8 Ways Your Underwear is Affecting Your Health Down There

Underwear. It’s one fashion staple we ladies can’t live without, mainly because of their perceived benefits. After all, we don’t want our nether regions chafing against denim! And with so many cute and fun varieties – from full panties to thongs, from to cotton to satin – we’re all pretty much hooked on wearing underwear.

But did you know that your underwear can spell the difference between healthy and unhealthy lady parts? In fact, while underwear seems like such an innocuous piece of fabric, it really does have a huge effect on your vaginal health! Here’s some proof:

1. Scented detergents and dryer sheets can cause irritation.

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, you can still experience some major irritation when the chemicals in detergents come into contact with the sensitive skin surrounding your vagina. The better option? Stick to using scent-free or mild detergents!

2. You can get yeast infections by wearing ultra-tight underwear.

When heat and moisture build up in nether regions, that makes it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow! Instead, make sure your underwear fits just right. Also, make sure you change your undies when you’ve been sweating a lot!

3. Ultra-tight undies can also cause ingrown hairs.

No one likes ingrown hairs, especially down there! The friction caused by tight underwear can cause irritation and it also encourages your pubes to become ingrown hairs.

4. Shapewear like Spanx can cut off your circulation and cause digestive issues!

Wear it for too long or wear one that’s too tight and you’re facing less circulation around that area. On top of that, the constant pressure on your abdomen can stifle food digestion and cause gas and bloating.

5. Shapewear can also lead to UTIs.

One reason is similar to #2. The second reason is because it’s such a chore to take off and properly put back on, thus making many women hold in their urine instead of going to the bathroom.

6. Thongs can spread E. coli to your vagina.

Thongs literally go into your but crack, and when they slide to the front, you can end up transferring E. coli bacteria from your anus to your vagina. So if you absolutely must wear thongs, go for a well-fitting one that won’t slide around.

7. Synthetic fabrics can irritate your vaginal area.

Fabrics like lace, polyester, nylon, and Lycra can irritate your lady parts, especially if you have sensitive skin and you wear these fabrics on the regular. Seamless or 100% cotton underwear are your best bet.

8. Sleeping in the nude is healthy for you.

Your nether regions need to breathe and air out every once in a while! And of course, the best way to do this is by sleeping in the nude or by sleeping without undies on.

While underwear may not seem like a big deal, knowing that they can cause all sorts of issues might make you more mindful when choosing your next set of undies!