Self-Care for Male Genital Health
Men should prioritize the self-care of their reproductive system to prevent and identify potential health issues early. It is essential to regularly check for abnormalities in the penis, such as lumps, papules, blisters, or ulcers on the glans. Additionally, be aware of any unusual changes in the testes, including lumps, nodules, or pain, which can help in the early detection of conditions like penile cancer, testicular cancer, and sexually transmitted infections.
Monitoring urinary health is also crucial. Symptoms such as cloudy urine, pus, blood in urine, difficulty urinating, or a weak urine stream can indicate urinary tract infections or other severe conditions like bladder tumors or prostate enlargement. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
Genital Hygiene
The skin of the scrotum and penis has many folds and sweat glands, making it more susceptible to infections, especially when wearing synthetic underwear that doesn't provide adequate ventilation. Factors like sweat, residual urine, and other secretions after intercourse can pollute the area, increasing the risk of infection. To maintain good hygiene, men should wash their external genitalia every night before bed.
Men with a long foreskin are advised to consider circumcision before marriage, as it can reduce the risk of genital inflammation due to accumulation of smegma and bacteria. Additionally, wearing tight jeans can hinder air circulation and increase temperature in the testes, potentially leading to fertility issues. It is advisable to alternate between different types of clothing for better comfort and health.
Sexual Activity Hygiene
Couples should tailor their sexual frequency, duration, timing, and positions based on their specific conditions. It's essential to navigate sexual behaviors wisely, choosing appropriate contraceptive methods when necessary.
Masturbation is a common practice among men, with studies indicating that over 90% of men engage in it. Normal masturbation does not pose health risks; however, excessive masturbation can lead to weakness, fatigue, and insomnia, and therefore should be moderated.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Men should develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits by avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drug use. Research shows that smoking can reduce normal sperm counts by approximately 10%. Heavy smokers (20-30 cigarettes daily) exhibit significant increases in sperm abnormalities, and prolonged smoking can result in poor blood circulation to the penis, impacting erection quality. Notably, about two-thirds of men with erectile dysfunction are smokers.
Heavy drinking can adversely affect the reproductive system, accelerating the breakdown of testosterone and increasing estrogen levels, potentially leading to testicular atrophy and erectile dysfunction. Alcohol consumption can also harm sperm health, causing developmental issues in embryos, often referred to internationally as "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder."
Drug use can also severely impair sexual function. Substances like marijuana, heroin, and opioids can lower testosterone levels and adversely affect libido. Reports indicate that 100% of heroin users experience suppressed sexual desire, with 96.5% of opioid users reporting similar issues, often leading to delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate.
Men should avoid the long-term misuse of medications that can negatively impact sexual health, such as certain high blood pressure medications, tranquilizers, and sedatives. These can all contribute to diminished sexual function.