Most men don't spend much time thinking about how they wash their private parts. If they're showering every day, they assume they're doing enough. But urologists say that's not always the case.

From using harsh soaps to staying too long in sweaty underwear, seemingly harmless habits can leave men dealing with irritation, fungal infections, unpleasant odours and other avoidable problems.

According to Dr Victor Albert Okoth, a urologist who specialises in diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, keeping the genital area healthy comes down to a handful of simple habits done consistently.

"Proper testicular hygiene is really part of good genital hygiene," he says.

"The important message is: clean, but don't over-clean. The genital skin is sensitive, and aggressive washing can cause irritation. Good hygiene also gives a man an opportunity to notice changes such as a lump, swelling, rash or skin lesion early."

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Cleaning for circumcised versus uncircumcised men

Cheerful Black Man Washing Body With Sponge Taking Shower — From using harsh soaps to staying too long in sweaty underwear, seemingly harmless habits can leave men dealing with irritation, fungal infections, unpleasant odours and other avoidable problems.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

For most men, washing the genital area once a day during a shower with lukewarm water is enough.

Dr Okoth recommends gently cleaning the penis, scrotum, groin and the area between the scrotum and anus. Men who are uncircumcised should retract the foreskin, wash underneath it, rinse thoroughly and return it to its normal position.

"There is no need to scrub vigorously," he says. "Use your hands rather than abrasive sponges or brushes. The aim is to clean the skin, not to sterilise it."

Men who exercise regularly, work outdoors or spend long hours in hot conditions may need an extra wash, because sweat creates the warm, damp environment in which irritation and fungal infections thrive.

"In Kenya, where heat and sweating can be significant, this can be particularly relevant," says Dr Okoth. "Showering after exercise and changing out of damp underwear are sensible habits."

Still, he cautions against taking cleanliness too far.

"More washing isn't necessarily better. Over-washing can damage the skin barrier and cause dryness, irritation and inflammation."

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Skip fancy products

Cheerful Black Man Washing Body With Sponge Taking Shower — From using harsh soaps to staying too long in sweaty underwear, seemingly harmless habits can leave men dealing with irritation, fungal infections, unpleasant odours and other avoidable problems.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

"I generally recommend plain water or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser," he says.

He advises against routinely using heavily perfumed soaps, shower gels, deodorants, antiseptic solutions or alcohol-based products on the genitals, unless prescribed for a medical reason.

"Men sometimes think that if something smells stronger or produces more foam, it must clean better," he says. "That's not necessarily true. The genital skin is sensitive, and these products can actually cause irritation and inflammation."

Washing is only half the job — how you dry the area matters too.

"If the area remains persistently damp, it creates an environment in which fungal organisms and other microorganisms can thrive, and can contribute to irritation," he says.

He recommends gently patting the area dry after bathing, paying particular attention to the skin beneath the foreskin in uncircumcised men. Breathable underwear should be changed daily — and sooner if it becomes damp after exercise or a long day in the heat.

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No deodorants down there

Dr Okoth says some of the most common mistakes include failing to clean beneath the foreskin, using harsh soaps or deodorants on the genitals, staying in sweaty underwear for long periods, and shaving pubic hair too aggressively, which can cause razor burn and skin infections.

Perhaps the biggest mistake, he says, is assuming every genital problem can be solved with better hygiene.

"Not every rash, smell, discharge or lump is caused by poor hygiene," he says. "Men shouldn't treat themselves without being assessed by a urologist. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia are not simply a consequence of being 'dirty.' They are infections transmitted through sexual contact and require appropriate testing and treatment."

Smells

So, are men expected to have no smell down there? Not really. A certain amount of genital odour is completely normal.

"But a new, strong or persistent smell — especially if it's accompanied by itching, redness, sores, swelling, pain or discharge — deserves medical attention. It could signal a fungal infection, a bacterial infection, a sexually transmitted infection or another underlying condition," he says.

He also encourages men to get familiar with what is normal for their bodies by examining their testicles about once a month, ideally during or after a warm shower, when the scrotum is relaxed.

"The purpose isn't to diagnose cancer yourself," he says. "It is to know your normal anatomy, so that you recognise a change. Any new testicular lump should be assessed by a urologist."

Men should seek medical attention if they notice a new lump, persistent swelling, sores, unusual discharge, blood in the urine or semen, burning during urination or ongoing pain. One symptom, however, should never be ignored.

"Sudden, severe testicular pain is an emergency," warns Dr Okoth. "Testicular torsion can cut off the blood supply to the testicle and requires urgent assessment. It should not be assumed to be an infection or something that will simply settle."

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jngari@ke.nationmedia.com