More men have foreskin than not. However, how many men are really aware of all the issues they need to be aware of in order to keep their favorite appendage safe and secure? For men with an uncircumcised penis, the foreskin can cause a lot of problems if not taken care of properly. With that in mind, here are 5 things to keep in mind to keep your penis healthy, as well as 8 uncircumcised penis health hacks to keep Mr. Willy healthy and happy for decades to come.
Watch for: Injuries
The foreskin just “hangs out”, right? Well, it’s famous that it can dangle precariously near a zipper and get caught. This is a major injury for men with uncircumcised penises.
To do: See a doctor.
What to expect: Expect an exam, questions, and a recommendation to use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for discomfort. In more extreme cases, the doctor may provide prescription medication or a local anesthetic while the skin heals on its own.
Watch for: Bacterial or fungal infections
Like anything else, when the penis is not cleaned often enough or properly, bacteria can take over the area and cause infections. Infections can also occur when there is a small break in the skin, which opens the door for a large number of bacteria and microbes to enter. The most common infection associated with uncircumcised penises is balanitis, which is an inflammation of the head of the penis. Symptoms of balanitis can include:
– Sensitive and itchy penis
– Swelling of the penis
– Pain when urinating
– Thick white discharge under the foreskin that emits an unpleasant odor
To do: Call your doctor.
What to expect: You’ll usually fix the problem with an antifungal medication, usually in the form of a cream or ointment, and a daily wash. It usually goes away in a few days.
Watch for: yeast infection
Sorry guys, you have them too! Male yeast infections most often occur around the foreskin. Different types of mushrooms, including Candida albicanscauses candidiasis.
How do you know if you have a yeast infection? Here are some common symptoms:
– itching
– Pain
– Swelling around the penis
-Rash
– Papules in the area
To do: Call your doctor for a prescription. You can use over-the-counter medications, but they usually don’t get rid of the infection completely.
What to expect: After you get your prescription, expect it to go away within a few days to a week. If it’s still not gone after that, call your doctor.
Watch for: Phimosis
Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is too tight around the penis and prevents it from retracting over the head of the penis. Phimosis usually affects boys, and as the foreskin loosens with age, phimosis goes away. In adults, phimosis can occur as a result of a sexually transmitted infection or other disease, such as diabetes. Some additional symptoms of phimosis include:
– Discomfort and tenderness around the tip of the penis
– Swelling of the penis
– bleeding
– Scarring near the tip of the penis
– Difficulty controlling the stream when urinating
– Infection
To do: If it gets painful, see a doctor for an exam.
What to expect: Most of the time, a doctor will tell you to wash the area with warm water every day. If there is inflammation, they may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply as directed.
Watch for: paraphimosis
Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin gets stuck under the glans (or head of the penis) and cannot be retracted over the penis. The skin can then contract around the shaft of the penis, causing inflammation and pain. It can also cause fluid buildup in the area, which only makes the swelling worse.
To do: Seek medical attention immediately!
What to expect: A doctor will most likely use a local anesthetic to relieve pain in the area. They will usually manually restore the foreskin to its proper place. In more severe cases, they will need to loosen the skin by making a small incision.
Uncircumcised penis health tips
There are plenty of men out there with uncut wangs with no problem. That’s because they establish a penis health regimen that works. Take a cue from them and incorporate these helpful tricks to keep your member in tip-top shape.
1) Clean under the foreskin daily with warm water and a mild cleanser. Be thorough!
2) Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals on the area, and definitely keep acid scrubs and scrubs away from your Johnson.
3) Change underwear daily (or more often if necessary).
4) Shower immediately after sex or exercise.
5) Do not powder your penis or cover it with cologne.
6) Practice safe sex.
7) Give him some air every day.
8) Use an oil specially formulated for penis health (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil that has been clinically proven to be gentle and safe for the skin) to keep the penis soft, supple and extra cool. This is a great final step that not only keeps the area sparkling clean, but also helps preserve sensitivity and kill bacteria. Use daily for best results.