Something Smells Down There: 6 Causes and Solutions for Odor on the Penis

Whether you’re having an issue with a nether-regions smell or your partner is, the problem may be easier to solve than you think. Penile odor is extremely common and something every man may experience in his life. A serious or long-lasting odor may be due to environmental factors that can be easily changed. More severe cases of odor on the penis may be symptoms of a medical issue like a sexually transmitted disease, so ensure you’re watching out for any other symptoms if experiencing a foul-smelling odor down there. The starting point for fixing the problem is identifying the cause; here are some of the most common:

- Smegma. This sebaceous secretion, found in the folds of the penis skin, is caused by the build-up of oil, skin cells and moisture. This combination, in congruence with the hot and warm environment of the groin, causes the formation of smegma, a cheesy substance with a foul smell. Thankfully, proper hygiene is all that is needed for the prevention and treatment of smegma. Keep clean to avoid this unpleasant and sometimes painful issue.

- Male yeast infections. Theseare quite common and plague many more men than previously thought. These fungal infections are caused by candida yeast, which is normally present on skin, but having sex with a partner who has a yeast infection can trigger the infection. Like vaginal yeast infections, penile yeast infections are easily treated with antifungal cremes.

- Pubic hair. Especially when long and unruly, thisis a common home to bacteria that fester and cause penile odor. Many suggest keeping pubic hair trimmed or even removed completely, as oil from the hair mixes with natural skin oils, sweat and heat and can cause a gnarly smell. Some suggest applying baby powder to the groin area to help with that nasty scent.

- Non-cotton clothing. Synthetic fabrics that don’t “breathe”are a sure fire-way to trap heat and moisture, so pick up a pair of cotton undies for better results. The groin area is a breeding ground for bacteria; wearing breathable fabrics like cotton helps to keep fresh air circulating into the stale area.

- Sexually transmitted infections. Some STIs are known to cause penile odor as a symptom, so your body may be telling you something, especially if you’re also experiencing any burning sensations during urination, discharge from the tip of the penis or any swelling, pain or rashes on your penis. Always be cautious of your sexual partners if they have symptoms of an STI.

- Hygiene. Most penile odor causes are due to a simple problem: lack of adequate grooming. Proper, frequent washing of the genital area is a necessity to keep the area fresh and clean. Showering with an uncircumcised penis demands more effort, as men need to pull their foreskin all the way back to wash the head of their penis with soap at least once or twice a day to avoid smegma and any other secretions that may stink. Try to shower in the morning and evening, and especially after any workout. After correctly washing the area, dry and moisturize your skin with a product made specifically for men, like a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) . This particular health crème is a super weapon, containing vitamins and nutrients essential to the wellbeing of private area skin, like vitamin C, for collagen production, and Shea butter, which hydrates the skin leaving the area soft and smooth. Keep the penis skin clean, dry, and hydrated for optimal health.

Penile Odor: Why It Happens and Strategies for Treating It

Penile odor is a very common problem for men. Picture this: It’s the fourth date, things are heating up, and you’re worried about your smelly penis turning your partner off and potentially ruining the evening and the relationship. Of course, all genitalia have a natural odor and it’s not always great. But if the odor is embarrassingly bad or pungent, there are a few steps to take in order to keep the genital area clean and smelling fresh. Continue reading to gauge if your odor problem is due to one of the causes listed below.

1) Smegma is caused by the build-up of moisture, oil, and skin cells on the shaft of the penis. For uncircumcised penises, it is a common problem underneath the foreskin. Smegma can cause a white, sour-smelling discharge that allows bacteria to fester and grow and can also cause redness and irritation. In order to prevent or rid yourself of smegma, make sure to properly clean the penis, paying close attention to the folds of the skin.

2) Public hair can trap oil, sweat and bacteria that can cause a pretty nasty odor down there. The hair traps moisture and makes it impossible to stay dry and clean. Keep your hair down there fresh by trimming it regularly, or simply removing it all together. For those with pubic hair, make sure to towel dry your public hair completely, as to keep your nether-regions as dry as possible.

