Penis Odor from Too Much Methionine (What?)

Too many guys have had this happen: They are sexily undressing in front of a new bedmate, and as they get to the big reveal and strip off their underwear, the room is filled with an obscenely strong penis odor. Rank penis odor is a common penis health issue, and one which can ruin a promising evening. The causes of penis odor are numerous; one of the lesser known culprits involves the body producing too much of a substance called methionine.

Hypermethioninemia

Methionine is an essential amino acid which is found in all humans and, like other amino acids, helps to make proteins. It plays a critical role in the body’s metabolism and is also important in helping to build new blood vessels. Methionine also has antioxidant capabilities, which enable it to protect damaged tissues; for instance, it has been shown to help protect the liver in instances of acetaminophen poisoning.

So clearly, having methionine is beneficial. It’s when there’s too much methionine – officially called hypermethioninemia – that problems, including penis odor issues, arise. (In fact, odor is one of the less serious possible consequences of hypermethioninemia; other potential issues include mental disorientation, neurological problems, learning and developmental issues and liver problems.)

Methionine contains sulfur, and if it is not properly metabolized, the sulfuric properties can be released through the body, including the penis. Sulfur has a distinct and highly unpleasant odor, although in this form, it takes on an aroma similar to boiled cabbage. Not a smell that is conducive to a night of passionate sex.

Causes

Hypermethioninemia can occur when a person simply ingests too much methionine. Some foods are especially rich in this amino acid - for example, roast beef, cheese, turkey, Brazil nuts, tuna, soybeans, eggs, and yogurt. If a person overloads on these, or habitually consumes too much of them, it can result in rank penis odor – or in an unfortunate overall body odor. The breath can also be affected, developing a cabbage-y smell.

In some instances, a genetic defect may account for this condition – and it is more often this cause that accounts for the more serious effects of hypermethioninemia noted above. Fortunately, this form is very rare. In addition, sometimes the condition occurs in conjunction with other metabolic disorders.

For those whose methionine levels are too high strictly due to dietary intake, the treatment is fairly simple: cut down on consumption of foods that are especially high in methionine. Favor instead foods low in methionine, such as many fruits (especially apples, grapes, peaches, grapefruits) and vegetables (especially carrots, lettuce, celery, cucumber). However, before embarking on major dietary changes, a man should consult with his doctor and/or a nutritionist to determine the best way to proceed.

In addition to watching his diet, a man with too much methionine should pay extra special attention to his penis hygiene. Washing regularly with a gentle but effective cleanser can help destroy penis odors that result in addition to those caused by too much methionine.

As well, looking beyond methionine levels in battling penis odor, a man should definitely include daily application of a top drawer penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) as part of his penis care regimen. It is absolutely essential that the chosen crème contains vitamin A. Also known as retinol, vitamin A contains anti-bacterial properties that can be a tremendous aid in fighting common penis odor. The crème should also include key moisturizing agents, such as shea butter and vitamin E. A well-moisturized penis has fewer cracks in the skin, and odor-causing bacteria often hide in such cracks, making them harder to be gotten rid of.