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Most men are unaware that their penises are host to a gaggle of bacteria and that said bacteria can lead to infection and odor. Sure, the penis may appear clean to the naked eye, but studies have found as many that as many as 42 different kinds of bacteria call the skin of the penis home. Learn a few quick hygiene tips to reduce the amount of bacteria on the penis and keep the penis healthy and odor free.

Why does the penis harbor so much bacteria?

Just by looking at the penis, one may think it should be a relatively clean body part. It is not exposed to the open air, and it is not coming into contact with germs at the same frequency as, say, the hands. While it is true that the penis does not come into contact with a lot of outside germs, it is a breeding ground for its own army of bacteria. The entire male undercarriage is the perfect condition for bacteria to thrive in, as it is hot, moist and often sweaty. The lack of airflow and warmer temperatures also means bacteria multiply and lurk in the folds of the nether regions, which is why daily hygiene is so important.

Stepping up the male hygiene routine

• Wash : Of course, the most common sense way to keep the penis free of bacteria is to take a shower every day, being certain to give the penis careful attention and a thorough washing. It is also a good idea to hop in the shower post-work out and after having sex, to prevent a buildup of sweat and bodily fluids from breeding bacteria.

• Dry: Never get dressed when the goods are still wet; doing so gives the bacteria a head start as that moisture becomes trapped against the skin. Gently pat dry with a towel or allow to air dry, do not vigorously rub as that can irritate the penis skin.

• Trim : Another great way to banish bacteria is to keep the pubic hair trimmed. Even if a man does not want to go the full Monty and completely bare all, he should still trim the hair to within an inch or so from the skin. Not only does thick, long pubic hair hold in heat and sweat -- which helps to create more bacteria -- it also gives those nasty buggers a place to cling on to. Excessive pubic hair also traps in unwanted odor; so it’s best to ditch at least some of the frizz.

• Mind the foreskin: Men who are not circumcised need to pay particular attention to the skin around -- and especially under -- the foreskin, as it is much more susceptible to bacteria. In fact, men who are uncut have a greater number and variety of bacteria than those who are cut—men with their foreskin intact are also much more likely to suffer from UTI’s, thrush, STI’s, and prostate infections, as bacteria more readily make their way into the urethra when uncircumcised. That is not to say that every man should run out and get circumcised; however, if persistent health issues occur, a doctor may recommend circumcision as a way of preventing chronic infections.

• Use vitamin A: Vitamin A is known for its antibacterial properties; therefore, when it is used in some capacity on the penis skin, it can actually help to combat that unwanted bacteria and help keep the penis odor free.

Keeping the penis healthy

Minimizing bacteria is a great way to keep the penis healthy and free from painful, irritating infections such as UTI’s, thrush, and bladder infections - all of which can begin from bacteria making its way inside the penis. Adding a daily penis vitamin formula to the hygiene routine - particularly one containing vitamin A (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) - is a great way to improve the penis health and fight bacteria. Simply rub the formula directly on the penis after taking a shower - while the skin is still slightly damp - to lock in moisture and give the penis a shot of specially balanced vitamins and nutrients to help keep it healthy and free of bacteria.