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Male reproductive hygiene
Male reproductive hygiene

Penis care (uncircumcised)
Definition:
Care of the uncircumcised penis (with foreskin intact).

Alternative Names:
Genital care; Penile hygiene; Genital hygiene

Information:
An infant boy with an uncircumcised penis requires no additional care. Hygiene requirements are normal bathing. It is NOT recommended to retract (pull back) the foreskin for cleaning during infancy and childhood as this may injure the foreskin and cause scarring that could make retraction painful and difficult later in life.

Adolescent boys should be taught to gently retract the foreskin during bathing and clean the penis thoroughly. After cleaning the penis, dry the area completely. It is very important to pull the foreskin back over the head of the penis. If the foreskin is not replaced (pulled back down) over the head (glans) of the penis, the foreskin, which fits tightly around the glans, would cause slight constriction of the glans which would cause swelling, pain, and require medical treatment.
Review Date: 8/10/2001
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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