3) Non-cotton clothing can trap heat and moisture, a breeding ground for nasty bacteria that smells. Make sure you’re wearing cotton underwear as it’s a breathable fabric and gives your private area the space and air circulation it needs to stay fresh. Jeans are notorious for keeping heat and moisture trapped so make sure to wear proper underwear with denim.

4) Male Yeast Infections can cause a gnarly smell. Although not as common as female yeast infections, these can pop up due to candida, the fungus that causes yeast infections. Candida is normally present on moist skin but having sex with a partner who has a yeast infection can transmit the infection.

5) Urinary Tract Infections can be a culprit to a smelly penis as those with UTI’s can experience foul smelling urine. As the urine passes through the penis, it can leave behind a nasty scent. Doctors recommend urinating after sexual activity to decrease the risk of contracting a UTI.

6) Sexually Transmitted Infections can cause penis odor. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms in tandem with a smelly penis, visit your doctor as soon as possible to get tested: burning pain during urination, discharge of material from the tip of the penis or pain in the penis.

Most penile odor causes are due to a simple problem: hygiene. Proper, frequent washing of the genital area is a necessity to keep the area fresh and clean. Those with an uncircumcised penis need to pull their foreskin all the way back to wash the head of their penis with soap at least once or twice a day to avoid smegma and any other secretions that may stink.

After correctly washing the genital area, dry and moisturize your skin with a product made specifically for skin, like a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This particular health crème is a super weapon, containing vitamins and nutrients essential to the wellbeing of private area skin, like vitamin C, for collagen production, and Shea butter, which hydrates the skin leaving the area soft and smooth. Keep the penis skin clean, dry, and hydrated for optimal health.

When Penis Odor Rears its Ugly Head: 7 Causes and How to Freshen Up

Nothing ruins a romantic overture like penis odor wafting from a man’s crotch. The lights are low, the stakes are high, and once the scent of what can only be a smelly penis hits the air, the night is over. When the stench becomes public, it’s embarrassing and off-putting; but even if only the man who owns the penis is smelling it, this can be a serious problem. There are several infections that may be at play that can endanger a man’s health if left untreated. This article contains some information on what can cause penis odor, as well as how to get rid of it.

1) Hygiene issues- The number one cause of penis odor is poor hygiene. Men who neglect to shower daily are more likely to experience a buildup of oil, dirt, and sweat which lead to irritation, infection, and unpleasant odors . Uncircumcised men can experience even greater pain and inflammation if they do not take special care in cleaning the smegma from underneath their foreskin.

2) Smegma - Smegma is a combination of dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and moisture. It appears in the folds of the foreskin and is a common concern for uncircumcised men. It looks like a thick white matter. It's completely normal for this to secrete from the genital area as it aids in lubrication for sex; however, when it builds up, it lets off an unpleasant fishy smell.

3) Yeast infection- It’s not just women who have yeast infections; men can get them, too! Yeast naturally occurs in the body, but when there’s a change in body chemistry or environment, yeast can grow uncontrollably and take over. This can lead to a fishy smell, red skin, and a chunky white discharge. See a doctor for treatment.

4) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - A strange penis odor can be a symptom of a UTI. These occur when a part of the urinary tract becomes infected by a bacteria or virus. If a man experiences a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or pink urine, and a frequent urge to urinate in addition to a smelly penis, he may have a UTI and should see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis.

5) Balanitis - Balanitis occurs when the head of the penis is inflamed and can be a result of several things including smegma, poor hygiene, psoriasis, unprotected sex or scented body washes. The penis odor also may be accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, fluid buildup, and a burning sensation when urinating.

6) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) - There are several STIs that are associated with a smelly penis. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia both exhibit unpleasant penis odor. Chlamydia presents with other symptoms such as testicle pain and swelling, abnormal discharge, and a burning sensation when urinating. Gonorrhea, however, doesn’t always display secondary symptoms. Both STIs require immediate medical care.

