Men (and their partners) often report that they have a fishy manhood smell. In many cases, this odor is so strong that others in a room may notice, even without getting up close and personal. A foul odor emanating from the jeans can be caused by poor hygiene, but it can also be the result of a variety of other issues. If any of the following problems is to blame, then it may take more attention to male organ care than a little extra scrubbing to eliminate the odor.

1. Balanitis. This refers to any inflammatory condition of the sheath; men who have balanitis may experience swelling, redness, soreness and a thick, foul-smelling discharge. The most common cause of balanitis is poor hygiene, which can result in over-colonization of bacteria in the area. Medical treatment for balanitis is generally focused on cleaning under the sheath, rather than prescription medications.

2. Yeast infection. Also known as thrush, yeast infection is common in both men and women, and although it is not strictly a partner-transmitted disease, it can be easily passed back and forth between partners. This condition is characterized by redness, itching, swelling, and a white, chunky discharge that resembles cottage cheese. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but men who are experiencing it for the first time should check with their doctor before attempting self-treatment. Both partners should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.


3. Sweat. In spite of the pungent smell associated with sweating, human perspiration itself does not have much of an odor. Instead, the signature smell is caused by the bacteria that are attracted to it. In warm, enclosed areas such as the privates, this can take on a particularly ripe odor. While sweating certainly can’t be avoided, the privates should be washed daily to remove any built-up sweat, and talcum powder can be used to reduce the odor in the area. Use of deodorants on the privates is not advised.

4. Bacterial Vaginosis. Men who have female partners with bacterial vaginosis – a common infection caused by bacterial growth in the female tract – may notice a fishy smell on their own bodies after intimate contact. This is not a partner-transmitted disease, and it does not imply that the woman has done anything wrong; but treating the problem can eliminate the odor.


5. Smegma. Men who are uncut tend to have a whitish, pasty substance underneath the sheath; this can also occur around the head in cut men. The material in itself is benign and consists mainly of dead skin cells and body oils, but the bacteria that are attracted to it can emit a strong, fishy or mushroomy smell. Unfortunately, not all men are taught that this substance needs to be removed; keeping the area clear can significantly cut back on the smell.

Men who are experiencing symptoms such as itching, swelling, a red rash, a thick discharge, headache, sore throat or fever in addition to the foul odor should make an appointment with their doctor. These symptoms can indicate a number of other issues in addition to the problems described above, including certain partner-transmitted infections. Since each of these conditions required specified treatment, it is important to pinpoint the exact cause.

It is also important to take a proactive approach to male organ care, and this means keeping the area clean – but without overdoing the scrubbing. A daily shower or bath should include a thorough wash of the pelvic area. Men who are uncut should (very gently) retract the sheath and remove any smegma from underneath. It is best to avoid regular soaps, as well as shower gels or other cleansers that contain alcohol. These can dry the skin and increase the risk of yeast infection and other skin problems that may actually contribute to the unpleasant odor. Instead, choose a cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin, or skip the cleanser altogether and use warm water to do the job.

Afterward, the area should be dried thoroughly before putting on clothing; leaving the manhood damp and covering it with a tight pair of briefs creates a breeding ground for bacteria. A male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) may be applied at this point; look for a formula containing vitamin A, which has natural bacteria-fighting properties. A small amount – enough to cover the tip of a finger – should be massaged into the skin until it is fully absorbed.