As a urologist and pelvic surgeon, Dr. Rena Malik stresses that penile health is a crucial measure of overall male health, cautioning that only about 20% of her viewers are subscribed to her channel. In a comprehensive address on maintaining male sexual wellness, Dr. Malik outlined 10 essential practices—and major pitfalls—that men should be aware of to protect themselves from serious, often irreversible, damage.
The first rule is foundational: Don't ignore your penis. Dr. Malik calls erectile dysfunction (ED) the "canary in the coal mine," noting that when men experience trouble with erections, 14% of them go on to have a heart attack within seven years. Strong erections are a biomarker for good blood flow, well-functioning hormones and nervous system, and a positive psychological state.
Next, Dr. Malik strongly advises against DIY remedies. She warns that she has "seen it all" and confirms that there are no safe, unproven home remedies or concoctions that will make the penis grow longer or thicker. A common dangerous practice is Jerking, where men use hand pressure to perform stretches for increased length. Dr. Malik explains that excessive jerking can cause "little, tiny fractures" and injury over time, potentially leading to irreversible erectile dysfunction. Another dangerous DIY is creating homemade constriction bands, such as using a "construction nut" or a ring cut from a "plastic Coke bottle," which can lead to emergency room visits and require fire department assistance to remove due to severe swelling. She recommends buying safe, professionally made constriction bands for about $20 on Amazon instead.
Rule number three is keeping it clean. For uncircumcised men, it is vital to pull the foreskin back, clean underneath, and dry the area to prevent infections like balonitis. Inability to pull the foreskin back is a problem, as penile cancer, though "exceedingly rare," can develop unseen. She advises avoiding aggressive cleaning with strong or scented soaps, as the skin is sensitive; simply let soapy water run through to avoid irritation, lacerations, and "syntagma buildup".
As a urologist and pelvic surgeon, Dr. Rena Malik stresses that penile health is a crucial measure of overall male health, cautioning that only about 20% of her viewers are subscribed to her channel. In a comprehensive address on maintaining male sexual wellness, Dr. Malik outlined 10 essential practices—and major pitfalls—that men should be aware of to protect themselves from serious, often irreversible, damage.
The first rule is foundational: Don't ignore your penis. Dr. Malik calls erectile dysfunction (ED) the "canary in the coal mine," noting that when men experience trouble with erections, 14% of them go on to have a heart attack within seven years. Strong erections are a biomarker for good blood flow, well-functioning hormones and nervous system, and a positive psychological state.
Next, Dr. Malik strongly advises against DIY remedies. She warns that she has "seen it all" and confirms that there are no safe, unproven home remedies or concoctions that will make the penis grow longer or thicker. A common dangerous practice is Jerking, where men use hand pressure to perform stretches for increased length. Dr. Malik explains that excessive jerking can cause "little, tiny fractures" and injury over time, potentially leading to irreversible erectile dysfunction. Another dangerous DIY is creating homemade constriction bands, such as using a "construction nut" or a ring cut from a "plastic Coke bottle," which can lead to emergency room visits and require fire department assistance to remove due to severe swelling. She recommends buying safe, professionally made constriction bands for about $20 on Amazon instead.
Rule number three is keeping it clean. For uncircumcised men, it is vital to pull the foreskin back, clean underneath, and dry the area to prevent infections like balanitis. Inability to pull the foreskin back is a problem, as penile cancer, though "exceedingly rare," can develop unseen. She advises avoiding aggressive cleaning with strong or scented soaps, as the skin is sensitive; simply let soapy water run through to avoid irritation, lacerations, and "syntagma buildup".
