Penis Smells: Common Causes & Advice • EuroClinix®

Poor hygiene is the most likely cause of penis odour, particularly in uncircumcised men.

If you do not regularly wash the penis and under the foreskin, this allows bacteria, dead skin, residual urine and oils to build up. This can lead to an unpleasant odour.

It’s therefore important to wash your penis thoroughly and frequently. This is because it can cause a build-up of:

• Smegma - It is a natural substance made up of skin cells, oils and other fluids. It looks like a white or yellowish cheesy substance that collects under the foreskin. A build-up of smegma can cause a fishy smell.
• Sweat - Your groin is more prone to sweat because it has more apocrine glands. These glands produce a thicker, muskier type of sweat. Bacteria love to feed on this sweat, which can result in foul smells.

How to fix poor hygiene

You can improve your hygiene with some simple self-help tips.

Keeping your genital area clean is the best way to prevent any unwanted odours. Wash the penis and under the foreskin with warm, soapy water then dry it thoroughly.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Wash your penis thoroughly

• You should wash your penis and genital area thoroughly and regularly.
• If you are uncircumcised, you should wash under your foreskin to prevent a build-up of smegma, bacteria and sweat.
• Make sure you dry it afterwards by patting it dry.

Wear loose-fitting clothes

• Try to wear loose-fitting and more breathable clothes.
• This will help reduce any bacterial or fungal growth and will stop your penis smelling.

Wash after exercise

• You should shower as soon as possible after you exercise, as you sweat more.
• This will help to prevent a build-up of sweat