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Sexual Health For People With Penises
From getting tested and how to clean your penis in the shower, to using protection and everything in between, we get down to business so you can comfortably carry on with your business down there. No vacuuming or dusting required!
Rinse your penis
Good hygiene is always crucial for good health, so naturally, it’s important to keep your penis clean.
Start by washing with warm water when you’re in the shower. If you have a foreskin, make sure to pull it back gently and wash it underneath. Smegma, a natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist, can build up in the foreskin and produce an unpleasant smell. It can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections, which is why it’s important to make sure you gently wash or wipe it away before it can build up and cause problems.
Don’t forget to give some TLC to your testicles and general pubic area, too. Sweat can build up in the hair at the base of the penis, leading to an unpleasant smell. Gently cleaning with warm water every day will do the trick, but if you want to add a little soap, be sure to use a mild, non-scented option to minimize the risk of any irritation.
Washing your penis is also a good time to check for any lumps or swellings that weren’t previously there. If you notice anything unusual, different or painful in this area, make an appointment to speak to your doctor or head to your nearest sexual health clinic for an examination.
Get tested
STIs can occur without any symptoms, which is why it’s essential to get tested regularly.
Some common STI symptoms to look out for include pain while peeing, blisters or sores around the genitals, itching or burning around the genitals, and discharge from the penis.
Testing is available at sexual health clinics and some community contraceptive clinics. Free testing kits for HIV are available in certain parts of England, too.
Use protection
There are plenty of options when it comes to contraception, although the main option for people with penises is still condoms. Most other options – such as the birth control pill, implant and coil – are used by a person who may become pregnant, as they alter the hormones in the body to prevent this.
Condoms are 98% effective when used correctly, and are the only form of contraception to also effectively protect against STIs as well as preventing pregnancy.
Talk with your partner/s and doctor about the best method for you, and keep in mind that not all contraceptives will protect you from STIs. So, even if you’re being careful, you still need to get those sexual health check ups!
Tackle performance issues
40% of penis owners by the age of 40 begin to experience difficulty maintaining an erection. However, erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur earlier in life and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Causes of ED vary from physiological to psychological, and symptoms can be exacerbated by risk factors like tobacco and medication use.
If you’re struggling with ED or performance anxiety, you can speak to your doctor about your options. You can also check out Mojo, a company pioneering a new way to tackle performance anxiety and ED, pill free, by getting to the root of what is causing these issues.
Communicate with your partner
Communication is key when it comes to sexual health and sexual pleasure.
Unless you’re solo masturbating, there’s at least one other person involved in your sexy time.
If you are experiencing any pain or difficulties, it’s important to let your partner know so that your boundaries are clear. Transparency and honesty are the best policy in the bedroom, so share any medical conditions you may have before you start getting cheeky, too.
If you don’t currently have a partner, check out the Killing Kittens app and get chatting; you never know when you might make a connection!
Take a break and masturbate
Not only is masturbating a way to explore pleasure on your own, but it’s also a great way for people to learn to control their orgasms if they’ve experienced cumming too quickly with a partner. Cock rings can also be great masturbation tools if you don’t want to rely on just your hand, or if you want to experiment with new sensations.
Just be cautious of how often you masturbate, as oedema (when the penis starts to look alarmingly swelled) can occur if you do it too often.
Clean your toys
If you like to use toys for added thrill, it’s important to keep them clean to reduce your risk of bacterial infections and STIs.
The best way to clean your sex toys is with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap for all types of toys. You can also clean your toys with baby or adult bathroom wipes, or use a special toy cleaner. Avoid using disinfecting wipes with harsh chemicals.
Make your perfect oasis
This step might sound more like traditional spring cleaning than sexual health spring cleaning, but it will actually benefit your sexual health too!
Getting it on will be more fun if your space is clean and gets you and your partner/s in the mood.
Start with freshly washed bedding, dust off your bookshelves, light some candles, and organize your toys. Next, stock your bedside table with condoms, grab some towels to have nearby, and have water readily available.
You never know when an opportunity to have sex will present itself, and you’ll find comfort in knowing that your space is ready to impress. It’ll also help with any sexual performance anxiety knowing that you are confident with your bedroom and don’t have to worry about hiding anything or quickly cleaning up while your partner waits out in the hallway.
Consistency is key!
A consistent self-care routine is vital for your sexual health. Combine all of these tips into a routine so that you’re feeling happy and healthy no matter what season you’re in.
Written by the Killing Kittens team.