How to Smell Better Down There (for Men)

Introduction

Let’s face it—nobody wants to be the guy with a stinky crotch. Whether you’ve noticed it yourself, had a partner tell you, or just want to stay fresh, penile odor is something most men deal with at some point. The good news? The problem is totally fixable with a little bit of work.

This guide will walk you through how to diagnose and fix whatever your issue may be – everything from problematic daily routines to more serious potential problems.

Why Penis Odor Happens

Before we fix it, let’s understand it. The penis, like any other body part, can produce odors when sweat, bacteria, and natural body oils build up but the groin area is especially prone to smell because it’s:

• Warm (bacteria and fungi love warmth)

• Moist (from sweat, urine, and other fluids)

• Enclosed (typically covered by clothing reducing ventilation)

Even with regular washing some men can still have an unpleasant smell in this area, especially if you are uncircumcised. This can be fixed but first we have to rule out more serious potential issues.

1. Medical Causes to Rule Out

Most odors are just hygiene-related, but sometimes smell can be a symptom of something that needs treatment.

See a doctor if you notice:

• Very strong odor despite good hygiene, especially if you notice a recent change in the odor

• Redness, rash, or sores

• Itching or burning

• Discharge from the penis

• Painful urination or swelling

If any of these apply to you then you more than likely have a more serious issue to resolve than just bad smell and you should get a doctor to diagnosis and treat that issue as soon as possible.

Possible medical causes:

• Balanitis – Inflammation of the glans, often caused by poor hygiene, irritation, or infection.

• Fungal infections – Similar to jock itch, caused by yeast overgrowth.

• Bacterial infections – May require antibiotics.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Some, like trichomoniasis, can cause unpleasant odors.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Less common in men but can create strong-smelling urine and discharge.

2. Harmful Habits

a) Not Cleaning Often Enough

A daily shower is the single most effective way to keep odors away. Use OESUP to wash your penis thoroughly. This means under the foreskin, scrotum, and pubes.

However cleaning once a day isn’t always enough. You should clean this area as soon as possible after the following activities:

• Working out

• Any sort of sexual activity – including masturbation

• Any situation in which you sweat excessively

• Any situation in which the groin area has restricted air flow for an extended period – like being in a wetsuit

After these types of activities bacteria grows especially easily and these effects can linger even after washing. The more time you wait to clean up the worse it gets.

b) Not Drying Properly After Urinating

Similar to how certain activities can create environments where bacteria can grow more easily, not properly wiping after urinating will lead to much faster and worse smelling bacteria growth. Many men don’t wipe at all. This is an easy step which can lead to a much longer lasting freshness after cleaning. Wipe with the goal of completely drying and not leaving any dribble after you are done.

c) Drugs

Tobacco and alcohol affect your overall body odor (and taste), not to mention circulation and sexual health. Not doing these things will definitely have a positive impact on the smell in your intimate area.

d) Not Hydrating Properly

You should be drinking enough water to keep your urine pale yellow. Dehydration concentrates waste products and toxins in your sweat and urine, making them smell stronger. Adequate water = less toxins = better smell.

e) Food

Certain foods can cause a bad odor even though they are healthy. Things like garlic, onions, asparagus, and certain spices. If a food has a strong smell it will most likely affect your body odor (including your penis).

We don’t recommend cutting out these foods by any means but just be mindful of this fact prior to intimate moments. Most foods will take around 24 hours for the odor effects to wear off.

f) Wearing Restrictive Underwear

Loose-fitting, breathable fabrics keep air circulating and reduce sweat buildup. For sports or gym sessions invest in moisture-wicking athletic underwear.

You should be putting on a fresh pair of underwear everyday. If you sweat a lot during the day, consider changing twice. Choose materials that breathe — like 100% cotton.

The same goes for your pants. Choose lightweight, loose fitting options made from breathable material.

g) Excessive Pubic Hair

Pubic hair can trap sweat and odor. You don’t want to go completely bare however as having some hair will improve ventilation. Trimming it short gives you the best of both worlds and makes cleaning more effective as well.

3. Action Steps

Here’s what you can do (in order of effectiveness) to get fresh down there.

1. If you are uncircumcised you must wash under your foreskin. Our soap (OESUP) is the best soap to do this with for long lasting freshness.
2. Remove foreign substances, like sweat, semen, etc., as soon as possible. This prevents the smell from getting worse or even developing into a more serious problem.
3. Wipe when urinating. Urine is like fuel for bacteria, do your best to remove as much as you can every time you use the bathroom.
4. Dry thoroughly after washing. Every bar of OESUP soap will tell you this. We want to avoid moisture as much as possible to prevent bacteria growth. Pat the area under the foreskin dry with a clean towel and then either air dry or use a hairdryer to dry completely. You can refer to the OESUP instructions page for more info on how to do this.
5. Stop or limit drug use.
6. Stay hydrated.
7. Be mindful of foods that can cause odor.
8. Wear breathable underwear and pants. Aim for 100% cotton.
9. Keep your pubic hair trimmed.

Is it worth the effort?

It’s not just about hygiene—it’s about how you feel. Having a fresh-smelling penis boosts your self-confidence and improves your connection with intimate partners.

We believe these things make a big difference and that is why we created OESUP.

Give us a try now: OESUP