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Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Is It Normal to Smell Myself Through My Pants?
While a temporary smell right before it's shower time is common, a lingering smell so strong you can smell it through your pants could indicate an infection or other underlying condition. Your body is full of weird and wonderful surprises. Some of them may be smelly. Keep reading for some of the reasons why you may smell yourself through your pants and ways to treat any underlying condition. What can cause a strong overall odor? Diet Eating some foods can temporarily affect the way your body smells, including the smell of your sweat or urine. For example: asparagus garlic onion chili vinegar marinated fish fermented milk products Sweat Sweating in the groin area can attract fungus and bacteria, leading to an unusual smell. Showering after exercise or vigorous activity — including masturbation or partner sex — can help. Putting on clean, dry clothes after a sweat session can also have a positive impact. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, which will make you sweat more. Medication side effects Some medications may increase the body's likelihood to sweat, such as: duloxetine hydrochloride (Cymbalta) escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) paroxetine hydrochloride (Paxil) sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft) Incontinence Accidental leakage can buildup on your underwear or skin, leading to a smelly groin. Good hygiene practices, such as changing soiled underwear as soon as possible and washing with soap and warm water, can help. Yeast infection Yeast infections can cause a bread-like smell in the groin area as well as unusual discharge, itching, redness, and skin irritation. Treatments may include topical antifungal ointments or oral antifungal medications. If you have recurrent infections, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss prescription medication. Urinary tract infection (UTI) UTIs occur when excess bacteria invade the urinary tract. In addition to an unusual odor, symptoms can include: frequent urge to urinate painful urination side pain nausea Although over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain, prescription antibiotics are necessary to clear the infection. What can cause a strong vulvar or vaginal odor? Stuck tampon Sometimes, an inserted tampon can turn sideways or the tampon string can move up into the vaginal canal. As a result, you may forget about the tampon or have such difficulty removing it that it remains there for longer than intended. Symptoms of a stuck tampon include: discolored, foul-smelling discharge painful urination swelling around the vaginal opening fever A retained tampon can cause serious complications, including an illness known as toxic shock syndrome. To keep this from happening, remove the tampon with clean hands as quickly as possible. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) BV occurs due to an overgrowth of bacteria. Symptoms include: strong odor that may be described as 'fishy' unusual or excessive gray or white discharge itching and burning Although the condition may clear up on its own for some people, prescription medication can help alleviate symptoms sooner rather than later. Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It's often asymptomatic, meaning many people do not experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include: unusual or fishy odor frothy, pink discharge painful urination Treatments include antifungal medications, such as metronidazole. Hormonal fluctuations Hormonal changes due to menopause can lead to the thinning of vaginal tissues, which can affect the pH balance in the vagina. This can cause an unusual, acidic smell. While the smell doesn't necessarily require treatment, healthcare professionals can treat menopause-related vaginal atrophy with topical or oral hormones. Rectovaginal fistula A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina that causes stool and other bowel contents to leak into the vaginal canal. The most common cause is trauma related to childbirth that causes a third or fourth degree vaginal tear. However, a history of surgical procedures, Crohn's disease, or cancer can also cause the condition. Symptoms include: smell of intestinal gas coming from the vagina unusual or unexpected bleeding passage of stool through the vagina Treating the underlying condition or surgical correction can help alleviate your symptoms. What can cause a strong penile odor? Smegma Smegma occurs when dead skin cells, fluids, and oils build up around the head of the penis. It's more common in people who have an uncircumcised penis, as the area under the foreskin can trap bacteria and debris. Thoroughly cleaning the area with soap and warm water is usually all that's needed to remove smegma. If left untreated, smegma can lead to balanitis. Balanitis Balanitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the head of the penis. It may result from inadequate hygiene, contact with an irritant, or an infection. Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms may include: foul-smelling discharge tight-appearing foreskin itching pain Treatments for balanitis include topical creams to reduce inflammation and itching, and antibiotics or antifungals to treat an infection.
