Smegma Could Be an Issue for Those With an Intact Penis

Smegma. It’s an unappealing name for an unappealing penis health issue. Guys have heard of it, but many don’t really know what it is. In the United States, that’s not surprising, for smegma is really only an issue for guys with an intact penis. (However, it should be noted that women can also produce smegma, so a circumcised man could theoretically have encountered it with a female partner.) Therefore, some basic information on smegma follows.

What is it, exactly?

When a man talks about smegma on his penis, he is generally referring to a foul-smelling, pale white or yellowish substance that is rather thick and clumpy. It is sometimes referred to as "head cheese" because it does have something of a cheese-like density. Although there may be other ingredients in it, most of smegma is made up of dead skin cells and oily secretions from the sebaceous glands.

However, that physical description of smegma is not entirely accurate. In its initial state, the dead skin cells and oily secretions are not thickened and clumpy. Instead, they are more fluid-like, and in fact before it thickens, smegma is actually an effective natural lubricant. It also helps the foreskin to retract more smoothly and easily. (The word smegma, by the way, is derived from a Greek word that means soap.)

Intact penis

It was mentioned that smegma in males is associated only with those with an intact penis. That is because the dead skin cells involved tend to come from the foreskin. That’s not to say that a circumcised man has no dead skin cells, of course; everybody does, as skin cells are constantly dying and being replaced with new skin cells. But with an intact penis, often the dead skin cells get trapped beneath the foreskin. Over time, if they are not removed, they mix with the oily secretions and eventually thicken into what is typically what is meant by the word smegma.

As mentioned, before it thickens, smegma is a fine natural lubricant. In its early form, it is sterile and odorless and can make penetration much easier. However, after this early-stage form, it is no longer sterile. Trapped between the foreskin and the penis, it is in a very warm, very moist environment - which is just the circumstances for bacteria to grow. This can result in balanitis (in which the glans of the penis becomes inflamed) or balanoposthitis (in which the foreskin itself becomes inflamed), both of which can be painful conditions.

Hygiene

In order to avoid smegma becoming a penis health issue, intact men need to be sure to thoroughly clean the penis and beneath the foreskin regularly. For most men with an intact penis, this means once a day; however, men with skin that is typically oilier than most may need to wash more often. It is very important to include cleaning underneath the foreskin, not just the outer surface. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers, which may irritate the penis. It’s also important to be gentle when pulling back and washing under the foreskin, in order to avoid any potential damage.

Although practicing proper hygiene to prevent or get rid of smegma is important at almost any age, it is most important starting in puberty and continuing through middle age. Smegma production does tend to start decreasing the older a man gets.

Smegma can be an issue for the intact penis, but every penis has health issues to attend to. That’s why daily application of a superior penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is valuable. Seek out an oil that contains important penis health vitamins like A, B5, C, D, and E. Also look at ingredients such as alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant that strengthens penis skin by fighting oxidative stress.

Off-White, Clumpy Penis Sludge: The Difference Between Smegma and a Yeast Infection

You know there is something wrong with your dingle. It’s irritated and coughing up off-white, stinky, clumpy, cottage-cheesy discharge. From everything you’ve read, it could be smegma. But wait, it also seems like it could be a yeast infection. You didn’t even know dudes could get those. How do you tell the difference? There are a few subtle hints, but let’s learn about each, first.

What Is Smegma?

Smegma is the body’s way of cleaning itself up. In this case, in the penile area. Smegma is an accumulation of dead skin cells, oil, and other fluids on the tip of the penis. This buildup accrues over time, getting more inflamed and funkier until it’s fiery and causing problems.

Smegma presents itself as a thick, off-white, foul-smelling cheese-like paste that forms on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. Smegma overgrowth comes from one thing and one thing only - a lax attitude toward personal hygiene. If a man doesn’t shower often or thoroughly, he can find himself with an overgrowth of smegma. It is most common in uncircumcised men; however, anyone, including women, can have it.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Candida, which is a type of yeast, is present in all bodies. It has a particular affinity for warm, moist, dark places, like the inner realm of a man’s groin. Candida is present in the body’s bacterial flora, which keeps body ecology intact. However, an overgrowth of candida can throw it all off-track and result in a yeast infection.

