I’m going to give it to you straight: you need to pay attention to your balls. I’m not talking about the five knuckle shuffle (which has its own benefits); I’m talking about hygiene and the health of your family jewels.
When it comes to grooming, most of us focus on our face or hair and think our job is done. But if the extent of your groin-grooming is a cursory swipe of soap every so often, it’s time to step up your game and keep your junk fresh. You owe it to your partner, since good hygiene can make taking it downtown much more pleasant for you and them. Plus, good ball-focused hygiene practices can make a difference in your daily comfort and your long term health.
“The nether regions are a part of your body that are warm, moist, and dark—the essentials for breeding germs,” says John Zampella, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone’s Tisch Center for Men’s Health. “The presence of bacteria in this area can lead to bad smells, skin infections, and skin breakdown.”
Some of these infections can include ringworm (which is actually a fungus and more commonly known as jock itch), staph (bacteria), and yeast (not just for the ladies). And while Zampella points out that these things aren’t necessarily only caused by bad hygiene, taking care of your balls properly can help treat and prevent them. Giving your twig and berries a good groom regularly can also help you monitor them for changes. If you know what’s going on down there, it makes identifying new issues like warts and other STI symptoms, easier. “Checking your balls for lumps is important; testicular cancer is one of the most common among young men. If you notice something is amiss, talk with your doctor,” he says.
Here are 6 ways to keep your junk clean, comfortable, and healthy (not to mention, better looking).
Wash Your Balls Every Day
It should go without saying that you should be showering every day and during that shower, make sure to give your balls a good scrub (at least once a day and always after you work out). Left unchecked, your undercarriage can become an all-you-can-eat buffet for germs. “[Washing] will help remove excess oils and dirt that can build up,” says Zampella. Bacteria and fungus thrive on these oils and, if they are allowed to grow, cause bad odor and infection. Making sure to clean your groin effectively ensures they aren’t given that chance. Make sure to get everything: the twig, the berries, the grundle, and everything in the surrounding area.
The Soap You Use Actually Matters
The skin around your family jewels is thinner and more delicate than other places on your body, which makes it prone to irritation. Zampella advises to use a soap that’s gentle and fragrance-free since harsh ingredients and lots of fragrance can cause irritation on the sensitive area. “Antibacterial soaps tend to be harsh on the skin and ingredients like menthol and tea tree oil may be uncomfortable on your balls,” he says, and recommends Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash and Cetaphil Fragrance-Free Ultra Gentle Body Wash.
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Dry Your Junk Gently and Thoroughly
Washing your business every day is the first step, but not the last. Once you’ve thoroughly washed, make sure to dry the area gently. Zampella advises patting dry with a clean towel, instead of tugging or rubbing, and if you’re uncircumcised, make sure to dry under your foreskin. It’s easy for residual moisture to stick around, especially once you get dressed and everything is pressed together, and as we’ve established: moisture = germs.
Use Powder to Keep Your Balls Dry
Once you’ve dried downtown, the trick is keeping it that way; it’s part of being a man that your balls are going to sweat. With that sweat, comes sticking, itching, and chafing, not to mention the aforementioned germs. Zampella says to sprinkle on a powder before putting getting dressed (making sure to cover the whole area, including your inner thigh). It will help soak up sweat throughout the day and protect you against chafing. “Lots of treatments for excess sweat, like those including aluminum chloride, can be super irritating,” he says, so look for products like Brickell Stay Fresh Body Powder that is aluminum and talc-free. If powders aren’t your thing, try a powder-finish anti-chafing gel, like Manscaped Crop Preserver, which is easy to apply without risking white dust all over your bathroom.
Zampella also suggests wearing underwear that breathes well with mesh for optimal air circulation or moisture-wicking materials. Carry an extra pair in your bag if you get sweaty easily, especially during the summer, and if you think you might be sweating an abnormal amount, consult your doctor.
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Dry Is Good, Too Dry Is Bad
Keeping balls dry is good, but if you notice itching or flaky skin, that means skin might be a little too dry. This is actually a bad thing, according to Zampella. In addition to itching caused by yeast and fungal infections, “things like psoriasis and eczema can affect the groin and cause itching,” he says. The first step is to look at your laundry detergents and dryer sheets, which if they’re heavily fragranced, could be affecting your junk. “Getting products for sensitive skin [which are usually fragrance-free] is a good place to start,” he says.
Also consider switching your powder for a cream. Gentle creams are more nourishing for dry skin and contain ingredients to not only combat dryness but lock moisture into your skin (the same way your moisturizer does for your face). Look for versions that are still talc-and aluminum-free since you’re using it on your junk and include soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal. If you think fungus might be an issue, try a jock itch cream like Lamisil. And if none of these things help, ask your doctor for a prescription solution.
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Be Careful Manscaping
Over half of men (or at least Men’s Health readers) take care of their undercarriage by way of manscaping. And while trimming your hedges and mowing your lawn can have real benefits, it also comes with risks. “Shaving is much more likely to cause cuts that can bleed and get infected. It can also lead to ingrown hairs and inflammation of the hair follicles called folliculitis,” says Zampella, who advises on trimming instead of shaving the area. He also recommends using an acne wash with salicylic acid before and after ‘scaping to help control ingrown hairs. Whatever tools you use, keep them clean so they don’t harbor bacteria, and if you’re taking your trimmer from your junk to other places on your body (or vice versa) clean it in between to prevent cross contamination. “An alcohol wipe should do the trick,” he says.
