Unless a man is the son of Poseidon, he probably shouldn’t have a fishy-smelling penis. A smelly penis is not only very offensive to the nose, it can also be an indicator of other problems going on below the belt, some of them quite serious. Thankfully, most causes of a smelly penis can be taken care of without much fuss. There are also many ways to keep a penis away from fishy territory with some simple, logical guidelines to follow that not only prevent a smelly penis but also improve penis health and complete health overall.
Potential Causes of a Fishy-Smelling Penis
It’s a smelly penis even Ariel wouldn’t get next to. What is causing it? Here are a few of the usual suspects for a smelly penis:
1) Balanitis – This inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis is due to an overgrowth of smegma, and is also accompanied by redness, discharge, and tenderness. Regular old smegma can also cause smelly penis.
2) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – When bacteria makes its way into the urinary tract, it gets inflamed and ramps up a lot of discomfort and sour, fishy-smelling urine. Sometimes urine can also be pink, and a man can experience pain in his side or back.
3) Non-gonococcal Urethritis (NGU) – NGU is an inflammation of the urethra that is not due to an STI. An NGU is also accompanied by frequent urge to urinate, burning urination, and cloudy or white discharge.
4) Yeast Infection – An overgrowth of Candida fungus brings this moldy, fishy smell to the forefront. Look for thick, chunky white discharge as well and a general burning and redness in the area.
5) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can causes a fishy-smelling penis. Both are accompanied by various colors of discharge, swelling, and burning sensations.
10 Tips for Preventing a Fishy-Smelling Penis
There are many ways to thwart a smelly penis before it starts. Including them in a consistent, daily routine will keep the fish smell at Pike Place and not in a man’s pants.
1) Keep the pubic hair tidily trimmed or shaved. Long pubic hair can hold in stinky smells from moisture, bacteria, dirt, and leftover emissions.
2) Wear loose cotton underwear so that the penis has room to breathe.
3) Have an open dialogue with sex partners about sexual health prior to having sex, even if it throws a wet blanket on the moment. Do not have sex with a person suspected of having an STI as evidenced by a rash, discharge, or other symptoms.
4) Do not have any kind of intimate contact with a partner who currently has a UTI or yeast infection, as they are also communicable.
5) When being intimate, use condoms and a water-based lube to avert infection, bacteria, and STIs.
6) When performing oral sex, use a barrier method. Also, if they smell funky down there, pull back. Many infections of all kinds are also transmitted orally.
7) Wash the penis frequently with warm water and a mild cleanser. Rinse thoroughly and pat or air dry, as rubbing can cause irritation.
8) When cleaning the penis, be sure to get into every fold. If the penis is uncircumcised, be sure to pull back the foreskin and gently clean generously to prevent smegma buildup.
9) Don’t forget to spend quality time cleaning the balls, inner thighs, and perineum where smells and sweat can hide.
10) Use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep the penis nourished and fresh. Use a creme with vitamin A for its skin-soothing and antibacterial properties. Look for other vitamins and essential nutrients that support healthy skin turnover and elasticity and reduce redness and premature aging, such as vitamins C and D and alpha lipoic acid. Apply daily for optimal results.
