Hot tubs offer a variety of good reasons to indulge. Not only do they make a great sensual play space for those who are so inclined, but they also serve the very practical purpose of soothing sore muscles and helping a man relax in a way he simply can’t find anywhere else. The benefits are obvious. But are there equal penile health benefits?

Hot tubs have gotten a bad rap over the years, to the point that men are sometimes encouraged to steer clear of the spa and find something else to enjoy when it’s time to relax. Therefore, it is important for a man to understand the questions surrounding the hot tub and decide if the bath is safe. Here are some facts that can shed light on penile health.

1) The water can get very hot. While this is great for sore muscles, it’s not necessarily the best for the delicate skin of the penis, especially if a man indulges in the hot tub regularly. Hot water filters essential oils from the skin, which are necessary to help keep the skin hydrated, soft and supple. As these oils wear off, the skin can take on a dry, ashy appearance, as well as start to itch somewhat viciously.

2) The jets are powerful. The jets in a hot tub are great for massaging sore muscles and helping a man relax, but you need to be careful to keep your penis away from the more powerful jets of water. Although some men may be tempted to use squirting as a way to pleasure themselves, they should be aware that the very rough “handling” they receive from squirting can be enough to damage the skin on their penis.

3) The hot tubs need regular chemical treatments. While this is great for keeping your water fresh and clean, it’s not good for men’s skin, especially the more delicate areas. In fact, a particular type of rash may be the result of chemicals being introduced into hair follicles with the constant movement of water. On top of that, the chemicals need to be perfectly balanced or they could lead to pain, redness, chafing, and other issues.

4) The water in the jacuzzi is rarely changed. Why are all those chemicals necessary? Because the water in a jacuzzi is usually changed only once or twice a year. This might be fine if it’s a man’s personal hot tub and he’s paying close attention to chemical balance, but it’s a very good reason a man might want to skip public hot tubs.

5) Some older hot tubs have exposed moving parts. For some, the jets have moving parts that someone using the tub can touch. And from time to time, an adventurous boy may come into contact with those parts, maybe even his penis. And that’s where the problem starts. There have been reports of men having their delicate equipment caught between the jets and other areas of their hot tub, leading to pain, injury, and of course, a rather embarrassing removal.

So how can a man enjoy a hot tub and still maintain good penile health? He must be careful with the jets, make sure the water isn’t too hot, and make sure to use his own personal tub, where he can control the chemicals and cleanliness of the water, rather than a public tub. And every time he gets out of the hot tub, he has to rinse off in the shower and then apply some top-notch penis health cream. (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for skin.). A nourishing cream that contains a large amount of healthy vitamins can help replenish the natural balance of the skin. A cream with shea butter and vitamin E for hydration is especially welcome to prevent dryness.