Why Is My Vagina Sweaty?

Sweating is the natural and healthy way your body cools down, but excessive sweating in the female groin area can be problematic for some people. It can happen when the groin area becomes warmer due to higher temperatures on a warm day or friction from a workout.

Also, while you may hear female groin sweat referred to as sweat from the vagina, this is not anatomically correct. The perspiration (sweat) comes from the glands of your vulva, the outer part of the female genitals—not your vagina, which is internal. Learn more about tips, like using cornstarch and changing out of sweaty clothes, that can help control a sweaty vulva.

Why Is My Vagina Sweaty?

Groin sweat can happen for a few reasons. Sweating in the vulvar area may occur:

• After a tough workout
• After sitting in a seat for long periods
• On a hot, humid day

You also can't naturally control how much sweat your body produces. Genetics sometimes plays a role, and medicines can help control excessive sweating. The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can also ramp up dampness. Fortunately, some actions can help you manage any sweatiness.

1. 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.

Without a breathable layer of cotton to wick away sweat, you can make it easy for bacteria that love moisture to grow. That bacteria may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vaginal area, upping your risk of a yeast infection.

2. Trim Pubic Hair or Allow It to Grow

Whether you remove your pubic hair won't change the amount of groin sweat you produce. How much you sweat is based on how many sweat glands you have. However, your pubic hair can alter your perception of it, making you feel comfortable and clean, 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 might have to experiment with grooming your pubic hair to see what leaves you feeling less sweaty. If you have a lot of hair, consider trimming or waxing it; try growing it out if you're bare.

3. Use Corn Starch

Using talcum powder isn't recommended if you want to get rid of vulvar sweat. Research on the dangers of using products with talcum powder is mixed. More research is needed to understand the link between the ingredient and cancer.

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

4. Change Out of Sweaty Clothes

Sweating of the groin area can happen when you work out or move around on a hot day. 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.

You can also blot your sweaty groin with paper towels, wipes, or a damp cloth if you don't have time to shower. Then, put on loose-fitting clothes that don't rub against your groin and trap moisture.

5. Know—and Avoid—Your Sweat Triggers

Being aware of the things that trigger your sweat may also help you manage vulvar sweat. Certain foods, drinks, and situations, like if you're feeling stressed, may make you start to sweat. When possible, avoid or limit exposure to any identified triggers.

Treatments

In some cases, people may have chronic sweating, 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 for excessive sweating, 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.
• Botox injection: Some types of Botox can block chemicals that "turn on" your sweat glands.
• Topical or oral glycopyrrolate: This is an anticholinergic drug, which are medicines that suppress certain bodily functions, like sweating.
  

A Quick Review

There are several ways to control groin sweat like changing out of sweaty clothes and into a fresh pair of underwear, preferably made of cotton or other breathable fabric, during the day. If nothing seems to be working, medical treatments may be available. Talk to a healthcare provider about which treatment options are right for you.