Men are told from an early age that it’s important to take care of their health. But over time, many men indulge a bit too much, and wind up carrying around extra weight. Add in other factors, such as overeating, a sedentary lifestyle or even an injury that prevents a man from exercising, and that extra weight can add up at an alarming rate. Paying close attention to penis care is especially important if a man finds himself in this situation.

One of the most frightening aspects of obesity for some men is the idea that their penis function might be compromised. And unfortunately, in many cases this does happen. That’s part of the reason why good penis care, as well as good overall care, is essential. Here’s more a man needs to know about maintaining good penis care as he deals with obesity.

1. Work on cardiovascular issues. One of the first things a man might notice is high blood pressure. Excess weight always tends to affect the heart, and that means it affects all circulation in the body as well. A man might find that he has trouble getting and maintaining an erection, or he might face other problems in the bedroom, such as feeling lightheaded or extremely fatigued during sex. To help prevent this, a man should speak to his doctor about a good blood pressure medication or other treatments that can help him reverse some of the damage.

2. Watch out for diabetes. Men who are carrying around extra weight might be surprised with a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes. This means the body isn’t using insulin properly, and blood sugars are far too high throughout the day and after meals. Untreated diabetes can quickly lead to peripheral nerve damage, which can affect any part of the body, including the penis. Good penis care demands a man stays on top of his diabetes treatment, getting exercise and eating healthy.

3. Get more active. In addition to getting in better shape, being more active can actually help ease the problem of shortness of breath - a quite common issue among men who are dealing with obesity. Shortness of breath can gradually affect things in the bedroom, as a man might avoid strenuous lovemaking or otherwise feel fatigue and an uncomfortable pressure in his chest during sexual activity. The more a man is active outside the bedroom, the more likely he will be able to handle fun activities inside the bedroom.

4. Keep self-esteem in mind. Even if a man doesn’t have any of the health issues listed here, he might still suffer from problems in the bedroom. Why? Because he doesn’t feel comfortable with his body, and he’s not comfortable with allowing a partner to see it or explore it. When it comes to self-esteem, looks matter - and for a man who isn’t happy with how he looks, problems in the bedroom are sure to follow. While a guy is working to get down to a healthier weight, he might want to turn to a good counselor to help him understand that the weight does not define him - and it’s something he can change.

Men who are dealing with obesity and worried about their penis care should take note: A powerful penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can go a long way toward protecting his penis. Look for a crème that contains L arginine for nerve health, vitamin A for fighting odor and vitamin C for great vascular care. All this, along with other vitamins and ingredients applied in a Shea butter base, can help a man feel much better about his handsome manhood.