Dick cheese: How to deal with a smelly penis

Most people with penises have to deal with a smelly penis from time to time. Smegma, or ‘dick cheese’ as it’s sometimes known, is a natural bodily secretion that can cause the penis to smell. On its own, smegma is harmless, but it should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial, fungal or urinary tract infections. If the smell is accompanied by a burning sensation when you pee, it could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection and you should visit a GUM clinic as soon as possible.

A user of The Mix got in touch with us to ask us about penis odour and what can be done about it. Read what we had to say below so you know what to do if you think you have a smelly penis.

Why does my penis smell cheesy?

“I wash my penis with water every day, but it has an odour and some white stuff on it that washes off with water, but the next day it’s back again. Should I be using soap to clean my knob, and if so, what kind is safe? Also, when I pee I don’t pull my foreskin back – should I?”

Smegma can lead to a smelly penis

To reassure you, what you are describing sounds completely normal. The white stuff is probably something called smegma, which is a white, creamy substance produced by your body to help lubricate the foreskin. It is good to clean behind your foreskin each day, because if the smegma builds up it can cause soreness and infection, and can start to smell a bit cheesy.

Penis odour is normal

You also mentioned that your penis has an odour. Most men will find that their penis does have its own odour and this is quite normal. However, if your penis has started to smell differently or very strong lately it’s worth going to see a doctor to make sure that you don’t have an infection.

Use gentle soap to remove smegma build up

It is important to remember that the penis is quite a sensitive area so soap could cause irritation. If you want to use soap, it is best to use gentle soap and warm water. You don’t have to pull back your foreskin when you pee, though some men do to prevent wee getting on their foreskin.

Help if you’re worried about your penis

If you are worried at all about your penis, you might like to check out our article ‘is my penis normal’ here. If you’re still concerned, it might be worth having a chat with a doctor or nurse, who should be able to put your mind at rest and give you useful advice. Learn more about visiting a GUM clinic here. You can see a doctor or nurse at your local Brook Centre or you can visit Brook’s digital tool, Ask Brook. Remember, these professionals see all kinds of bodies every day, so you have nothing to be embarrassed about.

Answered by Brook on 08-Jul-2013