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Your gym teacher was right
Does anybody really have to tell you how important it is to provide some support and protection to the old family jewels? For most men and boys, it's instinctive. But in case you do need to be told, let us remind you that it is especially vital to provide protection during active sports or recreational activity. A good old athletic support provides just what you need to prevent injury from movement. And with an additional plastic cup, you're ready for World Cup Soccer. No one's going to try to convince you they are the most comfortable devices in the world, but a few precautions now can mean a lot.
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Protecting Yourself
Athletic supports are a necessary part of athletic activity, particularly those which involve kicking, flying projectiles, and jumping up and down. Basically every sport except maybe croquet. Athletic supports, or for the more poetic folks out there, "jock straps," are designed to support and protect your genitals during athletic activity.
Don't underestimate the benefits of an athletic supporter. You might need a full supporter/cup package, but there are support devices to fit most every athletic need. There are also briefs or shorts with a foam wedge stitched into the crotch.
If the Shoe Fits, Wear It
You can assume that "regular" or "medium" will fit the average male. If you need a smaller size than what is offered, try shopping in the boys' section.
Other Shopping Tips
- Athletic supports can be found in most sporting goods stores as well as some drug stores.
- Try the support on and return it (if there is a return policy) if it doesn't fit.
- Keep in mind that if the support is made of elastic and cotton, it will shrink. Most supports fit much better after a wash or two.
- If you don't need a cup, don't get one!
- If you have a tendency to get jock itch, choose a support that is lined with a fabric that wicks moisture away to keep you dry.
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Protect Yourself With Athletic Supports
- Athletic supports are designed to provide you with support and protection during athletic activity.
What Are Athletic Supports?
- Some supports are full briefs or shorts with supporting foam sewn right into the crotch.
- Others are the traditional cup style which you can use with or without a protective hard cup.
How to Use
- The most important part of choosing an athletic support is making sure it fits well.
- For very active and professional athletes, choosing the right athletic support prevents serious injury and pain.
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
- Excessive pressure to the perineum (the strip of skin between your testicles and your anus) can cause prolonged numbness. Sitting on a bicycle seat for too long can damage the nerves in the perineum and cause general numbness. It can take months for the nerves to regenerate, but they should eventually. Wear padded bicycle pants or shorts to protect this area.
- If you do happen to get hit in the groin, lie down, stay calm, and apply an ice pack. The pain will eventually diminish.
- If you suspect that you have done serious damage, then seek the attention of a urologist immediately.
- Blood in your urine? Long-distance running on an empty bladder can bruise the bladder and cause it to bleed. Rehydrate and see if it clears up after a bit. If not, see a doctor. It could be something more serious.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Support
- The goal is support and protection, not cutting off your circulation. For maximum comfort, make sure it fits snugly, but not too tightly.
- Make sure to wash it frequently to kill bacteria and fungus that may cause infection.
Jock Itch? Do Not Let It Invade Your Athletic Support
- Jock itch is not just general chafing caused by friction with your athletic support, but an actual fungal infection.
- "Jock itch" has a medical name, tinea cruris.
- The fungus that causes jock itch is similar to the one that causes athlete's foot.
- Fungi flourish in dark, moist areas. An athletic support provides the perfect environment for jock itch to grow.
- Athletic supports keep your genitals even moister and darker than they are naturally. The additional friction and compression don't help either.
What to Do About Jock Itch
- You can purchase over-the-counter creams that contain the ingredients miconazole or clotrimazole. Give it a few weeks and it should end the itch.
- Wash yourself with antibacterial soap and dry thoroughly.
- Some suggest blow-drying (for safety's sake, do it on the cool setting!) your genital area after showering.
- If the itch doesn't subside with over-the-counter treatment, see a doctor.
- There are a number of sexually transmitted diseases and non-sexually transmitted diseases that cause symptoms similar to jock itch. If you don't respond to an over-the-counter antifungal, then seek the attention of your healthcare professional.
- Don't use talc. The jury is still out on whether or not talc can actually increase a woman's risk of cervical cancer, so it's best to stay away from it.
- Wear boxers. Avoid tight clothing that prevents air from circulating.
Getting the Most Out of Your Support
- Chafing and irritation may occur with prolonged use.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Articles
- 1. Post, Robyn."Don't mention it". Men's Health; Vol. 12 11/1/1997.
- 2. Blackburn, Maria."The state of the art of athletic support". Gannett News Service; 8/31/1994.
- 3. Skube, Michael."Perfect Fits". The Atlanta Constitution; 10/6/1998.
- 4. Kita, Joe."A member in good standing". Men's Health; Vol. 10 9/1/1995.
- 5. Reifsnider, Elizabeth."Common adult infection skin conditions". The Nurse Practitioner; Vol. 22 11/1/1997.
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