Guys who are conscientious about penis health often worry about the “big picture” issues (eg, erectile function, sexually transmitted infections, etc.) while perhaps not always being aware of the importance of some of the “smaller” issues – such as penis odor. This is understandable, of course, but just because penis odor doesn’t have the same dire consequences as a sexually transmitted infection doesn’t mean it should be ignored. One area that can be especially tricky is post-sex penis odor. Knowing how to approach this issue can be valuable to a man.

It’s a thing

First, it’s important to acknowledge that most men are going to experience some degree of post-sex penis odor, especially when it’s penetrative sex (that is, vaginal or anal).

Perhaps if people were all nudists and spent 24 hours a day unclothed, penis odor (and for that matter vaginal odor) might not be a real issue. If the penis and balls were allowed to “air out” all day, they would have less-strong odors attached to them. But the fact is that most guys keep their penis and balls wrapped up under 2 layers of clothing, creating a heat situation that inspires sweating, which produces odor. In addition, if a guy doesn’t manscape, he has a lot of hair adding extra insulation and increasing the heat quotient.

But most guys are not nudists and so they have an inclination toward a strong penis odor. This is exacerbated during sex, as the interpersonal contact adds another person’s odors (often vaginal or anal) into the mix – and the odor seeps through even when condoms are employed. In addition, sex is a sweaty business, so both the man’s sweat and his partner’s sweat get mixed together.

So sex is an aromatic endeavor. What can a guy then do about his post-sex penis odor?

Some steps to follow

Here are a few tips to consider.

Go in clean. Odors are going to get mixed in during a healthy bout of sex, but if a guy goes in with a penis as odor-free as possible, he’s going to be ahead of the game. Regular daily washing is of course important, but he should add in one last “extra” wash before starting out on his date. In addition, he needs to be sure that he’s wearing totally fresh underwear and, if possible, that the pants he wears for his date are not the same ones he has worn and sweated in all day.

Manscape. Not every guy feels comfortable with the idea of shaving or even trimming his pubic hair, but for many this can make a big difference. In addition to the thick hair creating more heat, the hair itself catches and holds onto the sweat, rather than letting it roll off of the smooth-shaven skin.

Talk to partner. Sometimes a partner also has a vaginal odor issue that transfers to her partner. If the relationship is strong enough and the man is sensitive enough, it can help to bring this up and discuss how to address it.

Wash soon after. Cleaning the penis as soon after sex as possible helps prevent penis odor from settling in. If a guy feels awkward leaving the bed and tending to this, he might suggest that it would be sexy for he and his partner to have a little post-sex shower together.

Diffuse post-sex penis odor by regularly applying a first-rate penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). There are many oils to choose from, but it is key that this oil contains vitamin A. This vitamin has antibacterial properties that can play a big role in keeping unwanted penis odor at bay. In addition, the oil should also include vitamin B5. Also known as pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is a vital nutrient that is required for cell metabolism and the maintenance of healthy tissue.