How to Keep an Uncircumcised Penis from Smelling

While many claim that circumcision is better for hygiene, this doesn't mean a penis without a foreskin can't smell either. What it does mean is that for those with a foreskin, you need to pay a little more attention. We'll help you know what to do by explaining a little more about why we have a foreskin in the first place.

A foreskin is a type of prepuce, similar to the clitoral hood in females. Its function is debated and circumcision in general even more so. What we do know is that it doesn't fully retract until puberty. When it does, it can help keep the glans penis (the bell shaped tip of the penis) lubricated. The foreskin also contains nerve receptors, meaning that many men find it increases pleasure during sex.

While the foreskin keeps the penis protected by keeping foreign agents out, it also can keep natural secretions in. Much of this secretion will be from smegma, a mixture of natural oils which the penis produces. It is thought to be for natural lubrication during sex. This idea is supported by the fact that little to know smegma is secreted during adolescence, the most is secreted during sexual maturity and that smegma production slows as the body ages past sexual maturity.

Smegma includes skin cells from the penis and foreskin. It can also attract general dirt and microbes which might come in contact with your penis. For an uncircumcised male, this dirt and bacteria collects under the foreskin naturally. Urine and ejaculate can also collect under the foreskin, two substances which will smell if left unwashed.

Some people may have been given bad habits during childhood which might contribute to bad smelling odors from the penis. Like the backs of your ears and between your toes, the head of the penis is a corner of the body where dirt might accumulate without you realizing. If you neglect to clean these areas specifically, you may end up with a bad smell.

If you clean your penis, but it still smells, there may be other concerns. One common result of not cleaning your penis properly is balanitis. Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans penis thanks to bacteria or infection. If the foreskin is also inflamed or agitated, this is known as balanoposthitis. You will likely see a little redness, but you can also experience some pain. If left untreated, it could even result it phimosis whereby the foreskin closes over the glans penis. This may need to be corrected by surgery.

Like other yeast infections, balanitis can be accompanied by a bad smell. While balanitis is a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection rather than an STI in itself, other STIs can lead to a bad smell. Some of the symptoms might be similar, but if you are unsure, you should go for a check up.

Balanitis is usually eradicated by washing, but this depends on the cause. Allergies to products you use on your penis might be at the root. This could be the type of product you use to bathe or even an allergy to certain types of condom.

Another reason your penis might smell could have nothing to do with your penis. Pubic hair traps odors in the strands of hair themselves as well as their accompanying oils. If you don't wash this easily also, it could be leading to your odor problem.

If you are circumcised, these tips will still be useful. You can just ignore the elements about foreskin.

To get cleaning under the foreskin, do it before you have showered or had a bath. Hold the foreskin as it covers the tip and then start pulling it down the penis shaft. Pulling penis foreskin as far as it goes will mean that all the area normally covered underneath will be exposed. If you struggle to do this action, it is possible it needs a little lubrication to get it going. Even a little water can work. If you still can't pull your foreskin all the way, it is possible it is too tight. This is particularly the case if you feel pain when pulling at this area of your penis. If so, seek a physician's advice.

Once the underneath of the foreskin is fully exposed, wash with an appropriate product and warm (not hot) water. You can use soap, but it is possible that soap is causing irritation or smelling in the first place. It is better to use a pH neutral, soap free product. If you think the wash you use is doing more harm than good, you may need an allergy test to know what to avoid. Incorporate into how you wash so you feel good all over once you have showered.

Don't rub your penis too hard while cleaning as this can damage the skin. Instead, be gentle and thorough. There should be no need to use a wash cloth or sponge, but if you do, ensure they are also clean.

For a more thorough detailing, read our article on how to clean your penis properly.

If your uncircumcised penis is smelling, it is likely a hygiene issue. Anything beyond this will need a doctor's opinion. Cleaning regularly and maintaining good hygiene will be good fo your overall health, but knowing how to keep an uncircumcised penis from smelling can improve your sexual health too. Many men and women will find it distasteful to go near a penis which smells (especially using their mouth). Show some respect for both yourself and your sexual partners by keeping it clean.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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