For the Guys, Transguys and Women Who Run a Few Degrees Hotter
July 10, 2022 10:06 PM Subscribe
Testosterone (4 years now) has made me run much, much, much hotter than normal and most particularly my crotch. I thought I'd adjust, but the misery has gotten worse, partially because I have the world's keenest sense of smell.
Like, I can walk into someone's house and if they have mice I can tell, even if they've been cleaning up the poop and pee. I can smell the musky little bodies. I can smell certain infections and metabolic disturbances. I've literally been about to have sex with someone and had to scramble for a polite turn-down on rare occasions when their pants came off and the smell was all wrong, and I can smell when some people are angry (there's a harsh metallic smell some guys emit when they're really pissed or stressed).
So a large part of the misery is the smell. I can smell myself with my pants on sometimes, even if I showered that morning and it's only mid-afternoon. I don't have an infection and no one around me has complained, including hookups. But that smell is so obviously crotch-sweat to my nose that I feel like I'm walking around naked. It just feels obscene in public, non-sexual space, to put it bluntly.
Then there's the heat. I've always had severe issues regulating body temp and I don't know why (thyroid is fine). Heat can trigger migraines for me (although fewer episodes by far on T). For half my life I kind of lived in fear of overheating and it still triggers a desire to just scream and pull at my hair.
I've tried boxers, briefs, all-cotton undies, you name it. Nothing seems to help with what feels like an actual furnace between my legs since T. I prefer men's brief's and non-cotton, because cotton once wet stays wet on me forever, and briefs always end up fitting me more loosely than boxers, but it all sucks.
Additionally, I haven't been able to pack since this started because silicone next to the furnace is an even deeper level of hell.
What isn't a problem is the feeling of sweat--the sweat actually feels cooling (although not enough), and as long as I don't wear all cotton it dries out. I don't think a powder or something similar will help, but if anyone has a recommend for one I'm willing to try.
Are there any other solutions to this? I'm desperate enough to try to save up for a kilt if someone thinks that will help, although I'd feel a bit awkwardly like I'm cosplaying and worry about what it will do to my vanishing chances of passing.
I can't believe I'm asking this question publicly, but after four years I'm kind of desperate for some kind of relief. If this is just a guy thing I have to suck up, I don't know why all guys aren't manspreading all the time. Of all the things I thought I'd dislike about the switch, this was definitely an unexpected one.
I've actually asked this in a trans space and got no advice, so I'm trying here. If you have no advice, but can commiserate, that would be helpful emotionally. I've never seen anyone else talking about this, so I'm starting to wonder if this is just my body being Really Unpleasantly Weird.
Like, I can walk into someone's house and if they have mice I can tell, even if they've been cleaning up the poop and pee. I can smell the musky little bodies. I can smell certain infections and metabolic disturbances. I've literally been about to have sex with someone and had to scramble for a polite turn-down on rare occasions when their pants came off and the smell was all wrong, and I can smell when some people are angry (there's a harsh metallic smell some guys emit when they're really pissed or stressed).
So a large part of the misery is the smell. I can smell myself with my pants on sometimes, even if I showered that morning and it's only mid-afternoon. I don't have an infection and no one around me has complained, including hookups. But that smell is so obviously crotch-sweat to my nose that I feel like I'm walking around naked. It just feels obscene in public, non-sexual space, to put it bluntly.
Then there's the heat. I've always had severe issues regulating body temp and I don't know why (thyroid is fine). Heat can trigger migraines for me (although fewer episodes by far on T). For half my life I kind of lived in fear of overheating and it still triggers a desire to just scream and pull at my hair.
I've tried boxers, briefs, all-cotton undies, you name it. Nothing seems to help with what feels like an actual furnace between my legs since T. I prefer men's brief's and non-cotton, because cotton once wet stays wet on me forever, and briefs always end up fitting me more loosely than boxers, but it all sucks.
Additionally, I haven't been able to pack since this started because silicone next to the furnace is an even deeper level of hell.
What isn't a problem is the feeling of sweat--the sweat actually feels cooling (although not enough), and as long as I don't wear all cotton it dries out. I don't think a powder or something similar will help, but if anyone has a recommend for one I'm willing to try.
Are there any other solutions to this? I'm desperate enough to try to save up for a kilt if someone thinks that will help, although I'd feel a bit awkwardly like I'm cosplaying and worry about what it will do to my vanishing chances of passing.
I can't believe I'm asking this question publicly, but after four years I'm kind of desperate for some kind of relief. If this is just a guy thing I have to suck up, I don't know why all guys aren't manspreading all the time. Of all the things I thought I'd dislike about the switch, this was definitely an unexpected one.
I've actually asked this in a trans space and got no advice, so I'm trying here. If you have no advice, but can commiserate, that would be helpful emotionally. I've never seen anyone else talking about this, so I'm starting to wonder if this is just my body being Really Unpleasantly Weird.
