It often happens that the penis gives off an unpleasant and persistent odor in the event of a lack of hygiene. However, this problem can also indicate a health problem that requires medical treatment, especially when it is associated with a strong smell of urine.
If the unpleasant odor persists despite the application of the recommended hygiene measures, this problem should be reported to a doctor. This will allow him to perform tests to check if this symptom is caused by an underlying disease or another medical problem.
In particular, the doctor can check whether the patient suffers from any of the following disorders:
– A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). A smelly penis sometimes indicates an STD, this problem obviously needs to be treated as soon as possible. Diseases that can cause these types of symptoms include chlamydia and gonorrhea. If the unpleasant odor is the only symptom present, it is usually not caused by an STD. If so, this problem would be accompanied by painful discharge or urination. However, it is important to consult because prevention is better than cure.
– Anaerobic Infection. Anaerobic infections rarely affect the penis, but it is still a possible cause. These infections are caused by an anaerobic germ that only develops in environments that contain very little oxygen. Major diseases that are caused by anaerobic germs include gangrene, tetanus and botulism. If this type of infection over locates on the penis, it usually indicates the presence of necrotic tissue in that area. This problem can have serious consequences. Luckily, as we have already mentioned, these infections rarely affect the penis.
– Dehydration. Urinary disorders can sometimes cause an unpleasant odor to appear. This can be mainly caused by dehydration. Urine and the penis can also give off an unpleasant odor following the consumption of certain odorous foods. In this situation, it is recommended to drink enough water to dilute the urine as this reduces its smell. When you don't drink enough water, the urine is more concentrated and therefore more fragrant.
– Diabetes. When properly treated, this disease causes no odor symptoms. Otherwise, it causes excess glucose (sugar) inside the urinary tract. This excess sugar makes the urine thicker and causes the appearance of a sweet smell that is far from pleasant.
– Bladder disease. This organ is part of the urinary system. A problem that is localized in this area can change the urine and cause the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the penis. This organ is frequently affected by infections but it is also possible that a fistula develops there. This disease causes the appearance of an abnormal duct inside the intestines and this abnormality stimulates bacterial multiplication. Fistulas usually require surgery.