Men are less likely to get yeast infections than women; however, they can still get them. Moreso when a man has diabetes due to the excess of sugar a man has in the urine, or when a man still has his foreskin. Men can get yeast infections in several ways that range from being in a humid environment to antibiotic use to sex with a woman who has a yeast infection.

A yeast infection will produce an off-white, cheesy discharge like smegma. It will, too, include irritation, redness, and a potential rash.

How Do the Symptoms Differ?

Smegma and a yeast infection seem to have a lot in common, but generally, there are a few ways to differentiate them, but it’s in the details. Here are a few things to look for.

A yeast infection:

- Will have a greater itch-factor

- Will cause a greater urgency to urinate frequently, without much urine being produced

- Will spread to other areas fairly quickly

- Generally, will be more inflamed and painful than smegma overgrowth

- Will appear soon after having sexual contact with a woman

Treatment

If a man has smegma overgrowth, the only thing he can do is wash, wash, and wash again. If the foreskin is having trouble retracting or going back into place, however, go immediately to the emergency room for assistance, as phimosis and paraphimosis are severe issues. Smegma will eventually go away with regular, thorough washing.

If a man has a yeast infection, he will want to get an OTC or prescription antifungal cream to stop the infection, but it can take up to 3 weeks to clear up the infection. The oral medication fluconazole is the most effective means to clear up a yeast infection, often dissolving it in 5 days or less.

While treating whichever issue a man has, he should refrain from sexual activity until all is back to regular working order.

An excellent way to keep a penis clean in fresh is to use a specially formulated penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) in addition to daily washing and drying.The shea butter and vitamin E lock in moisture while calming the skin. Vitamin A scares off bacteria, and healthy doses of alpha lipoic acids keep the penis young and robust. Use once or twice daily for best results.

Smegma 101: What It Is and How to Deal with It

Smegma…it seems to be a dirty, dirty word. Point in fact, it is literally a really clean word. It comes from the Latin meaning soap or to cleanse. So, if it has a squeaky-clean origin, then why do people today associate it with a nasty white funk hiding in a guy’s junk?

Well, it’s because people often hear about smegma when it’s so far gone that it’s causing problems. It’s actually part of a normal daily detoxifying process that happens naturally. Smegma is the end result of clean up. It’s comprised of oil, dead skin cells, and other genital fluids. Men and women also both produce it. In small amounts, it can be seen by some as a lubricant. However, it gets its bad rap from the overabundance or overgrowth of this biological concoction that can lead to a serious odorific offender, inflammation, and even infection. Thank goodness that it is also something that can be cleaned up quickly for most men, and then avoided in the future. Let’s talk all things smegma.

Symptoms of Smegma

Smegma is one of those things that is pretty clear-cut. The symptoms of smegma don’t vary widely and are pretty noticeable. A few of those symptoms are:

- Fiery Penis. When overgrowth happens, the affected penis gets red, irritated, and sore, which leads well into the next symptom…

- Peeing like an Angry Dragon. All that fire has to leave the body somehow! Feeling a burning sensation when urinating and lots of throbbing is not uncommon once smegma comes to town.

- What is that SMELL? Smegma is often noted for its unique sour, gag-inducing fragrance.

- White, thick texture with a cheese-like consistency. It may look like ricotta cheese, but it sure isn’t! The texture and smell of this bodily buildup got the name “dick cheese” for a reason.

Smegma Causes

There’s pretty much only one cause of smegma – when a man doesn’t adequately and regularly wash his nether region. So, lack of proper and regular hygiene is the root cause of smegma.
While not a so-called cause of smegma, men who are uncircumcised are at greater risk for smegma issues because the foreskin is smegma’s favorite place to camp out. This can lead to a buildup that is so serious it can cause the foreskin not to retract. Some men choose to be circumcised in adulthood if smegma is a chronic issue.

