Photo: weheartit
YIKES.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Jul 18, 2016
Whether they are lazy or trying to space out their next laundry day, a lot of people aren't so great about changing their underwear often enough. And normally, we're all about different strokes for different folks. But there's a lot of danger to your health by wearing those same undies day in and day out. Too much danger to ignore.
We're sharing reasons why it's really important to change your underwear regularly. But furthermore, we're going to get even bolder and suggest you wear NO underwear sometimes. At the very least, to bed at night.
Turns out, your college boyfriend wasn't lying — going commando sometimes may actually be really good for your health.
"As a healthcare provider, what's more important even than changing underwear is sometimes going without! Patients are always surprised when I tell them one of the best ways to cut down on their risk for vaginal infections like yeast and bacterial vaginosis is to sleep sans culottes! The vagina is self cleaning and needs a chance to air out," says Marina Klimasiewfski, a nurse practitioner.
So it's up to you if you go commando, but it's something you should consider. Until then, here's why you should be changing your undies at least once a day. AT LEAST.
1. You can get yeast infections.
Especially as it gets into warmer seasons, those of us who tend to sweat (yes, down there!) should change undies as much as twice a day, and that includes right after any workout. Warm, moist environments are heaven for yeast, and that leads to yeast infections.
2. You're susceptible to urinary issues.
If you're wearing too-tight undies or a thong, it's extra important that you take them off as soon as possible. It's fine for that one dinner date, but left on too long it can constrict the area and lead to painful or too frequent urination. (Not to mention, ouch.) Same goes for that super-tight shapewear or jeans. Wear it when necessary, but not all day every day.
3. You stretched the elastic out.
It's also important to consider that, like everything else, your panties DO have a shelf life. Wear them past that prime and the failed elastic will lead to too much rubbing and shifting around, which can be very irritating to your vajayjay.
4. The bacteria can give you cancer.
FOR REAL. During sex, sometimes sores or abrasions will occur. This is not a big deal if the area is kept clean. But if you are wearing dirty undies, bacteria can spread and cause these microbes to multiple.
5. You aren't getting enough circulation.
Back to that too-tight undies... they can cut off circulation, and if you do that long enough the area goes numb. It's the last thing we want, I know. If that underwear is high-waisted, it can even constrict your stomach or intestinal area and lead to heartburn.
6. Your skin breaks out.
We all know that we can absolutely break out down there, and our undies can be a part of that. If you see red spots or tears around your pelvic area, that's why. Imagine if you are doing that with dirty undies. You are just asking for infections.
7. Your skin is itchy.
giphy
This can also happen even if you DO change your undies often enough or if you are using an abrasive detergent. But it can also happen because the dirty undies are irritating your skin. Gross!