Smelly penis: Let’s be real: nobody wants to deal with body odour, especially from a sensitive area like the penis. If you’ve noticed a new or stronger smell, don’t freak out. It’s more common than you think, and in many cases, it’s easy to sort out once you know what’s causing it.
Does the penis smell?
A mild, musky odour is expected. The penis has sweat glands and can pick up natural smells after a long day, exercise, or tight clothing. But if the odour is strong, fishy, or noticeably different from your usual, it’s a sign to pay attention and address the underlying cause.
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What are the most common causes of penis odour?
Poor hygiene:
Sweat, tiny urine drips, semen, dead skin, and bacteria can accumulate, especially under the foreskin if you’re uncircumcised.
Wash daily with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently retract the foreskin to clean underneath, then dry thoroughly to prevent moisture build-up.
Smegma build-up:
Smegma is the white, cheese-like material made of oils, dead skin cells, and moisture that can collect under the foreskin. It can smell strong and raise the risk of infection.
Retract, rinse gently, and dry every day to maintain hygiene.
Sexually transmitted infections:
Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomonas can change penile odour by causing urethral discharge and bacterial overgrowth. Most STIs are easily cured with the right antibiotics.
Lifestyle factors:
Poor hydration concentrates urine, high-sugar diets and uncontrolled diabetes feed yeast, and smoking alters sweat and skin microbiome. Extra weight creates warm, moist skin folds where microbes thrive.
Skin conditions:
Eczema, psoriasis, intertrigo, and hidradenitis can break down the skin barrier or create inflamed folds that invite secondary bacterial or fungal overgrowth and odour. Look for redness, scaling, fissures, weeping patches, or painful lumps/boils in the groin or under the foreskin.
Piercings:
Genital piercings can trap sweat, smegma, soap residue, and skin debris, leading to a foul smell. Clean daily with saline as advised by your piercer, avoid harsh antiseptics that delay healing, and keep the area dry.
Residual urine:
A few leftover drops after peeing can create an ammonia-like smell. Shake off excess and dab with toilet paper. Switching to breathable, clean cotton underwear and changing daily helps keep the area dry and odour-free.
Sweat and tight underwear:
Tight, non-breathable underwear traps heat and moisture, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi. That can lead to odour, irritation, and even infections.
Switch to breathable cotton briefs, change them daily and avoid rewearing the same pair.
When to see a doctor?
Get medical advice if the smell is unusually strong or persistent, or if you notice pain, burning, itching, rash, or any discharge from the penis. These can signal an infection or other condition that needs treatment.
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A smelly penis is usually fixable with better hygiene, staying dry, and choosing breathable clothing. If symptoms don’t improve or you develop discomfort or discharge, visit a medical expert.