What can I do to keep my penis healthy?

You can take steps to protect your penis health and overall health. For example:

• Be sexually responsible. Use condoms or maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who's been tested and is free of sexually transmitted infections.
• Get vaccinated. If you're age 26 or younger, consider the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cancers associated with the virus.
• Stay physically active. Moderate physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction.
• Make healthy choices. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
• Practice good hygiene. If you're not circumcised, regularly clean beneath your foreskin with soap and water. Be sure to return your foreskin to its normal position after sex.
• Know your medications. Discuss medication use and possible side effects with your doctor.
• Pay attention to your mental health. Seek treatment for depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
• Stop smoking and limit the amount of alcohol you drink. If you smoke, quit. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

Not all penis problems can be prevented. However, routinely examining your penis can give you greater awareness of the condition of your penis and help you detect changes. Regular checkups also can help ensure that problems affecting your penis are diagnosed as soon as possible.

While you might find it difficult to discuss problems affecting your penis with your doctor, don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking charge of your health.