My husband feels a burning
sensation during intercourse.

Dear Jacqui:
My husband has been feeling a burning sensation during intercourse. Afterwards his penis is sometimes red or irritated.

The skin on his penis is so dry, sometimes it even peels. I had a gynecological check-up and the doctor said that everything was normal. Still, the problem continues. Have you ever heard of this condition?
Annie

Dear Annie:
You did not tell us if you are using any preventative creams or condoms. So, I have to make some assumptions. I have a suspicion that your husband is allergic to a product he or both of you are using before or during intercourse.

That's when he experiences the discomfort. Many men and women have reported irritations and even infections caused by spermicidal creams or by condoms containing spermicides.

Many lubricants cause allergic reactions, especially lubricants containing flavors which are chemical additives. I've seen lubricants containing citric acid which is definitely inappropriate for a woman's vagina and a man's skin.

Another culprit: plain old soap, especially deodorant soaps. All soaps leave microscopic residue on the skin which can be extremely irritating and drying. I know of a number of cases where men using deodorant soap developed serious skin irritations.

I suggest your husband use some cortisone cream to counteract the irritation and calm the tissue and stop using any soap at all in the genital area, just lukewarm water for a few days.

In the future he should avoid all products containing fragrance, chemical dyes or deodorizing ingredients to cleanse his body. A pH balanced body wash or cleanser is a safe bet. If the irritation continues, I advise he see a good urologist or dermatologist. Possibly he has a bacterial or fungal infection causing the burning and peeling.

Jacqui

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