Every man worth his salt should be concerned about penis care and all the things that go into ensuring good overall health – and that includes knowing everything there is to know about sexually transmitted diseases. Though a man should always use a condom when he is with a new partner or even with a partner who is long-term but not monogamous, he should also be aware of the symptoms of certain STIs – such as penis pain, red and itchy penis skin, and discharge, among others.
One of the most nefarious of STDs is gonorrhea. It’s sneaky because it often has no symptoms at all, but sometimes it does present with testicular or penis pain, as well as a frightening discharge and fever. The best way to avoid gonorrhea is to carefully choose partners and always use barrier protection; however, there might be another way to cut down on the chances of contracting gonorrhea. It’s as simple as a strong mouthwash in the medicine cabinet.
Does mouthwash really inhibit gonorrhea?
Mouthwash is a great thing for a man to use on a regular basis. It keeps the breath fresh and helps fight the bacteria that like to build up in the mouth and cause off-putting odors. It might even keep the teeth whiter, which is always a nice plus. And of course, it works wonders for oral hygiene, helping ensure the mouth is as clean as it can be.
Scientists looked at the obvious and proven cleansing properties of mouthwash and wondered: Could it possibly help a man (or a woman) avoid sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed through the mouth?
Researchers in Australia began by testing gonorrhea cultures in two ways: Some cultures were covered in a saline solution, while others were covered in mouthwash. The bacteria in the mouthwash culture decreased significantly.
The next step was to test it out on humans. They tested it on men who had tested positive for gonorrhea, and the results were clear: Only 52 percent of those who used mouthwash tested positive afterward, compared to 84 percent of those who used saline.
Should a man use mouthwash to fight gonorrhea?
The answer to that question is two-fold. Yes, a man should use mouthwash on a regular basis, but he should never count on it to relieve him of an STD or prevent contracting one. Though the use of mouthwash might be a little bit of a safety net, nothing is better than barrier protection.
A man who worries he might have contracted gonorrhea through the mouth can certainly turn to mouthwash to help fight the bacteria, but in the meantime, he should also make an appointment with the doctor to ensure he hasn’t contracted a disease. It is good for a man to see the doctor on a regular basis for testing anyway, as so many STDs present with no symptoms at all – and some of them can lead to serious problems that go well beyond penis pain.
In addition to using mouthwash for day-to-day cleanliness, a man should also pay attention to the everyday health of his penis. To do that, use of a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is in order. Look for a crème that contains natural bacteria fighters, such as vitamin A and vitamin B5. The help of alpha lipoic acid, which fights against free radicals, is also a great option. Look for numerous vitamins and nutrients in a base of high-end emollients like Shea butter and vitamin E; these will help keep penis skin smooth and supple.
