The average penis may be only a few inches long, but it takes up a lot of psychic space. In fact, it's probably safe to say that the average guy spends a significant amount of time wondering what he should do to keep his tool in tip-top shape, so he can use it as often as he'd like to. Experts on men’s health offer these 10 penis care tips that can help guys to do just that and to improve their overall sexual performance.

1. Wash daily.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but according to many practitioners, a surprising number of men tend to neglect this simple step. Washing up may not be thrilling, but it's a vital part of keeping intimate tissues healthy. A quick rinse with warm water, including a rinse under the foreskin for those guys who haven't been cut, should be enough to keep tissues healthy if it is done on a daily basis.

2. Choose non-perfumed cleansers.

Ordinary soaps tend to be drying, as they have detergent properties that can leech natural oils from the skin. Whether a cleanser is used directly on the penis or not, the suds can trickle down from a man's arms and chest onto his dangling tool. Sticking with body washes that don't contain perfumes can keep dryness and irritation at bay.

3. Perform routine inspections.

There are a number of conditions that can impact the manhood, including:

  • Cancer
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Dermatologic disorders
  • Bacterial infections

Many of these disorders are easily treated when they're caught early and treated with proper medical attention. A daily visual inspection can help a man to understand what his tool typically looks like, so he can spot problems before they spin out of control.

4. See a medical doctor with any questions and concerns.

If a medical problem does appear, a person with a medical degree can provide an appropriate level of care. Friends, parents and neighbors might have all sorts of opinions, as might online pundits, but doctors can perform tests and prescribe therapies that others cannot.

5. Wear proper protection during athletic endeavors.

Some health problems can be prevented altogether, if men wear the proper protection during sports activities that involve projectiles. Baseball, football and some track-and-field events can leave men with bruised and bleeding tissues that require care in the emergency room. Slipping on a cup could reduce that risk.

6. Choose a penis-friendly bike seat.

While men who hop on a bike might not need to wear a cup, the seat they sit on could be designed in such a way that blood flow to the penis is impeded or even stopped altogether. Seats that are shaped more like a mushroom and less like a banana don't tend to cause this kind of blockage, and they could keep the penis healthier as a result.

7. Always, always, always use lube.

Fast-and-furious sexual encounters, either with a partner or without, can result in skin that's chapped, chafed and sore. Lubricants provide a slick layer of protection that can keep friction-based injuries from taking hold, and that might mean the skin stays soft and responsive.

8. Wear protection during intimate encounters.

Latex-based protection, when applied early in a sexual encounter, can help to protect against some types of sexually transmitted diseases. Areas not covered by a condom might still be at risk, of course, and this protection won't work well if it slides off or tears in the heat of a moment, but it could help some men to avoid infections in intimate areas.

9. Resist the urge to pierce.

Intimate jewelry might be popular, but the process of piercing intimate skin could lead to infections or deep-tissue trauma. Going natural might not be considered sexy at the moment, but tissues that steer clear of a piercing gun might also be just a touch healthier.

10. Use a penis health crème.

A product designed just for the penis is loaded with vitamins, minerals and emollients that can both nourish and protect the cells of the penis. When applied daily, a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can support the tissues that are already in use, and it can provide the nutrition the body needs in order to lay down healthier, more robust tissues in the future.