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Stop Vaginal Itching: 9 Home Remedies
Baking soda, probiotics, and antifungal creams are just a few of the home remedies that may help relieve your vaginal itching, but there are risks of allergy and irritation. Vaginal itching can be a symptom of many conditions. It could be caused by an issue like vaginal dryness or chemical irritants, such as the ones found in scented soaps. Itching can also be the result of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or another type of irritant or medical condition. While there are many home remedies to people try to relieve an itchy vagina, there is little evidence of their effectiveness, and more research is needed to determine if they work. Language matters You'll notice the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of 'male' and 'female' or 'men' and 'women.' While we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings. What causes vaginal itching Vaginal itchiness is often due to one of the following common causes. Yeast infection If you have a vagina, there's a chance that you'll get a yeast infection at some point in your life. Candida, a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area, causes yeast infections. Changes in medications, hormones, or a soap or spray can make a yeast infection more likely. Candida naturally lives in healthy vaginas, but when this microorganism overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection, which can lead to itching or burning sensations in the vagina. Other than itching, yeast infections can cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. Bacterial vaginosis Bacteria naturally grow in your vagina to keep it healthy. When the bacterial makeup is unbalanced, certain kinds of bacteria may become overgrown, most commonly Gardnerella vaginalis. Douching, not using condoms or other barrier methods, and having multiple sex partners can increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis often leads to a fishy vaginal odor, burning during urination, and discharge that's gray, white, or green. Vaginal dryness This is a symptom of many conditions. Vaginal dryness can cause your vagina to feel itchy inside. It can also cause discomfort during sex or masturbation, as there will be more friction during penetration, which can irritate your skin. Water-based lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. Estrogen creams may also improve vaginal dryness and itching. You may want to talk with a doctor if vaginal dryness seems to be a consistent problem for you. Exposure to irritants The skin near your vulva and vagina is sensitive. Irritating chemicals in pads, intimate washes, sprays, and other products can irritate the skin and cause an itchy vagina. This is why it's recommended that you avoid using anything other than water to wash your vulva. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to the ingredients of intimate washes and components of menstrual products. If you suspect your pad is irritating your skin, try a different brand, or switch to tampons or a menstrual cup. Skin conditions Skin conditions can affect your pubic area and the skin around your vulva, leading to itchiness. Some skin conditions that may cause vaginal itching may include: eczema dermatitis psoriasis scabies hives dry skin If you suspect you have a skin condition, speak with a doctor or dermatologist. Low estrogen levels Low estrogen levels are more common in young and perimenopausal females, but they can occur at any age. Estrogen plays a major role in maintaining vaginal secretions. These vaginal secretions lubricate the vaginal wall, reducing friction during sexual intercourse. Low estrogen levels can reduce the natural vaginal lubrication. This can lead to vaginal dryness, which can result in irritation and itching, especially during sex. Other symptoms of low estrogen can include irregular or absent periods, fatigue, and hot flashes. STIs A number of STIs could cause vaginal itching. These include: chlamydia genital warts gonorrhea genital herpes trichomoniasis pubic lice The above conditions require medical attention. If you think you have an STI, it's important to speak with a doctor. Possible home remedies for vaginal itching There are several things you may want to try at home if you have a yeast infection. Home remedies are not a substitute for medical care. If your symptoms persist or worsen after trying a home remedy, speak with your doctor. You may need medical treatment. Baking soda bath Baking soda baths can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain itchy skin conditions. A 2012 study indicated that baking soda has antifungal effects. A 2014 study found that baking soda killed Candida cells, the same cells that cause yeast infections. The National Eczema Foundation recommends adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to your bath, or making it into a paste and applying it to your skin to treat eczema. Research also suggests that baking soda baths are an effective treatment for psoriasis as well. Try this: Baking soda bath Add between 1/4 cup and 2 cups of baking soda to your bath and allow it to dissolve. Soak in the bath for 10–40 minutes. