The Seminal and Penile Microbiome: What It Is & Why It Matters for Sexual Health & Fertility
Penile and seminal health is an important, yet often overlooked, part of overall wellbeing. Just like the gut or the vagina, the skin and tissues of the penis host a community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. A microbiome site exists externally on the penis, and within seminal fluid.
If the balance of bacteria (known as the microbiome) becomes imbalanced, or is lower in good bacteria which are known as the Lactobacilli, symptoms such as irritation, inflammation, odour, or recurrent infections can occur.
However, it is possible to have no symptoms but still have a microbial imbalance.
What Penile Microbiome Imbalances Can Occur?
Penile microbiome imbalances can present in different ways, including:
Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans (head of the penis), which can be associated with bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
Fungal Overgrowth (Candida): Causes redness, itching, burning, or discharge.
Bacterial imbalance: May contribute to odour, irritation, or increased sensitivity. This may be from anaerobic, aerobic or STI associated microbes.
Skin Barrier Disruption: May cause dryness, cracking, or irritation of the foreskin or shaft.
Post-Antibiotic Imbalance: Reduced protective bacteria following antibiotic use makes the penis more susceptible to imbalance and infection.
Sexually Transmitted Microbes: A change in microbiome due to STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Or other microbes shared from fluid transmission during sex including candida or BV associated microbes.
Can Penile Health influence Vaginal health?
Yes, absolutely! For decades there has been a belief that vaginal health concerns belong soley to the vagina-owner, however as more research continues to come out, we have gained a confident understanding that penile and seminal microbiome can contribute to recurrency in vaginal infections, such as BV, as well as contribute to lower rates of fertility outcomes. So, it really can take two to tango!
STI’s are bacterial and viral microbes transferred during sex - so it is possible for other non-STI microbes to be transferred too, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Recent research confirmed AMAB partners who received antibiotic treatment for BV had close to 40% reduction in recurrency in their partners, highlighting that microbial support for both partners is important.
It is also important to consider recent research that highlights an imbalance with the seminal microbiome is linked to increased rates of pregnancy loss and lower live birth rates.
This highlights how important it is to ensure all partner’s are supporting their microbiome.
How to Keep the Penile Microbiome Healthy
When it comes to penile health and hygiene, gentle and consistent care is necessary:
Gentle Cleaning: Wash with warm water or mild, natural intimate cleansers. Avoid harsh soaps or antiseptics.
Foreskin Care: If uncircumcised, gently retract and clean underneath, then dry thoroughly.
Breathable Clothing: Choose natural fibre underwear such as cotton or bamboo to reduce moisture and irritation.
Avoid Over-Washing: Excessive cleaning can strip protective microbes and disrupt the skin barrier.
Support Overall Health: Diet and nutrition, blood sugar regulation, and stress levels all influence the microbiome.
Practice Safe Sex: To reduce the exchange of microbiome between partners, use condoms and post-sex hygiene to reduce irritation and maintain healthy penile microbiome.
Note: Odour is not always simply a sign of poor hygiene - it can be a signal of microbial imbalance.
Naturally, the penile microbiome can change over time due to age, hormones, sexual activity, lifestyle and environment.
Circumcision also has an influence on the microbial balance of the penis, with circumcision often reducing anaerobic bacteria, whilst increasing other species of bacteria. But it’s important to note that healthy balance is possible in both circumcised and uncircumcised bodies.
Addressing Penile and Seminal Health
Jessie at Botanical Abundance offers inclusive, non-judgemental care and takes the time to understand your whole picture of health. A naturopathic approach aims to support digestive microbiome, penile and seminal microbiome and general wellbeing through holistic natural interventions.
Appointments are available via telehealth or in person at the Good Vibes Clinic in Surry Hills.