When it comes to penis health, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. In fact, men who practice proper penis health care may be able to completely avoid these five common conditions that can strike a man below the belt.

1. Penile Fracture

When soft, the penis is bendable and movable. When rigid, however, the cells of the penis aren't quite as flexible as they should be, and a sudden movement in the wrong direction can lead to a break. Often, these injuries occur when men are engaged in hurried encounters in tiny spaces, like cars or closets. They can also strike men who use quick, forceful movements that hit a partner's immovable bones. Men who use a little care when they're aroused can keep these injuries from taking place. Movements should be deliberate and carefully orchestrated, so everyone knows where the action is headed, and they should take place in safe spaces, like bedrooms.

2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Nasty diseases can jump from person to person during a sexual encounter, and it isn't always easy to spot an infection through a quick visual inspection. This kind of problem can be avoided altogether if men refrain from intimate encounters with partners that haven't been tested for STIs, or if they stick with the same long-term partner in a committed and monogamous relationship. Guys with a little fire in their blood, however, may need to rely on latex barriers during sexual activity for some protection. Even then, however, some skin may be exposed to infection, so regular testing and treatments are called for.

3. Bent Penis

When scar tissue develops on the erectile chambers, the consequent lack of stretching ability can morph a straight penis into a bending, curving tool that can cause a great deal of pain and even interfere with the ability to engage in sex. Once again, treating the package with tender care is key. Rough masturbation techniques, in particular, can be deadly for the penis. Using proper lubrication and an ample amount of time can keep pockets of scar tissue from forming. Masturbation like this can also be much more pleasurable than furtive, burning episodes that leave only pain behind.

4. Balanitis

Balanitis is a fancy word that describes inflammation on the head of the penis, and it's commonly caused by:

  • Yeast infections
  • STIs
  • Harsh detergents
  • Perfumed lotions
  • Poor hygiene

A few colonies of germs allowed to spread in penile tissue can grow and grow until they cause severe discomfort, and harsh cleansing methods can irritate the skin yet further. A daily wash with warm water and hypoallergenic soap can keep this problem from occurring.

5. Sensitivity Loss

The ability of the penis to detect a gentle touch or a soft breeze is legendary, but unfortunately, that ability can fade with time. Rough treatment is sometimes to blame here, as men can pull and tug on their equipment and toughen the outer layers of skin in the process. Sometimes, however, poor nutrition is to blame. Penile tissue needs a variety of vitamins and minerals in order to stay moist and sensitive, and often, a man's diet isn't as healthful as it should be. Taking vitamins orally may not help, either, as the body may choose to apply those nutrients to help other tissues before it assists the penis. A penis health creme (most experts recommend Man1 Man Oil) could be a vital help here. These products allow a man to deliver vital nutrition directly to the starved tissues that need it most. Using a penis health creme as part of a regular part of the grooming process could allow a man to keep his sensitivity, well into his golden years.