What A Normal Penis Is Supposed To Smell Like
FYI...
weheartit Penises, not unlike their genital-friend the vagina, have a distinct smell. No matter how often someone washes their penis, chances are they have some kind of smell down there.
What does a normal penis smell like?
"A normal, carefully washed penis has a slight smell. This is caused by the secretions of the glands near the head of the organ," says Dr. David Delvin. "It is likely that the original function of this aroma was to attract the opposite sex."
The groin area is actually the perfect incubator for nasty smells: It's hot, humid and tucked beneath layers of smell-trapping clothing.
"Sweat and moisture mix with the natural bacteria on your skin to cause body odor," says Dr. Kelley Pagliai Redbord, a dermatologist at George Washington University.
So what make a penis smell bad?
1. He has smegma.
In uncircumcised men, the underside of the foreskin produces its own lubricant to help protect the glans and to prevent chafing. Smegma is the end result of dead skin cells and fatty oils primarily shed from certain parts of our genitalia (the inner cavity of the foreskin in men, and the folds of the labia minora and clitoris in women).
But its waxy, sometimes smelly composition has given it a much more stomach-turning nickname: d*ck cheese. And like cheese, it can ripen and get more pungent with time.
2. He contracted a male yeast infection.
Candida yeast is always present in the body and usually doesn't cause problems, but changes in the body chemistry can cause a rapid growth phase that triggers the symptoms of a yeast infection. Many more women than men get it but it still can affect men as well, resulting in that distinctive, yeasty odor.
3. He has extremely dry skin.
Dehydrated and thirsty skin tends to develop microscopic cracks that provide a happy home for bacteria. But keeping the skin moisturized (see, moisturizer isn't just for women) can actively help to cut down on the stink.
4. He wears a lot of synthetic fabrics.
Clothing that's made from man-made fabrics can trap odors and increase the smells that are already being made down there.
How can you make a penis smell better?
1. Trim the pubic hair
Pubic hair traps dampness and odors, and also makes it challenging for the skin to stay cool and dry. You don't have to get a Brazilian or go completely hairless, but if you trim down the man-bush, it will help keep the skin at bay.
2. Gently wash your penis
Gently wash the penis with warm water each day when you're in the shower. If you have foreskin, pull it back gently and wash underneath. Regular personal hygiene is extremely important, but washing with soap and shower gels can cause soreness.
Water is enough to wash with but if you really need to use soap, choose a mild to non-perfumed soap to reduce the risk of irritation. Also, avoid using talc or deodorants on the penis.
3. Make sure your penis is dry before putting clothes on
"Reduce moisture and you'll reduce body odor," Dr. Redbord says. "In order to do that, it's necessary to fully dry out your crotch before dressing, especially in the summer when you're hot all the time. Consider using a blow dryer to get the area completely dry."
Bacteria can also grow on damp towels or washcloths, so make sure you're using clean, dry towels every time you step out of the shower.