Detecting one’s own body odor is relatively easy: a quick sniff under the pits is a pretty good barometer if a guy is likely to be aromatically offensive. But determining the level of penis odor is more difficult. Only expert contortionists are able to get their nose close enough to their penis to get a good whiff. But this penis health issue can be noticed much more easily by others, especially if they are people who frequent a man’s bedroom (or other location of sexual congress). For that reason, knowing the causes of penis odor is important so a guy can take steps to prevent and/or combat it.

Causes

The easy answer to what causes penis odor is, of course, sweat - or bacteria, if a person wants to be even more specific. This answer is true and factual, but it doesn’t help answer the question of what causes that sweatiness/bacteria infestation.

Here are several common causes of sweating and/or bacteria that can frequently result in a rank penis odor that can turn off even the most interested partner.

- Wearing underwear that’s too snug. Sure, a nice tight pair of underwear can show off a guy’s assets in an intensely sensual way. But while contours are getting noticed, the confining tightness generates extra amounts of heat, which in turn activates the sweat glands. Wearing looser-fitting boxers can help here, as can "airing out" the basement by sleeping nude regularly. But if those tight briefs or boxer briefs really show a guy off, he might try wearing boxers on his date and slipping into a pair of tight ones in the bathroom after he and his partner get home.

- Stress. Stress is bad, as we all have come to learn, and it’s bad for the penis as well. When stress levels are high, a form of sweat that’s rich in proteins and fats is produced, and that’s something the bacteria go mad for. If a guy’s stress levels zoom up too high - and especially if they stay high - penis odor is bound to result. Finding ways to reduce stress, especially before a date, is encouraged. Meditation and yoga are often recommended as enjoyable ways of de-stressing.

- Too much alcohol. There are many reasons to keep alcohol intake to moderate levels. One is because imbibing too much for the liver to process means the alcohol gets exuded through the sweat glands - and it smells awful.

- Diabetes is not managed adequately. People with diabetes who are not able to manage it adequately produce too many ketones, which affects both the aroma of urine and sweat. The penis is not happy about either change.

- Diet. Sweat to some degree takes on the characteristics of what a person consumes. Many foods - including red meat, broccoli, asparagus, garlic, and curry - can affect the odor level of sweat. Every person’s body metabolism is different, but if a guy has persistent penis odor, experimenting with changes in diet may have an impact.

- Medication. Some medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, may lead to increased sweating from some individuals. If a bioequivalent alternative which works equally as well is available, switching may help reduce penis odor. Otherwise, washing the penis just before a date or encounter may be the best option.

Whatever the causes of sweat that result in penis odor, regular use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) may be able to help reduce persistent penis odor. This is especially true if the selected crème includes vitamin A. Also known as retinol, vitamin A is a natural antibacterial agent and works to combat unpleasant penile odors caused by harmless bacteria. Hopefully, the chosen crème will also include alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that helps prevent premature aging and thinning of the penile skin.