You could try Lume’s deodorant cream. Definitely try it on a small area in case your skin reacts to it, but I’ve never had an issue with it and use it basically head to toe. I started using it more because I dislike feeling myself sweating, but it’s great for odors. I like the silver spruce scent.
But also: based on your descriptions, you definitely have a way better sense of smell than the vast majority of people you’re going to be around.
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:17 PM on July 10, 2022 [9 favorites]
But also: based on your descriptions, you definitely have a way better sense of smell than the vast majority of people you’re going to be around.
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:17 PM on July 10, 2022 [9 favorites]
In the summer I wear something like Fruit of the Loom Everlight boxer briefs - it's mostly spandex with a bit of polyester. I know the conventional wisdom about cotton, but in my personal experience these seem to hold on to sweat much less readily, and they never feel damp even after a long hike. The ones I have feature a somewhat unique horizontal pouch/fly that I personally find terribly inconvenient but which may prove advantageous for your purposes.
posted by jordemort at 10:51 PM on July 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by jordemort at 10:51 PM on July 10, 2022 [1 favorite]
What is your personal landscaping situation? Hair tends to hold on to the sweat and odor you’re worrying about, in my experience.
posted by MadamM at 10:57 PM on July 10, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by MadamM at 10:57 PM on July 10, 2022 [3 favorites]
I discovered this product a few years ago, and it has made summers much more comfortable since then: Megababe Body Dust. I use it under my boobs, on my back, belly, crotch… anywhere that tends to get sweaty on hot days. It helps me feel less sweaty, and definitely less gross throughout the day.
They also have products apparently targeted at reducing odor levels in your pits, including charcoal soap and an underarm mask. One of the reviews on the mask specifically said they used it for crotch odor (they called it their leg pits lol) and said it works great for that. I also use and love their thigh rescue anti-chafe stick. (The name Megababe was a little eye-rolly to me at first, but from what I’ve seen they’re very body positive and seem gender inclusive as well, based on a series of reels from pride this year)
posted by bluloo at 11:12 PM on July 10, 2022 [4 favorites]
They also have products apparently targeted at reducing odor levels in your pits, including charcoal soap and an underarm mask. One of the reviews on the mask specifically said they used it for crotch odor (they called it their leg pits lol) and said it works great for that. I also use and love their thigh rescue anti-chafe stick. (The name Megababe was a little eye-rolly to me at first, but from what I’ve seen they’re very body positive and seem gender inclusive as well, based on a series of reels from pride this year)
posted by bluloo at 11:12 PM on July 10, 2022 [4 favorites]
Your sense of smell is definitely way above normal range. Mice in a clean house? That’s a whole lot of precision. Have you considered training to detect land mines or tumors?
But really, I think some of this sounds like it’s a combination of your heightened sense of smell and your self consciousness after what was probably a lifetime of not presenting in the right way for you. If you have a therapist or similar, it might be worth trying to pick that apart a bit.
Like, yes we have all smelled that stinky guy from time to time, on the bus or in the game store or at 3am in the grocery store, but unless you have a real chemical problem happening, you are wearing dirty laundry, and haven’t showered in a week, you are not going to smell like anything more than another human to everybody else. Sure, if you’re going to get intimate with someone, you’ll want to smell a bit nicer, but for every day? People smell a bit but it’s just normal and not offensive or sexual or anything, and a scentless person or someone totally coated in fake scent is more off putting than normal human smell.
As for the gym, as far as I’m concerned that’s where being smelly is most socially acceptable. I am not a gym person so maybe I’m wrong. I’m sure someone can chime in with their thoughts but from my lazy perspective, if you go to the gym you are opting in to smell other people’s sweat, and that’s on you, not on everyone who sweats at the gym.
I’m sorry about your underwear situation. Perhaps you know someone crafty would could make a cover for your packer so you aren’t putting silicone up against your skin. Or maybe something as simple as a sock made with sweat wicking fabric. I’ve known a few guys who have said packing is essential for their self confidence regardless of if or when they pass, and if you being confident about smelling human comes from that then prioritize it, you know?
The worst sweat I have to deal with is probably underboob sweat. Bra bands are not conducive to cooling, the skin chafes, it’s a whole thing. And at night I’m like, stuffing a pillow under there and then the pillow is damp and yuck. Sometimes I use the gold bond body powder and that’s pretty helpful but I don’t care for the texture experience, personally. This summer I’m going to look for a powder that’s clay based, I think, and see what happens.
posted by Mizu at 11:44 PM on July 10, 2022 [7 favorites]
But really, I think some of this sounds like it’s a combination of your heightened sense of smell and your self consciousness after what was probably a lifetime of not presenting in the right way for you. If you have a therapist or similar, it might be worth trying to pick that apart a bit.
Like, yes we have all smelled that stinky guy from time to time, on the bus or in the game store or at 3am in the grocery store, but unless you have a real chemical problem happening, you are wearing dirty laundry, and haven’t showered in a week, you are not going to smell like anything more than another human to everybody else. Sure, if you’re going to get intimate with someone, you’ll want to smell a bit nicer, but for every day? People smell a bit but it’s just normal and not offensive or sexual or anything, and a scentless person or someone totally coated in fake scent is more off putting than normal human smell.
