Dear Dr. Roach: I am at my wit’s end and hope that you can answer this for me. I am a 76-year-old male. Next week, I’m going to have surgery in my genital area. My urologist told me to wash with Hibiclens starting one week prior to surgery. He then went on vacation, returning several days prior to my surgery. However, I am supposed to start washing with Hibiclens now.

I have watched several YouTube videos on how to use Hibiclens and made several Google inquiries, all of which caution not to use Hibiclens above the neck and in the genital area. Yet the genital area is where the surgery will be performed. I can’t find any reasons why I shouldn’t use Hibiclens in that area. What is going on here? I’m not certain what I should do. — R.M.

Answer: There remains controversy about whether chlorhexidine scrubs (Hibiclens) are effective at preventing infections with urological surgeries, but there is some evidence of benefit. Since your surgeon has recommended it, then I’d recommend following your surgeon’s advice.

There is good evidence that chlorhexidine is safe to use in the groin for both men and women, although I ask you to be careful around your genitals, which can sometimes get irritated by the cleanser. We use chlorhexidine scrubs in the hospital daily, so ultimately, it is safe to use.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.