
Reducing the risk of infections
Men’s intimate areas provide a warm and moist environment that can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections. Regular cleaning can help prevent these infections and keep the genital area healthy.
Preventing unpleasant odors
The intimate area can produce a distinct odor that can become unpleasant if not cleaned regularly. With proper intimate hygiene, men can eliminate the bacteria that cause odor, leaving them feeling fresh and clean. The moist space between the foreskin and the glans is often a reservoir of dead skin cells and secretions that together are called smegma. Smegma itself, if allowed to collect, can give rise to a fishy odor and lead to a lot of fishy things between the sheets.
Improving sexual health
Proper intimate hygiene in men can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and help prevent the transmission of these infections to partners. Additionally, regular cleaning can reduce the risk of developing conditions like balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin) or phimosis (tight foreskin) that can affect sexual health and pleasure.
Boosting self-confidence
Good intimate hygiene can make men feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. By keeping their genital area clean and fresh, men can feel more confident in their interactions with partners and in their daily lives, and this reflects in their day-to-day activities both at home and at work.
What parts do men need to clean to maintain their intimate hygiene?
To maintain proper intimate hygiene, men should clean the following areas regularly:
Penis The penis should be washed with warm water and a mild soap lather, paying special attention to the foreskin and the area around the head of the penis.
Scrotum The scrotum should also be washed with warm water and a mild soap. Be sure to clean the folds and creases of the scrotal skin by stretching it.
Anus The anal area should be cleaned thoroughly after bowel movements using mild soap and water, or wet wipes specifically designed for this purpose.
Pubic hair Men can choose to have their pubic hair trimmed and groomed to prevent the buildup of sweat, bacteria, and odors. While pubic hair exists for a reason, many men have partners who prefer a cleaner look. Research suggests that shaving or razing the pubic area can lead to skin breakdown, infection of the hair follicles, itching, and discomfort. Trimming or clipping the hair thus becomes the best choice to mow the lawn. It’s the safest and most comfortable way when compared to epilation creams, razors, or laser treatment.
Buttocks The buttocks should be cleaned thoroughly during showers or baths, paying special attention to the area between the buttocks where sweat and bacteria can accumulate. The natal cleft is often an area where debris and hair can accumulate, especially if you sit for a long period of time or drive long and far.
Groin The groin area should be cleaned thoroughly during showers or baths, especially after exercise or other physical activity. Often a place for fungal elements to take shelter, the groin creases must be adequately dried to prevent tinea cruris or Jock’s itch.
It’s important to note that excessive cleaning or the use of harsh soaps or chemicals can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the genital area and cause irritation or other health problems. Stick to gentle cleansing with mild soap and water, and avoid using perfumes, powders, or other products that can cause irritation or discomfort.
When to clean your intimate area
Even though you take a bath daily and wash your genitals in the process, there are a few scenarios when it’s important for men to take extra initiative to ensure proper hygiene and maintain your intimate health.
When taking a bath When taking a bath, it’s important for men to wash their genital area daily with warm water and a mild soap lather to maintain good hygiene. This can help prevent bacterial or fungal infections, unpleasant odours, and other issues. To clean the penis properly, you need to pull the foreskin back, pour water over the glans, and rub it gently to remove all the dead skin. Do not try to introduce water into the urine hole. If you have a thick frenular band, then try to clean the sides of it so that smegma doesn’t accumulate there.
After peeing It is important to clean their penis after peeing to prevent foul odour, prevent bacterial growth and infection, and maintain good intimate hygiene. When passing urine, if you have a foreskin, you need to pull it back before urinating. It is important to expel the urine residue in the urine pipe (urethra) by shaking or squeezing the penis, as the urine residue can dribble later and get stuck between the foreskin and the glans, causing irritation, allergies, or even infection. Lastly, you need to dab the front part of the glans with a tissue or toilet paper before moving the foreskin back into place.
After physical activity Men who engage in physical activities that cause sweating, such as exercise or sports, should wash their groin area after the activity. Sweat can create a moist environment that can promote bacterial or fungal growth, leading to unpleasant odors or infections.
After sexual activity Sexual activity can introduce bacteria or other microorganisms into the genital area, which can cause infections or unpleasant odors. First and foremost, it is important for men to use protection and lube to safeguard against infections and reduce friction during sexual activity. Secondly, men should wash their genital area before and after sexual activity to remove any potential contaminants and maintain good hygiene. Lastly, peeing after sex can reduce the chances of developing a urinary tract infection.
A few thing to avoid
Maintaining good penis hygiene is important for men’s health and well-being. Here are a few things that men should avoid to keep their penis clean and healthy:
Avoid using scented soaps Strong, scented soaps and body washes can cause irritation and dryness in the genital area. Instead, use mild, unscented soap to clean the penis and surrounding area.
Don’t use hot water Hot water can be damaging to sensitive skin, so it’s important to avoid using hot water to clean the penis. Use warm water instead.
Don’t share personal items Sharing towels, clothing, or other personal items with others can increase the risk of infection. It’s important to use your own personal items and avoid sharing them with others.
Don’t use harsh chemicals Avoid using harsh chemicals, antiseptics, and cosmetics on the penis or surrounding area. These can cause irritation and other health issues.
Don’t wear tight clothing Wearing tight clothing can trap moisture and heat, creating a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that allows for air circulation.
By avoiding these things and practicing good hygiene habits, men can help keep their penis clean and healthy, and reduce the risk of infections and other health issues.
When should I see an andrologist?
While maintaining good penile hygiene is important for men’s health, there are certain situations when it may be necessary to see an andrologist, a medical specialist who deals with male reproductive health. Here are a few situations when a man may want to consider seeing an andrologist for penis hygiene issues:
Pain or discomfort If a man experiences pain, discomfort, or other symptoms in the genital area, he may want to see an andrologist for evaluation. These symptoms could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Skin changes or abnormalities If a man notices any unusual skin changes or abnormalities in the genital area, such as lumps, bumps, or lesions, he should see an andrologist for evaluation. These could be a sign of a skin condition or other medical issue.
Persistent or recurrent infections If a man experiences persistent or recurrent infections in the genital area, such as yeast infections, bacterial infections, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), he may want to see an andrologist for evaluation and treatment.
Abnormal discharge If a man notices any abnormal discharge from the penis, such as pus or blood, he should see an andrologist for evaluation. This could be a sign of infection.
Overall, if a man experiences any unusual symptoms or concerns related to penis hygiene, it’s important to seek medical evaluation and treatment from a qualified andrologist.