A man’s behaviors and lifestyle choices can either promote or inhibit the well-being of the penis. What he does now may determine the condition of the organ later on in life. Some of the "Do’s" and "Don’ts" of penis health involve the organ directly; others are more holistic, or whole-body, approaches that indirectly impact a man’s favorite body part. Take the following advice to promote optimal penile form and function, both now and in the future.

Do work it frequently. Whether solo, with a partner or a delightful combination of both, men should make sure their members get plenty of exercise. Like any tissue in the body, penis skin and muscle benefits from regular workouts.

Don’t dry-rub. Whether cranking the rod or pleasuring a partner, men need to mind the moisture level. Inadequate lubrication can leave penis skin dry, cracked and sore; it’s also not pleasant for the person on the other end.

Do frequent equipment checks. Examine the penis for any abnormalities, such as bumps, sores, unusual discharge, odors or discoloration.

Don’t self-diagnose. If something’s off downstairs, schedule an appointment with a medical professional and get a proper diagnosis.

Do get plenty of sleep. When a man enters the deep sleep cycle, his brain sends signals to the penis that cause erections. When the penis becomes hard, it received a rush of fresh blood, which is rich in nutrients and oxygen. Frequent erections are good for penis health and, therefore, getting plenty of rest is as well.

Don’t rely on alcohol consumption for sleep. When a man drinks himself to sleep on a regular basis, he can do damage not only to his liver but to penile function as well. That’s because alcohol can decrease the sensitivity of the organ, causing both short- and long-term erectile problems.

Do spice up the plate to spice up the love life. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a stimulant that can keep the pipework perky. They’re also high in vitamin C, which helps maintain youthful skin.

Don’t eat foods that promote heart disease and diabetes. These include foods high in fat, salts and sugars. A penis-friendly diet is also a heart-friendly and pancreas-friendly diet. Diabetes and heart disease interfere with both the nervous and circulatory systems. Since proper blood flow and nerve supply are imperative to penis health, preventing these medical conditions is as well.

Do participate in regular cardiovascular exercise. This type of exercise gets the heart and lungs pumping, maximizing blood flow to the tissues of the penis and other parts of the body. The American Heart Association recommends either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of high-intensity cardio per week.

Don’t over-train. Some men get a bit obsessive with the weights. Over-training can cause an increase in the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, and a decrease in testosterone. This imbalance interferes with a man’s ability to get hard.

Do wash regularly. Keeping the member fresh with frequent warm water washings will help rid harmful bacteria and keep odors at bay. Uncut men should gently pull the foreskin back frequently and wash underneath it to prevent smegma build-up.

Don’t use soap. Soaps can irritate the sensitive skin of the penis, particularly scented brands. Some men may not be willing to give up soap, in which case a natural, fragrance-free brand should be used.

Do supplement the care regimen with a nourishing product. A vitamin crème will keep the tool hydrated and promote healthy circulation and nerve function. A quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) should contain ingredients like vitamin E, Shea butter, alpha lipoic acid and L-arginine for well-rounded penis care.