Taking care of your penis is crucial for many reasons and none of them are in vain. Sure, you want your dick to look good in pics but that’s not the only purpose for good hygiene. In fact, poor penis-prep can be damaging to more than just your reputation. So, learn how to take care of your penis like a pro.

What factors affect penis health?

Most people know they can’t run around sticking their cocks into anything that walks. That behavior is considered generally dangerous and can lead to breakups and STIs. But did you know that there are other factors that can affect your penile wellbeing? Let’s take a look.

First, understand that this sort of “crotch fitness” doesn’t mean that your junk is big and bulky. It simply means your penis and reproductive organs function properly. To have a healthy penis, the following 5 things must be true for you:

• You can urinate without pain, burning, or discomfort.
• You’re able to achieve and/or maintain an erection.
• Your fertility is still intact, especially if you’re young.
• You don’t have penile, testicular, or prostate cancer.
• Your free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If one of those things is untrue for you, contact a medical professional as soon as possible because it may be a sign of something more serious. Meanwhile, your penis health can also be affected by these things:

• Hormone levels
• Underlying health conditions
• Age
• Sex/Gender
• Sexual habits
• Diet
• Physical fitness
• Lifestyle
• Medication
• Hygiene

For more information on how hygiene plays a more significant role in penile fitness than diet, exercise, and sexual appetites combined, keep reading.

Why is penis hygiene so important?

Aside from not wanting to gross out your partners, taking care of your penis is important because it fortifies your erection. That’s right. A clean dick is a lean dick, and a lean dick performs better in bed.

You see, poor penis hygiene can lead to a smegma build-up. Smegma is a thick, oily, smelly substance that gets secreted by your dick every day. It’s completely natural and not necessarily a sign of trouble if it’s moderate. However, leftover smegma can stink. Then, it can cause embarrassment…or infection.

Smegma causes inflammation on the skin that it touches. Inflamed dicks are beyond uncomfortable, plus balanitis can develop as well. What’s balanitis, you ask? It’s a nasty condition wherein the head of the penis becomes extremely red, swollen, and tender. Ouch.

Contrary to popular belief, even circumcised dicks excrete smegma. Of course, uncircumcised penises are more susceptible to build-up, but the problem is all the same. Moral of the story: wash the Fromunda cheese from your twigs and berries before trying to serve them up on a platter.

How to take care of your penis like a pro

Knowing why pampering your penis is important certainly helps, but that’s only half the battle. A lot of men understand that they need to do more for themselves, yet they have no idea where to start. Meanwhile, many of the suggestions are impractical, demeaning, or just downright dumb.

So, if you’re ready to start taking this shit seriously without breaking the bank, busting your ass, or embarrassing yourself, listen up. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you out:

#1. Drink Lots of Water

You heard it here, folks. Staying hydrated can help improve your penile performance and appearance. It not only softens the skin, but it also helps your body produce fluids for erections and ejaculation.

DID YOU KNOW: Some partners swear that liquids you drink can be tasted in your ejaculate during oral sex.

#2. Eat Like a Smart Man

Smart eating means consuming foods that are helpful to your body. That includes chowing down on plenty of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates to help with marathon sessions and prostate health.

DID YOU KNOW: Spicy foods, spinach, and avocado are all tied to increased testosterone levels and higher fertility.

#3. Get Up and Start Moving

Physical activity is connected to penis health, believe it or not. In fact, studies have shown that inactivity affects the cardiovascular system, which in turn affects your ability to get hard.

DID YOU KNOW: Obesity is one of the leading causes of heart disease, diabetes, and (subsequently) erectile dysfunction (ED).

#4. Do Pelvic Floor Exercises

This workout is most commonly associated with vaginal tightness but it’s helpful for men as well. That’s because it improves bladder control and strengthens the muscles that control erection.

DID YOU KNOW: Kegel exercises can decrease your chances of developing certain types of cancer, according to recent studies.

#5. De-Stress Your Life

That’s right; reducing the stress in your life can improve your experiences in the sack. Stress can cause sexual performance and anxiety problems, so try to relax more often for your penis’s sake.

DID YOU KNOW: Journaling, deep breathing, meditation, and sports are considered the healthiest ways to combat stress in men.

#6. Get More Sleep

Sleep deprivation can lead to more problems than you realize. In fact, it has been linked to depleted testosterone levels, hormonal imbalances, dietary changes, and mood swings.

DID YOU KNOW: To stay healthy, the average man is supposed to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep each night.

#7. Stop Smoking and Drinking

Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol is dangerous to your dick, like it or not. Cigarettes and booze contain chemicals that can disrupt your cardiovascular system and ultimately your penile health.

DID YOU KNOW: Tobacco has been linked to increased infertility, and booze with what’s colloquially known as “whiskey dick.”

#8. Try to Man-scape

Your pelvic mound can get pretty unruly if you don’t learn how to be tough with the scruff. So, man-scape the landscape to prevent ingrown hairs, blemishes, heat rash, or odors.

DID YOU KNOW: Excessive hair on the groin can cause chaffing which may ultimately lead to a skin or yeast infection.

#9. Masturbate Often

You won’t go blind and your hands won’t grow hair if you jerk off all the time. In fact, it’s actually good for your health. It’s especially beneficial if you have erectile dysfunction or prostate disease.

DID YOU KNOW: Doctors now suggest that a man ejaculate, either through intercourse or masturbation, at least 21 times per month.

#10. Wash Your Wanker

The most important part of taking care of your penis is washing it properly. That keeps bacterial infections at bay, helps soften pubic hair, and moisturized the pelvic skin.

DID YOU KNOW: Dry, cracked skin around the groin, balls, or penis can lead to flaking, painful itching, and/or skin infections.

Washing your penis: a quick how-to guide

Fortunately, washing a penis isn’t nearly as complex as washing a vagina. Still, it takes some knowledge and skill because this is a delicate organ we’re talking about. After all, it makes you feel better than any other part of your body. So, take care of it to show some appreciation. Here’s how:

• Use warm, fresh water. Stay away from that cold, stagnant shit.
• Pick an unscented, oil-free, antibacterial soap. Don’t scrub or use anything abrasive.
• Start at the base of the penis and work around. Try not to forget about your balls and taint.
• Pay close attention to the shaft. Look for signs of injury or skin damage while you’re at it.
• Pull back the foreskin if you have it. Sweat and smegma can collect there quickly.
• Groom your pubic hair after the area has been cleaned. That helps prevent ingrown hairs.

For the best results, try to wash your penis at least once per day. Also, clean it off after each sexual encounter to prevent bacterial infections and body fluid build-up. And don’t forget to scrub your asshole and butt cheeks because anal odors can waft up between your legs during sex. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

The 10 signs of a neglected penis

You can practice perfect penile hygiene and still run into some problems. So, as you take care of your penis like a pro, be on the lookout for these signs of troublesome neglect:

• Large amounts of unusual discharge
• Red or swollen frenulum
• Red or swollen balls (glans)
• Blisters
• Skin rashes
• Uncontrollable itching
• Burning sensations when you pee
• Warts
• Puss-filled sores
• Ingrown hairs

• Keep in mind as you groom that unclean razors and shavers may cause razor burn which could look like something else. If you’re seriously concerned, or if the bumps don’t go away after about a week, see a doctor for help.