Why Do I Get Groin Stank No Matter How Much I Shower?
That yeasty, sweaty smell is not your fault. Well... not entirely your fault.

OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STOP THE STANK
Guys can put up with a lot of mildly irritating stuff: Hair that inexplicably grows on our toes (and ears, and out of our noses); shaving our faces 20,000 times (on average) in our lifetimes; and, of course, a crotch area that, no matter how much we soap up, scrub out, and rinse off in the shower, still kinda smells like hot garbage by the end of the day. Or, at the very least, sweaty balls.
But why? Why should we put up with a stinky crotch? After all, itâs not like we donât work incessantly to keep it clean. So why does it not reward us with the smell of fresh laundry, a rose garden in spring, or a bakery right after the hot-crossed buns come out of the oven? For real â weâre, uh, having guests over later, so itâd be nice to figure this out.
Unfortunately, according to the professionals, itâs not your fault your crotch smells. Well, itâs kind of your fault, but weâll rectify that in a second.
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But...Why?
First off, why does it smell in the first place?
âThe most common cause of odor coming from that area is the action of bacteria on sebum,â explains Dr. Robert Brodell, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
âThe other major cause is what Iâm going to call a âyeast infection.â We call it intertrigo. Thatâs when you have a warm, moist area thatâs perfect for fungal growth, a.k.a. yeast. Imagine youâre in a brewery â thatâs what itâll smell like.â
Understanding the Science Behind Groin Sweat and Odor
To translate all that doctor-speak into something you can actually understand, the biggest cause of a stinky groin is the sheer number of sweat glands found on your crotch. As those glands do their thing, the sweat they churn out attracts hungry bacteria. On top of all that, your pants and underwear provide a comfy, inviting atmosphere for tiny creatures that love darkness and warmth.
We hope that makes you feel just a bit better. After all, itâs not because youâre not putting in the effort to keep the area clean; itâs just that youâre going up against some very determined microorganisms dead-set on staying where theyâre at, and stinking up your crotch.
So what can you do? Letâs talk bacteria first.
How Sweat Leads to Odor
This might seem pretty straightforward â sweat stinks, right? But like every biological mystery, things are a little more complicated than they might seem.
Thatâs because many of the glands in your crotch arenât normal sweat glands; theyâre apocrine glands, which produce an even muskier type of sweat. To bacteria and yeast, that smells like victory. And when bacteria munch on that extra special sweat, they produce even more nasty scents.
The only thing bacteria love more than your stinkiest sweat? A damp, dark environment. That means your musty post-workout undies are basically a three-story mansion in the eyes of bacteria.
Common Causes of Persistent Groin Odor
With all that in mind, we can identify the most common causes of crotch stank that just wonât quit. Since bacteria love moisture, one obvious potential cause is failing to dry off completely after a shower. If you hop out of the shower, âair dryâ, and immediately put on a fresh pair of underwear and carry on with your day, weâre talking to you.
Even if you never forget to towel off after a shower, you could still be setting the stage for a tiny bacteria theater in your pants without realizing it. Your underwear could be the issue, and weâre not talking about whether you prefer boxers or briefs.
Wearing undies that are too tight or made from synthetic fabrics makes it impossible for your crotch sweat to evaporate, creating a stinky cess pool for your microscopic enemies to play in. And as weâve mentioned, the quickest road to a stinky groin is an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi (because jock itch is actually a fungus, the more you know).
But not every cause of a smelly crotch is so easy to spot. Hormonal changes, overactive sweat glands (also called hyperhidrosis), diet, stress levels, and even certain medical conditions like diabetes can all contribute to a persistent odor.
How To Prevent It: Effective Solutions To Stay Fresh and Odor-Free
Upgrading Your Hygiene Routine
We know what youâre thinking â I already know how to keep myself clean. But you might be making a few pretty easy-to-miss mistakes that hold you back from being your most hygienic self.
Again, follow up your shower by thoroughly drying off to avoid making new microscopic friends.
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Choosing the Right Products
While youâre shopping for an antibacterial body wash, there are a few things you might want to add to your list. Weâve already mentioned the importance of switching to breathable, moisture-wicking underwear, preferably made from natural fibers.
If thatâs not enough to keep sweat from collecting around your balls, you can always try a talc-free body powder or a deodorant made specifically for your crotch.
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Lifestyle Adjustments
If sweaty balls are a recurring problem and youâve already tried the suggestions above, you might need to take a hard look at your lifestyle. Although theyâre not the most common cause of a stinky crotch, lifestyle factors â like whether you drink enough water or maintain a healthy diet â can contribute to a persistent stench.
But you donât have to take our word for it; here are our expertâs top tips.
âNumber one: You try to keep the area clean and dry,â says Brodell.
Well, yeah, youâre already doing that, right? Brodell says that you probably (hopefully!) are â you just arenât doing it as thoroughly as you could. And by thorough, he means breaking out the tools.
âIâd recommend using an antibiotic soap. There are also prescriptions you can get, like Hibiclens. Hibiclens is used to scrub off in operating rooms for doctors, but you can use it in the shower. Then, use a hairdryer on its lowest setting and dry really well once youâre clean to kill the bacteria that make the odor. And then Iâd recommend using a drying powder.â (Always look for talc-free drying powders, as studies have found links between talc and various forms of cancer.)
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What if It's Something More Serious? When To Seek Professional Help
If youâve upgraded your grooming and shaving routine, underwear collection, and even your diet, and none of that seems to be making a difference in the stench coming off your balls, it might be time to ask a doctor for help.
Letâs be clear: The vast majority of cases of stanky groin are caused by the simple stuff weâve already talked about, like wearing too-tight underwear or failing to towel off after a shower or workout. But if youâre dealing with more than just a less-than-pleasant stench and noticing additional symptoms like persistent itching or swollen skin, you might need a more heavy-duty solution.
Balls that both stink and itch like hell are usually signs of Tinea cruris (jock itch). Ask a doctor for a prescription-strength antifungal to clear that up. If youâre seeing swelling and redness, too, it could be an allergic reaction to something youâre using to clean your skin or clothes, like your laundry detergent or body wash.
And if itâs a yeast or fungal infection? âDonât use a drying powder where starch is an ingredient,â Brodell recommends.
âThe problem with starches is that some experts think that yeast fungus can eat starch. You could also use a broad-spectrum antifungal cream â prescription ketoconazole would be an example â to kill the yeast.â
And so, you'd clean and dry, maybe after you used your antibiotic soap to kill bacteria, dry with a hairdryer. Then, you've put on some topical antifungal cream to kill the yeast. Then dry a little more with the hairdryer on a cold setting, and then use your powder because yeast, much like bacteria, loves a warm, moist area like a jungle and doesn't like a desert.â
Conclusion: Stay Cool and Confident
If weâre being honest, out-of-control groin stank can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. But now that youâre armed with all the info you need to fight back, itâs just a matter of time until your crotch is just as clean and sweet-smelling as the rest of you.
And if you donât want to let a little bacteria stand between you and a close, comfortable shave, we recommend exploring our extensive line of ball-friendly shave gear and fan-favorite razors. You can even skip the hassle of deciding which products are best for you by signing up for our easy, breezy shaving subscription. Weâll help you out with what you need.
If youâve been struggling with a stubbornly smelly groin, remember not to be too hard on yourself. After all, who knew you needed more than some body wash and a towel?