Maintaining genital hygiene is one of the key elements in preventing reproductive system diseases. Proper male intimate hygiene is based on regular washing of the genital area.
What is Proper Male Hygiene?
Male hygiene involves keeping the genitals and perineal skin clean to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. To prevent skin irritation, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting underwear made of natural fabrics and avoid using detergents that may cause allergic reactions. It is also essential to select appropriate clothing to prevent the genital area from getting too cold or too warm.
Male Intimate Hygiene Guidelines
How Should Men Wash Themselves?
Before washing, men should thoroughly wash their hands with soap. Here are some basic guidelines:
- Gently retract the foreskin and, using warm running water and unscented soap free of dyes and alcohol, clean the following areas: the area under the foreskin, the surface of the penis, the scrotum, the perineum, and the skin between the thighs.
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing and excessive use of soap to prevent pain and irritation.
- Gently pat dry the tip of the penis, the area under the foreskin, and other genital areas with a towel.
- Put on clean and dry underwear.
It is not recommended to use talcum powder, colognes, deodorants, lotions, or alcohol-based moisturizers. If you notice any discharge from the penis, an unpleasant odor, pain, redness, itching of the glans, or narrowing of the foreskin, consult a urologist.
How Often Should Men Wash Themselves?
Men should wash at least once a day. Long intervals between hygienic procedures can lead to dermatological, urological, and infectious diseases. Excessive washing can cause itching, dryness, and skin irritation.
Male Hygiene and Sexual Activity
It is essential to wash after every sexual intercourse, regardless of whether condoms were used. Residual semen and secretions can cause skin irritation and inflammation of the genital mucous membranes.
Genital Hygiene in Boys
Preschool boys should have their penis washed daily with warm water and gentle soap during each bath. If diapers are used, the child should be washed each time they are changed to prevent diaper rash and skin irritation. As the child grows older, they should be taught to properly wash their penis on their own. Basic rules for children’s genital hygiene include:
- To avoid injuries and intimate problems, handle the foreskin with care, as it does not completely separate from the head of the penis in young boys.
- If the foreskin is retractable, gently pull it back, wash all accessible areas of the glans, and rinse off any soap residue.
- After washing, dry the scrotum and penis by gently patting them with a soft towel.
- Do not use cotton swabs.
A narrowing of the foreskin that hinders normal urination may indicate the development of phimosis (in most cases, phimosis in boys needs to be treated surgically). If the foreskin becomes red or swollen, or if discharge appears from the urethra, it is recommended to consult an andrologist.
Male Hygiene in Adulthood
In adulthood, male genital hygiene involves taking a daily shower or bath with thorough washing of the perineum, external surface of the penis, scrotum, foreskin, glans, and areas under the foreskin. Use warm water with soap, an intimate wash gel, or another cleaning agent that does not cause allergic reactions.
To prevent sexually transmitted diseases, condoms should be used during sex. It is recommended to wash before and after sexual activity, as well as after bowel movements. Avoid wearing tight underwear and synthetic fabrics that restrict airflow and retain heat and moisture in the groin area to prevent fungal infections.
Uncircumcised men may accumulate smegma under the foreskin—a whitish substance composed of dead skin cells and oily secretions. To prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant odors, regularly clean the penis to remove smegma.
During urination, retract the foreskin and ensure it remains dry after using the toilet to prevent the development of infections. Clothes should be washed with detergents that do not have a negative impact on skin health and should be thoroughly rinsed.
When Should Men Have a Preventive Check-Up with a Urologist?
It is recommended to visit a urologist at least once a year and to see a doctor immediately if any unpleasant symptoms arise (such as a burning sensation during urination, blood in the urine, rashes, or painful lumps). The risk of developing urological diseases increases with age, so after 40, the frequency of visits may need to be increased for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Should Men Remove Hair in the Groin Area?
Removing hair in the groin area is one of the elements of intimate hygiene and can help prevent the growth of harmful microbes. Hair removal may be necessary if there is discomfort, an unpleasant odor, or increased sweating in hot weather.
Rules for Male Urination: Sitting or Standing?
The body position during urination depends on one’s health and the presence of symptoms. In the absence of painful symptoms, any position can be used.
For men experiencing difficulty urinating (e.g., due to prostatitis), a sitting position may facilitate urine flow. Incomplete bladder emptying is associated with an increased risk of cystitis and urolithiasis. If using the toilet immediately after waking up or when feeling exhausted, there is a risk of dizziness and fainting (especially in older men), so a sitting position can help prevent injuries.
How to Choose a Male Intimate Hygiene Product?
It is recommended to use gentle, alcohol-free products without fragrances or perfumed components that can cause rashes, itching, or skin irritation. Avoid using talcum powder and deodorants. If necessary, choose a suitable intimate hygiene product in consultation with a healthcare professional.
What Should Men’s Underwear Be Like?
Men’s underwear should be dry, clean, made of natural fabric, and not too tight. Tight synthetic underwear can impair air circulation and blood flow, increase perspiration, and cause skin overheating and irritation. Male and boys’ hygiene also involves washing underwear with powder or other cleaning agents that do not contain components that provoke allergic reactions.
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