The penis is arguably the part of the body that men value the most, so you owe it to that part of the body to always keeps it clean, healthy and fit for purpose. Give him the care he deserves and you might not be the only one to enjoy its benefits – your partner will probably thank you too.

How to clean your penis?

Gently washing the penis with lukewarm water every day while showering or bathing is enough to keep it clean. Although regular personal hygiene is important, excessive washing with soap and shower gels can be painful. It is enough to gently wash your penis with lukewarm water once a day to maintain good hygiene. If you want to use soap, choose a mild or unscented soap to reduce the chance of skin irritation.

Using talcum powder and deodorants on your penis can be tempting, but they are best avoided as the talcum powder will penetrate under the foreskin, which can irritate.

Circumcised men should be equally careful when cleaning their penises. Washing the penis with lukewarm water once a day is enough.

How to clean foreskin?

If you have a foreskin, gently pull it back and wash underneath it. Do not attempt to forcefully pull the foreskin of a child or young boy as this can cause pain and damage. Their foreskin may still be attached to the head of the penis and therefore will not fully retract. At this stage of their development, it is not necessary to clean the inside of the foreskin.

If you don’t wash properly under the foreskin, a cheesy-looking substance called smegma can start to build up.

Smegma is a natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist. It is found on the head of the penis and under the foreskin.

If smegma builds up in the foreskin, it can start to smell, make it difficult for you to pull your foreskin back easily, and become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to redness and swelling of the head of your penis, called balanitis.

Balanitis is a treatable condition that usually occurs in uncircumcised men. The main symptoms include swelling and pain in the head of the penis.

Don’t forget your testicles and pubic area

Don’t forget to clean the base of the penis and testicles, where sweat and hair can combine to create a pungent smell. These areas should be washed frequently to keep sweat from building up, especially when locked in underwear for most of the day.

Make sure the area between the testicles and the anus is also clean and odor-free.

While you’re down, it’s a good idea to check your testicles for lumps once a month after a hot bath or shower. Look for any unusual bumps or swellings that weren’t there before.

Speak with a doctor if you find anything unsettling or if you have any concerns about your health.