8 Underwear Rules to Live by for a Healthy Vagina
Do you ever think to yourself, “Am I doing this underwear thing wrong?” It may be an integral part of our routine, but it’s not something the average person knows much about.
Like, did you know that there are certain fabrics that are healthier for you or certain times that going commando is better or that there’s sort of an expiration date for underwear?
These unspoken underwear rules can have an impact on your vaginal health — and, depending on the style, can even affect your mood!
So we did a lot of research, dug through several underwear hygiene studies, and talked to an OB-GYN to collect eight underwear rules to live by.
1. Overall, choose natural fabrics — specifically cotton
You may have heard this before, but with all the cute styles in a variety of fabrics out there, it’s worth saying again: cotton is the best underwear fabric.
“The vulva is a very sensitive and delicate area, similar to the lips on your face. You want to treat [it] gently,” explains Dr. Alyse Kelly-Jones, board-certified OB-GYN.
And the most simple, gentle fabric to touch your skin? Yep, cotton. It’s also breathable and absorbent, which can help prevent yeast infections.
“Since it is healthy to have a vaginal discharge — similar to the moisture you always have in your mouth — you want your underwear to gently absorb any extra moisture,” explains Kelly-Jones.
Synthetic materials like nylon and spandex don’t allow the area to breathe. Instead, they trap heat and moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for yeast infections.
2. Aim to change your underwear every day, even more than once if you want!
It seems like we typically wear one pair of underwear a day and then put it in the laundry to be washed. That may not always be necessary. On the other end of the spectrum, you shouldn’t feel restricted to just one pair per day.
Some doctors say that you can get away with wearing a pair of underwear two days in a row if there’s not much discharge or sweat. But if you start to feel uncomfortable because of vaginal discharge buildup, you can change them more than once a day, as Kelly-Jones reminds her patients all the time.
“Many of my patients are bothered by this moisture and wear pantie liners all of the time,” she says. “I think this is not the healthiest of behavior as liners can cause chafing and irritation. Cotton-lined underwear will solve this problem, and it’s OK to change more than once a day.”
After they’ve been worn, toss them in the hamper to wash. Unlike jeans, underwear shouldn’t be reworn just to save on doing a load.
3. Go commando at night to air out the moisture
There’s a lot of debate about whether or not going underwear-free to bed is better for you.
For those who have a healthy vagina, either choice is fine. For those who deal with regular yeast infections, going pantie-free to bed can make all the difference.
Going without a cloth barrier allows the area to breathe overnight and keeps moisture from building up or creating an environment for bacteria to build.
“I believe the vulva area should be exposed to the air, just like any other area of your body,” says Kelly-Jones.
If you really don’t like the feeling of being naked, Kelly-Jones recommends wearing loose-fitting pajama bottoms. Just remember, if you’re going without underwear but are wearing another type of bottom, they need to be washed frequently as well.
Basically, it doesn’t hurt to go without underwear overnight.
4. Well-fitting, moisture-wicking underwear is best for working out
Again, whether to go pantie-free or not when working out is a personal preference. If you’re wearing shorts that have moisture-wicking underwear built into it, you can forgo the underwear.
Wearing something between you and the fabric may be more comfortable and an even healthier way to catch the sweat. Typically, this would be a high-tech polyester that’s light and slick.
If you do choose to wear a pair, Kelly-Jones notes, “The most important thing is to make sure it fits well and doesn’t cause chafing.”
Once you find your ideal size, you can pick from the tons of great workout-specific underwear options like Lululemon’s Mula Bandhawear Bikini ($18) or Patagonia Women’s Active Briefs ($12).
5. Thongs really aren’t bad for your vaginal health
It’s always been assumed that thongs can’t be good for the health of your nether regions.
However, studies haven’t found evidence that thongs cause yeast vaginitis (YV), bacterial vaginosis (BV), or urinary tract infections (UTIs) — three of the main issues women experience:
ATrusted Source2005
studyTrusted Source looked directly at string underwear and found that the
microenvironment of the vulvar skin didn’t
change at all due to the style of underwear. The underwear had no effect on the pH, skin
microclimate, or aerobic microflora.
A recent study looked at the association of
thongs with UTIs, BVs, and YVs and, again, found no evidence supporting the
assumption that thongs can cause these issues.
