Short Guide On Men’s Hygiene
This guide provides information and tips how to avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), as well as other infections and diseases. STI are common and passed on very easily. Some STI can be detected by observing changes or complaints, others only by targeted medical investigation. A medical consultation and examination is necessary for a proper diagnosis and therapy. The Public Health Departments of North Rhine-Westphalia offer anonymous and free consultation. Please ask on site whether free examinations and treatments are possible and if further costs may arise.
Intimate Washing
Toilet
Intimate Shaving
Diseases / Infections
Clothing
Anal Irrigation
Hepatitis A/B Vaccination
Genital Piercings
Good to know
Men´s Intiamte care
For men the best way to practice intimate care is under running water in the shower. Especially the smegma on the glans and under the retracted foreskin should be washed off daily. Smegma is a light colored, fatty substance consisting of secretions from sebaceous glands, danders and bacteria. If not removed, it may cause inflammation and increases the risk for penile cancer.
The ideal wash gel for intimate care is:
- pH skin neutral
- soap free
- fragrance free
- alcohol free
Clean testicles and anus subsequently and dry them carefully with a soft and fresh towel.
Diseases / Infections
The most important step in proper intimate hygiene for uncircumcised men is cleaning around and under the foreskin. Carefully push back the foreskin. If this is not possible without pain, there may be a narrowness of the foreskin (phimosis). In this case, medical consultation and examination is required.
If you, despite good intimate care, notice skin alterations, increased secretion from the urethra, itching or an unpleasant odor, you need a medical check-up to exclude sexually transmitted infections (STI) or other infections and diseases. This also applies to all changes on the testicles and in the anal area.
Hepatitis A/B Vaccination
For individuals with high risk sexual contacts a hepatitis A/B vaccination is recommended and can be given free of charge as an indicated vaccination.
Hepatitis viruses can be transmitted even with adequate intimate hygiene, as infection is possible through sexual practises such as anal licking (anilingus/rimming).
Toilet
Soft toilet paper is part of intimate care and is gentle on the skin in the genital area and around the anus. When buying, make sure that the products do not contain bleach or fragrances, as these may cause irritation or allergies.
Clothing
Your daily changed underwear should be washable at 60°C and contain a high percentage of natural fibers, to absorb sweat, allow the skin to breath and prevent infections.
Underwear made of synthetic fabric creates a “humid chamber” which promotes the growth and spread of germs.
Genital Piercings
Genital piercings can become infected if they are pierced under unhygienic conditions or not properly cleaned and disinfected afterwards. Choosing a reliable certified piercing studio and following the care/disinfection instructions exactly, can keep the infection risk low.
Genital piercings also require constant observation and care later on. They may serve as a port of entry for STI germs, therefore redness, swelling and pain have to be clarified by a doctor.
Depending on the type of genital piercing, the use of condoms may be more difficult. The condom can be more easily damaged.
Intimate Shaving
For many men, shaving pubic hair is part of their daily care. Wet shaving, which is preferred by many men, can cause minor injuries which can lead to infections that require medical treatment.
To avoid this, it is safer to trim the hair in the intimate area with an electrical trimmer.
Dry shaving and depilatory gels irritate the hair roots and can thus lead to inflammations.
Anal Irrigation
Before having anal sex, most men prefer an anal irrigation.
Anal balloon, enema, rectal tube or a shower attachment can be used for anal irigation. Make sure that the water is at body temperature and the water pressure is not too strong. Due to the high vulnerability of the intestinal mucosa, you need to be very careful. The use of sharp-edged items has to be avoided under all circumstances!
Irrigation devices are for personal use only. Reusable parts must obligatory be disinfected before each new use.
Good to know
The AIDS-/STI-Counseling Centers of the Public Health Departments in NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) offer anonymous and free counseling on all Sexually Transmitted Infections.
