Ammonia smell in underwear? Don’t panic, it’s pretty common! Read this article till the end to know the causes and the cure.
If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of smelling ammonia in your underwear, you know how unpleasant it can be. This strong, chemical smell can occur because of a variety of things, from poor hygiene to a medical condition.
The undergarment is in contact with the skin and sweat all day long. Bacteria present on the skin break down sweat and release gas that has a strong ammonia-like smell. Wearing tight synthetic fabric such as nylon or polyester can cause sweating and an increase in bacteria growth, leading to a stronger-smelling undergarment.
Different Types Of Smells That Come From An Underwear
1. Ammonia
Ammonia is a gas that is produced when bacteria break down urine. It is even present in sweat and other body fluids. When these fluids come into contact with the air, they can produce an ammonia smell.
2. Sweat
Sweat itself does not have a smell. However, when it mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant smell.
3. Body Odor
Body odor is caused by a combination of sweat and bacteria. When these fluids come into contact with each other, they can produce an unpleasant smell.
4. Fishy
A fishy smell can occur due to several things, including sweat, bacteria, and even certain foods. If you notice a fishy smell coming from your undergarments, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other potential causes.
5. Musty
A musty smell usually occurs due to moisture. When your undergarments are stored in a humid environment, they can develop a musty smell. It’s always a great idea to hard dry your undergarments under direct sunlight.
6. Vinegar
A vinegary smell is usually caused by sweat or bacteria. If you notice a vinegary smell coming from your undergarments, it is important to see a doctor to know if you have a yeast infection.
7. Sweet
It’s not uncommon to have a sweet smell coming from your undergarments. This can be a result of certain bacteria combining with the sweat and producing a sweet smell. It can even happen due to certain other factors too like Diabetes, etc.
8. Rotten
Similar to other smells, your sweat can mix up with the bacterial growth in or around your vagina and give away a rotten smell. Even though it is not always a serious concern, it would not harm to contact a doctor.
What Causes Ammonia Smell in Underwear?
- Sweat: One of the most common causes of an ammonia smell in underwear is sweat. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant smell. If you notice an ammonia smell after working out or being in a hot environment, it is likely due to sweat.
- Bacteria: Bacteria can also cause an ammonia smell in underwear. When sweat and bacteria mix, they can create an unpleasant smell. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common infection in the vagina that can cause an ammonia-like smell. These bacteria groups can include Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis.
- Foods: Foods that are high in protein, such as fish and eggs, can cause an ammonia smell. High-protein food items increase the acidic properties of the urine which can make your underwear smell like ammonia. The ammonia smell from your vagina can be a sign of dehydration as well.
How to Get Rid of Ammonia Smell in Underwear?
There are several things you can do to get rid of the ammonia smell in your underwear. Here are some of the most effective:
1. Change Your Diet
If you eat a lot of foods that contain sulfur, such as eggs, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli, you may be more likely to have an ammonia smell in your urine. Try cutting back on these foods to see if it makes a difference.
2. Drink More Fluid
Drinking plenty of fluids helps to dilute your urine and may help reduce the ammonia smell. Dehydration is a leading cause of disrupted pH balance in your vagina that can make you susceptible to vaginal infections.
3. Vitamin B-12 Supplement
One needs Vitamin B-12 for the proper function of your nervous system which can help to reduce the ammonia smell in your urine. However, be cautious while you take any supplements and do so only under the prescription or advice of a medical professional.
4. Different Laundry Detergent
Some laundry detergents can cause an ammonia smell in your underwear. If you think this may be the case, try switching to a different brand. You can even swap your laundry detergent for a gentle soap made for undergarments especially.
5. See Your Doctor
If you’re still having problems with an ammonia smell in your urine, see your doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and give you further advice.
The Bottom Line
If you notice a strong ammonia smell in your underwear, it could be due to bacteria growth or poor hygiene. Furthermore, you must practice good hygiene habits and make sure to clean your underwear regularly to prevent the problem. If the smell persists, see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.