The type of underwear you wear could have serious implications on your health, a gynaecologist has revealed.
While you might enjoy wearing saucy lingerie when you’re getting down and dirty, it’s not actually advisable to do so on a day to day basis.
In fact, opting for some Bridget Jones-style cotton knickers might actually be the way forward.
Daily Star Online caught up with gynaecologist Dr Anne Henderson, of Doctify, to find out more.
It’s important to wear undies that fit comfortably on a day to day basis.
Tight underwear and synthetic material are both associated with thrush.
The warmer and moister the environment, the more likely to yeast infection is to flourish.
Wearing undies that are too small for you can worsen this problem as it creates an oxygen-free breeding ground for the irritating organisms.
To prevent vaginal infections from occurring, experts recommend that you wear breathable cotton fabric.
Dr Henderson advised: “Stick to natural cotton underwear if you are prone to thrush and other vaginal infections and consider using organic cotton sanitary protection.
“This is associated with a lower risk of skin irritation and some women even report fewer vaginal infections and lighter periods due to the lack of chemicals and processing in these products.”
These aren’t the only underwear sins that could affect your vaginal health.
Thong or g-string wearers must be wary of urinary tract infections.
The material is placed on your intimate areas in the front and back and can easily slide back and forth between them, transporting bacteria.
This affect can be amplified if you wear thongs for a long period of time, or when doing any physical activity such as going to the gym.
To avoid any of these issues, it’s better to rotate the underwear styles you wear.
There’s nothing wrong with wearing unbreathable silk or tight thongs for steamy nights of passion, but don’t incorporate these into your everyday routine.
On a day to day basis, try to stick to loose-fitting cotton where possible.
If you do contract a vaginal infection or fall ill, opt for this more comfortable fit until the symptoms clear.
