As a man, few body parts are responsible for steering the state of your mental and physical health than the penis. On a good day, you’re bursting with energy and your confidence is soaring. Any variances to ‘your norm’ and the complete opposite may occur.
Thankfully, maintaining a healthy penis is relatively simple. As a basic rule of thumb, if it’s good for your general health, it’s good for your penis, too. We’re talking about the fine balance of lifestyle habits surrounding nutrition, exercise, mental health, and alcohol and drug exposure. Let’s get into it with our 7 tips for keeping your penis healthy.
Eat a healthy balanced diet and maintain a healthy body weight
The foods you choose to put into your body have a direct impact on the state of your health and can contribute towards erectile problems and sexual dysfunction. That’s because your diet is linked to body weight and body composition. On a physical level, there’s a strong connection between obesity and erectile dysfunction (ED), with obese men being two-and-a-half times more likely to experience ED in comparison to men within a healthy weight range. On a mental level, being overweight can have a significant impact on confidence and self-image, potentially triggering psychological impotence (yep, that’s a thing).
There isn’t one specific set of foods that causes obesity or ED, more so a pattern of unhealthy eating habits over time. Foods that are known to reduce testosterone, which can lead to a decreased interest in sex as well as an inability to achieve or maintain an erection, include processed foods, refined sugars, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, dairy products, soy products, beans and legumes.
Exercise regularly
Healthy erections are the result of a healthy blood flow. And, what’s one of the best methods of achieving blood flow and maintaining your cardiovascular system? Exercise! As well as reducing your risk of heart disease, exercise is a prime activity to prevent obesity and improve your mental health. Makes us think, if you’re not out there exercising, what are you doing!? Aim for at least 30 minutes per day. Your sex life can thank us later.
Quit smoking, or try to decrease your cigarette count
Again, this boils down to cardiovascular health. Studies have established a link between smoking and an increased risk of sexual performance issues, like ED. Some studies have even proven that the more someone smokes, the higher their potential risk for developing ED. So, if you can’t completely quit the smoking game, at least try to minimise your daily durries.
Drink alcohol in moderation
Overconsumption of alcohol may have a negative impact on your sexual health and function. Men who are dependent on alcohol may be plotting themselves into the category of men who are more likely to experience long term erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and low libido. Alcohol consumption can also inhibit blood flow to the penis, which can affect one’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection and experience full sensation during the deed.
Pay attention to your mental health
Mental health and sexual health are closely linked. If you’re feeling down or anxious, this can psychologically affect your performance between the sheets. It’s what we call psychological impotence. Further to that, mental health can influence low self-esteem, feelings of guilt surrounding sex and sexual failure.
Practice proper washing etiquette
This one is a no-brainer. Regular cleaning of your penis will help to prevent smegma – the substance created from a build-up of oil, dead skin cells and body moisture. To ensure a cleaner wiener, wash daily in warm water, no soap is necessary as this can irritate your penis. Uncircumcised fellas remember to pull back the foreskin to rinse the head of your penis so unwanted bacteria doesn’t stores itself in there.
Take steps to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs are not a figment of your imagination. Gonorrhoea, genital herpes, chlamydia, HPV – they all exist, but the good news is that you can take steps to minimise and, dare we say, prevent your exposure. So, although the most effective method of STI avoidance is to not have sex, we’re not going to ruin your life that way. Instead, remember to wear a condom and regularly get tested for STIs