Question of the week: Do I need a special penis cleaner?

An interesting topic was brought up on Yahoo. A Twitter user accidentally discovered a specially formulated penis cleaner on a supermarket shelf and shared his "discovery" on social media.

"Oh my God, what's wrong with ordinary soap and water, even with a little lemon juice?" he wrote.

While we're not really sure about the need for lemon juice, this remark is not without common sense.

So what's the deal? Is there any benefit to treating male genitals with a special cleaner or is it pointless?

As with anything, it's best to consult an expert to find out the truth.

Necessity and sufficiency of ordinary hygiene

The penis, like the vagina, does not need to be washed with special cleaners to keep it clean. Rick Vinay, consultant urologist at BMI The Priory Hospital in Birmingham, says penis soaps are not really needed, but daily hygiene is required.

"The penis is a skin-covered organ, and like all skin-covered parts of the body, it is colonized by bacteria," he explains.

The moist environment under the fold of the foreskin creates favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in this area, which can cause infection.

"You've probably seen many mammals take extra hygiene measures with their penis. For example, cats and dogs can clean themselves by licking," he adds. "But people need to be a little more resourceful."

See also: What to take for a long dick if you need a quick effect

"The male body produces a thick, cheese-like substance called smegma that helps protect against infection," Viney continues. "It may smell like aged blue-veined French cheese, but that's where the similarities end."

"Unfortunately, this smell can be unpleasant, including during sexual intercourse, so a simple wash with water and regular soap with the foreskin carefully removed is recommended. Nothing else is really needed."

"If a man finds it difficult to do this because of narrowing of the foreskin, pain, or an abnormal appearance of the foreskin or glans, then he should get checked out by a doctor."

What do the dark sides of frying pans conceal?

And another piece of news from the same source: Researchers have linked male penis size to the chemicals used in non-stick pans.

A new study has found that chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) have a surprising effect on a man's penis and potentially make it smaller.

These compounds are found in a number of everyday items, including non-stick coatings on cookware, fast food packaging, and medicines.

Researchers at the University of Padua have found that PFCs can interfere with hormonal metabolism, which in turn can lead to "significantly smaller" penis sizes and reduced sperm motility.

See also: Average penis length in different countries Table (88 countries)