How to Prevent Feminine Odor When Working Out

Updated April 24, 2024

As women, we understand the importance of working out for our overall health. We also agree that maintaining vaginal care is equally as important. These two are linked much more than you would expect. You don't usually think about your vulva and vagina when you are exercising, but maybe you should. When it comes to vaginal care, you need to be aware of what exercise does to your lower region and how to prevent feminine odor when working out.

Can Working Out Cause Vaginal Odor?

Every vagina has its own natural vaginal scent which is dependent on many factors. If you've ever completed a workout and noticed some feminine odor, you probably were thinking, " Is it normal for my vagina to smell after exercising?" Exercise alters your body including your vagina and the vagina smell. Higher levels of stress and adrenaline are pumping through you, causing  excessive sweating and creating moisture in one of the most delicate areas.

While your vagina itself does not have any sweat glands, the area around the vagina and groin area does. There are two types of sweat glands found in the vaginal area: the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are found over the entire surface of the skin and secrete an odorless and colorless fluid. Apocrine glands, which are highly concentrated on the labia major, are responsible for body odor and normal vaginal odor. The sweat produced from these glands is high in protein that, when broken down by bacteria, produce an abnormal vaginal odor. Because these glands are found in hair follicles, they are also abundant in the armpits.

Vaginal Care During Exercise

When you are exercising, you should keep your vaginal health in mind. Like any other time of the day, you should wear clean, cotton underwear to keep the area dry and able to breathe during the exercise. Most brands of workout gear are developing clothing that will allow your body to breathe. Be sure you do not over layer this area with heavy material such as fleece and sweats.

Exercise and Vaginal Discomfort

While exercise can be positive for your body, not all exercises are created equal. Some can cause significant discomfort to your vagina. Activities such as box jumps or jumping rope may lead to slight vaginal discharge or vaginal secretions causing some vaginal odor. Other activities like bicycling or spinning that work muscles in this general vaginal area can cause discomfort following the exercise. Women who groom their vaginal region regularly may get the most discomfort because of the lack of padding that pubic hair provides. If these activities are common in your workout routine, you may need to find a more comfortable seat or padded apparel so that you can protect your healthy vagina during your workout.

How can I Address Vaginal Odor?

Before you workout, it is important to make sure that you are not wearing something that is dirty, which could contribute to a unpleasant vaginal odor. Some women try to reuse workout clothes for multiple sessions, but the sweat from the previous workouts can generate an unpleasant odor. Once your workout is over, it is important to change out of your sweaty workout clothes as soon as you can. If possible, head over to the shower at the gym or your home and wash off the sweat from your body so that your pores can be fresh and clean. Use a pH-balanced cleanser on your vulva (exterior) with the right vaginal care products. If you still find yourself having unwanted vaginal odor, consult your healthcare provider. You can also try a vaginal body fresh spray or a Boric Acid Vaginal Rinse.

Takeaways for Feminine Odor When Working Out

• Exercising can alter your body odor including your vaginal odor.
• By using proper workout attire that is clean, you can reduce any foul or fishy odor while working out.
• Take a shower immediately after your workout to reduce your vaginal smell.