GET CHECKED BEFORE MARRIAGE

We all know that personal hygiene prevents diseases. But what many of us overlook is the fact that personal hygiene is not just bathing and washing it should include keeping the private parts clean and free from germs.

The male sexual organ penis secretes a white waxy substance called “smegma’. It is produced from the under surface of the foreskin, which covers the penis head. This has to be washed regularly. Otherwise, it develops an unpleasant smell and can be a good breeding ground for germs. Infection caused by germs sometimes leads to a condition called phimosis.

Those suffering this condition find it difficult to retract the foreskin.

The foreskin consists of an outer layer and an inner layer. A band of tissue called the frenulum holds the foreskin in place. It connects the foreskin and the penis head. The foreskin fits over the head of the penis like glove. During intercourse the frenulum slides back and forth.

In some individuals due to a birth anomaly or an infection, the foreskin and the frenulum cannot be fully retracted. Hence, they can tear and may cause pain and bleeding during intercourse.

The inability to pull back the foreskin is called “phimosis”. This condition requires a minor surgery known as “circumcision”. Ideally a man should be able to pull the foreskin back and expose the penis head, so that it can be washed. In certain religious groups like Muslims and Jews, circumcision is done on religious grounds irrespective of whether a man has phimosis or not.

It is advisable that every man should get his genitals checked by a doctor before marriage ideally every male child should be examined by the family doctor/ school doctors/ college doctors to rule out phimosis. This simple preventive check will make the first night memorable… for the right reasons.