Sexual Health Penis Health

There is little doubt that all men care about their penis and most will at least make a rudimentary attempt to care for it and clean it on a daily basis. But there is a lot more to proper penis health than simply giving it a quick once-over with the flannel. Your penis demands as much care as your face, hair or teeth and without good care it can let you down.


Washing
Your partner will probably be the first to tell you that washing your penis every day is important. Nothing is more likely to put off a lover than an unwashed appendage. So, keep it clean, but be gentle with it. Use a gentle un-perfumed soap when you have a bath or shower and try not to overdo the scented shower gel, as this can cause soreness. Carefully cleaning with warm water will do just as well. Just be sure to be clean to avoid infections or skin problems. See a doctor if you have persistent dryness or soreness.

Size
It is fair to say that penis size is an obsession for much of the male population. But they often worry more about their size than their lovers do. Penises vary greatly in shape and size, but you can be sure that your mates are just as worried about their penis as you are about yours.

In March 2015, researchers from King's College London published the results of studies conducted on more than 15,500 men. They concluded that, in a flaccid state, the penis of the average man is 3.6 inch (9.16 cm) in length and 3.7 inch (9.1 cm) in girth. Erect it is 5.16 inch (13.12 cm) in length and 4.6 inch (11.66 cm) in girth.

Stimulants
Cigarettes - You may think that smoking a cigarette makes you look more manly, but the reverse is actually true, as smoking can affect the arteries that allow blood to flow to the penis. These arteries are especially narrow, so they can be the first to be impacted by smoking, leading to problems with achieving or maintaining an erection.

Alcohol - Drinking regularly can inhibit both erection and orgasm. Alcohol does this by affecting the production of nitrite oxide molecules, which then makes it difficult for enough blood to flow in the penis. If drinking continues over time and alcoholism develops, there is a possibility for more extensive damage to occur. The peripheral nervous system can be injured permanently, thus affecting the ability to have or maintain an erection

Drugs - Some drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine, can lower your inhibitions and make you more likely to indulge in unprotected, unsafe sex. This obviously increases the risk of being infected with an STI including HIV via sexual contact. Some drugs can also interact dangerously with other drugs used to increase sexual performance. For example, taking poppers with Viagra can lead to a rapid lowering of blood pressure and possible stroke, heart attack or death.

Semen
A mild deviation from the normal milky-white colour of semen is not always a cause for concern, as semen colour can vary at times and be affected by factors such as your diet. But if your semen is discoloured for a lengthy period then you should consult your GP or a sexual health clinic. Green hues to semen can indicate the presence of gonorrhoea so be sure to visit a doctor immediately in this case.

Leisure
After visiting a swimming pool or sauna always be sure to wash and dry your penis well. This means that it will remain clean and healthy, as infections or irritation can often linger when the penis is dirty or not dried well. If you are shy about washing yourself in public or using communal showers then always be sure to take some intimate hygiene gel or some wet wipes with you and then clean properly when you get home. Use the wet wipes designed for infants, as these are usually more gentle and are un-perfumed, so they will not irritate you.

 Cancer
Cancer of the penis is rare, with around 500 cases in the UK each year, mostly in men over the age of 50. Early symptoms usually include a change in colour of an area of skin on the glans or foreskin. This skin may become thickened, show a small red rash and later develop into a small, flat bluish-brown growth. It may also present as a painless growth or sore, which may bleed. The virus that causes penile warts also increases the risk of penis cancer, which is another great reason to wear a condom. Hygiene is especially important in men who have a large foreskin, with the risks being lessened in circumcised men.


Prevention
You should always use condoms when you have sexual contact. But If you have had unprotected sex then you should seek sexual health testing afterwards, in order to rule out a range of infections, including bacterial ones. Unsafe sex is the number one cause of all sexually transmitted infections, so you should do this whether or not you have symptoms, as these can develop later on. The test involves either a urine test or a simple swab and if you have a bacterial infection you can usually be treated with antibiotics. Be sure to wash your hands before and after you go to the toilet too.