More men have foreskin than do not. However, how many men are really aware of all the issues they should be on the lookout for to keep their favorite appendage safe and secure? For men with uncircumcised dicks, the foreskin can cause a lot of problems if not cared for properly. With that in mind, here are 5 things to watch out for to keep your penis healthy as well as 8 uncircumcised penis health hacks to keep Mr. Willy healthy and happy for decades to come.
Be on the Lookout for: Injuries
Foreskin just sorta “hangs out,” right? Well, it can famously hang precariously close to a zipper and get caught. This is a major injury for guys with uncircumcised penises.
What to do: See a doctor.
What to expect: Expect an exam, questions, and the recommendation to use over-the counter (OTC) pain relievers for discomfort. In more extreme cases, the doctor may provide prescription meds or a local anesthetic while the skin heals itself.
Be on the Lookout for: Bacterial or Fungal Infection
Like anything else, when the penis is not cleaned often enough or well enough, bacteria can take over the area and cause infections. Infections can also happen when there’s a small cut in the skin, opening the door for entry of a host of bacteria and microbes. The most common infection related to uncircumcised penises is balanitis, which is an inflammation of the head of the penis. The symptoms of balanitis can include:
– Tender and itchy penis
– Penile swelling
– Pain during urination
– Chunky white discharge under the foreskin that emits a nasty smell
What to do: Call your doctor.
What to expect: Usually you’ll remedy the issue with an antifungal medication, most often as a cream or ointment, and daily washing. It usually clears up in a few days.
Be on the Lookout for: Yeast Infection
Sorry guys, you get them too! Male yeast infections happen most often around the foreskin. Different types of fungi, including Candida albicans, cause yeast infections.
How do you know if you have a yeast infection? Here are some common symptoms:
– Itchiness
– Soreness
– Swelling around the penis
– Rash
– Papules in the area
What to do: Call your doctor to get a prescription called in. You can use OTC medications, but they generally don’t totally get rid of the infection.
What to expect: After getting your prescription, expect that it will clear up within a few days to a week. If it’s still not gone after that – call your doc.
Be on the Lookout for: Phimosis
Phimosis happens when the foreskin is too snug around the penis and stops it from retracting back over the head of the penis. Phimosis usually affects children, and as the foreskin loosens with age, phimosis disappears. In adults, phimosis can happen as the result of a sexually transmitted infection or another disease state, like diabetes. Some additional symptoms of phimosis include:
– Discomfort and sensitivity around the tip of the penis
– Swelling of the penis
– Bleeding
– Scarring near the penis tip
– Difficulty controlling the stream when urinating
– Infection
What to do: If it gets painful, see a doctor for an examination.
What to expect: Most times, a doctor will say to wash the area with lukewarm water each day. If there’s inflammation, they may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply as directed.
Be on the Lookout for: Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis happens when the foreskin gets stuck below the glans (or head of the penis) and cannot pull back over the penis. The skin can then become constricted around the penile shaft, resulting in inflammation and pain. It can also cause fluid buildup in the area, which only makes the swelling worse.
What to do: Seek medical attention immediately!
What to expect: A doctor will most likely use a local anesthetic to ease pain in the area. Usually, they will manually restore the foreskin to its proper spot. In more severe cases, they will have to loosen the skin by making a small incision.
Uncircumcised Penis Health Hacks
There are plenty of men out there with uncut wangs without issues. That’s because they establish a penis health regimen that works. Take a cue from them and incorporate these helpful hacks to keep your member in tip-top shape.
1) Clean under the foreskin every day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Be thorough!
2) Avoid using any harsh soaps or chemicals in the area, and definitely keep scrubs and exfoliators with acids away from your Johnson.
3) Change underwear daily (or more often if needed).
4) Shower immediately after sex or exercise.
5) Don’t powder your penis or cover it in cologne.
6) Practice safe sex.
7) Give it some air each day.
8) Use a specially formulated penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to keep the penis soft, supple, and extra fresh. This is a great final step that not only keeps the area clean and sparkly but also helps preserve sensitivity and banish bacteria. Use daily for best results.