As for the gym, as far as I’m concerned that’s where being smelly is most socially acceptable. I am not a gym person so maybe I’m wrong. I’m sure someone can chime in with their thoughts but from my lazy perspective, if you go to the gym you are opting in to smell other people’s sweat, and that’s on you, not on everyone who sweats at the gym.
I’m sorry about your underwear situation. Perhaps you know someone crafty would could make a cover for your packer so you aren’t putting silicone up against your skin. Or maybe something as simple as a sock made with sweat wicking fabric. I’ve known a few guys who have said packing is essential for their self confidence regardless of if or when they pass, and if you being confident about smelling human comes from that then prioritize it, you know?
The worst sweat I have to deal with is probably underboob sweat. Bra bands are not conducive to cooling, the skin chafes, it’s a whole thing. And at night I’m like, stuffing a pillow under there and then the pillow is damp and yuck. Sometimes I use the gold bond body powder and that’s pretty helpful but I don’t care for the texture experience, personally. This summer I’m going to look for a powder that’s clay based, I think, and see what happens.
posted by Mizu at 11:44 PM on July 10, 2022 [7 favorites]
It's not inevitable. Try Gold Bond Comfort Body Powder (or a "baby" powder, or a talc-free dusting powder ) during an exercise session at home, and check the interaction with your body chemistry. Duluth Trading's wicking Armachillo or Funk No! underwear.
Re: heat, headaches. Issues regulating body temperature aren't confined to thyroid wonkiness, unfortunately. Check the side effects of any medications you've been on in the same time frame (some antidepressants, antihistamines, etc.). Maybe get your B-vitamins checked? You might supplement with electrolytes when exercising and when it's uncomfortably warm out.
you definitely have a way better sense of smell than the vast majority of people you’re going to be around -- I strongly agree with theotherdurassister, and dabbing a skin-safe scented product you tolerate well under your nostrils might help your discomfort.
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:45 PM on July 10, 2022 [6 favorites]
Re: heat, headaches. Issues regulating body temperature aren't confined to thyroid wonkiness, unfortunately. Check the side effects of any medications you've been on in the same time frame (some antidepressants, antihistamines, etc.). Maybe get your B-vitamins checked? You might supplement with electrolytes when exercising and when it's uncomfortably warm out.
you definitely have a way better sense of smell than the vast majority of people you’re going to be around -- I strongly agree with theotherdurassister, and dabbing a skin-safe scented product you tolerate well under your nostrils might help your discomfort.
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:45 PM on July 10, 2022 [6 favorites]
I am sorry you are feeling so hot and self-conscious—as a fellow hot and sweaty person (who is also fairly sensitive to smells), you have my sympathies! It’s miserable.
Have you tried merino wool underwear? I know that sounds weird, like why would I wear wool when I am already hot as Hades, but hear me out: wool wicks sweat and doesn’t make you feel clammy like cotton can, and it doesn’t retain odours very easily, so even just psychologically you might feel better knowing that.
I have worn light merino wool garments in the summer even when it was 35 C (95 F) and felt cooler and much less stinky when I was sweaty. It’s expensive, but Icebreaker has some nice underwear so that could be a place to start looking.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:55 PM on July 10, 2022 [6 favorites]
Have you tried merino wool underwear? I know that sounds weird, like why would I wear wool when I am already hot as Hades, but hear me out: wool wicks sweat and doesn’t make you feel clammy like cotton can, and it doesn’t retain odours very easily, so even just psychologically you might feel better knowing that.
I have worn light merino wool garments in the summer even when it was 35 C (95 F) and felt cooler and much less stinky when I was sweaty. It’s expensive, but Icebreaker has some nice underwear so that could be a place to start looking.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:55 PM on July 10, 2022 [6 favorites]
Woof, you have my commiseration — I can tell if people are sick, horny or angry too! You are not alone in the awkward "Um, I know we're naked now but you smell wrong, please go home" scramble.
Anyway, none of my pals or dates are ever aware of the scents that bother me, so it's probably just us! I doubt you smell bad to anyone else.
Anecdotally, my personal odor thins out when I sweat hard and often, and wash with heavy scrubbing but no soap. My mum is the only other super-smeller I know, and she used to bitch about my scent as a teen, was constantly telling me to take more showers. But as soon as I stopped using soap my skin biome balanced out and the good-smelling bacteria took over. No complaints since! I can't wear plasticky fibers, though, or the stinkers get the upper hand.
posted by lloquat at 1:40 AM on July 11, 2022 [7 favorites]
Anyway, none of my pals or dates are ever aware of the scents that bother me, so it's probably just us! I doubt you smell bad to anyone else.
