Why Do Women Sometimes Experience Unpleasant Odors from the Intimate Area? And What Can Be Done?
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♻️ Last update: 19 january 2025. Disclaimer: Amazon Affiliate Links. Written by Nelly Darbois, physical therapist and scientific writer (see here)
Summary
Why Does It Sometimes Smell Bad from the Intimate Area in Women?
Bad odor from the groin is often associated with sweating in the groin area.
Sweating is a natural bodily process that helps regulate body temperature. However, when it occurs in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands, it can lead to unpleasant odors.
The genital area, groin folds, and inner thighs are home to numerous sweat glands.
Moreover, this region tends to be less ventilated due to underwear, clothing, and skin folds, making it harder for sweat to evaporate. This creates more humidity, allowing bacteria to thrive more easily.
Why Does Sweat Smell Bad?
Sweat can become malodorous due to the activation of apocrine sweat glands in the groin area.
Unlike eccrine glands, which produce clear sweat primarily composed of water and salts, apocrine glands secrete thicker sweat rich in organic compounds.
Triggered by factors like heat, physical activity, stress, or hormones, these glands produce sweat containing proteins, lipids, and other substances.
The skin naturally hosts bacteria that feed on these components, especially lipids.
As bacteria break down the lipids in sweat, they release odor-producing compounds, which can result in an unpleasant smell, sometimes coming from the vaginal area.
Why Do Some Women Smell Worse Between the Legs Than Others?
Two main factors explain why some women experience more odor between the legs: genetic factors (which are beyond our control) and modifiable factors.
Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to excessive sweating or sebum production, which can influence body odor. Hormonal factors also play a role.
Additionally, some people have a bacterial composition that accelerates the breakdown of sweat into odorous compounds.
Certain conditions like obesity, diabetes, intertrigo (inflammation in skin folds), and erythrasma (a superficial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum) can exacerbate bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
Bad odor between the legs is rarely due to poor hygiene.
If you’re reading this article and concerned about this issue, it’s likely because you actually have very good personal hygiene. Let’s explore the causes of unpleasant odors between the legs that can be addressed!
Is It a Medical Condition to Smell Bad from the Vagina?
In rare cases, a strong odor between the legs can be caused by bromhidrosis. This refers to sweat that has a very unpleasant smell, generally affecting all sweat-producing areas of the body, not just the vagina.
If you have bromhidrosis, your sweat likely smells bad in other areas, such as your underarms.
The term inguinal bromhidrosis is used when this bad smell is mainly localized to the groin.
People affected often describe the odor as “nauseating” or reminiscent of “rotten fish.”
What Can Be Done to Stop or Minimize These Odors?
Here are 10 practical steps you can take to reduce or mask unpleasant odors between the legs:
- Regular washing: Clean the genital area thoroughly with a gentle, non-irritating soap. Some people may need to wash (even just with a washcloth) multiple times a day.
- Complete drying: After showering, ensure the area is completely dry, especially in skin folds. Moisture encourages bacterial growth. If you sweat heavily, use a towel or appropriate cloth (such as a “refreshing towel” available on platforms like Amazon) throughout the day.
- Frequent underwear changes: Especially if your underwear becomes damp.
- Talc or baby powder: Apply a small amount after drying to help absorb moisture. Note that for some individuals, particularly heavy sweaters, this can worsen the issue.
- Breathable underwear: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics that trap sweat.
- Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
- Avoid crossing your legs: This restricts airflow even further.
- Take breaks to stand or walk: Regularly standing up can help “air out” the area.
- Consider clothing material and color: Some fabrics make sweat more visible, which can be uncomfortable.
- Use absorbent pads or liners: Washable or disposable pads, like those used for periods or light incontinence, can absorb moisture and help reduce odors if changed frequently.
How to Eliminate Vaginal Odor?
If you suffer from excessive sweating, treatments targeting this condition might indirectly improve odors.
See also: Medication for Excessive Sweating
Best Deodorant for Women’s Groin Area
There are few deodorants or antiperspirants specifically designed to address unpleasant groin odors.
One product that has received positive feedback from readers of the Observatoire de l’hyperhidrose is Carpe No-Sweat Groin Powder (For Women) (available on Amazon).
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Do you have any comments or questions? Your comments are welcome 🙂 !
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📚 SOURCES
Malik AS, Porter CL, Feldman SR. Bromhidrosis treatment modalities: A literature review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Jul;89(1):81-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.01.030. Epub 2021 Jan 20. PMID: 33482257.
Semkova K, Gergovska M, Kazandjieva J, Tsankov N. Hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, and chromhidrosis: Fold (intertriginous) dermatoses. Clin Dermatol. 2015 Jul-Aug;33(4):483-91. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2015.04.013. Epub 2015 Apr 8. PMID: 26051066.
Written by Nelly Darbois
I founded this website in 2012. Since then, I’ve been providing information and positive support to people suffering from excessive sweating. I’m also a physical therapist and science writer, living in French Alps 🌞❄️.