If you spot a sexy, lace undergarment that you want to add to your collection of lingerie, think again before you purchase it. The type of underwear you choose has a major impact on your vaginal health.
The health publication HealthShots spoke to Senior Consultant – Obs and Gynae Dr Uma Vaidyanathan about the mistakes women make when it comes to their underwear.
Below are five of the mistakes pointed out by the doctor.
Mistake 1: Wearing thongs
Some will say this design of underwear oozes sexiness, while Dr Vaidyanathan will say thongs provide a direct way for bacteria to travel from the back to the front, increasing your chance of getting an infection.
Mistake 2: Not changing your undies regularly
It is important to change your underwear at least once a day. If you are on your period and use pads, change your underwear twice a day. This change should be done as vaginal and vulval secretions in unchanged underwear can become a breeding ground for infections.
Mistake 3: Wearing shapewear
Dr Vaidyanathan states, “Wearing shapewear once in a while to look good is okay. But regularly wearing it compresses your body and puts extra pressure on your bladder, meaning you have to use the bathroom more often.”
The doctor also says that regularly wearing shapewear “may lead to nerve compression which, in the worst-case scenario, can lead to long-lasting pelvic, lower limb and back pain.”
Mistake 4: Using synthetic underwear
Panties made of lace and other synthetic fabrics absorb sweat easily and are not breathable. It also allows bacteria to thrive in the private area, causing skin irritation and infections. This is why cotton panties should be your number one choice.
Mistake 5: Wearing tight underwear
It is best to avoid tight-fitting undergarments and lacey inners as these can irritate the folds of the skin near the private area, which can lead to increased chances of vulvovaginal infections and vulvodynia – a painful condition that can interfere with your sex life.
Also see: Feminine hygiene tips you need to know
