What To Do About Female Groin Sweat

Everyone sweats. Sweating is the natural and healthy way your body cools down. But some types of sweat pose more of a problem than others—like groin sweat. While you may hear female groin sweat referred to as sweat from the vagina, this is anatomically inaccurate. The perspiration (sweat) comes from the glands of your vulva, the outer part of the female genitals—not your vagina, which is internal.

Sweating in the vulvar area kicks in after a tough workout, on a humid day, or after sitting in a warm seat at work for long periods. Vulvar sweat can be embarrassing and set you up for itching and infections, Alyssa Dweck, MD, OB-GYN based in Westchester, N.Y., and co-author of The Complete A to Z for Your V, told Health.

You can't naturally control how much sweat your body produces. In some cases, genetics plays a role, and medicines can help control excessive sweating. The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can also ramp up dampness.

Feeling like a swampy mess all day is not enjoyable—to say the least. Here are four simple hacks for helping to control a sweaty vulva. If these tips don't work, a healthcare provider may have a treatment that will.

Wear Cotton Underwear

Putting on underwear in the morning made with a comfy natural fabric like cotton can help keep your vulva dry as you go about your day. 

"Cotton is more of a wicking material that keeps moisture away from your skin," Leah Millheiser, MD, clinical assistant professor of general obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University, told Health.

You're inviting perspiration-loving bacteria without a breathable layer of cotton to wick away sweat. That bacteria may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vaginal area, upping your risk of a yeast infection.

"Carry around two extra pairs of underwear in your bag and change mid-day," said Dr. Millheiser. "You'll feel cleaner, more comfortable, and more confident."

And since sweat can swell, changing into a clean pair of underwear during the day will also help control and prevent odor.

Reconsider Your Pubic Hair

Whether you remove your pubic hair won't change the amount of groin sweat you produce. But your pubic hair can alter your perception of it, making you feel comfortable and clean, said Dr. Dweck.

"It's very individual," added Dr. Dweck. "If you're bare down there, you might notice more or less depending on your sensations. If you have hair, you might notice a lot of perspiration, too."

Experimenting with how you groom your pubic hair to see what style leaves you feeling less sweaty may be worthwhile. If you have a lot of hair, consider trimming or waxing it. And if you're bare, try growing it out.

Stash Corn Starch in Your Purse

Using talcum powder to soak up vulvar sweat is not good, pointed out Dr. Millhauser and Dr. Dweck. 

"[Talcum powder] has a potential link to ovarian cancer. It's not 100 percent, but there's enough of a concern that you shouldn't take a chance," said Dr. Dweck. 

Per the American Cancer Society (ACS), research on the dangers of using products with talcum powder is mixed. So, more research is needed to understand the link between the ingredient and cancer.

In contrast, corn starch is a safe alternative. You can proactively sprinkle corn starch on your underwear or all over your groin if your sweat glands have already kicked in. Corn starch can provide both instant relief and preemptive protection to stay perspiration-free for the day, said Dr. Dweck.

Get Out of Sweaty Clothes ASAP

Groin sweat and workouts go hand-and-hand. But changing out of your damp track shorts and rinsing off after a workout will get rid of sweat before bacteria growth can raise your yeast infection risk.

No time to shower? Blot your sweaty groin with paper towels, wipes, or a damp cloth. Then, put on loose-fitting clothes that don't rub against your groin and trap moisture.

Additional Treatments

In some cases, excessive sweating is chronic, meaning it doesn't go away. If you frequently experience excessive sweating in your vulvar area, consulting a healthcare provider may help. 

A healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments, such as those below, to reduce sweating.

• Aluminum chloride: This is available as a prescription antiperspirant. A healthcare provider can prescribe varying concentrations, depending on how much you sweat.
• Topical or oral glycopyrrolate: This is an anticholinergic drug, which are medicines that suppress certain bodily functions, like sweating.
• Botox injection: Some types of Botox can block chemicals that "turn on" your sweat glands.
  

A Quick Review

There are several ways to control groin sweat. Sometimes its as simple as changing into a fresh pair of underwear, preferably made of cotton or other breathable fabric, during the day. Getting out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible can also keep moisture down.

Don't use talcum powder because of its potential link to ovarian cancer. Corn starch is a much safer alternative for soaking up sweat. Do experiment with different lengths of pubic hair. You may be able to find a style that keeps moisture down.

If nothing seems to be working, medical treatments may be available. Talk to a healthcare provider about which treatment options are right for you.