Men often take pride in their personal wellness and fitness levels, but surprisingly, many of them overlook one of the most important aspects of their wellbeing -- penis health! Believe it or not, caring for the penis can promote self-confidence, as well as a satisfying and fulfilling sex life; and on the other hand, when penile health suffers, it can be an indicator of other systemic problems that require attention.

While caring for the penis is not especially difficult, it does require foresight and care. Here are a few things that are bad for the health of men’s most intimate area, as well as some strategies for self-care:

Diabetes

According to medical research, diabetes - a disease that affects many men -- can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). As most men are aware, diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar, and it can cause a wide range of other health concerns. In terms of erectile function, diabetes can affect the hormone and nerve responses that lead to an erectile response. It is also linked to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, in which the nerves in the fingers, toes, and yes - the penis - are compromised. This can lead to tingling, pain and even loss of sensation, which has an obvious effect on a man’s ability to enjoy any sexual contact.

To avoid these concerns, men who have type 2 diabetes or are at risk for the disease should take special care in terms of watching out for blood sugar, keeping body weight at an appropriate level, and paying attention to good nutrition - all aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for the lungs - it’s also bad for the penis. Research has shown that smoking cigarettes can play a major factor in developing ED. The reason is clear: smoking wreaks havoc on the blood vessels, and those same blood vessels are responsible for delivering blood to the penis to form an erection. As the popular website Healthline notes:

The risk of smoking to your erectile health is specifically due to the effects of cigarette chemicals on the blood vessels in the penis. An erection results when the arteries in the penis expand and fill with blood after receiving signals from nerves in the penis. The nerves are responding to sexual arousal signals from the brain. Even if the nervous system is operating at full strength, an erection might not be physically possible if the blood vessels are unhealthy due to smoking.

As if this loss of function were not bad news enough, it gets even worse: loss of blood flow to the penis can result in atrophy of the penile tissue, which can cause the member to shrink by as much as an inch.

Piercings

Piercings and other body modifications are more popular than ever, and even genital piercings are now fairly common. But men who decide to pierce the penis should be extremely careful and should have the procedure carried out by a reputable professional. The Mayo Clinic explains that depending on where your piercing is placed, nerve damage may result, impacting sensitivity and the ability to become aroused or achieve orgasm.

Furthermore, piercings that are not meticulously kept clean can cause bacterial and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Therefore, piercings should be kept clean and sanitary at all times. Good personal hygiene habits are key.

When it comes to hygiene, keeping it simple is best. The area should be washed with warm water and a gentle cleanser; and for a new piercing, a mild solution of sea salt and lukewarm water can help cleanse and remove bacteria.

Protecting the Penis

In addition to monitoring blood sugar and body weight, quitting smoking, and exercising general penile care and hygiene, men can protect against a variety of common issues by daily application of a top quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A nutrient crème containing vitamins, amino acids and natural emollients can soothe dry, stressed skin; protect against daily wear and tear; control odors; and preserve or even restore sensation in this delicate area.