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Underwear. Something we all (well\u2026 most people) wear, something people hardly talk about, and something women tend to be very passionate about when it comes to personal style. Every woman\u2019s body is different, so it makes sense that every woman would have a different underwear preference based on her body. But is there a better (or worse) underwear for your health \u201cdown there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From thongs to full coverage, there are many different underwear styles out there. Let’s focus on some of the most popular styles to see if style might impact vaginal health<\/a> (and investigate some rumors about one particular style!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also lovingly referred to as \u201cgranny panties,\u201d these are full coverage and often higher-rise underpants that provide support and reduce friction on the vulvar area<\/a>. These are often fully cotton underwear, making them both breathable and comfortable, but also prone to showing panty lines if you\u2019re wearing tight-fitting clothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspired by men\u2019s boxers, boyshorts are another modest and full coverage style like briefs. The \u201cshorts\u201d can minimize chafing compared to other styles of underwear, particularly briefs or bikinis. Unlike many briefs, these tend to be low-rise and don\u2019t ride up like some other styles can. However, boyshorts are also commonly found in non-cotton fabrics, which may trap in moisture, leading to vaginal health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With more moderate coverage, these are one of the most popular styles. Compared to more restrictive styles, the bikini style offers more breathability, which can lead to better vaginal health. Caution is needed in ensuring proper fit for this style; bikini underwear that\u2019s too tight can lead to uncomfortable panty lines or chafing around the groin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the most controversial of all underwear styles, thongs are thought to be the bane of vaginal health\u2026but that\u2019s not actually true. While perfect for avoiding panty lines, finding the right fit is important as thongs are not actually supposed <\/em>to give you a wedgie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the most controversial of all underwear styles, thongs are thought to be the bane of vaginal health\u2026 but that\u2019s not actually true.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n While the common understanding of thongs is that they may promote infection by moving between the anus (where bacteria like E. coli is found) and the vagina or urethra (bringing bacteria with it), studies have found that might not actually be the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One such study<\/a> published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research <\/em>surveyed 986 women and found that 186 were regular thong wearers (wearing thongs over 50% of the time). Rates of infections in both urinary organs and vaginas over the past 12 months were similar in both the thong and non-thong wearers, which led to the conclusion that thongs did not <\/em>increase risk of urogenital infections like previously thought [1]. In fact, the only predictor of urinary tract infections<\/a> and bacterial vaginosis<\/a> found in the study was oral sex, while the only predictor of yeast infections<\/a> was wearing underwear that didn\u2019t have a cotton crotch [1].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study<\/a> published in 2005 in Medical Journal Sweden <\/em>wanted to compare the differences between thongs (and thong-shaped panty liners) and non-thong underwear (plus normal shaped panty liners) on the vulvar skin environment. Thirty two women were tested in both types of underwear with their respective panty liners, and the results were not statistically significant in either direction. Furthermore, \u201cno support was found for the assumption that a string panty system would result in higher contamination of vulvar skin by anorectal microflora\u201d [2].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, if you\u2019re prone to rashes, skin inflammation, or hemorrhoids, wearing thongs regularly might not be the best for you\u2013the rubbing that comes with wearing a thong may \u201ccreate small cuts between the anus and vagina, causing irritation to the skin” according to a Health Digest interview<\/a> with OB-GYN Dr Mary Jane Minkin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to vaginal health and underwear, it seems that fabric is more important than style. Here are the factors OB-GYNs told one underwear company<\/a> were the most important for vaginal health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to vaginal health and underwear, it seems that fabric is more important than style.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Lauded as the holy grail of underwear fabrics, cotton is breathable, absorbs moisture and is naturally hypoallergenic (with fewer dyes and chemicals compared to other fabrics). However, cotton doesn\u2019t dry quickly, making it less ideal when exercising or being in a hot or humid environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like rayon, modal, and bamboo, these types of underwear have similar breathability to cotton while having better moisture-wicking ability. However, these are treated with more chemicals than cotton, so they\u2019re not technically \u201cnatural\u201d fabrics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moisture wicking and quick to dry, fabrics like polyester and nylon are ideal for underwear for working out, as long as you remove them soon after. However, for day-to-day wear, these are significantly less breathable than either cotton or plant-based fabrics, and can trap in heat and moisture and make a bacterial breeding ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, one 2012 study<\/a> in Nigeria found that out of 176 women between the ages of 20 and 35 years old, women who wore tight nylon\/synthetic underwear had a 4.8 times higher likelihood of developing Candida albicans<\/em>, the most common fungus found in yeast infections, compared to women not wearing underwear from synthetic fibers [3].