Why Your Penis (Or Semen) Might Smell - Health.com

It's normal for the human body to produce certain odors, but what about the genitals? You may wonder, "Why does my penis smell?" if you've ever noticed an odd odor from down your pubic region. A lack of ventilation, poor hygiene, and sweat commonly cause the penis to smell. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) may also change the smell of your penis and semen—a fluid containing sperm cells secreted from the penis during ejaculation—which typically smells like ammonia, bleach, or chlorine.

Bathing or showering regularly, using latex condoms if you are sexually active, and wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear can help reduce penis odor. Read on to learn what causes the penis and semen to smell and ways to minimize odor.

DESIGN BY HEALTH

You might develop balanitis, or inflammation of the head of the penis if you do not clean your penis and have residual smegma. Smegma is a cheese-like substance consisting of dead skin cells, moisture, and oil that collects under the foreskin (skin that covers the head of the penis). A bacterial or fungal infection, fungal soap, and uncontrolled diabetes commonly cause balanitis.

What You Can Do

Balanitis treatment can vary, depending on the cause. A healthcare provider may prescribe a steroid cream, antibiotics, or an antifungal cream. Severe cases may result in circumcision, or surgical removal of the foreskin.

Balanitis is more common in people who are uncircumcised. Carefully wash your penis in the shower, wiping away any smegma build-up under the foreskin.

This rare form of gangrene is a life-threatening infection of the scrotum, penis, or perineum (the area between the anus and scrotum). Fournier gangrene causes the tissues of these organs to die and fall off, which can lead to a foul smell. This illness is typically secondary to other infections, surgery, or trauma. It is more likely to occur with uncontrolled diabetes.

What You Can Do

Seek medical attention right away to prevent irreversible tissue damage. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics and surgically remove the affected area. It's essential to make sure the area heals and watch for signs of an infection, such as drainage, redness, and swelling.

The penis might smell since it's mostly confined in the underwear and pants, probably not moving around much. This lack of ventilation traps dead skin cells and sweat against your penis, similar to what happens to your feet if you confine them in socks and shoes for long periods.

What You Can Do

Wear underwear made with a breathable fabric, such as cotton, to reduce genital smells. Be sure to change your underwear frequently and wash each pair after wearing them.

You might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you notice an abnormal discharge that smells. Smelly discharge from the urethra can be a symptom of genital herpes. The odor can vary from ammonia to mushrooms. Most people with genital herpes, however, do not have any symptoms.

Other STIs may cause discharge from the urethra, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Gonorrhea might cause discharge that's green, white, or yellow.

What You Can Do

Make sure you use latex condoms correctly to prevent STIs if you are sexually active. See a healthcare provider if you notice any sort of discharge from the urethra.

There's no cure for genital herpes, but medicine can reduce symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading. Antibiotics can help get rid of chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Eccrine (sweat) glands cover most of your body. These glands secrete water and salt to cool off your body. Another type of sweat gland, apocrine glands, are larger and secrete more fats and proteins than eccrine glands. Apocrine glands are largely responsible for body odor.

Apocrine glands are only found in certain parts of your body, such as the armpits and groin. Your penis may smell similar to your armpit after a long day of sweating.

What You Can Do

Bathe or shower regularly to help get rid of sweat. Make sure that you pull the foreskin back to clean your penis and prevent smegma build-up if you are uncircumcised. Pat your penis dry, including the skin underneath the foreskin. Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear also keeps sweat from building up in your genital area. You can use a deodorant made for the groin or genitals, too.

Semen is a bodily fluid, so it has a characteristic smell. It's normal for semen to have an odor, but a change in scent—say, if semen smells foul—can be a sign of a health concern.

Ammonia, Bleach, or Chlorine Smell

Semen is slightly alkaline, which is the opposite of acidic on the pH scale. You might notice your semen normally smells like ammonia, bleach, or chlorine. These substances are also alkaline. The vagina, in contrast, is slightly acidic. Your semen might smell slightly different than normal after having vaginal sex.

Fishy or Rotten

Semen might smell and have a slightly different color if the urethra fills with discharge from an infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. You might have heard that eating certain foods can change the smell of semen. There's not enough research to support this claim, but it might be possible.

Here are some ways to minimize penis and semen odor:

• Bathe or shower regularly, making sure to pull back the foreskin and clean the skin underneath if you are uncircumcised.
• Bathe or shower after ejaculation to clear off the excess sperm.
• Trim your pubic hair to prevent a build-up of bacteria, dirt, and sweat. 
• Use a water-based lubricant, instead of oil-based lubricants and saliva, for sexual activity. 
• Use latex condoms correctly if you are sexually active.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.

The reason your penis has a funky smell could be due to sweat, lack of ventilation, poor hygiene, STI, or smegma build-up. It's important to practice good hygiene and use soap to get rid of any bacteria that could cause an odor. If the smell persists, you may need to contact a healthcare provider to find out if you have an underlying health problem.

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