7) Ketonuria - This condition happens when urine contains ketone bodies. This can be as a result of starvation, dieting (specifically the Keto Diet which restricts carbohydrates), or diabetes.

Abolishing Smelly Penis

First and foremost, it’s important to regularly clean the body and penis with warm water and gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps that can cause irritation and inflammation in the genital area. It is also important to practice safe sex to avoid contracting STIs. If the penis odor does not go away with regular cleaning with soap and water, see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

In addition to regularly cleaning the skin, a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) should be applied. Nutrient cremes created expressly for the penis should contain natural moisturizers, such as Shea butter and vitamin E. Also, look for moisturizers with vitamin A as it is a natural antibacterial agent that attacks unpleasant penis odors caused by bacteria that thrives in the warm, dark genital area.

Penile Odor FAQ – Causes and Solutions for a Smelly Penis

Sometimes, there’s just no getting around it - no matter how hard a guy tries to keep himself clean and shower-fresh, there is an unmistakable fishy odor wafting up from his jeans. This can be an even bigger problem during the warmer months of the year, but sweat is not the only cause of a smelly penis. Men who continuously notice that funky smell - or who have had it brought to their attention by someone else - should be aware of the following causes of unpleasant penile odor, as well as the penis care techniques that can help them to eliminate it.

1) Smegma. In uncircumcised men, the underside of the foreskin produces its own lubricant to help protect the glans and to prevent chafing. This substance combines with sloughed-off skin cells and other types of body fluids to produce a whitish, cheesy substance that can accumulate under the foreskin. While the substance itself is harmless and completely normal, it is hugely attractive to bacteria that consider it a food source; these bacteria are actually the source of the fishy odor that is most often associated with a guy’s junk. It is not always easy to clean away the smegma, especially for men who have difficulty retracting the foreskin, but men should give it their best effort if they want to cut down on the smell.

2) Sweat. Obviously, men sweat, and perspiration is a well-known source of body odor. The smell can become especially noticeable in the groin area, as the folds of skin rubbing together tend to exacerbate sweating.

3) Clothing choices. Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton can wick perspiration away from the skin, allowing it to dry more quickly and reducing the unpleasant smell. Synthetic fabrics may be slinky and sexy, but they can trap odors and increase the natural smells being produced down there.

4) Dry skin. Skin that is parched and dehydrated tends to develop microscopic cracks that provide a haven for bacteria; keeping the skin moisturized can actively help to cut down on unpleasant aromas.

5) Yeast infection. Candida yeast is always present in the body and usually doesn’t cause problems, but changes in body chemistry can cause a rapid growth phase that triggers the symptoms of a yeast infection. This issue is more common in women, but it can affect men as well, resulting in a distinctive, yeasty odor.

How to Eliminate the Stink
Although most bystanders are not likely to be pressing their faces close to a man’s crotch, a smelly penis can become noticeable, at least to those who are willing to get up close and personal. Therefore, common courtesy dictates that men do what they can to keep things shower-fresh downstairs.

This effort should start with a daily shower - maybe even two, especially on sweaty days. A shower is pretty straightforward, but a couple of pointers here may actually be necessary to prevent mistakes that can contribute to odor.

- The water should be warm, not hot. Too-hot water can leach lubricating body oils from the skin, leaving it dry and parched, which provides an attractive environment for odor-causing bacteria.

- A mild, sensitive-skin cleanser should be used; work up a good lather and use the fingers, not a rough cloth, to concentrate on every nook, cranny and fold of the skin. Uncut men - be sure to peel back the hood and wipe away any smegma from underneath; as already mentioned, this is a significant source of penile stench.

- Rinse away all traces of cleanser; leaving any suds behind can spell trouble, as dried-on cleansers can irritate the sensitive skin down there.

