Intimate hygiene for men
Intimate hygiene has gathered a new following among modern men. A following that is ‘sometimes too fervent’, according to gynaecologist Dr Marie-Claude Benattar.
© Thinkstock
Men have become a major target for personal hygiene products, swept up in the fashion for non-perfumed cleanliness. In cases where this becomes excessive, gynaecologist Marie-Claude Benattar sounds warning bells. The number of showers can stack up; in the morning, before and after sexual relations, and also at the gym or at sports clubs.
There is a tendency to keep everything super-clean and this can be too much sometimes! When the skin gets raw or irritated, or red patches appear, it is time to start questioning the regime!
Here we discuss the basics of cleanliness, somewhere between refinement and virility, taking into account what is demanded from the male sex.
The keys to good male hygiene
Hygiene is important, and the basics are very simple. " In your daily shower, I advise soaping with a gentle soap all over the body and rinsing well," says Dr Benattar. Pay careful attention to areas where hair is, in particular the underarms and pubic area…with extra gentleness on the latter of course.
As for the sex organs themselves; "Letting soapy water run over these is enough," adds the specialist. It is unhelpful to keep on cleaning as though you were ‘dirty’. Remember that the skin in this area is more delicate than that of the rest of the body, so take this into account. Another important thing to remember is to dry off properly, avoiding humidity in this area.
Massage oils, lubricants and intimate hygiene
Erotic games have diversified to involve different areas of the body. Erotic massage during foreplay is one of the biggest new trends. "You should take care with any oily products in relation to your intimate areas," Dr Benattar points out. Choose products that are designed for this purpose, and be attentive to any irritation or allergy. As for lubricants, these are mostly gels which are specially formulated and do not stick or harm the skin. These are easily washed off, and a simple rinse with water will be enough.
After sexual relations, some may feel the need to shower, and wash intimate areas in particular. Our specialist highlights that, "Certain ideas that sex is dirty can make life complicated." She gives a clear view on this saying that it is not absolutely necessary to wash after sexual intercourse, as in normal conditions, the intimate parts of a woman’s body are covered in flora or ‘good bacteria’. The lactobacilli which make up this layer stop pathogenic germs spreading by inhibiting their growth. On the other hand, during menstruation or when spermicide is present, showering post-sex showering is recommended.
Signs of over-zealous hygiene
New disorders can appear which point to an excessive personal hygiene regime. With a man who is quite active in sports and sex, it is usual for him to get in the shower 2 or 3 times a day. Also at risk are swimmers who are exposed to a large amount of cumulative chlorine and therefore vigorous soaping.
An excess of cleansers can upset the body’s system and will essentially have the opposite effect to the one intended, with various symptoms appearing. Dr Benattar lists these for us: 'Excessive personal hygiene can create chaps and chafing, chronic irritation or small red patches, which are small blood capillaries which get congested." Her advice is, that as soon as symptoms appear, consult a doctor and explain your personal hygiene routine. Treatment, hydrating cream and a return to normal, better adapted personal hygiene practices should be enough to rectify the problem.
Copyright © 2011 Doctissimo
Posted 09.06.2011
Get more on this subject…
