Penis care
Key Facts
- Keep good hygiene and care of your penis to lower your chances of getting common problems like skin irritations.
- Knowing how to wash your penis properly helps you keep good penis hygiene.
- Using a condom and a water-based lubricant can lower your chances of catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during vaginal, oral and anal sex.
How do I maintain good penis hygiene?
Keeping good hygiene and care of your penis will lower your chances of getting skin irritations and some common infections.
Make sure you wash underwear properly, and it is fully rinsed and dry before you wear it again.
Knowing how to wash your penis properly is also essential for good penis hygiene.
How do I wash my penis?
When it comes to washing your penis, the same basic steps apply whether you have a foreskin or have been circumcised:
- Gently wash your penis each day only using water. Carefully pull back and clean underneath the foreskin (if you're not circumcised), as well as the tip of your penis (the glans).
- It's fine to use gentle soap but using too much could irritate your penis. Don't scrub this sensitive area.
- To dry, gently pat the tip of your penis, the area underneath your foreskin and the rest of your penis.
- If you're not circumcised, replace the foreskin over the tip of the penis before putting on your underwear.
To not irritate your penis, you should avoid:
- perfumed products such as soaps, laundry detergent and baby wipes
- too much washing or scrubbing — once a day is enough
- too much shaving or waxing of your genital area — your pubic hair protects against infection and friction
It is normal to have some thick, white discharge under the foreskin. This is called smegma. If you have a lot of smegma or it is smelly, you may need to wash your penis more often.
You should never forcibly pull back the foreskin on your child's penis. There is no need to clean underneath the foreskin in young children.
Sometimes the foreskin of the penis is too tight, and it can be hard to pull back. This can make it difficult to clean your penis properly. If you can't pull back your foreskin because it is too tight or unpleasant, speak to your doctor.
How do I prevent sexually transmitted infections?
There are many ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
To help lower your chances of catching STIs you can use:
- a condom and a water-based lubricant during vaginal, anal and oral sex
- latex gloves for barrier protection during sexual activity involving fingers
- dental dams during oral sex
Regular STI testing is also important to lower STI transmission. If you are sexually active, you should be tested for STIs:
- at least once a year
- when you change partners
- if you think you have come into sexual contact with someone who has a STI
- if you have symptoms of an STI
Vaccines are to help available to help protect you against some STIs. Such as:
Speak to your doctor to see if these vaccines are recommended for you.
Medicines are also available to stop you from getting HIV. These medicines can be taken either before exposure to HIV or within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV.
Using condoms and dental dams is recommended even if you're fully vaccinated. Condoms help lower your chances of catching and spreading STIs that don't have available vaccines.
When should I see my doctor?
If you notice any changes to your penis, check with your doctor.
You could have balanitis if you have a discharge or if the head of your penis becomes:
- painful
- red
- itchy
If you have symptoms of a STI or have been exposed to someone with a STI, see your doctor.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
See your doctor or a local sexual health clinic for advice on vaccination to protect against STIs.
To find your nearest sexual health clinic after-hours medical service, use the healthdirect Service Finder tool.
Resources and support
SA Health has more information avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Healthy Male provides information about foreskin hygiene.
Sexual Health Victoria offers a range of resources and information about sexual health for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
Languages other than English
Health translations has more information about penis care in other languages.
Sexual Health Victoria has many resources on sexual health and STI prevention available in multiple different languages.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
The institute of urban indigenous health has more information about sexual health for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Family planning Australia has resources about how to prevent STIs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: November 2025
