Male Genital Hygiene

    Maintaining genital hygiene in men involves specific retraction and cleaning techniques, including the visualization of the coronal sulcus during retraction, which are crucial for genital health and preventing complications. Regular cleaning should start in childhood. Although cleaning a phimotic prepuce can be challenging, it is necessary until circumcision is performed.

    A major challenge in men’s genital hygiene is the lack of sex education in schools, leading to a lack of awareness about the importance of genital hygiene and the retractability of the foreskin. Parents play a crucial role in educating children about their genitals, naming the parts, and preparing them for changes during adolescence and adulthood. The foreskin serves as a common passage for the excretory and reproductive systems, but variations such as long, tight, retracted, adhesions, and phimosis can lead to complications.

    Understanding the importance of cleaning to prevent the accumulation of smegma, a secretion under the foreskin that can harbor bacteria and lead to infections, is a critical aspect of genital hygiene. It is recommended to clean with plain water at least once daily, avoiding soaps or other chemicals. Cleaning before and after sexual activity is preferable, including the coronal sulcus and both the inner and outer aspects of the entire prepuce. The prepuce is protective during sexual activity and retains sensitivity in individuals with hypospadias.

    Phimosis, a condition where the prepuce cannot be retracted, can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections in congenital cases, while inflammatory phimosis should be treated based on the underlying pathology, with circumcision considered at later stages.

    Hypospadias, a condition where the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis, affects nearly 3% of men. These individuals should follow special hygiene and protection guidelines. Circumcision should be avoided when possible, as the prepuce offers a degree of protection in such cases.

    Smegma production increases during adolescence and declines with age. If not cleaned appropriately, smegma can lead to offensive odor and infection. Inadequate genital hygiene is not only a risk factor for penile cancers but also promotes cervical cancer development in female partners. Regular cleaning and hygiene are crucial to avoid health risks associated with smegma accumulation and to protect against STIs, HIV (partially), sub-preputial infections, balanoposthitis of various etiologies, and malignancy.

    Overall, educating men about proper genital hygiene, retraction, cleaning, and avoiding unnecessary circumcision is vital for promoting genital health and preventing infections and complications.