A survey conducted in 2019 by an underwear manufacturer found that 45 per cent people wear the same underwear for two or more days. In fact, men were found to be more likely to go without changing underwear for a week or more as compared to women.
Some of us might think that this habit is a harmless one but let us tell you it’s not. Here is a list of five underwear mistakes that can be harmful to our health.
02/6The crotch is not cotton
Though it’s best to choose underwear made out of cotton fabric, if not, at least the centre fabric of your underwear should be cotton to keep your nether region fresh and dry.
According to a study published in 2018 in Obstetrics and Gynecology, wearing underwears that do not have cotton fabric at the crotch area increases your risk of yeast infection. Fabrics like polyester and synthetic can mess your vaginal health. These fabrics are not water absorbent and create an environment for bacteria and fungus to multiply.
Cotton fabric has the ability to reduce moisture. Thus, women who wear cotton panties have lower chances of getting a vaginal infection.
03/6Wearing a smaller size
Wearing underwear that is smaller than your size can make your privates sweaty and hot. This increases irritation as well as your chances of getting a vaginal infection. Tight underwear can trigger symptoms of a painful condition called vulvodynia. Thus, always choose underwear that fits you properly – neither too tight nor too loose.
04/6You use fragrant detergents
Down there, your skin is very sensitive and thus can easily get irritated by perfumes used in the detergent. The chemicals in the detergent can cause irritation and burn. While some women are more sensitive than others but overall scented detergents can cause itching and irritation, thus avoid using scented detergents to wash your underwear.
05/6You love wearing thongs
While thongs save us from the visible panty lines but it also provides a direct way for bacteria to travel from back to front. This increases your chance of catching an infection.
Many thongs come in lacey, silk and polyester fabric, which makes it even more uncomfortable. Save your thongs for a special occasion and prefer wearing 100 per cent cotton underwear on normal days.
06/6You ignore stains
You need to keep an eye on the colour of discharge on your underwear. Anything from clear to white colour is normal but a greenish or grey discharge can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. It’s an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that lives in the vagina. The discharge looks foamy, cottage-cheesy texture or pus-like.
A little vaginal odour is normal but a foul or strong smell indicates infection. Thus, do keep an eye on the colour of the stains on your panties.
