Banish Smelly Penis: 8 Ways to Make a Penis Smell Fresh

Whew! What’s that smell? It may be fishy or moldy or something unidentifiable, like leftovers in that back of the fridge, but one thing is for sure – it’s coming from the lower region. The groin is a hot bed (literally) of all things smelly – sweat, bacteria, urine droplets, and other…um…manly emissions. Add that tight constricting clothing, workout sessions, and lack of proper hygiene and it can result in a smelly and untidy downstairs.

Now, this is a perfectly natural thing. After ruling out an STI, of course, put some of these tips to keep the penis smelling fresh and inviting.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #1

It seems obvious but wash it thoroughly and often. Use warm water and a natural cleanser. Great options for cleansers include natural baby washes that are free of dyes and chemicals. Using a cleanser that makes a man smell like a jacked dude in an Affliction tee and Ed Hardy specks not only is questionable but also introduces potential irritants to the delicate penile skin which could result in rash and extreme discomfort.

Wash the penis gently but thoroughly. Be sure to pull back foreskin gently (if foreskin is had) and carefully wash in every wrinkle and don’t forget the balls! Be sure to rinse very well and then air or lightly towel dry using a patting motion rather than a rubbing one.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #2

Smelly penis causing bacteria love to borough into to warm, moist, dark place (know of any?). Fight bacteria by keeping the area as dry as possible by wearing cotton or moisture wicking underwear. Try to air out the penis daily to both reduce moisture and shine some light on it (the D loves some vitamin D).

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #3

Get a bought of swamp penis toward the early afternoon? Give the lil’ guy a treat and give him a soothing wipe mid-day (or whenever needed) with a natural baby wipe. Brands like Honest and Huggies make natural wipes that don’t dry out skin but do remove sweat, odor, and anything else that may be making the area less than friendly.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #4

Make the bathroom a powder room. While no frilly pink curtains are needed, it’s time to add a little powder to situation. Powder absorbs wetness and odors and also feels pretty darn nice.

Burt’s Bee’s Baby Dusting Powder is a nice, natural powder with a neutral smell. Gold Bond also has a great powder and also gives a nice, cool sensation. To apply, step into the shower, shake a little powder on the unit, being sure to shake off any excess or pat in. Do a little wiggly to remove any excess and then step out and wash hands. The last thing any man needs is powder prints on his black work slacks. This is also a situation in which free ballin’ is a no-no.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #5

Free the beast at night and sleep in the nude. This gives the willy more time to stretch out (thus preserving sensitivity after being constricted all day) and also to get some much-needed air to get rid of moisture and balance the skin. Also, it’s easy access in the morning for a delightful good morning romp before hitting the shower.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #6

Get rid of smegma

What’s off-white and chunky and stinky all over? Smegma! A really smelly penis may be suffering from an overload of what’s commonly known as dick cheese. Smegma is the normal result of the body’s self-cleaning mechanisms. However, when it gets overgrown (from not washing enough or well enough), it turns into a revolting funk that not only wrinkles the nose but also can lead to painful infections. Men who have their foreskin or sweat a lot usually experience more than others. Get rid of it by clean, clean, cleaning that penis! If it doesn’t retreat in a week, see a doc.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #7

Pull out the weed wacker and trim that bush! Pubic hair keeps the groin warm and also gives the stew of man liquids something to hold onto resulting in an uninviting aroma. Not only will taking a bit of the sides freshen things up, it also makes it look bigger. Boom – double bonus.

Improve Penis Smell: Tip #8

Finally, ban that smelly penis with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to freshen the skin and protect it from irritation. Choose a crème that includes vitamin A, which is an anti-bacterial. Vitamins C and D also keep skin strong and promote cell turnover, helping to shed old skin so bacteria and other man juices don’t find a home under them.

5 Common Causes of Penis Smell and How to Freshen Up the Funk

Pent up in an area that gets a lot of moisture and not a ton of ventilation, penises often carry a smell. But if that smell has changed or gotten more pungent, it may be a sign there’s something foul afoot. Most reasons for penis odor can be treated easily and all can be prevented. Let’s learn a little about the most common causes of penis smell and how to prevent funky smells from invading the area.

