Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 29th April 2022

Eating well, staying active, and being mentally and physically healthy are things most men hear every day. Have you heard of penis health? The penis needs to be healthy and well taken care of, not just for a safe and active sexual life but also to protect yourself from diseases and infections. Practising safe sex, maintaining hygiene, staying active, and eating healthy foods are at the core of keeping healthy down there.

What Most Commonly Affects Penis Health? 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are the most common causes that affect penis health. While many are aware of STDs, a sudden change in penis function, colour, discharge, or rash may indicate unhealthy penile conditions that someone may wish to go for std testing for in order to rule anything out. The most common sexually transmitted disease is herpes. Genital herpes, herpes, and cold sores are easily treated with the help of treatment plans and medications. While most herpes symptoms are visual, like sores and blisters, you may also face burning or pain during urination, itching, and sensitivity in the genital area. Genital warts and herpes can look like blisters filled with blood or pus. If you come across something similar, there are medicines like aciclovir tablets that can help with treatment. However, it is best to get checked before starting on any medications since there could be several underlying issues or causes related to infections.

How To Keep Healthy Down There? 

Penis health does not need anything special in terms of care. However, there are a few things to do if you are diagnosed (by a doctor, not the internet!) with a specific penile condition that requires attention. 

Regular Exercise

Exercise helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues by promoting blood flow. Regular exercise helps boost mental health to reduce the risk of developing conditions like depression that may result in a low libido (sexual drive) and affect sexual performance. Getting the blood pumping and flowing also helps in maintaining healthy erections and reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Ideally, exercising for 30 minutes or more each day can help maintain good cardiovascular health. Doing a light workout or 10 – 15 minutes of cardio each day can help keep your body and mind fit. Things like a brisk walk, a light jog, beginner jumping jacks, and stretches can also help keep the joints lubricated, release stress, and increase blood flow to all the muscles in your body, including the penis. 

Quit Smoking

Cigarettes and tobacco smoking are responsible for many diseases like asthma, smoker cough, and erectile dysfunction. Studies suggest that the number of cigarettes you smoke can increase or decrease your chances of developing erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, you should start a program to quit as soon as possible. While quitting is not easy, it is possible, and several resources are available for smoking cessation. Quitting excessive smoking can help reduce the risk of developing cancer and help improve overall lung capacity and cardiovascular health.

Maintain Hygiene

Keeping the penis clean and hygienic is as vital as practising all the habits needed for sexual health and erectile functions in the long term. Cleaning the penis regularly helps reduce the excessive development and collection of smegma under the foreskin of the penis, which can cause balanitis. It is necessary to use a gentle soap and clean the penis thoroughly without scratching, pulling, or scrubbing vigorously. Men should clean gently underneath the foreskin, and those who do not should also ensure the area is appropriately cleansed without causing harm to the penis. Even after cleaning regularly, if you notice an odour or a cheesy discharge, it is best to visit the doctor immediately. 

Practice Safe Sex

Everyone knows they should practice safe sex to avoid unwanted pregnancies. However, safe sex is essential for protecting the penis and vagina during intercourse. The best way to prevent or reduce sexually transmitted diseases and infections is to practice safe, healthy sex. You should use a condom when you have sex, especially anal sex or intercourse with multiple partners. It is also essential to gently wash the penis after sexual intercourse (including the scrotum) to maintain penile health. 

Practice Kegel Exercises

Practising Kegel exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor can help keep the penis healthy and help you maintain a satisfactory sex life with a reduced chance of developing erectile dysfunction. Lack of fitness, obesity, persistently lifting heavy weights, and smokers' cough or chronic cough can cause pelvic muscles to weaken. Practising Kegel exercises helps men suffering from Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), helps prevent urinary leakage, intensifies orgasms in men, and controls premature ejaculation.

What Most Commonly Affects Penis Health, Practice Kegel Exercises, and Maintain Hygiene are discussed in this blog post on 5 Tips To Keep Healthy Down There.