Intimate hygiene and personal grooming guide for men: How to go about it?

Rashes down there body odour from excessive sweating and acne can be offputting Besides it can also affect one physically and mentally Although most men donrsquot worry much about their intimate hygiene or personal grooming it is essential to be aware of the negative consequences that can be born out of choosing to stay unhygienicTo be able to practice crucial hygiene habits and protect themselves from any kind of infection men must be aware of how to take care of themselves Midday Online spoke to health experts who share a simple guide to menrsquos intimate hygiene and personal groomingWhile the focus on womens intimate hygiene has led to a wide range of products catering to their needs men are left with limited options or are even unaware of the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in their intimate areas It is crucial to recognise that men too need attention when it comes to personal cleanliness and wellbeing says Dr Sushruta Mokadam consultant obstetrician at Motherhood Hospital Kharadi PuneMaintaining basic intimate hygiene and wellness is crucial for mens overall health and wellbeing Good intimate hygiene provides comfort reduces unpleasant odors and enhances selfconfidence improving the quality of life and personal relationships adds Dr Lalitha Palle founder ForMen HealthHealth risks from staying unhygienicInfections in intimate areas for men can be caused by a variety of factors including poor hygiene unprotected sexual activity and certain medical conditions Being unhygienic can lead to a variety of infections and health risks for menUTI Urinary tract infection or UTI occurs when bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract enter the urethra and multiply in the urinary system Men who do not practice proper hygiene such as regularly washing their genital area are more prone to developing UTIsJock Itch This is a fungal infection that commonly affects men who do not keep their groin area clean and dry Jock itch causes red itchy rashes in the groin region and can spread to other areas if left untreated It thrives in warm and moist environments making it crucial for men to maintain good personal hygiene by regularly cleaning and drying their genital areaBody odour Failing to wash yourself regularly or neglecting basic grooming practices like brushing teeth or using deodorant contribute to unpleasant smells emanating from the bodyYeast infection It occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida This can often result from excessive moisture in the genital area wearing tightfitting underwear made from nonbreathable fabrics or using perfumed products that disrupt the natural balance of bacteriaPoor hygiene and sperm healthAccording to Palle poor personal hygiene can lead to increased exposure to bacteria and infections which may cause inflammation and damage to the male reproductive organs including the testicles and epididymis Lifestyle factors often associated with poor hygiene such as smoking excessive alcohol consumption and a lack of physical activity can contribute to oxidative stress Oxidative stress results in the production of free radicals that can damage sperm DNA and impair their motilityFurther Mokadam adds that the accumulation of sweat dirt and bacteria in the genital area can lead to various infections such as UTIs or sexually transmitted infections STIs which have been linked to decreased sperm quality Neglecting proper hygiene practices may result in skin irritations or rashes that could affect sperm productionThese issues can impact overall health and selfconfidence and lead to social isolation Proper cleaning and safe sexual practices are crucial for maintaining genital healthTips to ensure basic intimate hygiene1 Bathe regularly with mild soap2 Wear clean underwear made from breathable fabrics like cotton3 Regularly change clothes especially after physical exertion or sweating heavily4 Practice safe sex use condoms5 Manage underlying health conditions6 Avoid prolonged use of fragrant personal care products near intimate areas This can prevent disruption of natural pH levels and ward off unwanted infections7 Washing down there once or twice a day is usually sufficient for most men Wash with mild unscented soap and warm water This helps remove sweat bacteria and odour reducing the risk of infections and discomfortGroomingShaving your intimate areasTo shave or not to shave is a question common among many While most believe it is best to shave to stay squeaky clean some find it better to stay away from razorsThe decision to shave or maintain pubic hair is a matter of personal preference and can vary from person to person Shaving may also be preferred for aesthetic or grooming reasons as it can provide a cleaner look or enhance sensitivity during intimacy activities says PalleMokadam explains pubic hair serves its own purpose in safeguarding sensitive areas from bacteria and friction While some may believe that shaving is a necessity for hygiene its crucial to understand that properly cleaning the genital area with water and mild soap can effectively maintain cleanliness without resorting to the complete removal of pubic hair You must note that shaving can result in skin irritation and ingrown hair which can actually increase the risk of infectionFor people who prefer shaving their pubic area you must know that it requires careful attention to safety and proper techniquerdquo says Pallle It is important to trim long hair first with scissors or an electric trimmer to reduce the risk of clogging the razor use a clean sharp razor specifically designed for sensitive areas Ensure you clean the area with warm water and a gentle fragrance free cleanser to soften the hair and reduce the risk of irritationShaving in the shower can be helpful since warm water opens up the pores When shaving go in the direction of hair growth to reduce the likelihood of ingrown hair and irritation Stretch the skin taut to create a flat surface for the razor and use short gentle strokesApply a soothing alcohol free moisturizers to keep the area hydrated and calm any potential irritation Avoid scented products as they can irritate the sensitive skin To maintain hygiene keep your razor clean and replace the blade regularly Its also advisable to avoid tight clothing immediately after shaving to reduce friction and irritationFor managing hair growth of your armpits too both experts say the necessity of shaving armpit hair and body hair is subjective and depends on personal preferences hygiene considerations aesthetics and societal expectations Some cultures or social groups may place a greater emphasis on hair removal while others may notFace groomingProper beard care and shaving routine are essential for men to maintain healthy and wellgroomed facial hair It is important to prepare the skin and beard before starting the shaving process Men should wash their faces with warm water and use a facial cleanser to remove dirt and oil which can clog the razor blade Applying a shaving cream or gel will also help soften the beard hair for easier removal Some men prefer a cleanshaven look and may need to shave every day while others may choose to avoid frequent shaving Shaving too frequently can lead to skin irritation so it is essential for men to pay attention to their skins reaction and adjust their shaving routine accordinglyAfter shaving applying a postshave balm or moisturizers can help soothe the skin and prevent dryness or redness Always remember to shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and ingrown hair Maintaining a clean and wellmaintained razorFor those who like to maintain a healthy beard and moustache must adopt a combination of proper grooming and the use of suitable products Regular washing with a mild beardspecific shampoo is essential to keep the facial hair clean and free of dirt and excess oilsIt is recommended to wash the beard and mustache two to three times a week as overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils leading to dryness In addition to washing applying a beard conditioner or oil is crucial The oils also help reduce itchiness and flakiness associated with beard growthBeard balms and waxes can also be used to style and shape the facial hair keeping it in place and well groomed Moreover combing or brushing the beard and moustache helps to distribute the products evenly and remove tangles A wellmaintained beard and moustache rely on proper cleansing conditioning grooming tools and styling productsRole of healthy diet and lifestyle habitsBoth Palle and Mokadam share tips on the kind of diet and lifestyle habits men must follow that can aid them in staying clean and hygienicAdequate water intake is essential to maintain hydration and prevent body odor as dehydration can lead to foulsmelling sweatMen should priorities foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits vegetables and lean proteins as they support the bodys immune system reducing the risk of infectionsMen should also limit their intake of spicy and pungent foods as they can lead to strongsmelling sweatAvoid highly processed foods such as sugary snacks deepfried items and excessive alcohol intake to prevent bad breath and body odour Be mindful of what you eat 5 Avoid wearing tight underwear It can create a hot and humid environment which promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi This can lead to unpleasant odour itching and even infections in the genital areaOpt for loosefitting underwear made from breathable fabrics like cotton It promotes better airflow and maintains intimate hygiene