Male Hygiene: Concerns About Foreskin Care and Safety

Q: Male Hygiene: Concerns About Foreskin Care and Safety

Hello： You need to see a doctor to check if there are any narrow areas in the foreskin. <br>If there are, when trying to retract it, it may suddenly feel stuck, which could lead to it being unable to retract, requiring an emergency visit. <br>Currently, be careful when retracting

Boyfriend's reproductive organs?

Hello doctor, previously when I was intimate with my boyfriend, we used a condom.
Later, I felt that he might not have cleaned himself properly, so I helped him wash.
He seemed unaware that he could fully retract his foreskin to expose the glans.
I noticed he had quite a bit of smegma, so I used a handheld showerhead to rinse it off, asking him to endure a bit.
After it was cleaner, when I tried to push the foreskin back, it suddenly felt stuck.
It took about two minutes of gently pulling it back with warm water.
I would like to ask if this could cause any injury to my boyfriend's genitalia.
Although he is not in pain now, should I apply iodine to the area after this washing?

Nini, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/16

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: You need to see a doctor to check if there are any narrow areas in the foreskin.
If there are, when trying to retract it, it may suddenly feel stuck, which could lead to it being unable to retract, requiring an emergency visit.
Currently, be careful when retracting it.
Wishing you good health.
If there is any skin breakdown or swelling, seek medical attention.
No need for povidone-iodine.

Reply Date: 2020/09/16

More Info

Understanding male hygiene, particularly concerning foreskin care, is essential for both health and comfort. It appears that your boyfriend may not have been fully aware of the importance of proper hygiene practices, especially regarding the care of the foreskin. This can lead to the accumulation of smegma, a substance made up of dead skin cells, oils, and moisture, which can cause odor and potential infections if not cleaned properly.

When it comes to foreskin care, it is crucial for men to learn how to retract the foreskin gently to clean the glans (the head of the penis) effectively. If the foreskin is not retracted regularly, smegma can build up, leading to a condition known as balanitis, which is inflammation of the glans. This can cause discomfort, swelling, and redness, and in some cases, it may lead to infections.

In your situation, it sounds like you took the initiative to help your boyfriend with his hygiene, which is commendable. However, it is essential to approach this with care to avoid causing any injury. If the foreskin was difficult to retract and felt "stuck," this could indicate a condition known as phimosis, where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans. In such cases, forcing the foreskin back can lead to pain, tearing, or even bleeding, which could cause further complications.

If your boyfriend experienced discomfort during the cleaning process but is not currently in pain, it is likely that no significant injury occurred. However, if he experiences any ongoing pain, swelling, or unusual discharge, it would be wise for him to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. They can assess whether there are any underlying issues, such as phimosis or infections, that need to be addressed.

Regarding the use of antiseptics like iodine after washing, it is generally not necessary to apply iodine or any antiseptic unless there is a visible injury or infection. Overuse of antiseptics can irritate the sensitive skin of the penis and disrupt the natural flora, potentially leading to further complications. Instead, gentle washing with warm water and mild soap is usually sufficient for maintaining hygiene.

In summary, proper male hygiene is vital, and educating your boyfriend on how to care for his foreskin can help prevent future issues. Encourage him to practice regular cleaning and to consult a healthcare provider if he has any concerns about his foreskin or experiences discomfort. If he has difficulty retracting the foreskin or if you notice any signs of infection, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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