Instead, they concluded that sexual behavior and hygiene choices had caused these conditions.
Avoid douching. ATrusted Source2011 studyTrusted Source specifically associated douching with increased BV. Daily bathing slightly increased the chance of BV. BV was not associated with underwear material, pads, or tampons.
So don’t be afraid to wear a thong when the occasion calls for it.
6. Wash your underwear in hypoallergenic soap
All types of underwear should be handled more gently then the rest of your wardrobe, not just your special lacy, stringy thongs. This isn’t because they’re your “delicates.”
It’s mostly because they sit up against your more sensitive skin area for long periods of time. Kelly-Jones recommends using gentle, hypoallergenic soap to wash them because “anything soapy or chemical next to the vulva can lead to irritation, itching, allergic reactions.”
The cleanest way to wash your underwear
After washing, tumble dry on low-heat for 30 minutes.
Sick roommate or family? Don’t mix your underwear in the same load.
Don’t mix contaminated underwear with clean underwear or with pants if you have BV.
Wash underwear separately from clothes that have been contaminated with other bodily fluids.
Was this helpful?
Pro tip: Concerned about the washing machine? Do a hot water and bleach-cleanse (about 1/2 cup of bleach to a full wash-spin-drain setting) to sanitize the machine before putting your laundry in.
7. Consider replacing your underwear every year
Sounds a bit excessive, especially for something that gets washed so regularly. But according to the Good Housekeeping Institute, even clean underwear can contain up to 10,000 living bacteria.
This is because there’s bacteria in washing machine water — about one million bacteria in just 2 tablespoons of used water! Further, about 83 percent of “clean” underwear contains up to 10,000 bacteria.
Beyond bacteria, there’s a chance your underwear could contain feces. According to Dr. Gerba, who told ABC News in 2010, “There’s about a tenth of a gram of poop in the average pair of underwear.”
Throwing out your underwear every year isn’t the eco-friendliest option, and if you don’t have bacterial problems down there, you may not have to clean out your drawers annually.
But if you do experience BV or other symptoms frequently, experts say you may want to replace your underwear every year.
The best way to wash your underwear
Here are some washing recommendations:
After washing, tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes: One doctor told the
New York Times that tumble drying for 30 minutes or ironing after washing can
help minimize new bacteria that’s been picked up during the wash. “The heat from a low
dry cycle or an iron was sufficient to get the clothes free of the studied
bacteria,” she told the publication.
Sick roommate or family? Don’t mix your underwear in the
same load: With bacteria already swimming around in your washing machine, there’s
no need to risk more.
Don’t mix contaminated underwear with other pairs or pants
if you have BV: This is especially important for people who do laundry
less frequently. Do a separate wash to keep the bacteria levels lower and avoid
cross contamination.
Wash underwear separately from clothes with other bodily
fluids: In hospital settings, wash clothes that have been cross-contaminated
(with vomit, blood, urine, etc.) separately. Do the same with your underwear,
especially if you have family members who work in a hospital. If there are
other fluids, focus on getting the blood or vomit out of the clothes and
keeping them away from garments that you wear up against your private parts.
8. The style of underwear can affect your mood
Even though it goes unseen (for the most part), underwear can actually play a major part in how you feel.
In a U.S. nationwide poll from by ShopSmart, 25 percent of self-identified women revealed that their moods were affected by “unattractive” or ill-fitting underwear.
They also discovered that almost half the women polled (47 percent) felt sexier or more confident when wearing a special pair of underwear.
Don’t underestimate the power of your most intimate garment or think that just because nobody sees it, it doesn’t have to look awesome.
If you’re ever feeling a little down, turn to your sexiest pair of panties. Like a power pose, it could give a nice confidence boost.
Emily Rekstis is a New York City-based beauty and lifestyle writer who writes for many publications, including Greatist, Racked, and Self. If she’s not writing at her computer, you can probably find her watching a mob movie, eating a burger, or reading an NYC history book. See more of her work on her website or follow her on Twitter.
Last medically reviewed on August 24, 2018
How we reviewed this article
Sep 11, 2019
Written By
Emily Rekstis
Edited By
Tiffany Louie
Aug 24, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Gerhard Whitworth,
Should I Wear Tight Underwear?
Pros and cons
Underwear tips
Underwear is a largely personal choice. You may prefer briefs, boxers, or thongs.
