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Why is my penis smelly and sore?

Common causes for a smelly and sore penis include:

  • smegma
  • balanitis
  • a sexually transmitted infection
  • non-specific urethritis
  • a urinary tract infection
  • prostatitis

Smegma

If you do not wash your penis every day, a cheesy-looking substance called smegma can build up.

Smegma is a natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist. It's found on the head of the penis and under the foreskin.

If smegma builds up in the foreskin, it can:

  • start to smell
  • prevent easy foreskin movement
  • become a breeding ground for bacteria

Balanitis

Balanitis is a condition where the head of the penis becomes red and swollen.

It's often related to a build-up of smegma, which can happen if you're not washing your penis regularly.

As well as poor hygiene, balanitis can be caused by:

  • an infection, such as thrush
  • skin conditions, such as psoriasis
  • irritation to the skin (for example, caused by soap, medicine or condoms)

See a GP if you think you may have symptoms of balanitis. They can diagnose your condition and treat the underlying cause.

Find out more about treating balanitis

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

An STI can sometimes cause a sore and smelly penis.

Some examples of STIs and their symptoms include:

  • gonorrhoea: this can cause an unusual white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of your penis, pain or a burning sensation when peeing, and inflammation of the foreskin
  • chlamydia: this can cause a white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of your penis, pain when peeing and pain in the testicles

Non-specific urethritis

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the tube running from the bladder to the tip of the penis.

It's normally caused by an STI, but it's called non-specific urethritis (NSU) if the cause is unknown.

NSU can make your penis sore.

Symptoms of NSU include:

  • a white or cloudy discharge from the tip of your penis
  • a burning or painful sensation when you pee
  • the tip of your penis may feel irritated and sore

Read more about non-specific urethritis, also called non-gonococcal urethritis.

Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that develops somewhere in your urinary tract, such as the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection).

A UTI can cause pain or a burning sensation in your penis when you pee.

Find out more about UTIs and how they're treated

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a condition caused by inflammation or infection of your prostate gland.

It can cause pain in your penis, as well as your testicles, bottom (anus), lower tummy (abdomen) and lower back.

See a GP if you think you may have prostatitis. You may need prompt treatment with antibiotics.

Find out more about prostatitis

Seek medical advice

If you have any symptoms of an STI or NSU, such as pain or unusual discharge, see a GP or visit an STI clinic as soon as possible.

Find sexual health services near you

Many infections are easily treated. For example:

  • with medicines, such as antibiotics or antifungal creams
  • by using simple self care measures, such as more frequent washing

If the skin of your penis is irritated, avoid anything that might make it worse, such as perfumed soaps and products.

Page last reviewed: 7 December 2022
Next review due: 7 December 2025