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is a common home remedy for yeast infections. Most yogurt contain the probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may help improve vaginal yeast infections. A probiotic yogurt promotes the growth of 'good' bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria can kill off some yeast and keep your vagina healthy. An older 2012 study evaluated 129 pregnant women with yeast infections after receiving either a home remedy or an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. Researchers gave 82 participants a yogurt and honey combination remedy and 47 participants an OTC cream. The study found that a mixture of honey and yogurt was more effective at treating vaginal yeast infections than OTC antifungal medication. An older 2015 study involving 70 nonpregnant women reached the same conclusion: Yogurt and honey were more effective than commercial antifungal cream. Try this: Greek yogurt You can insert some yogurt into your vagina to soothe the itching. You can also coat a tampon in Greek yogurt and insert it. If you try either method, wear a pad, so the yogurt doesn't get on your clothes. Use plain Greek yogurt with no added flavors or sugar. Cotton underwear Cotton underwear is helpful if you have vaginal or vulvar discomfort. It is breathable, which means it can help reduce itchy skin conditions. Wearing 100% cotton underwear might prevent yeast infections, as yeast thrives in areas that are not well ventilated. Probiotic supplements Bacteria are essential for vaginal health, and probiotics can increase the 'good' bacteria in your vagina. You can find probiotic supplements, such as capsules and tonics, at your local drugstore, health store, or online. These promote the growth of healthy and helpful bacteria in your vagina and gut. These can be taken as preventive measures too. Your doctor might recommend taking probiotics when they prescribe antibiotics. Coconut oil Research suggests that coconut oil can kill Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections. Products containing coconut oil are available in suppository form. Coconut oil precautions You may want to avoid using coconut oil inside your vagina: Coconut oil may break down latex condoms. Coconut oil may lead to yeast and other vaginal infections. Coconut oil may cause skin irritation. Antifungal cream If a yeast infection is causing you discomfort, you may want to consider using OTC antifungal creams to provide relief. They kill yeast, which soothes the itch. OTC antifungals are also available as vaginal suppositories. If you use an antifungal cream or suppository in your vagina, it's best to wear a panty liner. Cortisone cream If you're itchy after shaving pubic hair, cortisone cream might be the best treatment. The cream can also be used to treat eczema, allergic skin conditions, and some rashes as it reduces and soothes itching. Cortisone cream should never be applied inside your vagina. However, it can be applied to the skin outside the vagina where pubic hair grows. Probiotic foods Similar to taking probiotic supplements, eating food that contains probiotics can promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your vagina and gut, which supports your overall vaginal and gut health. Probiotic foods include: yogurt kombucha kimchi sauerkraut miso If you have a yeast infection, eating probiotic foods can help your body defend against it. Hygiene Practicing good vaginal hygiene can help prevent and soothe an itchy vagina. Sometimes less is more when it comes to washing your vagina and vulva. Your vagina cleans itself, so all you need to do is wash the outside of your vagina — your vulva — with some warm water. Do not use scented soaps, gels, or cleansers. Avoiding products that are marketed as feminine hygiene or intimate cleansers is also recommended. For example, experts advise against vaginal douching unless a doctor prescribes it. Douching and over-washing your vagina and vulva can actually cause itchiness. Soaps and scents can irritate the vagina and cause allergic reactions and infections. When to see a doctor While home remedies can often treat an itchy vagina, you might have to see a doctor if you have certain symptoms like: pain or burning during sex or urination pain in the genital area or pelvic region genital discoloration, redness, or swelling blisters or strange spots on your vulva unusual vaginal discharge, especially discharge that's green, yellow, or gray discharge that looks frothy or has a cottage cheese–like texture a foul odor Typically, a doctor will ask about your symptoms and review your medical history. They might perform a pelvic exam, which involves examining your vulva and vagina. If you do not currently have an OB-GYN, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area. Things to avoid A lot of unreliable information regarding treating vaginal itch is available on the internet. Some remedies are more unreliable than others. Here are three that most experts highly advise against using. Douches and feminine hygiene sprays Lots of feminine hygiene sprays contain perfumes and ingredients that can worsen itch and inflame the delicate skin around the vagina and genital area. Most doctors also recommend that you do not douche. Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) and natural acidity in a healthy vagina. Scented clothing detergents Perfumes and synthetic ingredients commonly cause genital itching. It is important to look at the ingredients in your laundry soap or any bath soap. If you do not recognize them, it may be a good idea to avoid using them. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a good information resource. It lists allergens and other chemicals in specific soap brands (among many other consumer products). Talcum powder At one time, many believed talcum powder was a wonder product for maintaining moisture in hard-to-reach places. It was used when diapering babies and to relieve vaginal itch. However, some studies have claimed that talc is linked to ovarian cancer, but research results are mixed regarding this product. Until more research has determined whether talc is safe, it may be best to not use it for vaginal itching. Interested in other women's health products? We've got you covered. Our reviews and comparisons cover the top products for sexual wellness, total-body health, and more so you can find what's right for you. How to prevent vaginal itching STIs, bacterial infections, and yeast infections can all lead to vaginal itchiness. To help prevent these infections, you can consider the following tips: You can help lower your risk of developing STIs by: getting tested along with any new partners before engaging in sex using barrier methods (like condoms or dental dams) every time you have sex using condom-safe lubricant and avoiding oil-based lubes with latex condoms ensuring that you're using condoms properly cleaning sex toys before and after sex, especially if you're sharing them with a partner You can help prevent bacterial infections and yeast infections by: eating probiotic-rich foods taking a probiotic supplement wearing cotton underwear washing underwear in hot water replacing menstrual products frequently avoiding douches, scented tampons or pads, and fragranced vaginal washes and sprays changing out of wet clothes or bathing suits immediately avoiding spending extended time in hot tubs or hot baths Probiotic-rich foods can help promote vaginal health by maintaining the 'good bacteria' in your vagina. These bacteria help prevent yeast overgrowth, which can cause a yeast infection. Probiotic-rich foods include: yogurt kombucha kimchi sauerkraut miso Other foods that are good for your vagina include: pure cranberry juice, which may promote urinary health sweet potatoes, which contain nutrients that may decrease your risk of bacterial vaginosis leafy greens, which contain nitrates that can help improve circulation and decrease vaginal dryness Frequently asked questions about vaginal itching Can you put itching cream on your vagina? You should not put itch-relief cream, known as hydrocortisone cream, inside your vagina. It can increase inflammation or cause atrophy (dryness and irritation) since the skin on this part of the body is sensitive. However, you can use these creams outside the genital area for relief. You should not put itch-relief cream, known as hydrocortisone cream, inside your vagina. It can increase inflammation or cause atrophy (dryness and irritation) since the skin on this part of the body is sensitive. However, you can use these creams outside the genital area for relief. Can you put Vaseline on your vagina to stop itching? No. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is an oil-based ointment. There has been some research that links Vaseline with an increased risk of vaginal health issues like bacterial vaginosis. No. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is an oil-based ointment. There has been some research that links Vaseline with an increased risk of vaginal health issues like bacterial vaginosis. How can you stop itching down there at night? Vaginal itching may seem worse at night because there are fewer distractions, and we tend to be relaxing before bed. Taking a bath and changing into cotton clothing may be helpful. If you're taking an OTC medication, know that these treatments can make symptoms worse. Scratching the area or douching might also worsen itching. Vaginal itching may seem worse at night because there are fewer distractions, and we tend to be relaxing before bed. Taking a bath and changing into cotton clothing may be helpful. If you're taking an OTC medication, know that these treatments can make symptoms worse. Scratching the area or douching might also worsen itching.
