Is Having Penis Odor Normal?

It is completely normal for your penis to have an odor. However, If you feel like the smell has changed or grown relatively strong, it may signal an underlying condition. But don’t worry! It might be nothing serious as most conditions are not and can easily be treated.

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For example, individuals assigned male at birth (MAAB) who are uncircumcized may experience a buildup of skin cells under the foreskin due to inadequate hygiene that can potentially lead to infections.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also contribute to odor. So, make sure to keep reading to understand the potential causes of your symptoms, other signs to watch out for, and ways to seek relief.

Causes of Smelly Penis

1. Smegma

Smegma is a buildup of moisture, oils, and skin cells around the penis shaft, especially common under the foreskin in uncircumcised individuals. This natural lubricant can become problematic if not cleaned regularly, leading to smelly shite and potential bacterial growth. Neglecting hygiene may result in inflammation or infection if untreated.

To clean smegma from your penis, you can pull back (retract) your foreskin, wash your penis with mild soap and water, rinse your penis, pat the penis dry, and once smegma has been cleaned, return your foreskin over your penis. Once you have cleaned away the smegma, the odor should disappear. Repeat these steps daily if smegma persists.

However, you should consult a doctor if you notice redness, swelling, irritation, and, or the foreskin will not pull back.

2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) happens when bacteria or viruses infect part of your urinary tract. Infection is often caused by:

• Sexual activity
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder (urinary retention)
• Stones in the kidneys
• Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Diabetes
• Using a urinary catheter

If you have a UTI, you might notice a fishy odor from your penis. Some other symptoms may include:

• A frequent need to pee, even with minimal output
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy or pink-colored urine

Uncircumcised individuals may have a higher risk of developing UTIs. While UTIs are often not serious, untreated cases can lead to kidney infections.

If you suspect a UTI, consult our doctor. Over-the-counter drugs can also ease discomfort until your appointment. And for recurrent UTIs, your doctor might suggest long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy.

3. Yeast Infection

Yeast infections happen when Candida fungus overgrows on the penis, causing a musty odor. Other symptoms may include:

• Redness or irritation
• Itching or burning
• Areas of white, chunky material
• Abnormally moist, white, or shiny penis skin

Yeast infections may result from inadequate penile hygiene, particularly in uncircumcised individuals. Additionally, they can be transmitted through sexual contact with a female partner who has a yeast infection.

Failure to address yeast infections promptly can result in inflammation or subsequent infections.

If you suspect that you may have a yeast infection, see a doctor. They will prescribe medication to help clear the fungal infection.

4. Balanitis

Balanitis happens when the head of the penis gets inflamed. If the foreskin is inflamed as well, it is called balanoposthitis.

This condition can be caused by:

• Unprotected sex
• Inadequate hygiene
• Accumulation of smegma
• Use of scented soap or body washes
• Infections
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema

Several of these factors can contribute to an unpleasant odor from the penis. Additional symptoms may include redness, itching and irritation, swelling, fluid buildup under the foreskin, and a burning sensation when you pee.

Uncircumcised individuals are at higher risk of developing balanitis. People with a condition known as phimosis, where the foreskin loses its ability to retract, are prone to foreskin or penile infection. Circumcision is one of the treatment options for phimosis.

If your symptoms persist beyond a day or two, it is advisable to consult our doctor. They can identify the root cause and create a treatment suitable to your requirements.

5. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It spreads through contact with the vagina, anus, or mouth of an infected person. It can affect the penis, as well as the rectum and throat.

Gonorrhea may not always exhibit symptoms. When symptoms do occur, you may detect an odor or encounter:

• A painful sensation during urination
• Discharge from your penis that is green, yellow, or white
• Soreness, bleeding, or itching around your genitals or anus
• Discomfort during bowel movements

If you suspect that you may have gonorrhea, consult a doctor right away. After treatment, it typically takes 7 days to recover. It is important to refrain from sexual activity until treatment is completed to prevent spreading the infection.

6. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another STD. It spreads through vagina, oral, or anal intercourse with an infected person.

Symptoms of chlamydia may not always be noticeable, but they do, you might experience:

• A burning sensation during urination
• Unusual discharge
• Pain or swelling in the testicles

Untreated chlamydia can lead to lasting reproductive issues for both you and your partners. If you think you have chlamydia, consult a doctor right away. After treatment, it generally takes about 7 days to recover. It is important to refrain from sexual activity until you have completed the treatment to prevent spreading the infection.

7. Non-gonococcal Urethritis

Non-gonococcal Urethritis (NGU) occurs when the urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body, becomes inflamed. It is called “non-gonococcal” because it is not caused by gonorrhea.

NGU can be caused by bacteria and, less commonly, viruses transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Chlamydia is one of the most frequent causes, although other organisms can also trigger NGU.

Common symptoms include:

• Soreness or irritation at the tip of the penis
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy, pale, sometimes malodorous discharge from the penis

If left untreated, an NGU infection can potentially spread to the testicles or prostate gland, leading to infertility. If you suspect NGU, consult a doctor for a diagnosis.

Finding Relief & Prevention Tips

These tips should ease your symptoms and reduce the likelihood of recurrence:

1. For uncircumcised men, retract the foreskin when urinating to prevent urine from accumulating underneath and causing irritation.
2. Maintain regular hygiene practices. If you are uncircumcised, ensure to thoroughly clean beneath the foreskin to prevent the accumulation of dirt or bacteria.
3. Gently pat your penis dry after washing. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin. Make sure to pat the area under your foreskin dry as well.
4. Go for loose-fitting cotton underwear. This type of underwear allows your groin area to breathe, preventing the accumulation of sweat, bacteria, and other substances that can lead to odors or infections.
5. Keep your pubic hair trimmed. Long pubic hair can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria. Maintain short pubic hair length, but avoid completely shaving it off.
6. Always use condoms during sexual activity. This helps prevent the transmission of STIs and other substances that may lead to irritation or infections.
7. Avoid sexual intercourse with individuals displaying symptoms of an STI. Exercise caution before engaging in sexual activity with someone who exhibits signs such as a rash, painful urination, discharge, or other unusual symptoms.
8. After sex, clean your penis to wash off bacteria and irritants to promote hygiene and comfort.
9. Use water-based lubricants instead of saliva or oil-based lubricants as the latter can introduce bacteria to your penis.

When to See a Doctor

Maintaining good hygiene is typically sufficient to resolve an unusual odor. It is normal for the penis to have distinct natural odors, and in most cases, there is no underlying medical issue.

You should see a doctor right away if you experience:

• Accumulation of white chunks around your penis
• Rash on your penis, genital area, anus, or thighs
• Burning or discomfort during urination
• Unusual discharge
• Itchiness or irritation
• Redness or inflammation

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We’re here to help

With whatever you’re experiencing, you are not alone. PULSE Social Enterprise is here for any concerns and questions that you might have about your health.

From general wellness to mental well-being to sexual health, we will be sure to give you fast, reliable, and safe diagnosis, treatment, and consultation.

To book an appointment, please email us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform.

+66-84-226-2569  @PulseRx    PULSEClinic