Can my boyfriend's body odor (bromhidrosis) be contagious to me?

Body odor (bromhidrosis) is not contagious, so having a boyfriend with body odor won't transmit it to you.

Body odor is a distinct type of personal odor typically caused by bacteria in the armpits breaking down sweat. It's a common issue but does not affect overall health. Since body odor is not an infectious condition, it cannot be spread through physical contact or airborne transmission. Therefore, you cannot catch body odor from your boyfriend. However, if you have close physical contact—such as hugging or kissing—you may become aware of his body odor.

You can reduce symptoms by showering regularly, changing clothes frequently, and washing the underarm area often to minimize bacterial growth. Using antibacterial cleansers can help kill underarm bacteria and alleviate odor. When necessary, medical treatments such as surgical removal of underarm sweat glands or botulinum toxin injections in the armpits—performed under a doctor's guidance—can reduce sweat production and bacterial buildup, thereby improving symptoms of body odor.