An itchy penis could be due to compression shorts

There are penile health problems of much greater importance than penile itching, but few that recur as often or that all men can relate to. Whether it’s the occasional urge to scratch or the urge for a chronic itchy penis condition, all men can sympathize with the desire not to be itchy in the midsection. That desire is the reason why it is important to know what can cause that itch. Men who wear compression shorts on a regular basis should be aware that that particular underwear may be the culprit.

About compression shorts

Compression shorts evolved from medical compression garments. These garments were intended to provide a very tight fit for supportive and circulatory reasons. Finally, someone realized that compression shorts could be beneficial for athletes. By providing muscle support and helping to stimulate circulation, they could theoretically allow athletes to perform even better. Also, the compression aspect makes them a good substitute for the often maligned sports support. Hence, compression shorts have made an impact as more and more men wear them.

These shorts are especially popular in activities that involve running or biking, so they can be worn by track athletes. But they also appear quite frequently in the gym, as bodybuilders, or just men who are interested in staying in shape, have taken them.

Compression shorts usually go to mid-thigh. They are usually made of elastane or similar materials. Most of the time, compression shorts are worn without underwear to provide the desired testicular and penile support. (Some men choose to wear compression shorts as underpants.)

The Itchy Penis Connection

Why should there be any connection between compression shorts and possible itchy penis? Well, as long as those compression shorts stay very clean, there really shouldn’t be.

Unfortunately, many men, especially amateur athletes, are not as vigilant in cleaning these shorts as they should. Many men feel that if they only wear them for an hour or so at the gym, they don’t really need to wash them daily. Simply airing them out should be enough to disperse most of the odor that clings to them.

That may or may not be the case, but washing compression shorts isn’t just about getting rid of unfortunate odors. It’s also about removing sweat, bacteria, and fungi.

Yeast

When a man sweats in the crotch, there is a very real possibility that he is creating a warm and humid environment in which a fungus can thrive. This can result in a nasty yeast infection (called yeast infection in men), which can make a man scratch like crazy.

Yes, yeast infections can be treated. There are antifungal medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that can be used to get rid of it relatively quickly. But it can come back just as easily if a man doesn’t take care of himself, and isn’t it easier to just prevent it by washing those compression shorts after every sweaty wear? (It will also help with the odor problem mentioned above.)

Compression shorts aren’t the only cause of penis itch, of course. Dry penis skin is a common cause and can be relieved with regular application of a premium quality penis health cream. (Health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for the skin). Keeping the delicate skin of the penis hydrated is essential, and that requires a cream that includes both a high-end emollient (shea butter is great) and a natural moisturizer (vitamin E does the trick very well). It also helps to further strengthen the skin through a cream with a powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals. Alpha lipoic acid is excellent in this regard, as it helps keep skin resilient.