What Causes Excessive Testicular Sweating, and How Can It Be Treated?

Written by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

You can expect a normal amount of groin sweating, especially if you exercise or live in a hot and humid climate. But if you are experiencing excessive testicular sweating, there may be another underlying reason. This article discusses the causes of excessive testicular sweating, how to treat it, and more.

1. Causes of Excessive Sweating of the Testicles

Some groin sweating is a fact of life. The groin has a lot of sweat glands and is often warm and covered by clothing, which means it has the ability to produce sweat that cannot be easily wiped away or cleaned with cool air.

Unusually high amounts of groin sweating can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or simply the result of lifestyle.

Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which you sweat excessively, either all over your body or in certain areas that normally have a higher density of sweat glands. Common areas include the armpits, palms, and groin.

If you have hyperhidrosis, the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands are overactive. They tell the glands to produce more sweat than is needed to keep your body cool.

Hyperhidrosis can occur on its own or develop from a medical condition, such as diabetes or an infection.

Lifestyle Causes
Tight underwear or pants can cause excess sweating in the groin. Fabrics that don’t “breathe” can also hold sweat longer.

Caffeine and alcohol can increase sweating and urination as part of the body’s attempt to balance fluid levels.

Other Causes
Sometimes excessive sweating can be related to other underlying conditions.

Hyperthyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms, including excessive sweating.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers can cause increased night sweats. Keep in mind that this sweating is often not limited to the groin area. It’s not entirely clear why sweating is a sign of cancer. It may be the result of the body trying to fight off illness.

Excess weight can also lead to excessive sweating. In areas with more sweat glands and skin folds, such as the groin, sweating may be more intense.

2. Side Effects of Excessive Testicular Sweating

The side effects of testicular sweating can range from mild discomfort to more serious complications, depending on the underlying cause. The more common potential side effects include:

• Chafing and itching. In general, sweating of the testicles and groin area can cause skin irritation during exercise.
• Infection. A sweaty environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria. A bacterial infection can cause boils and other skin problems to develop. If left untreated, a bacterial infection on the skin can travel elsewhere in the body and cause more serious problems.
• Fungal infection. A fungal infection of the skin, like jock itch, thrives in sweaty environments where two areas of skin rub against each other.

3. Treating Excessive Sweating of the Testicles

Talc powder can help absorb sweat, cool the crotch, and help prevent itching and chafing.

One side effect is that talcum powder can form clumps on the skin, causing various discomforts. You can avoid this by showering regularly.

Natural talcum powders may contain asbestos, which has been linked to lung cancer when inhaled. Since 1976, the cosmetics and toiletries industry has committed to using talc that does not contain detectable asbestos.

While there is a possibility that talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, there is little evidence linking it to other cancers.

Cornstarch

Some people use cornstarch to absorb sweat instead of talcum powder.

Prescription Medications

If you are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength antiperspirant for your groin and any other areas where you sweat a lot.

They may also prescribe nerve blockers that target the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands.

Surgery

If excessive sweating is affecting your quality of life or your overall health, surgery to remove some of your sweat glands may be an option. Talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you.

4. How to Stop Excessive Testicular Sweating

Making a few lifestyle changes can help keep you cooler and less dry. If you're not interested in "going commando," consider these options.

Use an antiperspirant

The same antiperspirant you use under your arms can be used in your groin and anywhere else you sweat too much.

Since the groin is a sensitive area, test a small amount of antiperspirant on the area first. If you don't have any skin irritation or discomfort, consider purchasing an additional antiperspirant just for your groin.

A product containing a 10 to 15 percent concentration of aluminum chloride hexahydrate may be most effective.

Practice good hygiene

Keep your groin clean by showering and changing your underwear regularly. It may not necessarily stop you from sweating, but it can help keep the area drier and cleaner, thus reducing odor.

Lose Weight

Losing weight, if needed, won't necessarily reduce excessive sweating, but it can improve your overall health.

Eat a healthy diet

Consider these changes to your diet:

• Drink plenty of water. The more hydrated you are, the easier it is for your body to maintain its optimal temperature. And that can mean less sweating.
• Eat foods rich in calcium. Calcium is essential in regulating your body's temperature, fluid levels, and other metabolic factors. Start with these 15 calcium-rich foods.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, a good mix of fruits and vegetables can improve your overall health.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin B. Vitamin B plays a role in many functions, including nerve health, and helps your body run smoothly. The more efficiently your body's systems work, the less work your body has to do and the less sweat you have to produce.

Wear boxers instead of briefs

Cotton underwear can help wick away moisture and keep your testicles more comfortable. Shorts with a little more room can also help keep things drier.

The bottom line

If excessive sweating in your testicles is interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor. The culprit for your excessive sweating may be an underlying health condition that needs to be treated. Your doctor can help you get relief with a prescription, antiperspirant, or lifestyle changes.

To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.

Reference
American Cancer Society Staff. (2018). Talcum powder and cancer. cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html International Hyperhidrosis Society. (n.d.). Not just for underarms. sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/antiperspirants/not-just-for-underarms.html
Massachusetts General Hospital Staff. (n.d.). Excessive sweating. massgeneral.org/conditions/condition.aspx?id=168&display=about_this_condition Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Hyperhidrosis. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20367152 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Excessive sweating: Causes. mayoclinic.org/symptoms/excessive-sweating/basics/causes/sym-20050780