Getting Rid of Smegma

Simple cause, simple treatment. Clean that Johnson! Implement a daily hygiene ritual for penis health. What should be included? So, thrilled that came up. Here is an easy five-point guide to having the cleanest, healthiest, smegma-free penis on the block:

1) Softly pull back the foreskin (if applicable). Note: If any smegma has hardened, the skin may not want to pull back. Don’t force it! It can not only cause extreme pain but also tear the very delicate genital skin which can lead to bleeding and infection.

2) Use a mild cleanser and warm water to wash the area that’s either covered or typically covered by the foreskin. Be tender but thorough. If the smegma has hardened, rub some oil (coconut, olive, or grapeseed) on it first to loosen it up.

3) Rinse meticulously and pat or air dry.

4) Follow cleansing by nourishing the penis with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) daily. Select a crème that has an all-natural moisturizing base like Shea butter or vitamin E. Look for the addition of nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and D for their anti-bacterial, skin-soothing and cell regeneration properties.

5) Repeat these steps daily until the smegma vanishes and then continue to follow this new routine to prevent smegma until it’s old hat.

If the smegma doesn’t go away after a week of cleansing or the foreskin won’t retract, see a doctor. Otherwise, enjoy a smegma-free member!

When Is Circumcision Necessary? What Men Need to Know

While it’s typically done as an infant, many men opt to undergo a circumcision later in life. Having a circumcised member is fairly common in the U.S.; among men between the ages of 14 to 59, 81 percent are circumcised. That overwhelming number may make a man question: is circumcision necessary?

While most of those circumcisions happen within days of a baby boy’s birth, more and more often, men are choosing to make this decision in adulthood. Ultimately, circumcision is a personal choice, there’s no right answer as to whether or not a man should be circumcised. And as with any surgery, circumcision in adulthood has complications.

If you’re thinking about undergoing a circumcision, there’s a lot to consider. Here we think about some of the benefits of this elective surgery as well as some of the risks.

The benefits of circumcision:

- Reduced Likelihood of Urinary Tract Infections: Uncircumcised men are more prone to this condition than men who have had circumcisions. Generally, these unpleasant infections occur when harmful bacteria, most often e. coli, gets inside the urethra. A urinary tract infection is typically marked by a frequency urgency to urinate, sometimes so severe it wakes a man up from sleep. Usually, urination will also be accompanied by a very uncomfortable pain or burning sensation.

Urinary tract infections are typically more common in men who are uncircumcised because bacteria, like the ones that cause urinary tract infections, can become trapped underneath the foreskin. By removing the foreskin, bacteria have less places to camp out and cause later problems.

- Prevention of Balanitis: Even though cleanliness is key for women and men, circumcised and not, uncircumcised men have to take hygiene especially seriously. And even the cleanest uncircumcised men can sometime experience smegma, a collection of dead skin cells, oil and other fluids that combine into a white, cheese-like substance. When smegma isn’t properly eradicated, it can cause a condition called balanitis, which is when the smegma becomes infected. While this is a problem that impacts all kinds of men, regardless of their circumcision status, it’s especially common in uncut men. By undergoing a later life circumcision, men can more easily prevent this uncomfortable condition.

- Cure to Phimosis: Some uncircumcised men experience phimosis, a condition where a man’s foreskin will be too tight to be pulled back past the glans during intimate situations. Unfortunately, this is not a problem that solves itself naturally. Men who deal with this difficult condition will eliminate the problem with a circumcision.

The risks of a later life circumcision:

Many of the risks associated with later life circumcisions are risks associated with surgery generally. As with any time the body goes into the operating room, bleeding and infection are risks. Men who have this surgery performed are also at risk of meatitis, an inflammation of the opening of the member. Additionally, and predictably, pain at the site of the circumcision is a likely side effect.