- Pat the area dry gently, and then - this is important - wait a while for the skin to finish drying in the air before putting on clothing. Covering skin that is still damp from a shower with layers of clothing can create the perfect environment for yeast overgrowth, as well as other types of fungal infections.

What men should NOT do to prevent odors is to apply talcum powder, deodorants or fragrances to the area. All of these can cause serious irritation and, in the end, they do nothing to prevent or eliminate the issues that lead to a smelly tool.

On the other hand, men may choose to supplement their cleansing routine with a vitamin-fortified penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Vitamin A, a natural antibacterial agent, is said to help eliminate the bacteria that can generate that fishy odor, so look for a cream that includes it in the ingredient list.

Causes of Penile Odor - Not Just Poor Hygiene

When penile itching occurs, men can’t help but take notice - as well they should. While an itchy penis may be the result of nothing more than a sweaty groin area, some causes of itching are more complicated and require appropriate treatment. Some of the most common culprits when it comes to an itchy groin area are described here, along with the penis care tips men can use to soothe inflamed, irritated skin.

Bacterial vaginosis: This infection occurs in women who have an imbalance in their body chemistry, allowing the "bad" bacteria in the vagina to take over. Bacterial vaginosis has a signature fishy smell; men whose partners are infected may also notice an odor on their penis. Treating the infection and abstaining from sex until it has cleared is recommended.

Diabetes: Men who have diabetes may experience a fishy odor in their urine, which is caused by the breakdown of fatty acids into waste products. While it is the urine itself that is actually affected, the smell may be detected from the groin area.

Poor hygiene: This is one of the most common causes of a smelly crotch, and one of the most avoidable. A daily shower is needed to wash away an accumulation of sweat, bacteria, grime, body fluids, dead skin cells, and so on.

Smegma: This term refers to a whitish, cheesy substance that often builds up underneath the foreskin in uncircumcised men. It consists mainly of dead skin cells that have sloughed off and become trapped, as well as body oils and other fluids. These accumulate under the foreskin and form a paste that is smelly and often hard to remove. Daily attention to hygiene is the best way to keep smegma to a minimum.

STDs: Numerous types of sexually transmitted infections can cause foul odors in the genital region. Men who are sexually active and experience symptoms such as sores, blisters, rashes and a discharge should seek a medical evaluation; and regular testing for common STDs is a must.

Sweating: The groin area is notoriously hot and sweaty; and sweat stinks. In fact, it is not the perspiration itself that has an unpleasant smell; this is caused by bacteria that are attracted to it. Aside from washing often, wearing comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for air circulation can help minimize perspiration.

Urinary tract infection: The bacteria that cause urinary tract infections can make a man’s urine smell fishy. Treating the infection with antibiotics is necessary to eliminate the bacteria, as well as the stench.

Yeast infection: Yeast infections on the penis can cause either a yeasty or fishy smell. An antifungal cream is usually needed to wipe out a yeast infection, and any partners should be treated at the same time.

Steps for avoiding penile odor
Not all causes of a smelly penis are hygiene-related, as already mentioned above. However, keeping the area clean, well-groomed and healthy is certainly the best way to keep the stench at bay.

To start with, a bit of manscaping can also be an excellent way to keep odor to a minimum, as body fluids, sweat, and other substances can easily become trapped in a thicket of dense hair.

A daily shower is also a must, using warm water and a mild cleanser - never soap - to gently wash the area. Uncircumcised men should pull back the foreskin and wash the area underneath, making sure to remove any smegma that has accumulated. And for men who just can’t get to the shower on any given day, it is worth at least stepping up to the sink and washing the groin area carefully with a soft cloth.

Drying thoroughly before stepping into a pair of briefs is also recommended, since damp skin can attract fungal spores and bacterial.

Once the area is clean and dry and sparkling, applying a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can add extra odor protection. A crème containing vitamin A - a natural antibacterial agent that can reduce the presence of stink-causing bacteria - is best; and the moisturizing properties of a quality product can help prevent dry skin, which is much more prone to infection and other problems.