Want to really derail the chances for a successful sexual encounter? It’s easy - just ignore the rank penis odor emanating from the middle regions. Penis odor is a common, and potentially disastrous, problem for many men - which explains why so many look into extreme strategies to reduce that noxious aroma. Practicing proper penis care is one of the best ways to address an odiferous member, but often more help is needed. And that’s when a man may make some poor decisions.

Why so much stench?

It’s not surprising that penis odor strikes so many men. After all, the penis is kept snuggled away beneath not one but two sets of clothing - and often the underwear layer fits very tightly around the manhood. This gives extra support, but it just adds to the heat factor. Add in the fact that, unless a guy manscapes, the penis is surrounded by hair that adds further insulation. And, of course, the erectile process generates additional heat.

And that heat means sweat, which means bacteria, which means the potential is always there for odor.

Strategies to avoid

So it’s understandable why odor is a problem. But that doesn’t mean all methods of addressing it are good. Here are a few to avoid.

- Cologne or aftershave. There are probably few men who didn’t in their puberty think, "Hey, splashing a little aftershave down there ought to make things smell better." Unfortunately, penis skin is enormously sensitive. When the alcohol and other chemicals and fragrances hit the penis, it feels like a match has been set to the log. Rather than adding fragrance, it’s better to slip away to the bathroom when the time for sex draws near and give the penis and balls a good washing with a mild soap.

- Babywipes . These are no good for the same reason - that alcohol is going to sting.

- Baking soda. Putting an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator helps absorb all the stale food scents that pervade the appliance. Should pouring some on the penis do the same thing? Technically yes, but raw baking soda also dries the skin out, which a guy doesn’t want. Also, when sweat is added into the mixture, the baking soda becomes clumpy and cakey, which is not a good look.

- Oil. Some men have used cooking oil (such as olive oil) on their penis as a way to counteract odor. There’s no proven benefit to this, and the presence of excess oil on the skin could potentially irritate the partner that will soon be receiving that penis.

- Airing out. Airing out the penis on a regular basis - by sleeping nude, for example - can be an excellent way to help diminish penis odor. But it’s a mistake to whip it out while a partner is out of the room, hoping that a couple of minutes of fresh air will have much effect. And it can be awkward if the partner comes back in while the equipment is still hanging out.

What to do

So what strategies should a man employ to reduce his penis odor? In addition to regularly practicing good hygiene, a man should also make daily use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) part of his penis health routine. However, it’s essential that the selected crème contains vitamin A. This vitamin has excellent anti-bacterial properties that can really attack some of the root causes of penis odor. It’s also beneficial if the crème contains moisturizing agents like vitamin E and Shea butter. The odor-causing sweat also depletes the body of the natural oils it needs to keep the skin smooth and supple, so hydration is needed.