#1: Smegma

Smegma brings the funk like nothing else and is generally the first thing that pops into mind when the subject of penis smell comes up. Smegma is the buildup of moisture, oils, and skin cells around the shaft of the penis and under the foreskin in uncircumcised men. When it builds up, it can manifest as a chunky, off-white paste which leads to infection and inflammation.

The best way to combat smegma is a thorough washing. Using a gentle cleanser and warm water, retract the skin from the foreskin and delicately wash the area. Then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel. Repeat daily until smegma disappears.

If foreskin won’t retract or the inflammation and irritation doesn’t subside, see a medical professional.

#2. Yeast infection or Thrush

Yeast infections occur when Candida fungus on the penis grows out of control. This overgrowth gives the penis a moldy smell. Yeast infections can also include redness, itching, burning, and white chunky discharge. It can be caused by lax hygiene or be contracted from a partner.

Men having these symptoms will need to see a doctor for diagnosis and medication. The most common medication prescribed is Diflucan.

#3: Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) which is contracted by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who’s already infected. Chlamydia is a tricky one because it doesn’t always cause symptoms but, in some cases, people experience penis odor, a burning sensation during urination, discharge, and testicle swelling.

Treatment requires a trip to the doctor for an antibiotic. Treatment can take seven days so be sure to refrain from sex while undergoing diagnosis and treatment.

#4: Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is also an STI and is spread through intimate contact with the vagina, anus, or mouth of an infected partner. Like Chlamydia, it doesn’t always present symptoms; however, for those who are symptomatic a penis odor presents as well as a burning feeling when urinating, soreness, bleeding, itching, pain while defecating, and green, yellow, or white discharge.

Treatment for Gonorrhea also requires a doctor’s visit for diagnosis and treatment. The most common method of treatment is an injection of Rocephin and a round of oral medications. The course of treatment runs at least seven days, so refrain from intimate contact while being diagnosed and treated.

#5: Non-gonococcal urethritis

Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) happens when the urethra gets inflamed. It’s called “non-gonococcal” because it is caused by something other than gonorrhea. Symptoms include a sour odor, soreness, and irritation at the tip of the penis, cloudy discharge from the penis, and a burning sensation when urinating.

It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately as NGU can lead to infertility when untreated. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and the normal treatment time is seven days. Since NGU is able to be spread through intimate contact, refrain from sex during diagnosis and treatment.

How to Prevent Penis Smell

There are a few ways to prevent penis odor from ruining a romantic night or leading to more serious medical issues.

- Cleanse the penis regularly – daily is preferred but be sure to bathe after sex and working out as well, in addition to any extra sweaty days.

- Wear loose, cotton underwear to give the genital area a more breathable environment.

- Sleep in the nude to give the genital area circulation.

- Keep pubic hair trimmed as longer pubic hair can retain smells and hold in dirt, moisture, and bacteria.

- Practice safe sex by using condoms and having frank discussions about sexual history and health prior to having sex.

- Use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) daily in the genital area. These crèmes are created especially for the area and contain key nutrients to not only hydrate the penis but also reduce bacteria and promote cellular function.

Six Causes of Penis Smell and How to Freshen Things Up

When things get hot and heavy, the last thing any man wants is his penis smell to overtake the mood. Not only can it be embarrassing and communicate the message that he doesn't pay attention to personal grooming; it can also be a symptom of a health issue. There are a number of not-so-nice infections that can cause serious trouble for a man, and his partners, if left undiagnosed and untreated. Here are six potential causes of penis odor, and also a few ways to freshen things up down there.

1) Poor Grooming - Not showering each day, neglecting to take showers after workouts, and just taking lazy, less-than-thorough showers can result in a disagreeable penis smell. Poor grooming leads to a buildup of oil, dirt, and sweat which then leads to irritation, infection, and funky odors. To make matters worse, men who are not circumcised can experience discomfort and irritation on top of the funk if they don’t properly clean the smegma from below their foreskin.

2) Smegma - Smegma is so unforgivably odoriferous that it gets its own category. A nasty mix of dead skin cells, sebum, and moisture, smegma can make a visitor go from yes to NO in seconds. It hides in the folds of the foreskin and is a common concern for uncircumcised men. It commonly looks like white gunk on the penis. Now, in normal amounts, it’s a natural lubricant for sex. Whenever a bunch builds up though, it invades the surrounding air with a dead-fish smell.

