Penis Odor: 5 Causes and How to Freshen Up
There’s no funk quite so funky as penis odor. While it can be trapped for hours upon hours, once it is set free, it emanates up and out in a gag-worthy way. It begs the question: what’s causing this stank bouquet, and how can you get rid of it? Let’s run through five preventable causes of penis odor and a few tips on how to eliminate it for good.
Penis Odor Cause #1: Lax Hygiene
Predictably, poor hygiene is the A-Number-One cause of penile odor. Lack of personal grooming standards can lead to a lot of unpleasantness, the least of which being a stinky penis. When you don’t shower every day or so, you risk a buildup sweat, oil, skin debris, and dirt all over your bodiy, especially in the folds of the nether regions. Adding heat and moisture to the mix results in a smell cocktail of icky proportions. Aside from driving away potential partners, subpar grooming can also lead to rashes, infections, and painful bumps.
Thankfully, it is well within your power to combat this repelling problem. Make sure to shower daily, and in between, use a cleansing wipe to mop up unfortunate substances and sweat in the below-the-belt areas. Change your skivvies daily, for a CLEAN pair, and always be sure to wash the area after sex.
Penis Odor Cause #2: Smegma
What’s stinky, chunky, off-white, and fishy all over? Well, smegma of course! Smegma is a gross-sounding word for the build-up of dead skin cells, body oils, sweat and so on that accumulates under the foreskin. It is the end result of the body’s “self-cleaning” processes, and it also serves as a lubricatant during sex.
However, when not dealt with, aka cleaned up, it goes into overgrowth mode and can cause a funky smell like none other. Worse, it can lead to infection, with painful swelling and an itchy rash.
While not exclusive to uncircumcised men, it is more common for uncut dudes to be at risk of smegma overgrowth. So, while you are showering, be sure to pull back the foreskin and gently wipe away any gunk that has accumulated there.
Penis Odor Cause #3: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Is there something that smells rotten in Denmark? It could be dirty deeds done without protection. Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, present with a foul penis odor. If you’ve been sexually active lately, especially without protection, head to the clinic for testing. An STI may or may not be serious, but they almost always require treatment, and they can have long-lasting consequences when not dealt with appropriately.
Penis Odor Cause #4: Other Infections
STIs aren’t the only infections a man needs to worry about if he smells something sour down south. Yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) also carry an unpleasant smell. Yeast infections can present with chunky white discharge and red skin. On the other hand, UTIs are denoted by cloudy or pink urine, a frequent urge to urinate, and a burning sensation when urinating. See a medical professional for diagnosis.
Penis Odor Cause #5: Balanitis
Balanitis is the inflammation of the head of the penis and can be caused by a variety of things, like poor hygiene, unprotected sex, smegma, or an allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling, redness, a burning sensation while urinating, fluid buildup, and an unpleasant odor. See a doctor for help.
Getting Rid of Penis Odor
The best way to get rid of penis odor is to regularly and thoroughly clean the body with a gentle cleanser and warm water, being sure to wash between the folds of skin, under the foreskin, and in the entire groin. Rinse well and air dry.
Wearing loose pants and underwear made from cotton, bamboo, or other breathable natural fibers will reduce sweat and heat from the area, which can seem to “cook” the smell. Always practice safe sex, not only using protection, but having an honest disclosure about sexual health and status before becoming intimate.
In the shower, use a non-drying cleanser, such as baby wash or our specially formulated Man1 Body Wash. The lathering gel gently cleanses without stripping natural oils from the skin; and the light citrus scent leaves you feeling fresh, confident and odor-free!
For more on dealing with a rank member, see our video: Smelly Penis? Controlling Odor with Proper Care.