Final answer:
The urethral meatus should be cleansed differently for males and females. On a male, gently retract the foreskin (if present) and use warm water and mild soap to clean the area. On a female, wipe from front to back after using the toilet, using gentle forward motions to avoid introducing bacteria from the area into the urethra.
Step-by-step explanation:
The urethral meatus should be cleansed differently for males and females. On a male, the urethral meatus should be cleansed by gently retracting the foreskin, if present, and using warm water and mild soap to clean the area. It's important to rinse thoroughly and gently pat the area dry. On a female, the urethral meatus is located in the anterior vaginal wall, so it should be cleansed by wiping from front to back after using the toilet, using gentle, forward motions to avoid introducing bacteria from the area into the urethra. It's also important to maintain good overall hygiene and avoid using harsh products that may irritate the genital area.