Many men wash their penis incorrectly and become susceptible to diseases; learn how to sanitize

Inadequate hygiene of the penis It can lead to serious consequences, such as infections and even the emergence of cancer in the region. This happens because, without correct cleaning, the organ becomes a suitable place for the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which is associated with the emergence of diseases.

It is important to highlight that tumors in the region usually have a high potential for severity and, in some cases, treatment consists of limb amputation. According to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), three out of ten Patients diagnosed with penile cancer have had to resort to amputation in the last ten years.

Despite the risks, the lack of information and taboos regarding the organ make many men make mistakes when cleaning.

After all, how should penis hygiene be carried out?

According to urologist Walter da Costa, from the AC Camargo Cancer Center, in São Paulo, organ hygiene must be carried out based on washing the entire organ with soap and water – including the glans (head of the penis), which requires the retraction of the foreskin (skin that covers the glans) to be properly cleaned.

“For this reason, patients who have phimosis (difficulty exposing the glans) must resort to surgical treatment (circumcision), so that they can carry out adequate hygiene of the organ”, he explains.

According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca)hygiene of the area must be carried out routinely and after sexual intercourse and masturbation.

Vaccination and condom use

There are other measures that must go hand in hand with adequate hygiene when it comes to caring for the penis and health in general.

In this sense, it is important to highlight the HPV vaccination. The acronym refers to the human papillomavirus, responsible for the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, according to the Ministry of Health. According to the ministry, HPV transmission occurs through direct contact with infected skin or mucosa, that is, by touching, vaginal or anal penetration, or contact of the virus with the mouth. More than 200 subtypes of the virus have been identified. It increases the risk of penile cancer among men.

Currently, the vaccine against HPV is available in the Unified Health System (SUS) for the population aged 9 to 14 years, for victims of sexual abuse and immunosuppressed people.

Using condoms during sexual intercourse is another essential measure for preventing HPV and other health problems.