Fishy odours

Q My partner recently complained to me that I have a bad odour emanating from my genital area. She is now very reluctant to be intimate as she says she is afraid that I will give her a disease. I shower daily (and sometimes twice a day) but the odour does not go away. I have always practised safe sex and do not understand what is going on. What could be the problem? I am not circumcised. Could this be contributing to the problem?

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Well, first let me start by telling you that both circumcised and uncircumcised men can get genital odour. Genital odour comes from a mixture of things that are found in the genital area. This includes sweat, natural oils, bacteria and smegma.

Smegma is a whitish substance that consists of lubricating oils from the glands at the tip of the penis mixed with sloughed off skin cells. In uncircumcised men, it usually accumulates under the foreskin. On its own, smegma is considered to be harmless and a normal body secretion but bacteria use it as a food source and it can be a cause of considerable genital odour.

Sweat

Sweat can also contribute to genital odour. Usually the folds of skin in the groin area rubbing together (and a possible large belly which consistently covers the groin area when seated) can make this condition worse.

Part of the odour problem could also be coming from the area underneath your scrotum. This area is a favourite spot for sweat accumulation and can also get faecal contamination from your bottom. Take some time to make sure that this area is completely dry and clean every time you visit the toilet and spare a few extra minutes when cleaning it in the shower.

Infections

Infections in the genital area can lead to odour. Most men are often not aware that they have an infection. This is because infections sometimes do not give the usual symptoms of penile discharge or sores and rashes at the genitals.

Usually, genital infections are acquired from sexual partners. If your current (or past) partner has been found to have a genital infection, get yourself treated as well.

In addition, either choose to abstain from sex or use condoms until the infection has cleared.

(A word of caution here. Do not be quick to judge your partner for having a vaginal infection. Not all of them are caused by having sexual contact with someone outside your union. Some cases, such as yeast infections and a few bacterial ones, may occur due to a disruption in the normal balance in her vaginal environment. If you want clarity on the cause of an infection, talk to your doctor).

Fungal infection in the genital area can sometimes be associated with a skin rash at the groin folds. This produces a particularly foul smell when it mixes with sweat and bacteria.

Underwear

Your choice of underwear could be contributing to your genital odour. You should never wear underwear that is either too tight or made from material that does not allow your genital area to ‘breath’. Natural fabrics like cotton allow sweat to dry more quickly and reduce possible unpleasant smells. Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester can trap and amplify odours being produced down there. Tight underwear also results in excess sweating and odour.

Finally, wet undergarments are a definite no — you could find yourself with a skin infection (and genital odour) if you consistently wear them. I would suggest that you try cotton boxers and see how that works for you. In addition, have daily ‘underwear-free’ sessions (for example you could sleep without it).

To help eliminate genital odour, you also need to learn to clean your penis properly — especially the area under your foreskin. As early stated, this is the area in which smegma (and subsequently odour) accumulates.

To clean this area, use warm (not hot) water. (Very hot water dries out the body’s natural oils which are vital for healthy skin). Use a very mild soap or cleanser (contrary to popular belief, you do not need special ‘anti-bacterial’ or heavily scented soaps to clean this area). This area is quite delicate and these soaps can irritate the skin.

To clean the area, wet it and gently pull back the foreskin all the way back. Wash the area and thoroughly rinse. Pat the area completely dry and then make sure you get the foreskin back to its usual position. Although some men find it refreshing to put on clothes whilst their skin is still a little wet from the shower, avoid doing this. The wetness in the groin will be a good environment for odour to develop.

No colognes

Resist the urge to spray deodorants/cologne or use anti-perspirant roll-ons in the groin area. This can irritate your skin and make things worse. The same applies to talcum powder and commercial ‘odour-eliminating’ genital wipes.

Finally, as part of your genital care, keep your pubic hair short. This helps reduce genital odour as body fluids and sweat usually become trapped in thick, dense pubic hair.

The decision to get circumcised is entirely yours. Although, there is a drive in several parts of the world (Kenya included) to encourage circumcision, there are only two instances when a circumcision is considered mandatory for medical reasons.

These include a very tight foreskin and recurrent penile infections. In your case, I would suggest that in addition to using the above tips, visit your doctor and discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and then make an informed decision on what is best for you.

DR MUKUHI NG’ANG’A will answer your questions on lifestyle and other diseases and medical issues for both children and adults. Send questions to: [email protected]