Men’s penises can have a smell — but it’s usually not a reason to worry. Minor penis odour is normal and can be relieved with good hygiene practices.
Like other sweaty areas, the groin can collect bacteria and odors, especially if it’s unwashed or covered in smegma (a combination of dead skin cells, waxy secretions and bacteria). This is more common among uncircumcised males.
Odors
Penis odors can be caused by sweat, lack of ventilation, poor hygiene, and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). In addition, uncircumcised men sometimes develop skin cell buildup under the foreskin, which can cause an unpleasant smell. If you have a foul or fishy smell down there, you should visit your doctor, as this could indicate an infection or other problems.
Odors can also be caused by foods that are eaten, such as fish and certain vegetables. Likewise, consuming alcohol can increase the scent in the area. In addition, a smelly penis can be caused by an overgrowth of a fungus. Fortunately, the smell can usually be eliminated with proper hygiene and the use of an antifungal penis creme such as Man1 Man Oil.
The genital area can be prone to odors because it is often hot and moist. This makes it a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can produce bad odors. In addition, pubic hair traps moisture and odors. Therefore, it is important to trim the hair and wear breathable underwear. Also, it is important to wash the area thoroughly daily with antibacterial soap and to use a penis creme that contains vitamin A.
Discharges
Not surprisingly, the groin area is a perfect incubator for smelly stuff. The odors from the sweat and body odor mix with feces, urine and the strong food odors that come from eating certain foods. The apocrine glands in the penis and anus produce a natural sweat that keeps the genital area moist and helps it retraction during sexual intercourse. However, excessive sweating can cause a stench and may lead to an infection or STD.
The smegma that builds up over the head/glans of the penis and foreskin is also an odor-causing substance. The smegma is made from a combination of sebaceous oil, dead skin cells and moisture. The white coating is a normal bodily secretion that keeps the glans and foreskin moist, prevents dryness, irritation and infection and acts as a natural lubricant during sexual intercourse. However, excessive smegma can contribute to bacteria and fungal infections.
Another common reason the penis may smell is if it’s infected with a urinary tract infection. This infection will usually be accompanied by symptoms such as pain during urination, urgency to urinate, feeling that the bladder doesn’t empty completely and a strong, fishy-smelling urine. Antibiotics can cure UTIs and eliminate the odor. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are also two sexually transmitted infections that can make a man’s penis smell. Both can be treated with antibiotics.
Infections
The groin area is a perfect incubator for obnoxious smells: It’s warm, moist and often tucked beneath layers of sweat-trapping clothing. Depending on the person’s hygiene habits, it can also be home to a build-up of bacteria and other debris.
For example, smegma, or “dick cheese,” is a natural bodily secretion that can give the penis an unpleasant odor. If this material is not washed away regularly, it can lead to a variety of infections including fungal and urinary tract. This is particularly a concern for uncircumcised men or those with foreskins that don’t properly clean underneath their skin.
Another common cause of a bad penis smell is a yeast infection. This condition — which affects women more frequently than men — happens when the Candida fungus accumulates on the penis and causes a smelly discharge. A doctor can prescribe a medication to treat the infection and eliminate the unpleasant smell.
Other infections that can make the penis smell include Trichomoniasis (more commonly known as Trich), which is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. Like Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, it can cause a foul smell from the groin and other parts of the body. This disease can be treated with antibiotics such as Metronidazole or Tinidazole. A person who suspects they have an STI should visit an STD clinic and discuss their treatment options as soon as possible.
Treatment
Men should always wash their penises with soap and water. Keeping the area clean will help prevent odor and infection. A person can also reduce the amount of odor-causing foods that they eat.
Odors from the groin are normally due to sweat and bacteria. However, any odor that doesn’t go away after a shower or that smells worse than normal could indicate a health problem.
The groin has a lot of sweat glands, and it is also covered with hair, which makes it an ideal place for bacteria to grow. A variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, can cause a foul smell in the penis.
One of the most common bacterial infections that can cause a smelly penis is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or gonorrhea. This infection can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex and is characterized by an unpleasant odor in the genital area.
A person who has gonorrhea may also have pain when they urinate or feel like their bladder is full even though there isn’t any urine in the bladder. Treatment for gonorrhea includes antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor, even if you feel better. This will ensure that the infection doesn’t come back and cause more symptoms. A doctor can also prescribe creams to soothe an irritated or itchy penis.
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