Ultimately, there’s no right answer on, "is circumcision necessary," regular men’s care is critical to maintaining a healthy member. While in the shower or bath, always be sure to deliberately the groin area. The manhood, especially uncircumcised ones, are prone to bacterial build-up that can be prevented as simply as engaging in regular bathing. Be sure to wash the groin area daily with warm water and a mild soap.

After washing, it’s always a good idea to use a penis health creme (health professionals often recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Regularly using a moisturizer, especially one that includes beneficial vitamins and botanicals like shea butter and vitamin A that are known for their soothing and healing properties.

Common Penis Problems to Watch Out for in Uncircumcised Men

All men will deal with penis problems at some point in their life, but those that are uncircumcised have a host of issues that they’re especially vulnerable to. Because of the attached foreskin, uncircumcised men are more likely to deal with bacteria and infections than if they were circumcised. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily combated with simple daily cleansing of the penis and underneath the foreskin.

Here are some of the most common problem that uncircumcised men deal with in their life:

1) Urinary Tract Infections: This is condition most often occurring in women, but men who are uncircumcised may also experience this unpleasant occurrence. A urinary tract infection happens when harmful bacteria, often e. coli, gets inside of your urethra. Generally, a man with a urinary tract infection will experience frequency urgencies to urinate, sometime waking from sleep. While voiding, a pain or burning sensation will usually be felt. In severe cases, blood may also be present in the urine. An antibiotic will be required in order to rid yourself of this uncomfortable ailment, but in the meantime cranberry juice can often alleviate the symptoms. An easy way to prevent contracting a urinary tract infection is by maintaining excellent hygiene and keeping your entire groin clean and bacteria free.

2) Phimosis: In this condition, a man’s foreskin will be too tight to be pulled back past the glans during sexual activity, causing intense pain during intimate situations. If a man is experiencing this, it’s essential to speak to a medical profession to find ways to loosen the foreskin.

3) Hypersensitivity: Many uncircumcised men report increased penile sensitivity. While this can often be thought of as a good thing, the increased sensitivity can be difficult to manage for less sexually experienced men, sometimes resulting in premature ejaculation. Often, this is a problem that will resolve itself with time and experience.

4) Penis Odor: Underneath an uncircumcised foreskin is a prime hideout for trapped oil and skins that the body would have otherwise naturally exfoliated. Unfortunately, these natural body excrements can develop a foul odor. To avoid this, daily cleansing is key.

5) Smegma: But those who neglect to clean underneath their foreskin daily will certainly deal with smegma, a thick, cheese-like buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and other fluids within the folds of the penis. Not only is it unsightly, smegma can bring with is a host of health problems of its own. If not properly eradicated and cleaned out, smegma can cause irritation, redness and swelling on the penis, leading to a condition referred to as balanitis. While uncomfortable, its actually quite common among men; roughly one in 20 men will experience balanitis in their lives. To combat this infection, be sure to clean the affected area and apply an antibiotic or antifungal medication. This condition is easily avoidable by proper hygiene.

Cleanliness is key

For men with uncircumcised penises, good hygiene is critical to maintaining good health. While all men should exercise penis cleanliness daily, it’s nonnegotiable for men who don’t want to experience uncircumcised problems. While in the shower, be sure to diligently and thoroughly clean the groin area using a mild soap. After drying, a top-notch penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can be applied. Be sure to pick a crème that will target common problems. Vitamin A is known to aid with odor control, while vitamin E can assist with softness and vitamin D with overall health. Whether uncircumcised or not, these essential ingredients are paramount in keeping the penis in its best health.

Everything a Man Needs to Know About Smegma

When it comes to questions of penis care, some situations are rather off-putting to discuss; but they need to be talked about in order to help ensure the best penis health possible. One of these issues is smegma, a buildup under the foreskin of intact men that needs to be addressed on a regular basis. Avoiding the issue can lead to rash, itching and even penis pain, so it behooves a man to read on and figure out what he needs to do to ensure his penis doesn’t have to deal with this unsightly problem.

