Sweating down there is totally normal, and it’s also pretty gross. But the good news is that genital sweat can be managed, and even reduced!
Most of the body is covered by eccrine glands that produce watery sweat to help cool things down. But there’s also a separate set of apocrine glands that release a thicker, more odorous sweat in certain areas like the armpits and groin.
1. Wear the Right Underwear
The groin area has its own sweat glands, but they’re different than the ones you have in your armpits. These apocrine glands release thicker, more concentrated fluid that’s designed to cool the body, but can also cause that sweaty crotch we all hate.
The best thing you can do is make sure you’re wearing the right underwear. Avoid anything tight in the crotch area and go for something that’s made of a natural fabric like cotton, which can help wick away moisture from the skin. And if you’re working out and sweating, change into a fresh pair of underwear as soon as you can to prevent the build-up of bacteria – This information stems from the website team’s analysis https://lolasexy.com.
It’s also a good idea to trim or remove your pubic hair, which can trap sweat and smelly bacteria in the groin. Washing the area daily with a natural, unscented soap can help reduce odor and keep the skin healthy and irritant-free. A daily women’s probiotic can also encourage the growth of good bacteria to combat any bad ones that may be causing an infection down there.
2. Change Your Clothes After Workouts
Sweating is your body’s natural response to heat, but it can cause odor in certain areas of the body, especially when it mixes with a buildup of bacteria or vaginal discharge. When sweat from the groin and vulva glands interacts with the buildup of these substances, it can create an unpleasant body odor that can become more pronounced on hot days or after workouts.
While it is totally normal to sweat in your armpits or on your forehead, the groin and vulva area tend to have higher concentrations of sweat glands and hair follicles than other areas of the body. This is why it’s not unusual to experience crotch sweat after working out.
You can reduce your crotch sweat by changing into clean clothes as soon as you start to feel wet and wearing breathable cotton underwear that can wick away the moisture. Also, be sure to wash your vulva area regularly with a mild cleanser, such as Cetaphil’s Deep-Cleansing Bar or Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, rather than harsh soaps that can throw off the delicate vaginal pH and increase your risk of yeast infections.
3. Wash Your Vagina Regularly
Sweating is your body’s natural air conditioning, and your groin, armpits, and scalp have their own sweat glands to keep them cool. But your vulva and anus have their own, too, which is why it’s important to wash them with a gentle cleanser on the reg.
Pros recommend washing the area around your vulva with a mild soap or shampoo (never inside your vagina, though—that can throw off the balanced pH) every day while you’re in the shower, if possible. Avoid scented products, which tend to irritate your vulva.
If you don’t have the time for daily showering, a little light dusting of a cornstarch-based powder like this one from Vagisil can help soak up some of that groin sweat. (Just don’t use talcum powder—it can cause cancer, according to research.)
Keeping the external pubic area dry is also key to avoiding stinky groin sweat, because moisture can promote bacteria. So wear breathable cotton underwear and carry a sweat-wicking pair in your purse throughout the day. And don’t forget to visit your gyno on the regular for a wellness exam and pap smear to keep bacteria at bay down there, too.
4. Avoid Excessive Exercise
Exercise and a good sweat are usually a sign of a healthy body, but the area around your groin can become particularly wet when you work out. This is because this area tends to have more fat in it than other areas of the body, which acts as a natural insulator and can lock in heat. Sweat from the apocrine glands in this area combines with bacteria and can produce an unpleasant odor.
It’s also important to wear clothes that breathe, especially when exercising. Cotton is an excellent choice for this as it’s lightweight, breathable and durable. Avoid wearing polyester, wool or other thick fabrics that prevent the skin from releasing excess sweat.
If you’re prone to vaginal sweat, a light dusting of a cornstarch-based powder that absorbs moisture can be helpful, Dr Adigun says. However, be careful not to get it inside your vulva as this can be irritating and may lead to an infection. She recommends using an antiperspirant with a roller-ball applicator, as these are easier to use than sprays. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these types of products are not an effective long-term solution as they only mask odor, not stop sweating completely.
5. Change Your Diet
Sweating is a normal part of the body’s cooling system. It happens when we work out, get hot and humid, or sit in a chair at the office for too long. But it’s not always a good thing when sweat makes its way down to your vulva.
Vulvar sweat can make you feel clammy, damp, and smelly. It can also cause yeast infections and itching. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop vagina sweat.
Dr Adigun suggests trying a topical antiperspirant made specifically for the vulva area (look for “antiperspirant” on the packaging). These are different than deodorants because they plug up your glands and prevent you from physically sweating. She also warns against using talcum powder or baby powder in this area, which she says can irritate the skin and cause inflammation.
If you still sweat excessively down there, talk to your doctor. This could be a sign of a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, and you may need to take medication or have a procedure done. In these cases, a dermatologist should be able to help you.