Anecdotally, my personal odor thins out when I sweat hard and often, and wash with heavy scrubbing but no soap. My mum is the only other super-smeller I know, and she used to bitch about my scent as a teen, was constantly telling me to take more showers. But as soon as I stopped using soap my skin biome balanced out and the good-smelling bacteria took over. No complaints since! I can't wear plasticky fibers, though, or the stinkers get the upper hand.
posted by lloquat at 1:40 AM on July 11, 2022 [7 favorites]
I have smelled guys' crotch sweat when next to them at the gym before and been annoyed by it and I so much do not want to be that guy. Please tell me it's not inevitable.
All of us have personal scent clouds that are going to annoy somebody. I, for example, often find myself needing to flee spaces in which people have chosen to wear certain deodorants or body sprays, lest my eyes swell shut and my sinuses close up and my brain's executive function abilities totally shut down. Sometimes I need to do this even long after those responsible have left.
It seems to me that a healthy response to finding oneself smelling like a human being is not to flood the zone with competing chemicals, but simply to reset the expectation that one should not smell like a human being. Human beings just have a range of personal scents, and as long as we keep ourselves reasonably clean there's really no good reason for any of those to be considered offensive.
I am far more offended, and far more often offended, by the barrage of advertising industry propaganda successfully normalising the idea of there being something wrong with the way people smell than I have ever been by the scent of any non-perfumed human being.
posted by flabdablet at 1:41 AM on July 11, 2022 [10 favorites]
All of us have personal scent clouds that are going to annoy somebody. I, for example, often find myself needing to flee spaces in which people have chosen to wear certain deodorants or body sprays, lest my eyes swell shut and my sinuses close up and my brain's executive function abilities totally shut down. Sometimes I need to do this even long after those responsible have left.
It seems to me that a healthy response to finding oneself smelling like a human being is not to flood the zone with competing chemicals, but simply to reset the expectation that one should not smell like a human being. Human beings just have a range of personal scents, and as long as we keep ourselves reasonably clean there's really no good reason for any of those to be considered offensive.
I am far more offended, and far more often offended, by the barrage of advertising industry propaganda successfully normalising the idea of there being something wrong with the way people smell than I have ever been by the scent of any non-perfumed human being.
posted by flabdablet at 1:41 AM on July 11, 2022 [10 favorites]
I have three different sets of advice.
First, you can stop body sweat with aluminum based antiperspirant. It's commonly available on store shelves. Legally in the USA to call something antiperspirant it needs aluminum.
Second, you can try to mask the scent using a deodorant. That's what many people do. The idea is that deodorant smells nice in conjunction with body odor. Many perfumes use musk - the deodorants try to do this too.
But third, I would recommend talking to a therapist or considering the following:
Have you asked partners directly when you were worried and they said no?
This sounds like a type of dysphoria. If it doesn't sound like anyone else might notice, the dislike could be in your head. I'm sure you know the extent to this condition better than I do.
If you have super smell, you might be a super taster. I would include that in your searches for advice.
posted by bbqturtle at 1:42 AM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
First, you can stop body sweat with aluminum based antiperspirant. It's commonly available on store shelves. Legally in the USA to call something antiperspirant it needs aluminum.
Second, you can try to mask the scent using a deodorant. That's what many people do. The idea is that deodorant smells nice in conjunction with body odor. Many perfumes use musk - the deodorants try to do this too.
But third, I would recommend talking to a therapist or considering the following:
Have you asked partners directly when you were worried and they said no?
This sounds like a type of dysphoria. If it doesn't sound like anyone else might notice, the dislike could be in your head. I'm sure you know the extent to this condition better than I do.
If you have super smell, you might be a super taster. I would include that in your searches for advice.
posted by bbqturtle at 1:42 AM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
The idea is that deodorant smells nice in conjunction with body odor.
(narrator voice) It doesn't.
posted by flabdablet at 1:43 AM on July 11, 2022 [7 favorites]
(narrator voice) It doesn't.
posted by flabdablet at 1:43 AM on July 11, 2022 [7 favorites]
Minor point that might help a bit with mindset - you explain exactly how you have a very very keen sense of smell but then say that other people must be able to smell you as well as you can smell yourself or others. I don't think that's true - I have what I would guess is an average sense of smell and while I can usually smell myself pretty well, I often find that other people don't pick up on it (per husband and a couple friends that I've asked).
posted by brilliantine at 5:57 AM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by brilliantine at 5:57 AM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
Seconding giving Lume a try. It comes in cream formats which I feel is easier to apply and it was literally created by an GYN for crotch odor. You can use it anywhere, but that was the original use case.
posted by jeoc at 5:58 AM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by jeoc at 5:58 AM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
Could you do a mid day freshen up with a peri bottle or a bidet at home? I realize they might not be practical or same in all situations, but that may help a bit.
posted by raccoon409 at 6:14 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by raccoon409 at 6:14 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I used to sweat a lot (I mean a lot, a lot a lot), enough that I kept a couple spare shirts in my locker at work, in case I needed to change. I also kept a supply of baby wipes in my locker, and often would freshen up a bit over my lunch break, giving my bits & pits a cleanup, and then re-applying deodorant. I think it was mostly me being overly self-conscious; never had any complaints or funny looks about BO, so maybe I was just being hyper-sensitive to picking up on my own scent, but it made me feel better to freshen up a bit when I could.