What is smegma, anyway?

Smegma is a problem that pertains only to men who have not been circumcised. It’s a buildup of the body’s natural oils, as well as dead skin cells, sweat and other substances. This buildup occurs underneath the foreskin, and usually looks like white bumps or soft balls. When a guy wipes his finger across smegma, it should be easy to remove from the penis.

All intact men develop smegma; however, their hygiene habits dictate who will actually notice it building up. For instance, a man who showers at least once a day and carefully cleans the foreskin during that shower might never see smegma at all. But a guy who doesn’t have such good hygiene might find that smegma builds up and causes problems for him after a while.

What kind of problems can smegma cause?

Smegma is a natural thing, so if it is handled properly, it won’t cause problems for a man. But if a guy is seeing excessive smegma, that might be an indication that he either needs to step up his hygiene game or that there is something else going on under the foreskin.

First, the hygiene: A man must clean carefully under the foreskin at least once a day in order to avoid the buildup. However, there are some who find that the foreskin is a little too tight, and that makes it tough to clean underneath. In that case, a guy will have to take special care to clean the area or speak to the doctor about how to handle the situation.

Second, the other problems: Smegma buildup might become much more severe if a man has an infection that is contributing to the cause. Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to a sudden increase in smegma, as can yeast infections. A good rule of thumb is that smegma, in its natural state, doesn’t have an odor, but smegma that is formed as a result of an infection often does have a very off-putting smell.

Men should pay close attention to the presence of any odor from the smegma, as well as how much of it there is. In addition, if the smegma is accompanied by itching, burning, redness, soreness, penis pain and similar problems, it’s important for a guy to get to the doctor as soon as possible to help ensure he isn’t dealing with a serious issue.

Finally, there’s a phenomenon called "smegma stones." This happens when a man’s hygiene is so bad that the smegma actually has a chance to crystalize into tiny stones that linger underneath the foreskin. These stones can become quite painful and can lead to other serious problems, so it’s important for a guy to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Daily treatment for smegma

The best treatment for smegma buildup is simple: great hygiene. A man can shower every day and take care to clean the area well each time. He should use only cleansers that are specially formulated for the delicate penis skin. Some men who have serious smegma buildup with no known cause might be helped by a course of antibiotics, but only the doctor will know for sure.

He can also reach for a good penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to use after his shower. A crème that contains penis-centric vitamins and nutrients can help keep the skin smooth and supple, as well as fight odor and help keep smegma under control.

Penis Care for Intact Men: What’s Smegma?

From young boys to grown men, many males have questions about their intact penises that have never been explicitly answered by parents or teachers. This, along with the fact that American culture is squeamish about foreskin for no reason at all, leaves many men uncertain about what is going on down there, particularly when it comes to smegma. What is it? Is it normal? Is it harmful? Are there penis care steps to manage it?

There’s no need for such mystery around something most men in the world have. That’s right - though circumcision is the norm in the U.S., the majority of men globally - around two-thirds - have foreskin. Men should get to know their foreskin as well as the smegma that forms beneath it. The following information will help men get better acquainted with their manhoods.

What is it?
 
Smegma is a lubricating oil produced by the foreskin. It helps the sheath glide easily over the head of the penis. It provides natural lubrication both during sex and masturbation. Smegma often refers not only to the oil that the body naturally produces, but to the combination of this oil with dead skin cells and other bodily fluids.

Is it bad?
 
No! Smegma is totally natural, and many men find the lubrication it provides to be helpful in their sex lives. That said, there are certain problems associated with improper hygiene and smegma.

What problems?
 
If smegma is not properly cleaned from beneath the foreskin, it can become sticky and cause the foreskin to stick to the head of the penis. This is one cause of phimosis, or inability to retract the sheath.

