What underwear is best for optimal vaginal health? If there is not a single option to favor, a gynecologist nevertheless shared the type of model to avoid. We take stock.
Do you choose your underwear with the greatest care, favoring aesthetic pieces or others that are more comfortable for everyday use? Whether high-waisted panties, tangas, shorties, in synthetic material or cotton, there are a multitude of underwear models on the market, suitable for all tastes. But certain types of underwear, although very beautiful, could affect vaginal health. This is what gynecologist Shazia Malik explained in a meeting with the HuffPost UK.
According to the expert, not all underwear is equal when it comes to protecting vaginal health. She points in particular lace models, which although very popular, would not be ideal. “Lace underwear is not inherently bad for vaginal health, however, lace is often made from non-breathable synthetic materials like le nylon or polyester”, she explains. She therefore advises avoiding underwear made entirely from synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, or satin. “These fabrics do not allow the vulva to breathe and can create a humid environment where bacteria and yeast thrive”, explains the gynecologist.
Underwear made of synthetic materials: what problems can they cause?
Why should you avoid synthetic underwear to maintain good vaginal health? According to Shazia Malik, these materials can promote several problems in terms of intimacy:
- bacterial vaginosiswhich corresponds to an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, leading to gray discharge and strong odors;
- thrush infections (or candidiasis), which are natural yeast overgrowths that cause itching, burning and thick white discharge, which require antifungal medication to treat;
- vulvar dermatitisan inflammation of the external genitalia that can cause redness, itching, and irritation.
Instead of these underwear made of synthetic materials, the gynecologist advises to favor other models, in materials that are healthier for vaginal health: “Opt instead for natural fibers like cottonand organic cotton is ideal because it is free of irritating dyes and pesticides”. Alexandra Rychner, textile expert and co-founder of the Réjeanne brand, confided in a previous interview granted to Current wife : “The comfortable cuts, rather wide at the crotch level, are ideal for reducing irritation, these models minimize friction and pressure areas“.
Vaginal health: advice from a gynecologist to take care of it
There are many good habits that can promote good vaginal health. Beyond choosing the type of underwear, the expert also shared some tips for healthy intimacy:
- change your underwear every day and when they are wet from sweat, discharge, or menstrual flow;
- sleep without underwear to let the vulva breathe;
- avoid clothing that is too tight which can rub and irritate;
- wash your underwear in cotton at 60 degrees celsius to properly eliminate bacteria and yeast
Sources :
- The 1 Type Of Underwear You Should Never Wear, According To A Gynaecologist – The HuffPost UK – 25/04/2024
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – MSD Manual
- Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) – MSD Manual