posted by xedrik at 7:00 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by xedrik at 7:00 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
So, I'm reaching for ideas here, but since odor is caused by bacteria, and since you seem very motivated to try new things -- have you experimented with radically changing/reducing the amount of sugar in your diet? I have noticed that increased sugar intake is definitely correlated with, not odor specifically, but other kinds of bacterial activity.
posted by amtho at 7:26 AM on July 11, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by amtho at 7:26 AM on July 11, 2022 [4 favorites]
Nth-ing the idea that you have a strong to exceptional sense of smell and most people don't notice your scents. I'll go so far as to offer apologies to the people I'm unwittingly wafting at given I don't listen to my nose much.
It's customary for Ask.Mefi items to raise talking therapies -- I'd put these two questions in the stack for consideration: Where does your sense that something's not right work in your favour or against you when it comes to this idea that you smell bad? How did you work through dysmorphia-related issues and pitfalls as you transitioned? Ultimately, I hope you can trust your nose and also trust the efforts you're already putting in to avoid causing offence as enough.
posted by k3ninho at 8:20 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
It's customary for Ask.Mefi items to raise talking therapies -- I'd put these two questions in the stack for consideration: Where does your sense that something's not right work in your favour or against you when it comes to this idea that you smell bad? How did you work through dysmorphia-related issues and pitfalls as you transitioned? Ultimately, I hope you can trust your nose and also trust the efforts you're already putting in to avoid causing offence as enough.
posted by k3ninho at 8:20 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
You can use antiperspirant in your crotch just as you would on your underarms.
posted by MexicanYenta at 9:02 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by MexicanYenta at 9:02 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I'm kind of amazed by your sense of smell, as a neuroscientist!
One more addition, my (cis f) thermostat had ramped up and up over the past few years, and I share your feelings about broadcasting personal smell. Keeping things close- shaved seems to help with odor. Last summer I was diagnosed with autoimmune disease, and I responded crazy well to the treatment. That included turning my thermostat down back to normal (phew). I overheat and sweat way less. Might be a bit out- there as far as suggestions for you, but something to keep in mind.
posted by Dashy at 9:31 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
One more addition, my (cis f) thermostat had ramped up and up over the past few years, and I share your feelings about broadcasting personal smell. Keeping things close- shaved seems to help with odor. Last summer I was diagnosed with autoimmune disease, and I responded crazy well to the treatment. That included turning my thermostat down back to normal (phew). I overheat and sweat way less. Might be a bit out- there as far as suggestions for you, but something to keep in mind.
posted by Dashy at 9:31 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I think, with your being trans ftm is my understanding, that females have the most sensitive sense of smell... and then with your transition, you are creating more of the male hormonal smells. However. When it comes to sweat and body odor, it's not actually the sweat that smells. It's the sweat combined with the natural bacterias that live on the surface of our bodies. There is a product that is sold as a deodorant - a hard crystal (basically a salt crystal) that reduces the bacterial growth in key areas of application. It needs to be applied while your skin is still moist, then allowed to dry. The salt crystal itself needs to be rinsed off after you use it, or residues will remain on it and it will start to smell like your body as well... but if you do these things, it's amazing at reducing odors! It does not stop perspiration - you'll still sweat - it just won't combine with as much natural bacteria to create those odors.
Go for the "mineral stick" hard crystal over any roll on types that change the natural crystal. Here's what we use in this fresh house!
posted by itsflyable at 11:10 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Go for the "mineral stick" hard crystal over any roll on types that change the natural crystal. Here's what we use in this fresh house!
posted by itsflyable at 11:10 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Unscented deodorant. Try it on smaller areas to make sure it isn't annoying. I'd consider showering before and after exercise.
posted by theora55 at 11:13 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by theora55 at 11:13 AM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
For the warm crotch sensation, my husband and I both wear Duluth Trading Company Armachillo underwear. They're cool to the touch, and the fabric also wicks moisture away. I'm on some meds that have me running hotter in the lower bits especially, and these are a godsend.
posted by BlueBear at 11:44 AM on July 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by BlueBear at 11:44 AM on July 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
I'm a cis woman but have really struggled with adapting to heat at times, and lately I've had some hot flashes, and my average temperature now runs a lot warmer (like, I don't need covers in the winter like I used to, so weird). I've learned a few things. Maybe these will help you.
Body temperature...
I hear you focusing on your crotch temperature, but I wonder if you might think about lowering your body temperature over all. Where we have large veins and arteries close to the surface of the skin are good spots to think about cooling. So, that's back of the neck, wrists, and backs of knees. There are neck bandanas made for folks who work outside or are otherwise in the heat. With mine, I get it wet, and it stays wet longer than a regular bandana, and the moisture is against my neck. So, basically, extra sweat maybe, and right near where the blood is traveling to and from my brain. It does help.