Another potential issue associated with improper hygiene is balanitis. Smegma that is allowed to build up can develop bacteria that causes an infection, to which the body responds with inflammation. Redness and soreness generally accompany the swelling of the head and foreskin in this condition.
Finally, some men may notice a strong odor coming from their members, and this may be related to bacteria from smegma buildup. However, there is a natural fishy odor that occurs in some men after sex or masturbation, created by their glands; sometimes, this may be mistaken for smegma smell.
It’s important to note that the above problems occur from improper hygiene habits, NOT from smegma itself.

Penis care steps
 
Obviously, washing the penis regularly is important. Men with foreskin should be sure to retract the sheath and wipe away smegma buildup from under it about once a day. Men who have difficulty retracting the foreskin enough to clean beneath it should consult with a medical professional.

Many men think the best way to keep their penises clean and free of odors is to use strong, scented soaps, but this is not the best way to go. Chemical ingredients in soap can irritate and dry out the delicate skin of the penis. Men should instead wash the member with warm water (not hot), and, if using soap at all, choose a mild, natural cleanser.

Another step men can take to combat bacterial buildup beneath the foreskin is to use a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with vitamin A. This natural antibacterial ingredient can safely and gently help keep odors at bay. Aside from that, Man1 Man Oil is an excellent moisturizer; even men with naturally lubricated members may notice dry skin sometimes. Using a lotion designed specifically for the penis is the best way to avoid irritation. Circumcised or not, skin care is important. A man can ensure he’s doing all he can to take care of his manhood by investing in the condition of his skin.

Understanding Smegma - What Is It, and How Does It Affect Penis Health?

Any man who is uncircumcised is familiar with the cheesy, sticky, white or yellowish substance that tends to build up underneath the foreskin. This pasty, often smelly substance - known commonly as smegma -- is generally regarded as unpleasant and dirty. On the other hand, smegma does, in fact, play an important role in penis health, so it is worth learning more about it and understanding its purpose before dismissing it as a source of disgust and embarrassment.

What is smegma, exactly?
The lining of the foreskin secretes a mucousy substance that serves as a lubricant; it is analogous to the tears that lubricate the eyes and prevent the eyelids from sticking to their surface. In the same manner, this mucousy fluid allows the foreskin and glans to slide over each other and protects the glans from irritation. As the foreskin and glans rub together, dead skin cells are shed; because of the presence of the foreskin, they do not fall away, but instead combine with the mucous - as well as sweat and other body fluids - to form the paste that is known as smegma.

In spite of its image as dirty, smegma is actually harmless; in fact, it has antiviral properties that can help to protect the penile tissue. In infants, it is especially important, as it forms a barrier that shields the delicate glans from the harmful effects of urine. On the other hand, while it serves a beneficial purpose, smegma can also cause problems if it is allowed to build up underneath the foreskin; therefore, adequate hygiene measures are needed to prevent these from occurring.

Potential problems caused by smegma build-up
Over time, smegma build-up can cause a variety of problems:

1) When smegma becomes thick, dry and waxy, it can actually cause the foreskin to stick to the glans, rather than allowing them to slide over each other naturally. When the foreskin cannot be retracted over the glans - a condition known as phimosis - men may experience discomfort or even pain during sex.

2) Trapped smegma also provides a haven for bacteria. When these microorganisms take up residence under the foreskin, their presence can trigger an immune system response, leading to swelling of the foreskin, pain, redness and even a smelly discharge. This condition is known as balanitis, and it is responsible for about 1 in 10 visits to sex clinics or urologists by men.

3) While less serious than phimosis or balanitis, built-up smegma can cause a distinctive, foul odor that can be a considerable source of embarrassment. Removing the smegma regularly can reduce this unpleasant, fishy smell.

On the other hand, it is important to point out that the sebaceous glands that produce the mucousy oil actually produce a fishy odor on their own. This smell can be heightened by the hormones that are released during sex; many men report that they notice a strong, fishy odor immediately after sex or masturbation. This is not related to smegma, and it is not easily washed away.

