What affects penis health?
Many different things can affect penis health. And by “penis health,” we mean:
- your ability to urinate comfortably
- your ability to get or maintain an erection
- your fertility
Penis health also includes avoiding certain health conditions, such as penile cancer and STIs.
The following factors can affect the health of your penis:
Hormone levels
ED can be caused by hormone imbalances, such as a low testosterone level. Low testosterone levels can be caused by a number of different factors, which we’ll discuss in this article.
Age
As you age, you’re more likely to experience sexual dysfunctions like ED. This is partly because your testosterone level will naturally decline over time.
Health conditions
High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and certain neurological conditions can cause ED. Psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression can also exacerbate ED.
Sex
If you want to have sex without a condom, ensure that both you and your partners are tested regularly for STIs, or remain in a monogamous relationship with someone free of STIs.
Otherwise, correctly using a condom every time you have sex is the only way to reduce your risk.
Rough sex can also harm your penis. For example, pulling back the foreskin abruptly can tear it. Accidentally bending your erect penis can cause a traumatic penis fracture.
Medication
Some forms of medication can increase your chances of ED. Speak to a doctor or other healthcare provider if you think your medication is causing ED or other sexual dysfunction.
Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is essential for your health. Wash your penis and groin area often to keep it clean.
Poor hygiene can cause a build-up of smegma, an oily, malodorous, and irritating substance that is known to occur below the foreskin.
If smegma builds up, it can cause inflammation to the adjacent skin. This can be uncomfortable and can be a cause balanitis, a condition where the head of the penis becomes red and inflamed.
Even with a circumcised penis, less than ideal hygiene can lead to penile irritation and inflammation, including balanitis.
At this point, you might have more questions about penis health. Here are some common concerns that many people have.
– Does it matter if you’re circumcised?
Circumcision has its pros and cons. Whether you’re circumcised or not, it’s important to wash regularly.
If you have a foreskin, pull it back gently and clean it to avoid a smegma build-up. Circumcised penises are more likely to get chafed or irritated, so use loose-fitting, cotton underwear always.
Circumcision doesn’t affect fertility, but uncircumcised penises are more susceptible to STIs, as well as conditions like balanitis.
Practicing good hygiene and safe sex can reduce your chances of getting these conditions.
– Does it matter if you’re a “grower” or a “shower”?
So far, there isn’t any scientific information that shows whether being a “grower” or a “shower” is better or healthier. Both are totally okay — so embrace whatever category your penis may fall into!
– Is it normal for your penis to have a bend or a curve?
It’s normal for your penis to curve slightly, but if you have a significant bend and pain in your penis when it’s erect, you could have Peyronie’s disease.
This condition can cause some discomfort. It’s often caused by a traumatic injury.
If you’re concerned that you may have Peyronie’s, see a doctor or other healthcare provider.
– Is “use it or lose it” true?
Many people believe that sex is a “use it or lose it” thing — that if you stop having sex, you’ll end up struggling to have sex.
While it’s true that frequent sex has many health benefits and can boost your sex drive, there’s no evidence that chastity can permanently or seriously damage your penis.
– Is there such a thing as too much or too little ejaculate?
If you’re noticing that you are ejaculating a lower volume of semen than usual, it’s called perceived ejaculate volume reduction (PEVR).
This could be caused by a number of things, including depression, diabetes, and certain testicular conditions. It could also be a side effect of medication.
– How can you maintain penis sensitivity as you age?
The tissue on your penis might lose sensitivity as you age. This could be caused by friction, so wear loose cotton underwear instead of tight, rough underwear.
– How can you maintain your ability to get an erection?
Taking steps to reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes — both of which can cause ED — can help you maintain your ability to get an erection.
– What can you do to promote fertility?
Certain foods can promote fertility. For example, spinach contains magnesium, which can boost your testosterone levels.
Tomatoes and carrots can increase your sperm count and motility.
Other than that, healthy lifestyle choices help maintain fertility.
As outlined above, avoiding tobacco smoking and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and exercising are all important for penis health.
– Is it OK if your pee changes colors?
Your urine could change colors depending on how hydrated you are:
- Clear urine could mean you’re overhydrated.
- Yellow to amber urine is considered normal.
- Orange or brown urine could mean you’re dehydrated.
Some colors might also be a cause for concern.
For example, bloody, cloudy, blue, or green urine could indicate that you have an infection or another health condition.
See a doctor if you’re experiencing unusual changes in color or consistency.
– What if you start peeing more than usual?
Frequent urination could be a sign of:
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- diabetes
- interstitial cystitis
If you’re peeing a lot more than usual and you think something is wrong, contact a doctor. This is especially important if you’re experiencing a burning sensation during urination.
– Is it normal for your penis to smell?
Your groin might naturally smell a little like sweat, as it’s common to sweat in that area. This smell can be reduced through daily washing.
However, the smell shouldn’t be pungent. An unpleasant smelling penis could indicate that you have a condition such as:
- UTI
- yeast infection
- balanitis
- gonorrhea
- chlamydia
If the smell doesn’t clear with careful washing, see a doctor for diagnosis.
– What if your penis is sore or inflamed?
If your penis is sore or inflamed, it could be a sign of certain penis conditions. This includes:
- balanitis
- phimosis, a condition where the foreskin can’t be pulled back over the head of the penis
- penile cancer, which is rare but serious
No matter the cause, pain and inflammation can be uncomfortable, so see a healthcare provider. They can help you find relief.
– Is it possible to break or fracture you penis?
Although the penis doesn’t have bones in it, the term “penis fracture” is often used to refer to a penis injury where the lining inside becomes torn. This is often caused by rough sex.
If you fracture your penis, it will turn black and blue, flatten, and it may make a popping noise. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.