Another approach would be to have a regular bandana or small towel that you wet and tap on the back of your neck, wrists, etc. You could just get a spray bottle of water and squirt it on your face, neck, etc. When I start to overheat, the best way to cool off quickly is to dump some water on my head. You might not always be able to do that but like... you probably could at a gym in the bathroom? I think lowering your body temperature overall might help. Worth a try.
Clothing...
You've talked about underwear, but what are you wearing for shorts or pants? Because you could have super breezy underwear, but if you're wearing denim on top on a hot day, you're gonna sweat. Have you experimented with, I don't know, men's linen shorts or pants? And sized a bit generously?
Also, at the gym, I know you want to cover your smell, but what are you wearing to work out? Because if you got something like lined workout shorts, you're going to get a lot more breeze around your crotch. That seems better than a pair of underwear plus shorts. I wonder if, in trying to cover your smell, you're making the heat problem worse.
Also, sometimes non-cotton fabrics, especially things like performance fabrics with polyester, hold odors that can be reactivated with only a tiny bit of sweat. Back in my outdoor recreation days, we used to talk a lot about how people's work clothes (like Patagonia capilene) could be freshly laundered with soap but as soon as the person was a tiny bit sweaty, that smell came back with a fury. So could it be that part of the odor is being held by your underwear? There are a few solutions to this you might try. Next time you wash your underwear, do a wash in hot water and add in some vinegar (like in the fabric softener dispenser and pre-wash dispensers). Then air dry to avoid additional heat. A friend of mine used to add a capful of bleach to washes with his capilene/polypro/workout/outdoors clothes and swore that worked too. But some vinegar and then hanging stuff up to dry rather than using the dryer might help to get rid of any linger semi-permanent smells that are getting reactivated. Won't keep you cooler but might reduce the smell.
Cleaning...
Finally, what about knowing this will happen and carrying some clean underwear and wipes around? When I've gotten to work overheated from my bike commute and can't shower, I've been known to get some wet paper towels with a bit of soap and go in a stall and basically give myself a mini sponge bath, focusing on areas that are the sweatiest, like armpits, under my breasts, crotch, and feet. Plus I'll dribble some water on my neck to cool off. Then, I'll put on a clean pair of underwear and other clothes if possible.
Before you go workout at the gym, clean your smelliest areas (can you toss a washcloth in with your clothes or take a quick shower of your lower body?) and then put on clean gym clothes. I do think the gym is one place where smells are sort of allowed and expected, but it might help you feel more comfortable and confident to start cleaner.
Smelly partners
I've had partners whose smells I generally didn't notice or didn't dislike but who sometimes had very strong crotch smells when the underwear came off, often because it was a warm day and they hadn't cleaned since they put on underwear many hours ago. It was a stale smell. In that case, it's okay to ask someone to clean up if you might actually still want to have sex with them aside from the smell. Of course, it's okay not to have sex and stop it whenever! But I'd rather have someone ask me to go take a quick shower or clean with a washcloth than have them beg off for unknown reasons. I've never had a person I'm intimate with object to being asked to clean up, brush their teeth, etc.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:00 PM on July 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
Body temperature...
I hear you focusing on your crotch temperature, but I wonder if you might think about lowering your body temperature over all. Where we have large veins and arteries close to the surface of the skin are good spots to think about cooling. So, that's back of the neck, wrists, and backs of knees. There are neck bandanas made for folks who work outside or are otherwise in the heat. With mine, I get it wet, and it stays wet longer than a regular bandana, and the moisture is against my neck. So, basically, extra sweat maybe, and right near where the blood is traveling to and from my brain. It does help.
Another approach would be to have a regular bandana or small towel that you wet and tap on the back of your neck, wrists, etc. You could just get a spray bottle of water and squirt it on your face, neck, etc. When I start to overheat, the best way to cool off quickly is to dump some water on my head. You might not always be able to do that but like... you probably could at a gym in the bathroom? I think lowering your body temperature overall might help. Worth a try.
Clothing...
You've talked about underwear, but what are you wearing for shorts or pants? Because you could have super breezy underwear, but if you're wearing denim on top on a hot day, you're gonna sweat. Have you experimented with, I don't know, men's linen shorts or pants? And sized a bit generously?
Also, at the gym, I know you want to cover your smell, but what are you wearing to work out? Because if you got something like lined workout shorts, you're going to get a lot more breeze around your crotch. That seems better than a pair of underwear plus shorts. I wonder if, in trying to cover your smell, you're making the heat problem worse.
Also, sometimes non-cotton fabrics, especially things like performance fabrics with polyester, hold odors that can be reactivated with only a tiny bit of sweat. Back in my outdoor recreation days, we used to talk a lot about how people's work clothes (like Patagonia capilene) could be freshly laundered with soap but as soon as the person was a tiny bit sweaty, that smell came back with a fury. So could it be that part of the odor is being held by your underwear? There are a few solutions to this you might try. Next time you wash your underwear, do a wash in hot water and add in some vinegar (like in the fabric softener dispenser and pre-wash dispensers). Then air dry to avoid additional heat. A friend of mine used to add a capful of bleach to washes with his capilene/polypro/workout/outdoors clothes and swore that worked too. But some vinegar and then hanging stuff up to dry rather than using the dryer might help to get rid of any linger semi-permanent smells that are getting reactivated. Won't keep you cooler but might reduce the smell.
