Like the armpits and other sweaty body parts, penises can pick up odors. The groin area is the perfect incubator for stinky smells, as it traps heat and moisture, which can encourage bacterial growth.
The good news is that most odors from the penis are easily treated with proper hygiene and regular wash. However, if you have a fishy-smelling penis, it could be an indicator of a health issue.
1. Bacterial Infection
It isn’t uncommon for a man to have an unpleasant smell coming from his penis at some point. However, this isn’t always a sign of a serious problem and it can usually be remedied with regular bathing and proper hygiene.
One common cause of a smelly penis is due to the buildup of smegma, a white, cheese-like substance that can be found on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. This is more common in men who are uncircumcised and it can be caused by poor hygiene or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Other reasons for a smelly penis include a urinary tract infection that causes the body to produce more urine, which has its own natural odors. A yeast infection that results in a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge that can also be found on the penis is another reason for a foul odor down there.
In addition, the groin area can get sweaty and smelly over time, especially after a long day of wearing pants that don’t allow for adequate ventilation. Sweat and moisture mixed with the natural bacteria on the skin is what causes all of the body odors we experience throughout the day, but the groin can be more prone to bad odors because it contains apocrine glands. Luckily, this type of penis odor is usually remedied by regular washing and the use of antifungal medications.
2. Fungal Infection
The groin area is a prime incubator for nasty smells because it’s hot, humid and tucked beneath layers of smell-trapping clothing. Sweat and moisture mix with the natural bacteria on the skin to cause body odor. In the case of the penis, a fungal infection can also contribute to the unpleasant scent.
Yeast infections are not only common in women, but men can get them too. These infections are caused by overgrowth of the Candida fungus. While this fungus is a part of the body’s natural microbiome, it can overgrow and create a strong yeast-like odor on the penis or anal area. Yeast infections are easy to treat with antifungal medication.
Another possible cause of a smelly penis is a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections are often painful and can produce a foul-smelling urine with a fishy odor. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics.
In rare cases, a smelly penis can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). These infections include chlamydia and gonorrhea. These STIs are often spread during oral or unprotected sex and can result in a wide variety of symptoms, including a smelly penis. These STIs are also easy to treat with prescription medication. For those who suspect they have a STI, it is a good idea to visit a clinic for testing and treatment.
3. Spicy Foods
Whether it’s sweat from a workout, the first thing in the morning after a night of fun, or even just the heat of your body, a penis can pick up an odor over the course of the day. Fortunately, this smell can be eliminated with a quick wash and proper penis care.
A stinky dick can be caused by the build-up of a white substance called smegma, which is more common in uncircumcised men and can look like a cheesy fish slime. Smegma is caused by a combination of natural lubricants and dead skin cells that build up in the groin area, and it can lead to balanitis or a sexually transmitted infection.
In other cases, the stink is related to what a man has eaten, particularly spicy foods. This is because these spices stimulate the body’s gastrointestinal tract, causing it to release more gasses. These gases can then travel down the rectum and cause a bad odor. Thankfully, this type of odor can be remedied by washing with antibacterial soap and using a natural penis creme with vitamin A, such as Man 1 Man Oil, available on Lybrate. A stinky dick shouldn’t be a reason to avoid spicy foods, but it is important for men to maintain good hygiene habits and wear loose, breathable clothing. This will help prevent odors from building up and potentially becoming a sexually transmitted infection.
4. Improper Hygiene
It’s not uncommon for the groin to smell a little funky, especially when you sweat a lot. But it’s usually nothing to worry about, especially if you shower regularly and use soap to wash away bacteria that can cause an odor. If the odor persists after washing, however, it may indicate a health problem.
It could be a sign of balanitis or even STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. These diseases can cause a white, cheesy discharge that can make the penis smell like smegma, which is a combination of dead skin cells, waxy secretions, and bacteria that can build up on the head of the penis or under the foreskin. Smegma can also cause itching in the genital area.
If the odor persists after you wash, it could also be a sign of a yeast infection. Yeast infections are most common in women, but they can also occur in men. It’s important to seek treatment for a yeast infection, as it can lead to more serious complications, including kidney disease and urinary tract infections.
The best way to prevent a stinky penis is by practicing good hygiene, which includes washing it regularly and using a mild, antibacterial soap. It’s also important to avoid irritants, such as spicy foods and tight underwear. And, of course, always use condoms to protect yourself from STIs.