Medically CitedAn unpleasant odor emanating from the penis can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort. While a healthy penis may have a slight, non-offensive scent, a strong fishy smell can indicate an underlying issue.
Fortunately, maintaining good hygiene practices can often address the problem. However, in some cases, it might be a sign of a medical condition that requires professional attention.
Why Does Penis Odor Smell Fishy?
It's important to distinguish between a normal, slight scent and a strong, fishy odor. The penis naturally produces a small amount of sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin lubricated. This sebum, along with dead skin cells, can create a faint musk, which is nothing to be concerned about. However, a strong fishy odor is often a sign of trapped bacteria or an underlying medical condition.
Common Causes of Fishy Penis Odor
Several factors can contribute to a fishy odor from the penis: [1]
- Poor Hygiene: This is the most common culprit. Smegma, a white, cheese-like substance, is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum that accumulates around the glans (head) of the penis, particularly under the foreskin in uncircumcised men. If not washed away regularly, smegma can build up and create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a strong, unpleasant odor.
- Balanitis: This is an inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by poor hygiene or irritation from harsh soaps or detergents. The inflammation can cause redness, itching, and a discharge that can contribute to a fishy odor. [2]
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause a fishy odor as a symptom. These infections can also lead to discharge, burning during urination, and pain in the testicles.
What Causes a Smelly Penis and How is It Treated?. Shutterstock Image
Lifestyle Considerations:
- Sweat and Moisture: Excessive sweating in the genital area can trap bacteria and contribute to odor. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing like cotton underwear can help keep the area cool and dry.
- Diet: While not a direct cause, some people find that consuming foods rich in choline, like red meat, eggs, and certain fish, can contribute to a stronger odor. If you suspect a dietary link, consider reducing your intake of these foods and see if it makes a difference.
Other Medical Conditions: In rare cases, a fishy odor might be a symptom of other medical conditions such as diabetes, where high blood sugar levels can create a breeding ground for bacteria, or fistulas, which are abnormal connections between the penis and other organs.
Maintaining Good Hygiene is Key
Ways to Maintain Good Hygiene. Shutterstock Image
The good news is that practicing good hygiene can often prevent and eliminate fishy penis odor. Here are some key practices to follow: [3]
- Gentle Daily Washing: Wash the penis daily with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid harsh soaps that can irritate the delicate skin. Gently cleanse the glans and the shaft, paying particular attention to the folds of skin.
- Retracting Foreskin for Proper Cleaning (if applicable): For uncircumcised men, it's important to retract the foreskin completely to clean it underneath. After washing, gently pull back the foreskin and wash the glans and inner surface of the foreskin thoroughly. Be sure to replace the foreskin to its natural position after washing.
- Drying Thoroughly: After washing, pat the penis dry with a clean, soft towel. Moisture buildup can encourage the growth of bacteria and contribute to odor.
- Clean Underwear: Wear clean, breathable underwear daily. Cotton underwear is ideal, as it allows for better ventilation and prevents moisture buildup. Avoid tight-fitting underwear that can trap heat and moisture.
When to See a Doctor
If you've been practicing good hygiene and the fishy odor persists or worsens, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. You should also seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms alongside the odor:
- Redness, swelling, or itching of the penis
- Pain or burning during urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain in the testicles
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin (uncircumcised men)
A doctor can perform a physical examination and may order tests, such as a urine test or a swab test, to diagnose the cause of the odor. Once the cause is identified, the doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options For Fishy Penis Odor
Solutions for Your Smelly Penis. Shutterstock Image
The treatment for fishy penis odor depends on the underlying cause. [4]
- For poor hygiene: The doctor will simply recommend good hygiene practices as outlined above.
- For balanitis: Treatment options for balanitis may include topical antifungal creams or steroids to reduce inflammation.
- For STIs: Antibiotics are typically used to treat STIs, which should resolve the fishy odor and other associated symptoms.
- For other medical conditions: The treatment will depend on the specific underlying condition.
Conclusion
Maintaining good penis hygiene is essential for overall health and preventing unpleasant odors. By following a simple hygiene routine, you can keep your penis clean and odor-free. However, if you experience a persistent fishy odor or any other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Remember, fishy penis odor is often treatable, and a doctor can help you determine the best course of action to restore your comfort.
4 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Wray, Anton A., et al. "StatPearls [Internet]." Balanitis. StatPearls Publishing, 4 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143.
[3] Kwena ZA, Bukusi EA, Gorbach P, Sharma A, Sang NM, Holmes KK. Genital hygiene practices of fishermen targeted for a topical microbicide intervention against sexually transmitted infections in Kisumu, Kenya. Int J STD AIDS. 2010 Jun;21(6):435-40. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2010.010103. PMID: 20606226; PMCID: PMC6456332.
[4] "Trichomoniasis - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic, 17 May. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378609.
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