Everyone gets it: Guys sweat. And some guys sweat more than others. And guess what? That sweat is often worst right around the penis and balls – which means that penis odor is a commonplace occurrence. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable. Dudes concerned with penis health – or even with just eliminating any embarrassing possible reactions to a “big reveal” with a partner – know that they need to consider fixes for penis odor problems, especially if the condition is persistent.

Of course, as the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know – which means, with a guy’s own penis located so far from his sniffer (and with only a contortionist able to get the nose close enough for a whiff), how does a guy know he has penis odor? Well, for one thing, if he takes off his pants and he DOES get an unpleasant scent reaching all the way to his nostrils, chances are it’s a pretty bad case. But even less noxious examples can be off-putting. So here’s a trip: run a Q-tip around the penis and balls, then bring it up and inhale. That should help to answer the question.

But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so here are some penis odor fixes to consider, even if a guy is unsure if he needs help.

- Wash. Common sense, fellas. Washing the penis and balls regularly – usually every day, more often if engaged in lots of sweaty activity – is the best way to keep odor away. Intact men need to pay special attention to washing under the foreskin to help avoid build-up of unpleasant smegma. But don’t stop with the skin – wash pants and underwear regularly. Never wear underwear two days running – and give a really good sniff test to any pants that are on their second (or third or fourth or…) go-round without washing.

- Go coconuts. After showering, it may help to apply a little coconut oil to the crotch. Coconut oil helps to control some odors in some men – although since every man’s metabolism is different, it doesn’t work for everyone.

- Be loose. Tight briefs can make a man’s package look great, but it also can add substantially to the sweat and penis odor problem. Especially during the summer, favor looser-fitting boxers, especially those made of a lightweight cotton. It also helps to wear pants made of cotton or other natural fibers that allow the crotch to breathe more easily.

- Go bald. A thick thatch of pubic hair just increases the heat on the penis and balls. Manscaping is something more and more guys (and their partners) are into, so trimming the pubes can help fight penis odor. Even if a guy doesn’t want to shave down to the skin, a nice, short trim can make a difference.

- Watch the diet. You are what you eat, and what you eat can contribute to sweat., Spicy foods, for example, can raise the body temperature. High sugar and starchy diets also tend to create more unpleasant smells from sweat.

- Get air. Airing out the penis helps a lot when fighting penis odor. Spending some time naked every day can be beneficial. Sleeping naked is one possible way to achieve this for those with prudish roommates.

Men mustn’t let penis odor become a problem when simple fixes are available. One other important fix: daily apply a superior penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). This will be especially helpful if the crème contains vitamin A, which contains potent antibacterial properties that help fight persistent penis odor. Stronger, more resilient penis skin also helps deflect odor’s staying power, so find a crème with alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and the damage it causes the penile skin.