Penis Odor - Clearing up a Less-Than-Alluring Aroma

There is something to be said for an earthy, manly smell, and many women will admit that they find a subtle male odor to be exciting.  But when it comes to penis odor, there can certainly be too much of a good thing. An accumulation of dead skin cells, body oils, and sweat, as well as residue from the fluids the penis transports out of the body, can leave a guy smelling far from fresh. In most cases, a mild odor isn't a cause for concern, but there are some penis care procedures men should follow if they feel the scent is interfering with their chances of attracting female attention.

Keeping it Clean

Trapped skin cells and bacteria mixing together in the dark and humid space between the head of the penis and the foreskin sometimes cause odors in men who haven't been circumcised. A mild soap and a thorough rinse can push this material down the drain, leaving a clean scent behind. Even men who have been circumcised can benefit from a daily cleaning, as they might have droplets of odiferous materials on their skin that could result in a smelly penis.

When it comes to cleaning, however, a little goes a long way. The skin is delicate, and in general, it reacts with alarm when it's attacked with harsh soaps and hot water on a repeated basis. Sticking to a once-daily routine could allow men to strike a balance between gentle cleaning and harmful scouring. 

Letting it Breathe

Nylon, polyester and other man-made fabrics don't let air move in or out. Underwear made of these synthetic materials can trap odors inside a guy's pants, and they can also make that underlying smell a little more powerful. A humid, warm environment created by non-breathable fabric creates a haven for bacterial colonies that can cause that musky or fishy aroma. Breathable choices like cotton can let the air in and reduce the presence of odor-causing bacteria.

Asking an Expert

If cleaning and cotton don't bring the scent under control, it might be time to consult with a doctor. Infections of the bladder, as well as dermatological infections of penile skin, can also cause an uptick in odor. Urinary tract infections, for example, might cause penis odors, as well as unpleasant-smelling urine. Yeast infections of the penis come with their own signature aroma and are often accompanied by a smelly discharge.

A doctor can perform a quick physical exam and sniff test, just to see what sorts of symptoms the man has and to determine the proper course of treatment. A quick swab of secretions might also be needed, so doctors can be sure about their diagnosis before they move forward. Creams or oral medications might be needed to put an end to the issue and eliminate the source of foul odors.

Supporting Healthy Penis Skin

Applying vitamins and other skin-supporting nutrients directly to the skin of the penis is another excellent route to take toward an odor-free future, as penis health cremes often contain ingredients that can help to boost the immune system and reduce the ability of bacteria to grow. Vitamin A, for example, helps to eliminate the harmless bacteria that often colonize the head of the penis and cause nasty smells to arise. In addition, emollients like Vitamin E and Shea butter can soften and heal cracked, dry tissues, leaving fewer hiding places for bacteria to become established. A high-quality penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) also contains no chemical fragrances of its own, so it won't be adding to the problem in any way.