Why Does a Guy Have an Unpleasant Odor Down There? What Can Be Done?

The presence of an unpleasant odor in the genital area, whether for men or women, can be embarrassing in public and may even lead to feelings of inferiority. Sometimes, even with frequent changing of underwear and daily bathing, the odor can be difficult to eliminate. In men, this issue often indicates the presence of an underlying health condition and requires prompt medical attention to identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Failure to do so can lead to worsening of the condition.

Urethritis occurs when pathogenic bacteria invade the urethra. In the acute stage, there may be a sticky discharge from the urethra, followed by a larger amount of purulent discharge. If it turns into chronic urethritis, the discharge may become thinner and less abundant. These discharges can contribute to the unpleasant odor in the genital area. Urethritis is often accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, bloody urine, redness of the urethral opening, and discomfort during urination.

In men with phimosis or overly long foreskin, secretions such as sebum, prostatic fluid, and residual urine can accumulate deep within the foreskin, forming a white or yellowish substance known as smegma. This smegma can have an unpleasant odor and, if left unchecked for a long time, can lead to inflammation of the foreskin and prostate.

Obesity and humid environments can make men more prone to sweating. Sweat can lead to moisture on the underwear and the surface of the skin in the genital area. In a damp and non-breathable environment, bacteria can proliferate, leading to an unpleasant odor and a higher risk of developing genital infections.

Alternating washes with warm water and diluted salt water can effectively improve the odor. However, if there are abnormalities such as redness or ulceration of the skin, it may indicate the presence of inflammatory secretions caused by infection, in which case antibiotics such as cephalosporins may be prescribed. Local disinfection with iodine solution and maintenance of dryness are also recommended. After the inflammation is controlled, the appearance will improve, and the abnormal odor will disappear. Regular cleaning with warm water is also recommended to prevent the occurrence of unpleasant odors and reduce the risk of infection.