Under normal circumstances, a man’s penis does not have an odor or a strong smell. However, if you do smell something strange down there, it might be implying certain other underlying conditions. They can be easily treated only when they are diagnosed.

Several medical conditions from STDs to poor hygiene can lead to a smelly penis. The rest of the article deals with the explanation of the causes of a smelly penis and how to treat it.

What Are The Causes Of Smelly Penis?

1) Smegma

People often suffer from smegma when they are uncircumscribed as the condition leads to the build-up of moisture, oils, and skin cells. Under such circumstances, when you do not wash your penis regularly or don’t clean it if you are sweating profusely, you will observe the growth of bacteria.

If it is not treated in proper time, you will face some serious repercussions. To deal with this, you will have to retract your foreskin, wash your penis regularly with a soap that has no harmful chemicals, and dry it thoroughly.

However, you will need instant medical attention if the situation is complicated and you are experiencing redness, swelling, or irritation.

2) Balanitis

Balanitis is more often than not, caused due to unprotected sex, infection, using harmful soaps, and body washes, poor hygiene and even the build-up of smegma. It can also result if your body is suffering from other skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema.

One of the major symptoms of Balanitis is the inflammation of the penis, accompanied by redness, swelling, irritation, burning sensation, etc. Similar to smegma, you will experience balanitis if you are not circumcised. 

To prevent the situation from worsening, you can use Epsom salt and bathe with it as it can help in reducing pain and inflammation. However, if things go downhill and there is no sign of improvement, you will have to immediately get medical attention.

3) Urinary Tract Infection

An infection in the urinary tract is one of the most common causes of the smelly penis. A Urinary Tract infection is generally caused by the growth of bacteria that result from unprotected sexual activity, kidney stones, diabetes, prostate cancer, etc. It can also result if someone is using a urinary catheter or has an enlarged prostate. 

The smell of a penis suffering from a Urinary Tract infection (UTI) is generally similar to an odor of a dead fish. One might also experience a burning sensation while peeing only a little amount and an unnatural color of the pee. If the infection goes unchecked, one will have to face serious repercussions such as kidney infections.

Under normal circumstances, doctors generally provide Over-the-counter medications (OTC), such as phenazopyridine (Azo) according to Healthline. Such types of medications will help in bringing the infection under control.

4) Gonorrhea

As we all know, gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease, which is spread when a penis comes in contact with a vagina or an anus that is infected. The symptoms are generally prevalent in your penis, throat, and rectum.

More often than not, when you are suffering from severe conditions of gonorrhea, you might experience a burning sensation while peeing, along with a yellow or white discharge from your penis. In addition to that, you will also experience a sore or a bleeding anus along with a fish odor.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor who will

help you diagnose it. When it is diagnosed, you will be given some over-the-counter medications which will improve your condition within a week or so. If possible, try and avoid having sex during your treatment period.

5) Yeast Infection

Yeast infections generally when there is an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida in your penis. If you are infected by a fungus in your penis, you will probably experience an odd stale smell.

In addition to this, you will also experience some redness, itchiness, a burning sensation while peeing and a build-up of a white, moist substance on your penis. The build-up of the fungus is generally the result of not maintaining proper hygiene such as regular washing your penis and thoroughly drying it. Utmost care has to be taken if you are not circumcised.

You will need to get immediate medical attention as and when you experience such symptoms otherwise, you will have to face serious repercussions. Upon being diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe you some over-the-counter medications that will help you bring the condition under control.

How to Treat A Smelly Penis?

To treat a smelly penis and prevent it from happening in the future, follow the below-mentioned steps which will help you in doing so:

1. Under the circumstances when you are not circumcised, it is best to retract your foreskin and then pee. Otherwise, small portions of your urine might get stuck under the shaft of your penis which will then cause several problems.
2. It is extremely important to maintain proper hygiene. This can be achieved when you are bathing regularly, washing your penis, and drying it thoroughly. It will help in preventing the bacteria or fungus from building up.
3. While you are rubbing your penis, you have to keep one thing in mind. You need to pat it dry and not rub it, otherwise, it can cause itchiness or redness in that region.
4. It is extremely necessary to wear loose underwear with cotton material, especially in summer when you are sweating profusely. In doing so, you will prevent the build-up of bacteria, fungus, or any other harmful substances which can cause a smelly penis.
5. Proper hygiene also includes trimming your hair. If you have not trimmed them for a long period, you might see the build-up of bacteria, moisture, or dirt which can accelerate your problems.
6. Make sure that while you have sex, you wear condoms and clean your penis after having sex. This will help you to get rid of the bacteria and fungus that get attached to the penis.

These are some of the ways you can treat a smelly penis. If these ways do not work, then it is best to seek medical attention.

Also Read: Penis Soreness After Sex