3) Balanitis - When the head of the penis is inflamed in addition to wafting an offending odor, it may be balanitis. It can rear its ugly head (pun intended) as a result of anything from poor hygiene to psoriasis to unprotected sex. Other symptoms include redness, fluid buildup, swelling, and a burning sensation when urinating.

4) Yeast infection -Yeast naturally occurs in the body, but when there’s a change in body chemistry or environment, yeast can grow wildly and cause big problems. This can lead to a disagreeable smell, inflamed skin, and a lumpy white discharge. Seek medical attention immediately for relief.

5) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) -UTIs happen when a part of the urinary tract is infected by a bacteria or virus. If a man experiences a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or pink urine, and a persistent urge to urinate in addition to a weird penis smell, he may have a UTI and should see his physician immediately.

6) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) - There are several STIs that are associated with a foul penis smell. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are both linked to an unfriendly penis odor. Chlamydia shows up with other symptoms such as testicle pain and swelling, irregular discharge, and a burning sensation when urinating. Gonorrhea, however, doesn’t always display secondary symptoms. Both STIs require immediate medical care.

Freshen Up

Above all things, keep the body and especially the penis clean. Regularly clean with warm water and a gentle cleanser such as baby wash or shampoo. Avoid any harsh cleansers or soaps that can cause the penis irritation or inflammation. Also, be sure to practice safe sex to avoid contracting STIs and urinate after sex to release any bacteria or excess bodily fluids. If a foul penis smell continues, see a doctor for tests.

In addition to daily cleansing, use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) on the penis for optimal health and freshness. Nutrient cremes like these which are expressly for the penis should contain natural moisturizers, such as Shea butter and vitamin E. Also, use a moisturizer with vitamin A that acts as a natural antibacterial agent attacking disagreeable penis odors caused by bacteria that thrive in the warm, dark genital area.

Erasing Fishy Penis Odor - Hints for Attacking the Problem at the Source

Men (and their partners) often report that they have a fishy penis smell. In many cases, this odor is so strong that others in a room may notice, even without getting up close and personal. A foul odor emanating from the jeans can be caused by poor hygiene, but it can also be the result of a variety of other issues. If any of the following problems is to blame, then it may take more attention to penis care than a little extra scrubbing to eliminate the odor.

1) Balanitis. This refers to any inflammatory condition of the foreskin; men who have balanitis may experience swelling, redness, soreness and a thick, foul-smelling discharge. The most common cause of balanitis is poor hygiene, which can result in over-colonization of bacteria in the area. Medical treatment for balanitis is generally focused on cleaning under the foreskin, rather than prescription medications.

2) Yeast infection . Also known as thrush, yeast infection is common in both men and women, and although it is not strictly a sexually transmitted disease, it can be easily passed back and forth between partners. This condition is characterized by redness, itching, swelling, and a white, chunky discharge that resembles cottage cheese. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but men who are experiencing it for the first time should check with their doctor before attempting self-treatment. Both partners should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

3) Sweat. In spite of the pungent smell associated with sweating, human perspiration itself does not have much of an odor. Instead, the signature smell is caused by the bacteria that are attracted to it. In warm, enclosed areas such as the groin, this can take on a particularly ripe odor. While sweating certainly can’t be avoided, the privates should be washed daily to remove any built-up sweat, and talcum powder can be used to reduce the odor in the area. Use of deodorants on the genitals is not advised.

4) Bacterial Vaginosis. Men who have female partners with bacterial vaginosis - a common infection caused by bacterial growth in the vaginal tract - may notice a fishy smell on their own bodies after intimate contact. This is not a sexually transmitted disease, and it does not imply that the woman has done anything wrong; but treating the problem can eliminate the odor.

5) Smegma. Men who are uncircumcised tend to have a whitish, pasty substance underneath the foreskin; this can also occur around the glans in circumcised men. The material in itself is benign and consists mainly of dead skin cells and body oils, but the bacteria that are attracted to it can emit a strong, fishy or mushroomy smell. Unfortunately, not all men are taught that this substance needs to be removed; keeping the area clear can significantly cut back on the smell.