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blends of natural and synthetic fibers aim to be the best of both worlds and are becoming more common. Less breathable than cotton but better moisture control than performance fibers, these are good for occasional use or during exercise, but if you choose these, make sure they have a cotton gusset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The secret superhero when it comes to underwear is the cotton gusset<\/a>\u2013that little pocket of material in the crotch of your underpants. Serving as a protective barrier between the delicate vulvar skin and clothing, reducing friction, and helping air circulation, cotton gussets not only provide a layer of protection from the outside clothing, but protection from moisture, odors, and infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Making sure the gusset fits well is paramount. If it covers the entire labial area, then it will increase protection from outside irritations as well as prevent odors from sweat and moisture from building up, keeping the skin dry and cool. Gussets that are too small or poorly made can cause bunching, chafing, or may tear off completely, leading to even more vaginal irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Washing techniques for underpants might seem silly, but the science agrees that your delicates should be given special treatment. According to a study<\/a> published in the journal American Society for Microbiology<\/em>, washing clothes between the temperatures of 104\u2109 and 140\u2109 kills bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using laundry detergent helps release the bacteria from the fabric along with killing certain types of bacteria sensitive to detergent. If you prefer running your laundry on the cold setting, temperatures below 68\u2109 require the adding of an enzymatic cleaner to kill germs, especially those viruses and bacteria from the GI tracts (but for the sake of vaginal health, try to avoid adding bleach to any loads with underwear!) [4]. On top of that, using fragrance-free detergents, fabric softeners, and avoiding harsh chemicals will help to avoid skin irritation and maintain a healthy vaginal pH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OBGYN Dr. Erica Newlin explained to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a> that one of the most simple yet important things you can do to maintain vaginal health is to change your underwear at least daily. This can prevent odors, yeast infections, and bacterial growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are sweating and your underwear becomes wet, changing your underwear more frequently is a good idea. If you are annoyed by a buildup of vaginal discharge (like that from cervical mucus<\/a>), opt for changing your underwear rather than using a panty liner. This leads to my next point\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve mentioned many times already, creating a breathable environment with good air flow is crucial for maintaining a healthy vaginal biome. Panty liners, while great for use on your period or for incontinence<\/a>, are not meant for everyday use and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve mentioned many times already, creating a breathable environment with good air flow is crucial for maintaining a healthy vaginal biome. Panty liners are not meant for everyday use and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Clearly, there are a lot of factors when it comes to finding the best underwear for your vaginal health, but there are several populations that should take extra consideration when deciding what to wear down there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When going through puberty, hormones can cause excess sweating all over the body, including around the groin. Maintaining good body hygiene practices along with good underwear hygiene is key to avoiding odors, irritation, excess moisture, and infections. Aim for breathable cotton fabrics (or moisture wicking material if you\u2019re particularly sweaty as long as it gets changed out as frequently as needed) and avoid tight fitting panties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher rise panties may provide more support for pregnant mothers, though some women may find the additional fabric on their growing belly annoying. However, with weakened abdominal muscles postpartum<\/a>, high rise underpants can provide a feeling of security and support (not to mention they\u2019ll have enough room to accommodate that mattress of a postpartum pad\u2026 IYKYK). Once again, aim for breathable materials like cotton, and change underwear as frequently as needed postpartum to promote healing and avoid infection if you had a perineal tear<\/a> during labor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be a good idea to set aside a small underwear budget to accommodate your changing body shape with properly fitting underwear, both in pregnancy and postpartum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hormone changes and hot flashes lead to lots and lots of sweat. Moisture wicking fabrics may provide the most comfort, while lightweight and breathable options can also help regulate body temperature, helping you to stay cool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, what you wear is a choice best left to you<\/em>, however, all women should know what is best for their vaginal health. I recommend this great resource from the University of Iowa: a very handy guideline to all things vulvar health<\/a>, from laundry products, to bathing, period products; it covers it all. And if you\u2019re into quizzes, one underwear brand put together a fun webpage on how to choose the right underwear for your body shape<\/a>, butt shape, and lifestyle, along with other helpful tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re a thong girly, a gym regular who needs performance fabrics, or a granny-panties-for-life kind of gal, remember that not all underwear is created equally, and getting the right type of underwear could change your vaginal health in a way that you never considered!<\/p>\n\n\n\nBriefs <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boyshorts\/Hipsters<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bikinis<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thongs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fabric over fashion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cotton<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plant-Based Fabrics<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Performance\/Synthetic Fibers<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Moisture-Wicking Blends<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The secrets to healthy underwear habits?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Use underwear with good quality cotton gussets<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep your underwear clean<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Change underwear frequently<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid habitual panty liners<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vaginal health needs throughout life<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Adolescents<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pregnant and postpartum women<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Menopause<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The big picture<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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