Expert Talk: A Gynaec Explains Why Moist Underwear Is A Breeding Ground For Vaginal Infections

When it comes to intimate health and hygiene, most women don’t think much about it. Leave discussing it with dear ones and experts, without inhibitions. Underwear mistakes are one of the most common things they do while being unaware of the fact that not having a healthy underwear habit can negatively affect their vaginal health. Wearing clean underwear has a multi-dimensional role to play. Not only it keeps our vagina clean and dry but, at the same time, wet or moist ones expose you to a high risk of bacterial growth, poor odour, itching and other unpleasant side effects. This wetness often comes from not wiping yourself properly after using the washroom or taking bath, sweat, or excessive vaginal discharge. 

The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Thejaswini J, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, who discusses how wet and moist underwear negatively affects your intimate health and what to do to avoid it.

5 Cautions Against Wearing Damp Underwear

Choosing the right innerwear is an essential component of maintaining intimate health. Regardless of what underwear you prefer, a comfortable cotton one or something fancier, you should know how they impact your vagina. Not wearing the right underwear can mess with your overall comfort. You should remember that your vagina is highly sensitive and vulnerable to catching infections easily. It can also make you experience some very unpleasant symptoms. Here’s what wearing damp underwear can do to your vaginal health.

1. Wearing damp underwear for a long can make you suffer from vaginal irritation, redness, or rashes.
2. Moisture near your vagina can have unpleasant side effects like yeast infections, as these infections usually grow in moist conditions. 
3. Vaginal infection can lead to symptoms like inflammation, redness, intense itching, and pain during urination, or sex.
4. Moisture around your vagina will also make it easier for bacteria to grow faster, as it is the perfect breeding temperature for these micro-organisms.
5. Not changing your wet underwear for a long time can also mess with your PH balance. 

These symptoms can be mild to moderate depending upon your individual case, but they can become serious if they are left untreated. 

Read: Your Guide To Using Panty Liners Better Vaginal Health Ke Liye

5 Common Underwear Rules You Should Follow 

1. Choose comfortable fabrics

Your vagina is a very sensitive area, and you would want to treat it very gently. Though fancy styles and designs seem to intrigue us all when it comes to comfort, they are not the best choice out there. If you choose fabrics like nylon, then it can come harsh on your vaginal health. These fabrics make it very hard for the air to pass through, thus they lock in the moisture causing your intimate area to be more vulnerable to infections. Wearing cotton fabric is always recommended when it comes to comfort. 

2. Change your underwear at least once every day

It is a no-brainer that you need to change your underwear every day, possibly after a shower when you change into fresh clothes. It gives your vagina a clean and hygienic experience. However, if you experience excessive vaginal discharge, which makes your underwear wet, don’t think twice about changing your underwear more than once a day.

Read: 8 Signs Of Vaginal Yeast Infection, 3 Preventive Tips, & How To Treat It

3. Change your underwear after a workout

A lot of people out there do not bother themselves with changing their innerwear after sweaty workouts, but it is always advised to take a shower and clean your body post-workout. And while you change into a fresh set of clothes, include washed underwear in it too. This is because your sweat can not only make you very uncomfortable, but more importantly, it can cause infections too.

4. Wash your underwear in hypoallergenic soap

All the underwear in your wardrobe deserves to be handled with care and not just the expensive lacy ones and things. It is obvious as these fabrics will be around one of the most delicate areas of your body for a long period of time. It is recommended that you use something gentle like a hypoallergenic soap while washing them as anything soapy or extremely chemically in nature can cause irritation, itching, and allergic reactions to your vulva. 

5. Avoid fragrance

Some cleaners do come with a strong scent in them, which can make your underwear smell great. However, you need to understand that these artificial scents can irritate the skin of your vulva and can also cause irritation, itching and even a burning sensation. 

Just like any other sensitive area on your skin, your vagina deserves to be handled gently. A lot of women tend to ignore the importance of maintaining healthy underwear habits and it can come with some very unpleasant consequences in the long term. A wet and moist underwear can do a lot more than just make you feel uncomfortable. We mentioned some of them above. It can feel a bit overwhelming to hear about these possible side-effects but with the right suggestions and habits, you can lower your risks. Just some minor changes in your routine can save you from future intimate problems. 

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