A man with an intact male organ in the U.S. gets a raw deal in
many ways, at least when it comes to common conceptions about what he’s
packing. There are many great things about having a prepuce, but cultural myths
have influenced opinions about penile hygiene and aesthetics that give the
sheath a bad rap. But so long as a man practices routine male organ care, his tool is likely
not only healthy, but quite lovely to behold, prepuce and all. Getting to that
realization requires dispelling the misconceptions that lead one to regard his
natural skin as unsightly or unclean.
Myth
#1: Smegma is dirty.
While it is true that smegma, the white
substance that forms beneath the prepuce, can trap bacteria and lead to odors
and infection, this situation is easily manageable. A man generally just needs
to retract the sheath in the shower and gently wipe the stuff away with his wet
fingers. Men who produce a lot of smegma may benefit from wiping it away a few
times a day outside the shower as well.
Myth
#2: Most guys are cut.
While this is true in the U.S. – about
75% of American men are snipped – worldwide the situation is the different.
Only one-third of men around the world are cut.
Myth
#3: Women hate prepuce.
Women’s preferences cannot be
generalized in this way. It is true that some women espouse negative views of
the prepuce, but this is likely due to the same misconceptions that lead men to
frown upon the layer of skin. Some women actually enjoy it – the process of
retracting the prepuce with the hand or lips can be a thrilling extra step,
kind of like a strip tease for the head of the male organ!
Myth
#4: There are clear health benefits of the surgery.
Actually, major health organizations
disagree on whether there are enough benefits of the surgery to recommend it.
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made a push to endorse the
practice of snipping; however, the American Academy of Pediatrics
disagrees.
Myth
#5: Prepuce is ugly.
Says who? It’s important here to
understand that conceptions of beauty don’t form in a vacuum. Culture and the
images we commonly see (think: adult videos) influence how we perceive things.
This can certainly be a difficult influence to combat, but it is possible. It
is not necessary to compare oneself to men in adult videos. Think of the
prepuce for what it is: skin. What’s ugly about skin?
Myth
#6: There are no benefits to prepuce.
Prepuce provides natural lubrication to
the male organ, which can be a boon when self-pleasuring or engaging in partner
activity. Also, sliding it over the head during solo play can provide extra
pleasure. Some research suggests that prepuce may improve sensitivity of the
head by protecting it from constant friction, but there are also research
results to the contrary. Likewise, some researchers think smegma contains
anti-bacterial properties, while others disagree.
Men with prepuce have nothing to be ashamed
of. Since cultivating positive body image and self-confidence is important for
both mental and sensual health, it benefits a man to dispel misconceptions
about his body and appreciate what he has.
A man can show his male organ
appreciation by not only washing it regularly, but using a male organ health crème (health
professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) as part of his daily routine. Applying
this product after showering can help combat issues with dry skin and/or
unwanted odor that some men experience. Vitamin A is a great ingredient to seek
out, as it has anti-bacterial properties that can help fight infections and
odors. Shea butter and vitamin E are important as well, as they are gentle
natural moisturizers. Thinking fondly of one’s endowment is nice, but actually
treating it kindly as well is best.
Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common
male organ health issues, tips on improving organ sensitivity and what to do to
maintain a healthy manhood. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes
in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous
websites.