Just because a guy walks like a man, talks like a man, and acts like a man doesn't mean he has to smell, well, like a man. While many women may find a masculine scent appealing, some men may struggle with musty -- or even fishy - penis odors in an area that is best when it is shower fresh. A smelly undercarriage is not only a turnoff; it may be an indication that not all is well. Luckily, there are a few simple penis health tips and solutions to keep the nether regions fresh and pleasant all day long.
What Causes Below-the-Belt Odor?
In most cases, bacteria growing on the skin are the cause of an unpleasant odor emanating from down under. Bacteria thrives in moist, warm areas, so unless a man spends the majority of his day au naturel, he is likely to be susceptible to bacteria.
Hygiene issues - Men who are particularly sweaty or do not spend adequate time washing their member may struggle more with issues of penis smell. Uncircumcised men are more likely to have problems than circumcised men, as bacteria hides really well under the foreskin. Thus, it is important to gently pull the foreskin back and wash underneath with a mild cleanser.
Pubic Hair - Thick, long pubic hair not only promotes bacterial growth, it can also trap unpleasant scents in the groin region. Pubic hair contributes to perspiration and increases the heat of the area, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Urine - As much as a man may take care to shake off the last few drops, a trickle often remains in the urethra and dribbles out after the flow has stopped. Even the most diligent post-pee shaking routine may still lead to urine ending up in the area, contributing to the smell.
Yeast Infection - A yeast infection is another possible culprit in the case of the smelly underpants. If a fishy smell is present -- with the appearance of a cheesy, whitish discharge, burning during urination and itching -- thrush (yeast infection) is likely to blame.
The Do's and Don'ts of Penis Care
A few simple steps added to the daily grooming routine can keep a man smelling like he just hopped out of the shower all day long, which is sure to reduce embarrassing situations and may have other happy side effects in the bedroom.
Do - Wash daily with mild soap and water, particularly after breaking a sweat. Dry the area thoroughly before dressing to prevent excessive moisture from being trapped.
Don't - Try to cover the smell up with perfumes or deodorants. Harsh chemicals and dyes in perfumes can irritate the sensitive skin and possibly cause infection to move inside the urethra.
Do - Trim or shave pubic hair. If going full monty is unappealing, use a trimmer or scissors to carefully trim the hedges a bit; this will reduce the heat and potential to trap the smell.
Don't - Ignore penis odor when accompanied by pain or extreme discharge, as it could indicate infection. A doctor can prescribe medicine to tame the infection and stop the pain.
Do - Use a moisturizing penis vitamin creme specially formulated for the area, particularly one that contains Vitamin A (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Vitamin A has strong anti-bacterial properties that attack bacteria and reduce penis odor. Integrating a few simple steps into the daily penis care regimen - or in some cases simply doing more than letting the soapy water run over the area - can drastically reduce bacteria in the area. Though bacteria in this region are generally harmless, they certainly have an unpleasant effect, which thankfully, is easy to combat.
For additional information on most common penis health issues, tips on improving penis sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy penis, visit: http://www.penishealth101.com. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.