Cleaning...
Finally, what about knowing this will happen and carrying some clean underwear and wipes around? When I've gotten to work overheated from my bike commute and can't shower, I've been known to get some wet paper towels with a bit of soap and go in a stall and basically give myself a mini sponge bath, focusing on areas that are the sweatiest, like armpits, under my breasts, crotch, and feet. Plus I'll dribble some water on my neck to cool off. Then, I'll put on a clean pair of underwear and other clothes if possible.
Before you go workout at the gym, clean your smelliest areas (can you toss a washcloth in with your clothes or take a quick shower of your lower body?) and then put on clean gym clothes. I do think the gym is one place where smells are sort of allowed and expected, but it might help you feel more comfortable and confident to start cleaner.
Smelly partners
I've had partners whose smells I generally didn't notice or didn't dislike but who sometimes had very strong crotch smells when the underwear came off, often because it was a warm day and they hadn't cleaned since they put on underwear many hours ago. It was a stale smell. In that case, it's okay to ask someone to clean up if you might actually still want to have sex with them aside from the smell. Of course, it's okay not to have sex and stop it whenever! But I'd rather have someone ask me to go take a quick shower or clean with a washcloth than have them beg off for unknown reasons. I've never had a person I'm intimate with object to being asked to clean up, brush their teeth, etc.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:00 PM on July 11, 2022 [3 favorites]
Oh! I seriously recommend Zero Odor to you! It might help!
I don't really understand how it works, but the marketing material says it eliminates odor rather than covering it up, and that's consistent with my experience using it. I have used it on some really bad smells—like, on fabrics that smelled like smoke or body odor or Febreze—and it really did seem to delete the smells entirely.
It's a colorless spray with a very faint bleach-like tracer scent that dissipates pretty fast. It's skin-safe and doesn't stain or bleach. There are other similar products, mostly for pets, but the ones I've tried are highly fragranced and smell terrible, so I stick with Zero Odor.
posted by Susan PG at 12:23 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I don't really understand how it works, but the marketing material says it eliminates odor rather than covering it up, and that's consistent with my experience using it. I have used it on some really bad smells—like, on fabrics that smelled like smoke or body odor or Febreze—and it really did seem to delete the smells entirely.
It's a colorless spray with a very faint bleach-like tracer scent that dissipates pretty fast. It's skin-safe and doesn't stain or bleach. There are other similar products, mostly for pets, but the ones I've tried are highly fragranced and smell terrible, so I stick with Zero Odor.
posted by Susan PG at 12:23 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
As some have already mentioned, you can use antiperspirant as long as you only apply it to the skin with hair follicles. I would get a separate stick than the one you use on your armpits. A roll on formula might be easier to apply.
posted by fozzie_bear at 12:55 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by fozzie_bear at 12:55 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I am a super-smeller like you, so I know what you mean. The strangest scents - that most people don't even notice - are overwhelming to me, and, sadly, this includes genital sweat. It has made me reluctant to engage in some sexual activities because the smell is overwhelming and literally centimeters from my nostrils.
I don't have a good solution for you, other than using a deodorant spray on your nether regions. I just wanted to commiserate.
posted by tacodave at 2:42 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I don't have a good solution for you, other than using a deodorant spray on your nether regions. I just wanted to commiserate.
posted by tacodave at 2:42 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I am not a dermatologist so….
I use a generic version of Panoxyl facewash on my acne prone face. The bp acts to reduce bacteria on the surface of the skin. In addition to using it on my face I also use it on other blemish prone areas. But I have also been known to use it on my armpits when it’s especially warm/I will be sweating more than normal. The effect was to reduce stench for a couple of days beyond what normal washing and antiperspirant would achieve. As I tolerate the product quite well I’d be tempted to test it on the normal skin in the crotch area.
If you do want to explore that a few points.
1/ It will bleach your towels and clothes unless you rinse it off extremely thoroughly.
2/ It can cause skin irritation, not everybody tolerates it well. It also has a skin drying effect.
So I’d be inclined to try a tiny amount far away from areas that are extra sensitive and see if you experience any irritation. It is also meant to stay on the skin a bit before rinsing off. So I’d probably start with less time than indicated on the tube. And I’d not use it multiple times a day or even daily.
And as I said - it bleaches things and don’t put it anywhere near skin that doesn’t not feel like normal skin with hair follicles.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:59 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
I use a generic version of Panoxyl facewash on my acne prone face. The bp acts to reduce bacteria on the surface of the skin. In addition to using it on my face I also use it on other blemish prone areas. But I have also been known to use it on my armpits when it’s especially warm/I will be sweating more than normal. The effect was to reduce stench for a couple of days beyond what normal washing and antiperspirant would achieve. As I tolerate the product quite well I’d be tempted to test it on the normal skin in the crotch area.