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Garrett Munce
Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. He's written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
FAQs
The extra sweat can attract fungus and bacteria, which leads to bad smells. This is treated with cornstarch to absorb excess sweat, washing and drying the groin area regularly with mild soap, and wearing underwear that isn't too tight-fitting (such as boxers).
How do I keep my groin smelling fresh? ›
The extra sweat can attract fungus and bacteria, which leads to bad smells. This is treated with cornstarch to absorb excess sweat, washing and drying the groin area regularly with mild soap, and wearing underwear that isn't too tight-fitting (such as boxers).
What helps with dry balls? ›
Steps to take include:
- wearing clothing that allows good air circulation around the testicl*s.
- having a regular bathing and moisturizing routine.
- avoiding OTC topicals that cause skin irritation.
- getting the right balance of vitamins and minerals in your diet.
Baby/Talcum Powder
If you want to know how to cure smelly balls, try applying baby powder. It works because baby powder contains either talc or corn starch that absorbs moisture. In turn, you can feel dry and comfortable while preventing sweat and odor.
Why are my balls dry and wrinkled? ›
Genetics might play a role in having dry skin, but other external factors include weather changes, over-washing or scrubbing, allergies, and irritation. Just like any other body part, the skin on your balls can become dry and irritated, particularly if you're prone to dry skin to begin with.
Why do I smell down there even after I shower? ›
vagin*l odor can be caused by diet, sweating, menstruation, or pregnancy. It can sometimes also be caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichom*oniasis.
What causes a fishy smell in a man? ›
In trimethylaminuria, the body is unable to turn a strong-smelling chemical called trimethylamine – produced in the gut when bacteria break down certain foods – into a different chemical that doesn't smell. This means trimethylamine builds up in the body and gets into bodily fluids like sweat.
Why are my balls so dark? ›
The darkening of testicl*s can be due to several causes such as pooling of blood, inflammation, skin infections, fungal infections, and some diseases which may lead to the formation of dark spots. The symptoms and treatment of the cause of darkening depends on the underlying disease of the condition.
Why are my balls so sweaty and itchy? ›
Jock itch
Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is one of the most common causes of itchy balls. Jock itch is a fungal infection that occurs in damp areas of the body, often near or in folds of skin. Jock itch can appear on the feet or genitals. Jock itch often presents as a reddish rash.
Why are my balls cold and sweaty? ›
If you have cold and sweaty balls, you may have a medical condition causing those symptoms, or it may be time for a lifestyle change. Common causes include: Hyperhidrosis disorder. This disorder results in excessive sweating.
If you're worried about your exposure or your child's exposure to talc powder, here are some things you can do to use it more safely: Avoid putting baby powder directly on the genitals. Instead, gently pat a light layer on the skin around the genitals and on the legs. Avoid getting baby powder in your baby's eyes.
What does it mean when a man balls are full? ›
Causes of testicular lumps and scrotal swellings. Lumps and swellings in the testicl*s and scrotum can have lots of different causes. Most are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins. Sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer.
Why are my balls not hanging anymore? ›
An overactive muscle causes a testicl* to become a retractile testicl*. The cremaster muscle is a thin pouch-like muscle in which a testicl* rests. When the cremaster muscle contracts, it pulls the testicl* up toward the body.
Why do I have so much discharge it goes through my pants? ›
Excess vagin*l discharge can occur due to arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vagin*l discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vagin*l fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vagin*l discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
Why can I smell my period before it comes? ›
A person might notice a smell that is similar to body odor during their period. This is due to the presence of apocrine sweat glands in the genital region. Apocrine sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin to produce body odor. The glands release this type of sweat during periods of stress or anxiety.
How do you know if you smell bad to others? ›
If you're worried you're one of these people, one trick is to lick your wrist, wait ten seconds, then sniff the patch you licked: If it smells, chances are, so does your breath. An even more reliable method, of course, is simply to ask someone.
Why does my husband sperm smell bad? ›
Very strong smell: Bacteria and other germs can change the way sem*n smells. If sem*n has a foul and overpowering odor or gets worse with time, it may be a sign of an infection or sexually transmitted disease. Sweet smell: Normal sem*n can smell slightly sweet because of the fructose it contains.
What does healthy sperm smell like? ›
Overall, seminal fluid typically leans slightly alkaline. Anything between 7.2 and 8.0 is considered a healthy pH level. When your body's pH levels are balanced, sem*n should smell like ammonia, bleach, or other alkaline substances. You might notice variations in this scent, especially after you have sex.
Why do guys smell bad in the morning? ›
Because men tend to have more hair on their bodies, including the armpits. There may be more bacteria in these hair follicles. When the body sweats, the bacteria that is present in those areas will feed off the sweat released from the body causing it to smell worse than other areas of the body.
