Before you try and skim through this or pretend like you don’t wonder about smells coming from “down under,” it should be noted that “Why do I smell like fish,” and “Why does my penis smell” are two heavily searched questions on any search engine on a monthly basis. So don’t front and act like you haven’t had to pause and sniff once before!

We might know better but sometimes it can just feel easier to stay a bit funky for a while. So when are we slacking and why and how can be blocking our sexual blessings?

Does Everyone Clean Themselves the Same Way?

In a previous post, Why Do I Smell Like Fish, we listed some of the reasons men and women may be experiencing an odor, how to stop it, and how to prevent it from coming back. As a forever relevant topic, it made sense that it be covered by this sex blog, but it was not as if I felt an urgency to talk about it.

But then, in May, Twitter was all a flutter with folks sounding off. “Do you wash your legs in the shower?” With y’all coming up with all kinds of reasons why their legs do not require attention, I wonder - do people feel the same way about their vaginas and penis? How are y’all really maintaining down there?

What’s It Matter?

Well, I could try and hit you with a bunch of medical links as to to why keeping up your genital and overall hygiene is critical to your health, or drop another shameless plug to a previous post. But instead I’m going to be real about what really matters to a lot of us. Bad hygiene is NOT sexy. I repeat, NOT sexy.

Want a to know a sure fire way NOT to be invited into someones bed? Be funky.

Not all Smells are Bad

Bodies are meant to naturally give off odors. And this is in NO way to suggest that penises and vaginas need to smell like dandelions or Chanel No.5 to be considered healthy. Our nether regions will have a natural subtle odor, and that can be more than sexy.

In fact, odored soaps and perfumes should not be anywhere close to your pleasure package or purse. Neither is there a need for douches or special washes needed around or inside your penis or vagina. Good ol’ warm water is more than enough!

But Some Smells ARE Bad

Now with that said, not all smells will be welcomed. Build up of bacteria can cause serious odors, itching, burning and overall discomfort. It can be very easy to spread this bacteria to your partner.

These general signs are sometimes followed by undesired secretions like smegma in men or a discolored or thicker vaginal discharge.

Often times, these symptoms can be treated with better habits like throughly and regularly cleaning yourself. For general hygiene tips for men and woman, Healthline’s got you covered.

When Does Our Cleanliness Drops Off

Ok some of y’all may be thinking this is hella basic information and that everyone abides by high hygiene standards. But we all know that is not true! Give it a minute, and its likely you can recall a funky whiff of a partner (or yourself).

It can be hard when we are always on the move or when we are super tired to keep up with our hygiene. There are also so many times when laziness can get in the way of cleanliness…amirite?

So here are some go to moments when you may want to give that shower a second go ‘round.

After a workout or laborious task.

After tiring ourselves out, sometimes it can feel easier to just plop on the couch. But before you do, do yourself and bae a favor, take a quick but meaningful shower.

For both men and women it is important after working up a sweat no matter how intense to clean off the sweat, and soon. In the case you aren’t able to get to a shower, at least get out of those sweaty bacteria-friendly clothes!

After wearing restrictive clothing or non-porous material.

Though 100% cotton underwear and clothing is often the suggested option, fashion can’t just be thrown away! Sometimes you are going to want to weather those leather pants or ask your girl to throw on those lace panties.

Just try to swap them out for more breathable material when you are able.

After a long day.

Some of us prefer to shower before work and some after. Some prefer to shower in the morning and others prefer the evening. I get it. But your partner doesn’t need to smell your day if they are trying to give you oral.

But after a long day, no matter the time,it can be a good idea to get out of those clothes and hit the shower.

If a shower or rinse is out the questions at least change your clothes.

When in hot weather.

Your food should be the only thing cooking. Sweat build up is real and the heat can make you an unexpected host of bad bacteria build up.

After getting wet.

After you have gotten wet it is important to get out of those wet clothes and let your body breathe. The sun might have tired your out but rinsing off gets any salt or chlorine off your skin all over.

Bottom Line

Keeping it clean is keeping it sexy. This kind of consideration can gain you major points from your partner. Being clean can often makes us feel more comfortable than smelling stinky, and when we are comfortable we are more easily able to experience pleasure.

We got you started with some times when we are all likely to slip up, and I am sure you can think of a few more!

The F.U.Q.s

• If you can smell yourself, do not wait for your partner to smell you too.

• Undesired odors and irritation is a sure-fire way to turn off a partner.

• You do not need to spray cologne, fragrances or anything extra down there if you do not want to! We know you don’t naturally smell like pineapple or Givenchy (or maybe you do!).