If you do want to explore that a few points.
1/ It will bleach your towels and clothes unless you rinse it off extremely thoroughly.
2/ It can cause skin irritation, not everybody tolerates it well. It also has a skin drying effect.
So I’d be inclined to try a tiny amount far away from areas that are extra sensitive and see if you experience any irritation. It is also meant to stay on the skin a bit before rinsing off. So I’d probably start with less time than indicated on the tube. And I’d not use it multiple times a day or even daily.
And as I said - it bleaches things and don’t put it anywhere near skin that doesn’t not feel like normal skin with hair follicles.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:59 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Seconding the Duluth underwear suggestion. I'm a sweaty person and in the summer this is the best underwear I've found.
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:01 PM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by The corpse in the library at 4:01 PM on July 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
If you're intrigued by PanOxyl, try its 4% BP body wash first (its face wash is 10% benzoyl peroxide). (A generic: CVS's 4% BP wash).
posted by Iris Gambol at 6:18 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Iris Gambol at 6:18 PM on July 11, 2022 [1 favorite]
Trichomycosis, an otherwise benign bacterial infection of underarm or pubic hair follicles, can be present and distinctly malodorous without its usual appearance of an incrustation along hair shafts. It's usually very easily treatable with a few weeks of (ideally) shaving off the hair and regular washing with antibacterial soap / peroxide gel.
posted by protorp at 3:16 AM on July 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by protorp at 3:16 AM on July 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
Similar sense of smell - less integrated with disgust responses though. I thoroughly recommend the clothing stripping and refresh, but also what laundry powder. My personal scent clashes horribly with 90% of scented products, including laundry power, AND I definitely sweat enough for it to get stuck in my clothes if I don't do an antibacterial or strip wash. I don't shave my pits as a rule but will if I'm having issues with controlling it. Reset the bacterial cycle basically. Baby wipes for a refresh helps, panty liners maybe, if that's not too dysphoric.
I also would second the scrub over soap thing. My partner is a very hairy cis man and that's his preference and it works extremely well. He is like me in that his natural scent combines to make wet laundry with most artificial stuff. I am real tempted to try it myself but conditioning is strong.
But yes, remember that those of us who can smell anxiety and illness are rare. And aren't always gonna be judgey.
posted by geek anachronism at 4:49 AM on July 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
I also would second the scrub over soap thing. My partner is a very hairy cis man and that's his preference and it works extremely well. He is like me in that his natural scent combines to make wet laundry with most artificial stuff. I am real tempted to try it myself but conditioning is strong.
But yes, remember that those of us who can smell anxiety and illness are rare. And aren't always gonna be judgey.
posted by geek anachronism at 4:49 AM on July 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
Third (fourth?) the Duluth underwear. I'm a cis male who hates wearing boxers or boxer briefs (they never fit right) but the Duluth kind are the one exception. They're so breezy that they make me want to quote Ned Flanders.
posted by neckro23 at 6:14 AM on July 12, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by neckro23 at 6:14 AM on July 12, 2022 [3 favorites]
Would pantiliners be an option? One of the reasons I use them is that they make it possible to effectively change my underwear as many times a day as I want to, without actually undressing to change my underwear.
posted by Lexica at 1:29 PM on July 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Lexica at 1:29 PM on July 12, 2022 [1 favorite]
I use Certain-Dri on the folds around my crotch once a week and it helps a lot (probably you should use it more often to start with). And like Lexica, I use pantiliners; winged ones to completely cover the area so after I take a walk and cool down, I can have dry underwear. (I also sweat a LOT so my underwear will still be damp outside of the direct crotch region, but there's less smell.)
posted by metasarah at 11:53 AM on July 13, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by metasarah at 11:53 AM on July 13, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Dashy, I do in fact have autoimmune disease! I'm also on powerful immunosuppressants and I've been wondering actually if the immunosuppressants have changed my biome enough that part of what I'm smelling is a different colony, not just T changes.
Y'all are incredible. Thank you so much for all this helpful advice. I'm going to work my way through them (all except scented deodorant--definitely not something I want in the crotch area).
It's going to be hard to pick a "best" since you were all so helpful. I'll set my calendar for 3 months and come back and post about what worked best in case anyone else is searching for answers to this.
posted by liminal_shadows at 9:53 PM on July 13, 2022 [6 favorites]
Y'all are incredible. Thank you so much for all this helpful advice. I'm going to work my way through them (all except scented deodorant--definitely not something I want in the crotch area).
It's going to be hard to pick a "best" since you were all so helpful. I'll set my calendar for 3 months and come back and post about what worked best in case anyone else is searching for answers to this.
posted by liminal_shadows at 9:53 PM on July 13, 2022 [6 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
I know this because I have smelled guys' crotch sweat when next to them at the gym before and been annoyed by it and I so much do not want to be that guy. Please tell me it's not inevitable.
posted by liminal_shadows at 10:09 PM on July 10, 2022