We all know that wearing the same pair of pants two days in a row is a big no-no however; it seems that there are plenty of other mistakes you can make when it comes to underwear hygiene.
Experts have revealed the major underwear faux pas that we are all occasionally guilty of committing. Octavia Cannon, DO, a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynaecology, says that there are six major mistakes women make when it comes to their underwear hygiene. While they may seem harmless committing these pantie crimes could lead to yeast infections, rashes and E. Coli.
Here we reveal the habits you need to quit right away:
1. Thongs should be avoided:
While they add a certain sex appeal, wearing thongs and g-strings could have serious health implications. Doctor Cannon warned that E. Coli can be transferred from your bottom to your vagina. She said: ‘Think about where the string slides when you sit down in a thong’. For those who are seriously committed to their thong Cannon advises adding full briefs to the mix every now and then and to avoid sleeping in them.
2. Opt for cotton over silks:
It is true that the most attractive underwear is usually in an array of silk and lace however they should be saved for special occasions only. Dr Cannon says that you should be opting for a breathable fabric like cotton to avoid infection. It is OK to invest in a fancy pair of briefs but Cannon recommends seeking out a cotton gusset where possible.
3. Change your underwear after a workout:
It may not seem obvious to bring along a spare pair of pants to the gym but Dr Cannon says it is completely necessary. ‘Yeast and bacteria love a warm, moist, dark environment,’ says Cannon pointing out that sweaty pants fit this description.
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4. Ditch scented detergent:
While a floral scented washing powder adds a fresh smell to your underwear but they could cause havoc in your intimate area. The chemicals used to provide the smell can be irritating to your vagina where your skin is most sensitive. In order to avoid irritation of painful rashes Dr Cannon recommends using a fragrance free detergent.
5. Buy pants that fit:
This may seem obvious but we are probably all slightly guilty of hanging on to a pair of undies that we now have to squeeze into. Dr Cannon says ‘If your panties are leaving marks on your skin, you are putting yourself at risk for vaginal infections and rashes.’ So avoid the muffin top and not only will you be more comfy but you will be benefiting your downstairs.
6. Don’t repeat wears:
There may the odd occasion when it is sorely tempting to fish a pair of pants out of the laundry basket, however Dr Cannon confirms this is a bad idea. Dirty underwear provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can put you at risk of infection even if you do turn them inside out.
