Is it normal for underwear to smell

Non-gonococcal urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra tube where urine flows through before exiting the penis. Common causes include chlamydia infections as well as injuries to the urethra, such as from catheter trauma. The extra presence of bacteria can cause an unpleasant smell. Treatments include antibiotics to treat the infection and surgical removal of dead tissues. If left untreated, it can prove deadly.

Some people may need reconstructive surgery to treat the condition. Some underlying causes of groin smells affect both people with penises and people with vaginas. Examples of these include the following. Refraining from regular bathing can lead to dirt, sweat, and dead skin cell buildup that leads to strong smells through your clothes. You can reduce these effects by showering regularly and washing with mild soap and warm water. Sweating in the groin area can attract fungus and bacteria that can lead to a bad smell.

Showering after exercise or athletic activity can help reduce the bad-smelling effects of smells related to sweating. Putting on clean, dry clothes after a sweat session can also help. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, which will make you sweat more.

Eating some foods can temporarily affect the way your body smells. This includes the smell of your sweat or urine. Foods that may cause strong body smells include asparagus, garlic, onion, chili, vinegar, marinated fish, and fermented milk products. This is true of some antidepressants , including the following:. This can be for a number of reasons. Vigorous sex can cause sweating that increases the smell. If you or the other person has an active yeast or other infection, the smell could increase.

Instead, you can just use soap and water. A UTI occurs when an excess of bacteria invade the urinary tract. Symptoms can include:. Treatments for a UTI may include antibiotics, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain. Sometimes, urine leaking can cause urine to build up on your underwear or skin.

Changing it up might just do the trick. Again, having some kind of vaginal odor is normal. Mayo Clinic, Trichomoniasis. Mayo Clinic, Gonorrhea. Mayo Clinic, Chlamydia. Mayo Clinic, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Trichomoniasis. Mayo Clinic, Vaginal Odor. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

What Is Vaginal Odor? There are a few things that might cause your vaginal odor to go awry: 1. You accidentally left a tampon in there. You recently had sex without a condom. You have pelvic inflammatory disease PID. Vaginal odor is like sweat—everyone has their own scent, Dr. Different Types of Vaginal Odor While there is some variation with normal vaginal odor, smells that are a tip-off that something is wrong can generally be divided into three camps: fishy odors, zoo-like smells, and yeasty scents.

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Please review and accept these changes below to continue using the website. Adopting safe and gentle vaginal hygiene practices can help reduce vaginal odor. Some tips include:.

Inserting soap into the vagina can affect vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections and an unpleasant odor. Some females might notice a stronger vaginal odor during menstruation. Hormonal changes can cause an odor similar to iron or ammonia. Some menstrual products can trap odor, compounding this effect. To reduce vaginal odor due to menstruation, try using internal products.

The moisture of maxi pads and reusable cloth pads can contribute to odor. Sitting on a wet pad can also give rise to infection. Some people notice a strong, fishy odor immediately after sexual intercourse, which is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Others may note a less distinct smell. Sometimes, semen interacts with vaginal fluid, contributing to vaginal odor.

Some lubricants can also affect the pH of the vagina, which can affect the scent. Probiotics support healthy bacteria throughout the human body, including in the vagina. They may also help prevent some vaginal infections , especially yeast infections. Very tight-fitting clothing, including some shapewear, is often responsible for trapping these. Fecal matter that reaches the vagina can cause infections and odors, so it is important to avoid clothing that encourages this spread.

This includes tight-fitting thong underwear. Breathable cotton is the best choice for those with concerns about vaginal odor, as it is less likely to hold moisture close to the vagina. This makes it more difficult for bacteria and other sources of odor to build up and produce a strong smell. Consuming sugary foods can trigger an overgrowth of yeast, which can strengthen the odor of the vagina. No research is available that supports the use of any specific food to change the smell of the vagina.