From the Research
Urethritis can sometimes cause a foul smell from the penis, though this isn't always present, as noted in a study published in 2021 1. Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra typically caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, or by non-sexually transmitted bacteria. The classic symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Sometimes an unpleasant odor If you notice a foul smell along with discharge or discomfort, you should see a healthcare provider promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as:
- Azithromycin (1g single dose) or doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 7 days) for chlamydia
- Ceftriaxone (500mg intramuscular injection) for gonorrhea, as recommended in a recent study 1 The smell occurs because bacteria causing the infection produce waste products and trigger inflammatory responses that create odorous compounds. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve, and to abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete, as advised in a study published in 2019 2. Partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection. According to the most recent evidence, first-line empiric treatment consists of ceftriaxone and doxycycline 1. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is mandatory in the clinical approach to the disease to determine the pathogens involved in the infection process and initiate specific therapies accordingly 2.