What happens when your balls are full? ›
If your balls feel full and appear larger, it's usually because you're aroused. But if you're aroused and don't get any release via an org*sm, you may also experience an uncomfortable aching feeling in the testicl*s, known as "blue balls." However, despite the name, your testicl*s don't actually turn blue.
Calcifications: These are small structures in the testicl* or along the main sperm pipeline (vas) can become hard, almost rock like. These are always painless and rarely need to be removed.
Does a dead testicl* hurt? ›
When the testes die, the scrotum will be very tender, red, and swollen. Often the patient won't be able to get comfortable. Any pain or discomfort in the testes is a sign to get medical help right away. Call your doctor even with no swelling or change in skin color.
How do I stop my balls from sticking to my legs? ›
Use Powder to Keep Your Balls Dry
With that sweat, comes sticking, itching, and chafing, not to mention the aforementioned germs. Zampella says to sprinkle on a powder before putting getting dressed (making sure to cover the whole area, including your inner thigh).
How do you keep your balls fresh? ›
Wash your balls every day! If you work out or sweat a lot, make sure to wash them multiple times a day.
Is it bad if you have a pimple on your balls? ›
Most pimples are harmless, and will usually go away on their own. Anyone with recurrent pimples on the scrotum should consider seeing a doctor or take preventive measures. People who have symptoms that may indicate an STI should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Can you put gold bond powder on your vag? ›
Gold Bond Powder or Zeosorb Powder may be applied to the vulva and groin area one to two times per day to help absorb moisture.
Can you use gold bond powder on your balls? ›
An anti-swamp crotch standby since 1908. This is how Gramps powdered the balls of steel that stormed their way up Normandy. I've used Gold Bond Medicated Powder since my high school football days to keep a cool crotch during hot and humid Oklahoma summers.
Why do guys need baby powder? ›
Talcum Powder Use Is Common With Men
Talcum powder is often used to help reduce excessive sweating and some men like to use it for personal and pubic hygiene. Due to the fact talc is used to help keep skin dry, it's a popular (and cheap) product to buy and is a widely used hygiene product.
Why does it hurt when boys get kicked? ›
The testicl*s contain a great number of densely packed nerve endings in a small area. This high concentration of nerves makes them very sensitive and susceptible to pain. Unlike other organs, which may be internal and receive protection from muscles and bones, the testicl*s are external and more vulnerable to injury.
What are the red bumps on my balls? ›
Enlarged capillaries can form angiokeratomas, wart-like bumps, under your skin. The most common type — angiokeratoma of Fordyce — forms red or black bumps on your scrotum or vulva. It may resemble genital warts. Angiokeratomas aren't contagious.
Polyorchidism, or more than one testicl* in a hemiscrotum, is a relatively rare phenomenon. It is often associated with several other conditions, including inguinal hernia, testicular maldescent, testicular torsion, hydrocele or hypospadias.
Why do men's balls get bigger with age? ›
Testosterone is the male hormone which is produced in the man s testicl*s. During puberty, when the production of the hormone increases, young men experience growth in the size of the testicl*s. But even at a later phase, when the production of testosterone spikes, the testicl*s can grow.
Why does my balls go inside? ›
The cause of testicular retraction is an overactive cremaster muscle. This thin muscle contains a pocket in which the testicl* rests. When the cremaster muscle contracts, it pulls the testicl* up into groin. This response is normal in males.
What happens when your balls pop? ›
Because your testicl*s aren't protected by muscles or bones, they can be injured easily. When a testicl* ruptures, the tunica albuginea breaks and the seminiferous tubules stick out. It's important to seek medical attention quickly if you think you might have a ruptured testicl*.
Why does my groin always smell bad? ›
While sweat in and of itself is odorless, the type of sweat produced in your armpits, feet, and groin smells bad when it combines with bacteria that's already on your skin. That's why frequent bathing or showering with mild soap and warm water is important to rinse sweat off the skin.
Can I put deodorant on my groin? ›
Antiperspirants and deodorants aren't just for your armpits. You can also apply them to your groin area to stop excessive sweat or mask the unpleasant odor stemming from your nether regions. Just be careful when applying these products to the sensitive skin around your groin.
How do I get rid of bacteria in my groin area? ›
Groin infections
A mild infection should clear up quickly with an over-the-counter ointment from a pharmacy. However, if that does not work you may need a prescription medicine. If you have a sexually transmitted infection, you may need antibiotics or other medicine.
Does shaving pubic hair reduce odor? ›
Pubic hair holds on to residual urine, vagin*l discharge, blood and sem*n. Bacteria line up all along the hair shaft just lunching it up and creating odor. (Very appetizing, I know.) Trimming your pubic hair reduces that surface area for bacteria, thus reducing odor.
How do I get rid of musty smell in between my legs? ›
Home remedies
wearing underwear and other clothing made from natural, breathable materials, such as cotton. taking regular showers or baths. trimming the pubic hair. applying cornstarch to the skin between the thighs to reduce moisture and limit odors.
Is there an antiperspirant for private parts? ›
Dingo Dust is the world's first Antiperspirant Powder for the genitals, buttocks, and inner thighs. This product can also be used by athletes to prevent chafing during exercise.
