Penis problems are no bueno. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, priapism, and penis fractures are just a few of the issues a penis can have. Many times, these penis problems can indicate underlying issues, like physical and mental health conditions. Thankfully, once a man knows how to improve his penis health, he and his penis can prevent many penis problems from happening. Here’s a basic primer on penis problems and how to improve penis health.

What sort of things affect penis health?

There are tons of things that can affect how a penis functions and cause penis problems. Here are ten of the most common:

- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which include things such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia (which is making a comeback), and genital herpes

- Penile fracture or injury

- Erectile dysfunction

- Priapism

- Yeast infection

- Phimosis

- Paraphimosis

- Ejaculation problems, including premature ejaculation, painful ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and the inability to ejaculate

- Penile cancer

- Peyronie's disease

Are their risk factors that make a man more prone to penis problems?

Various risk factors can affect penis health — some modifiable and some not. For example:

- Getting older (sorry, nothing a man can do about this one)

- Heart disease, diabetes, and related conditions.

- Obesity

- Smoking

- Alcoholism

- Hormone levels, especially testosterone deficiency

- Certain medications like sleep medicines, blood pressure medication, and antidepressants.

- Prostate cancer treatment and medication

- Depression, anxiety, severe stress, low self-esteem, or other mental health issues

- Unprotected sex, risky sexual liaisons, and sex with many partners

- Neurological conditions like dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord and back injuries

- Penis piercings

When should a man see his doctor?

Sometimes a man shouldn’t just "walk it off" when it comes to a penile concern. Here are some things that definitely warrant a trip to the doctor’s office:

- A sudden change in sexual interest or desire

- Excessive pain after penile trauma or injury

- Bleeding during urination or ejaculation

- A fiery feeling when you pee

- A drastically bent penis or curvature that triggers pain or obstructs sexual activity

- Discharge from the penis

- Changes in ejaculation

- Rash, bumps, warts, or lesions on the penis or in the genital area

How to Improve Penis Health and Avoid Penis Problems

There are many things a man can do to get and keep his penis healthy. Most of them are easy to incorporate and contribute to whole-body health. Consider adding some or all of these tips to keep Mr. Happy, happy.

- Kick the Habit. It’s time to quit smoking. It shrinks blood vessels and deteriorates penile tissue. And, it’s plain ol’ bad for a man’s health.

- Practice Moderation with Alcohol. Whiskey dick aside, too much to drink can put down a man’s peen. For men under 65, limit it to two drinks. Gentlemen over 65 should stop at one.

- Get vaccinated. Men who are under 26 should really consider getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to defend against cancers that are associated with the disease.

- Wrap It Up or Put a Ring on It (Kinda). Either get into a monogamous relationship or be sure to put a jimmy on your Johnson. Practice consensual, safe sex.

- Watch your Waist. Being at a healthy weight can lower the risk of having medical issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.

- Bone Up on Your Medications. Talk to your doc about what a medication does and potential side effects it can have.

- Work It Out. Regular physical activity can reduce a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction. Sweat sessions don’t have to be insane but aim to break a sweat and up your heart rate a bit. Also, throw in some strength training.

- Mental Health Matters! Check-in with yourself from time to time, and if you experience anxiety, too much stress, depression, or any other mental issues, head to a qualified psychiatrist, doctor, or therapist for help.

- Practice Good Hygiene. This is pretty basic. Clean your dick. Do it well and be thorough. Use warm water, mild soap, and get every wrinkle and ripple. Rinse well and air or pat dry. To finish things off, massage a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to protect and nourish the penis. Not only will it make a man’s penis soft and supple, but it will also help boost blood flow and ward off bacteria.