Probably one of the most uncomfortable feelings when you are out in public is getting a whiff from your crotch area whenever you shift your legs or move. It makes you self conscious, confident that everyone around you can smell it as well. 

There are two main causes of a funky crotch area. The issue is either your body or the clothes you are wearing, especially the underwear. In this post, we explain why your crotch area smells and tips to stay fresh down there. 

Why Your Crotch is Smelling Through Your Clothes 

Here are some possible causes. 

• Poor hygiene is the most common cause. This includes not bathing or not doing it properly, leading to a build up of sweat, dirt, dead skin and bacteria in the groin area. 
• Sweating can also cause a smelly groin area particularly in men. This is an especially big problem if you sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis) or you are wearing low quality underwear that traps sweat. Activities like running, hiking and sports can also increase sweating, making your groin area funky. 
• Uncircumcised men can get a build up of smegma (thick, whitish and smelly fluid) under the foreskin. If not dealt with through proper hygiene, it can cause an infection that worsens the smell. 
• In women, various STIs and infections such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection can result in a smelly crotch area. 
• Men can also suffer from odor-causing infections like UTI and yeast infection. 
• Diet has a major influence on body odor, including how your crotch smells. A diet rich in meats, onions, garlic and cruciferous vegetables can cause a stronger than usual odor. 
• Not wiping (or shaking, for men) properly after peeing can cause a bit of urine to get on underwear and lead to an unpleasant smell. If the urine smell is particularly strong, it could indicate incontinence. 

5 Tips To Keep Your Crotch Area Smelling Fresh 

By the way, the following tips are not just good for keeping yourself smelling fresh. They are also good for your health. They reduce the risk of acne and various infections. 

1. Good Hygiene 

Start by making sure you wash your crotch area properly. You don't need any special products; these can actually make the smells worse especially for women. Just mild soap and warm water is enough to get you clean. 

Showering at least twice a day will prevent a build up of sweat, dirt and odor-causing bacteria. 

For dudes who have their foreskin, remember to pull it back to clean the penis properly. This prevents a build up of smegma. 

If you sweat a lot or if you have incontinence, we recommend freshening up in the middle of the day. You don't have to take a full shower. Some baby wipes or a damp towel can keep odors at bay. It’s also a good idea to change your underwear. 

2. Wear Clean and Breathable Underwear 

It goes without saying that you should never wear dirty underwear. It can cause all sorts of problems including a smelly crotch, infections and acne. 

If you are traveling and have a limited number of underwear, wash your underwear under the sink and let it dry overnight. But make sure it is completely dry as damp underwear can also cause a smell. 

In addition, make sure you get good quality underwear that’s breathable and wicks away sweat. This prevents sweat from being trapped against your skin, which can cause smells and other problems. Natural fabrics like cotton, wool and bamboo are the best for underwear.   

3. Get Odor-resistant Underwear 

Anti-odor underwear can help reduce smells especially if you tend to sweat a lot or if you are planning an active activity like running or hiking. 

The Hercleon Kribi underwear has built-in antimicrobial protection that fights against odor and acne-causing bacteria. It’s perfect for the gym or outdoor activities. 

4. Wear Breathable Pants 

You might have breathable underwear but if your pants are not breathable, you may still get a sweaty whiff from your crotch area. This can be especially noticeable in hot or humid weather. 

As with underwear, pants made from natural fabrics like wool and cotton offer the best breathability. Also make sure your pants are not too tight as that can cause excessive sweating and trap moisture. 

5. See a Doctor 

If your hygiene is good, you wear clean underwear and you don't have a sweating problem, but your crotch still smells, see your doctor for an examination. It could be an infection. 

In most cases, groin infections are accompanied by other symptoms like itching, discharge and pain. So if you experience these as well, definitely talk to your doctor.