In addition to these problems, there is a widespread perception that the presence of smegma can cause cancer. Researchers have, in fact, discovered a link between smegma and penile cancer; however, it is believed that the smegma itself does not cause cancer. Rather, it is the irritation that occurs when the area under the foreskin is not cleaned carefully that is responsible for the cellular changes that can lead to cancerous tumors.

Proper care for the penis
In order to prevent problems that can occur when smegma is allowed to accumulate under the foreskin, proper hygiene measures are necessary. First, the penis should be washed in warm water every day. The foreskin should be gently retracted (never forced) to expose the glans, and any smegma that is present should be wiped away with the finger tips. The use of very hot water, or of strong soaps or shower gels, is not recommended, because these can deplete the body of its natural lubricating oils; the detergents in ordinary soaps can cause irritation. After washing, the skin should be dried carefully and the foreskin rolled back into place.

Some men choose to use deodorants or fragrances to deal with odors. However, this is not a good idea, as again, the chemicals in these products can cause irritation. On the other hand, use of a good penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that contains vitamin A - a natural antibacterial ingredient - can help to control odors as well as soften and strengthen the skin. A product like this can be applied daily to improve overall penis health.

Eliminate Penis Odor All Summer Long with One Essential Ingredient

In the summer months, there’s no way around a sweaty sack and musty manhood. It’s hot out, and the little guy isn’t getting much in the way of ventilation down there, even when a guy is wearing shorts. The hot, dark, sweaty conditions can lead to various unpleasant issues, including heat rash, fungal infections and irritated skin. However, the dreaded smegma can outdo all of these when it comes to that funky penis odor. Learn how to beat the summertime blues naturally with these tips for penis hygiene and reap the benefits of a healthier, more appealing tool.

What is smegma, anyway?
Smegma, a sticky white residue that forms on the penis, and particularly under the foreskin, is the biggest culprit when it comes to that distinctive fishy odor downstairs. No man wants it, but all men get it from time to time. Though it can look nasty, the gross white stuff is not an indication of an infection or illness; it is really just a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt and oil secretions.

Is it harmful?
By and large, a little smegma is no big deal in the health department; but it can cause an unpleasant odor and isn’t exactly pleasing to the eye - or to a potential partner. If left to accumulate, however, smegma can start to cause problems for a man’s penis. Smegma buildup is often the product of poor hygiene; it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which are the source of the foul odor that most men are familiar with. The presence of smegma can also lead to balanitis - a painful infection and swelling of the head of the penis; this often causes complications in men with a foreskin, making it painful or difficult to retract the foreskin.

How to deal with smegma
In most cases, simply stepping up the hygiene routine will clear up the smegma buildup and allow the penis to return to a normal, healthy state. Men should wash the penis with soap and water every day - including retracting the foreskin for cleaning. In addition, applying vitamin A - a natural antibacterial agent - can help reduce the bacteria that thrive on this material.

Beating the Summer Sweats
So how can a man prevent smegma and keep the penis healthy all summer long? Here are a few easy steps that any guy can add to his personal care routine:

- Shower daily - Though it may seem like a no-brainer, all men have at one point or another opted to skip the shower and head straight for the couch, or the bed, after a long day in the sun. But skipping a shower here and there really adds to bacterial buildup; and no, a dip in the lake or pool is not sufficient to clean the penis and rid it of bacteria!

- Wear loose clothing -Baggier shorts made from more breathable fabrics like linen and cotton will help keep the junk at a more comfortable temperature and allow for a little summer breeze to ventilate the area. It is best to avoid denim, and especially skinny jeans, on exceptionally hot days.

- Trim the pubes - Pubic hair traps the heat in close to the body, adding to the perfect storm for increased bacteria and smell. A guy doesn’t have to go bald down there, though; even a slight trim can reduce sweating, oil and bacteria buildup.

- Apply a vitamin A crème - A penis vitamin crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that contains vitamin A and other penis specific nutrients can help fight penis odor, as well as working to smooth away bumps and rough patches on the skin. Apply after the daily shower for maximum effect and enjoy the benefits of a fresher, more pleasant penis.