Why Does My Penis Smell? Causes and Treatments
For example, Males assigned at birth (MAAB) who are uncircumcised may develop skin cell buildup underneath their foreskin. This is often the result of poor hygiene and can lead to infection.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause an odor.
Keep reading to learn more about what may be causing your symptoms, other symptoms to watch for, and how you can find relief.
Smegma
Smegma refers to a buildup of moisture, oils, and skin cells around the shaft of the penis. It's much more common under the foreskin if you're uncircumcised.
The area under your foreskin typically needs lubrication from this mixture. When too much smegma builds up — because you sweat a lot or don't wash your penis regularly — it can create smelly white chunks that can cause bacteria to grow.
If left untreated, your penis can become inflamed or infected.
What you can do
To clean smegma from your penis:
Pull back (retract) your foreskin.
Wash your penis with mild soap and water.
Rinse your penis.
Pat the penis dry. Don't rub.
Once smegma has been cleaned, return your foreskin back over your penis.
Once smegma has been washed away, the smell should disappear. Repeat these steps once a day if smegma persists.
See your doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
redness or other color changes
swelling
irritation
foreskin won't pull back
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
UTIs occur when bacteria or a virus infect part of your urinary tract.
Infection is often caused by:
sexual activity
not draining all the urine from your bladder (urinary retention)
kidney stones
enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
diabetes
using a urinary catheter
If you develop a UTI, your urine may take on an unpleasant odor, that may be perceived as coming from the penis.
Other symptoms include:
a frequent need to pee, even if you don't pass much urine when you go
a burning sensation when you pee
cloudy or pink urine
What you can do
If you suspect a UTI, see your doctor. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as phenazopyridine (Azo), may help relieve pain and keep the infection under control until your appointment.
Once a UTI has been diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for the infection. Common options include:
fosfomycin (Monurol)
cephalexin (Keflex)
nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)
If you get UTIs often, your doctor may recommend taking low doses of antibiotics over several months.
Yeast infection
Yeast infections (sometimes called thrush) happen when Candida fungus on your penis grows out of control. The fungus overgrowth can give your penis an unpleasant smell.
Other symptoms may include:
redness or other color changes
irritation
itching or burning
areas of white, chunky material
abnormally moist, white, or shiny penis skin
Yeast infections can be caused by not washing your penis enough, especially if you're uncircumcised. They can also spread through sex with a female partner who has a yeast infection.
If left untreated, yeast infections can cause inflammation or lead to further infection.
What you can do
If you suspect a yeast infection, see your doctor. They may prescribe medication to help clear the fungal infection.
Common options include:
fluconazole (Diflucan)
miconazole (Desenex)
clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
imidazole (Canesten)
Some of these medications are also available over the counter.
Balanitis
Balanitis occurs when the head of your penis gets inflamed. If the foreskin is inflamed as well, it is called balanoposthitis.
This can result from:
having unprotected sex
poor hygiene
smegma buildup
scented soaps or body washes
infection
skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
Many of these causes can make your penis smell. Other symptoms include:
redness
itching and irritation
swelling
fluid buildup under the foreskin
burning sensation when you pee
You're more likely to develop balanitis if you're uncircumcised. If left untreated, balanitis can cause your foreskin to get tight and lose its ability to retract. This is known as phimosis.
What you can do
Taking a bath in salty water can help soothe any pain or inflammation. Wash daily with warm water and moisturizing treatment. Do not use soap. Dry gently after washing.
See your doctor if your symptoms last more than a day or two. They can diagnose the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Common options include:
antibiotics for an infection, such as bacitracin/polymyxin (Polysporin)
ointment or cream for irritation, such as hydrocortisone (Cortaid)
antifungal cream for fungal infections, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It's spread through contact with the vagina, anus, or mouth of someone who has the infection. It can affect your penis, as well as your rectum and throat.
Gonorrhea doesn't always cause symptoms. If symptoms are present, you may notice an odor or experience:
a burning sensation when you pee
green, yellow, or white discharge from your penis
soreness, bleeding, or itching around your genitals or anus
pain while pooping
What you can do
If you think you have gonorrhea, see your doctor right away. After making a diagnosis, your doctor will likely prescribe an injection of ceftriaxone (Rocephin) along with an oral medication, such as doxycycline (Monodox), if there's a chance you may also have chlamydia.
Any sexual partners you have been with must also be tested and treated.
A typical recovery after treatment takes 7 days. You can still spread the infection during this time, so you should avoid having sex until you finish treatment. The CDC recommends waiting an additional 7 days after finishing all medication to prevent the possibility of spreading the infection.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is another STI. It's spread by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who's already infected.
Chlamydia doesn't always cause symptoms. If symptoms are present, you may notice an odor or experience:
a burning sensation when you pee
abnormal discharge
testicle pain or swelling
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause long-term reproductive problems for you and your partners.
What you can do
If you think you have chlamydia, see your doctor right away. After making a diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection.
Common options include:
azithromycin (Zithromax)
doxycycline (Monodox)
levofloxacin (Levaquin)
A typical recovery after treatment takes 7 days. You can still spread the infection during this time, so avoid having sex until you finish treatment and all symptoms have resolved. If you receive a single dose of medication, the CDC advises wai ting 7 days after treatment.
Non-gonococcal urethritis
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) happens when your urethra — where urine exits your body — gets inflamed. It's called 'non-gonococcal' because it is caused by something other than gonorrhea.
It may be caused by bacteria and, rarely, viruses spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. One of the most common is chlamydia, but other organisms can cause NGU as well.
Common symptoms include:
soreness or irritation on the tip of your penis
burning sensation when you pee
cloudy, pale, sometimes smelly discharge from your penis
If left untreated, an NGU infection can spread to your testicle or prostate gland. This may lead to infertility.
What you can do
If you suspect NGU, see your doctor. After a diagnosis is made, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
Standard options include azithromycin (Zithromax) and doxycycline (Monodox). A typical recovery after treatment takes 7 days. You can spread the infection during this time, so avoid having sex until treatment is complete.
Find relief and prevent recurrence
You may be able to ease your symptoms and prevent recurrence by keeping the following tips in mind:
If you're uncircumcised, pull your foreskin back when you pee. This keeps urine from getting underneath and causing irritation.
Bathe regularly. If you're uncircumcised, make sure you wash underneath your foreskin to prevent the buildup of dirt or bacteria.
Pat your penis dry. Don't rub your penis dry, as this can irritate the skin. Make sure you pat the skin under your foreskin dry, too.
Wear loose, cotton underwear. This type of underwear helps your groin area breathe so that sweat, bacteria, and other substances don't build up and cause odors or infections.
Wear condoms every time you have sex. This can prevent the spread of STIs and other substances that can cause irritation or infections.
Don't have sex with someone who has symptoms of an STI. Be cautious before you have sex with someone who has a rash, pain when peeing, discharge, or other abnormal symptoms.
Clean your penis after you have sex. This helps remove bacteria and irritants from your penis.
When to see your doctor
Practicing good hygiene is usually all it takes to clear up an unusual odor. It's common for your penis to have certain natural odors, and usually there is no underlying medical problem.
You should see your doctor right away if you experience:
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