Common Mistakes Men Make When Buying Underwear

Most of the advice we hear on underwear and genital cleansing is geared towards women. But, where’s the concern for men? Is the penis a free zone when it comes to fragrances, materials and soaps? Not so much. In fact, there are quite a few things to consider before purchasing your next pair of underwear.

With newer brands, like Tommy John and Wear220, there’s no need to walk around adjusting your man parts in 2016. Every guy thinks his adjustment is discrete. But, randomly squatting as if you’re trying to fit into a tight pair of jeans or shaking a leg to adjust the nest, isn’t as subtle as you think it is. Neither is “digging in your pocket.” No one should have to walk around in discomfort and adjusting themselves, or subjecting others to witness it. It just isn’t comfortable, for anybody.

Briefs made from 100%  cotton are the healthiest choice for men, according to ArcherFriendly.com.

“Just as women wear their outer garments best with proper support from their undergarments, the same goes for men. Boxers provide no support and often act as simply just extra fabric that create a disheveled look as they bunch and fold under outer garments,” Leslee Hill, a fashion consultant and the president of Hill Image, told BlackDoctor.org.

According to Dr. Archer Atkins, ND of ArcherFriendly.com, there are more health risks that can result in a male from not wearing proper underwear support than there are for women not wearing a bra.

“Underwear that cause the scrotum to dangle excessively can result in chronic, low-grade trauma to the scrotum. Longstanding scrotal irritation from going commando or using boxer shorts can lead to epididymitis or the formation of an idiopathic hydrocele. The same dangling situations also put males at risk for testicular torsion,” wrote Dr. Atkins in a recent blog.

There has been a longstanding myth that wearing tight underwear affects your sperm count. Although there is a slight increase in scrotum temperature among men who wear tight-fitting underwear, your boys will swim just fine.

“We don’t really see a lot of difference in the type of underwear and the effect on sperm. We do recommend [men] to not be overheated in that area,” Dr. Jane Frederick, a fertility specialist, told BlackDoctor.org.

While the type of heat Dr. Frederick is referring to is that of a jacuzzi or sauna, it’s still best to choose a breathable fabric, like cotton or bamboo, that wicks away moisture.

Though you may not find it in your local retail store, there is a small variety of masculine washes available to men. Bond Ginseng Care and DIEM Duroil are among the more popular brands. In most cases, regular soap and water should do just fine. But, if you need a little extra help, particularly after using condoms and lubricants or if you are experiencing odor, a gentle PH-balanced men’s wash is the way to go.