Men who are experiencing symptoms such as itching, swelling, a red rash, a thick discharge, headache, sore throat or fever in addition to the foul odor should make an appointment with their doctor. These symptoms can indicate a number of other issues in addition to the problems described above, including certain sexually transmitted infections. Since each of these conditions required specified treatment, it is important to pinpoint the exact cause.

It is also important to take a proactive approach to penis care, and this means keeping the area clean - but without overdoing the scrubbing. A daily shower or bath should include a thorough wash of the genital area. Men who are uncircumcised should (very gently) retract the foreskin and remove any smegma from underneath. It is best to avoid regular soaps, as well as shower gels or other cleansers that contain alcohol. These can dry the skin and increase the risk of yeast infection and other skin problems that may actually contribute to the unpleasant odor. Instead, choose a cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin, or skip the cleanser altogether and use warm water to do the job.

Afterward, the area should be dried thoroughly before putting on clothing; leaving the genitals damp and covering them with a tight pair of briefs creates a breeding ground for bacteria. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) may be applied at this point; look for a formula containing vitamin A, which has natural bacteria-fighting properties. A small amount - enough to cover the tip of a finger - should be massaged into the skin until it is fully absorbed.

Penis Odor – How to Keep it Fresh, Naturally

Just because a guy walks like a man, talks like a man, and acts like a man doesn’t mean he has to smell, well, like a man.  While many women may find a masculine scent appealing, some men may struggle with musty -- or even fishy – penis odors in an area that is best when it is shower fresh.  A smelly undercarriage is not only a turnoff; it may be an indication that not all is well.  Luckily, there are a few simple penis health tips and solutions to keep the nether regions fresh and pleasant all day long.

What Causes Below-the-Belt Odor?

In most cases, bacteria growing on the skin are the cause of an unpleasant odor emanating from down under.  Bacteria thrives in moist, warm areas, so unless a man spends the majority of his day au naturel, he is likely to be susceptible to bacteria. 

• Hygiene issues – Men who are particularly sweaty or do not spend adequate time washing their member may struggle more with issues of penis smell.  Uncircumcised men are more likely to have problems than circumcised men, as bacteria hides really well under the foreskin. Thus, it is important to gently pull the foreskin back and wash underneath with a mild cleanser.

• Pubic Hair – Thick, long pubic hair not only promotes bacterial growth, it can also trap unpleasant scents in the groin region.  Pubic hair contributes to perspiration and increases the heat of the area, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

• Urine – As much as a man may take care to shake off the last few drops, a trickle often remains in the urethra and dribbles out after the flow has stopped.  Even the most diligent post-pee shaking routine may still lead to urine ending up in the area, contributing to the smell.

• Yeast Infection – A yeast infection is another possible culprit in the case of the smelly underpants.  If a fishy smell is present -- with the appearance of a cheesy, whitish discharge, burning during urination and itching -- thrush (yeast infection) is likely to blame. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Penis Care

A few simple steps added to the daily grooming routine can keep a man smelling like he just hopped out of the shower all day long, which is sure to reduce embarrassing situations and may have other happy side effects in the bedroom.

Do – Wash daily with mild soap and water, particularly after breaking a sweat.  Dry the area thoroughly before dressing to prevent excessive moisture from being trapped.

Don’t – Try to cover the smell up with perfumes or deodorants.  Harsh chemicals and dyes in perfumes can irritate the sensitive skin and possibly cause infection to move inside the urethra.

Do – Trim or shave pubic hair.  If going full monty is unappealing, use a trimmer or scissors to carefully trim the hedges a bit; this will reduce the heat and potential to trap the smell.

Don’t – Ignore penis odor when accompanied by pain or extreme discharge, as it could indicate infection.  A doctor can prescribe medicine to tame the infection and stop the pain.

Do – Use a moisturizing penis vitamin creme specially formulated for the area, particularly one that contains Vitamin A (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Vitamin A has strong anti-bacterial properties that attack bacteria and reduce penis odor. Integrating a few simple steps into the daily penis care regimen – or in some cases simply doing more than letting the soapy water run over the area – can drastically reduce bacteria in the area.  Though bacteria in this region are generally harmless, they certainly have an unpleasant effect, which thankfully, is easy to combat.