Regardless of the type of underwear you wear, you may be wondering if it’s OK to wear a tight pair of undies.
Some research suggests that wearing tight underwear isn’t a good idea for your health (more on that later), but the answer isn’t totally black and white.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether tight underwear is bad and what people with penises and people with vulvas need to know about underwear and hygiene.
Pros and cons of tight underwear
The way tight underwear affects your body will depend on whether you have a penis or a vulva.
Underwear, especially briefs, bikinis, and thongs, should fit snugly, but it shouldn’t leave imprints in the skin.
People with penises
A 2018 study found lower sperm counts in people who wear tight underwear, though more research on the topic is needed.
The thought is that wearing tight underwear increases the temperature of the scrotum (much like going into a hot tub or placing a laptop on your lap), which affects the body’s production of sperm.
Researchers found a 25 percent higher sperm concentration in men who wore boxer briefs, though it should be noted that sperm count was still in the healthy range even among folks who wore briefs.
Boxers may be a better choice for people trying to have children in the foreseeable future, but there doesn’t appear to be any adverse effects from wearing clingy briefs for those who don’t have parental aspirations.
People with vulvas
A 2014 studyTrusted Source suggested wearing tight pants or underwear can cause yeast infections in people with vulvas.
This is because moisture and air can become trapped between the skin and the fabric, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. A bacteria-rich environment may cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection.
It should be noted, though, that one 2011 studyTrusted Source found no correlation between tight underwear and UTIs.
In addition, extremely tight undergarments (like shapewear, for example) can potentially cause your circulation to slow. Also, because shapewear is notoriously hard to remove, people may go to the bathroom less often.
Although this is generally safe, holding your pee in regularly could potentially cause kidney issues for all genders or prostate enlargement in those with penises.
Best practice tips for choosing underwear
Wearing tight underwear occasionally isn’t going to cause any major problems, so before you buy all-new underwear, consider the following:
When exercising, try to wear moisture-wicking underwear that will help prevent sweat from entering your genitals.
Underwear that’s too tight can cause uncomfortable chafing.
There’s no evidence that thongs cause yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosisTrusted Source, or UTIs, so if you prefer thongs, it’s fine to wear them daily.
Opt for natural fabric (like cotton or bamboo) instead of synthetic (like lace or polyester). Natural fibers will help absorb discharge and naturally air out the vulva or penis.
Underwear and hygiene tips
Here are some general underwear and hygiene tips that can help improve your genital health and reduce the likelihood of certain conditions, like UTIs and yeast infections.
Always opt for natural fabrics like cotton which naturally absorb moisture.
If you’re between sizes in underwear, go for a size up.
You’ve heard it before, but change your underwear (at least) once a day to prevent bacteria accumulation.
When working out, try to wear moisture-wicking underwear with a little stretch to it, which may help prevent bacteria buildup and chafing.
If you’re a person with a penis trying to conceive, boxers may be a better choice because they help keep the scrotum cool.
Avoid wearing lace, polyester, or super-tight shapewear for long periods of time.
It’s safe and may actually be advisable not to wear underwear at night (aka going commando while you sleep), which allows your vulva or penis to air out. You can wear very loose-fitting bottoms if you prefer not to be naked.
Launder your undergarments in hypoallergenic detergent.
When to see your doctor
In some cases, you may want to see your doctor for your genital health. Make an appointment with your doctor if you:
suspect you have a low sperm count
have a UTI that hasn’t resolved itself with 2 days
have recurrent yeast infections
think you have a sexually transmitted infection
are experiencing pain, burning, or relentless itching in the genitals
Takeaway
Wearing tight underwear can be uncomfortable, and in some cases it may have adverse effects on your health.
For people with penises, wearing tight underwear can push the scrotum against the body, causing the testes to rise in temperature. This has shown in some research to correlate with a lower sperm count. If you’re trying to conceive, it may be a good idea to switch to boxers.
For people with vulvas, wearing tight underwear can cause chafing, and if bacteria and moisture become trapped against the skin, it can potentially cause yeast infections or UTIs.
Whenever possible, opt for undergarments that are made of natural fabrics like bamboo or cotton. Avoid regularly wearing super tight shapewear or manmade materials like many laces or polyester. These fabrics can be irritating to the delicate skin around the vulva and penis.
Last medically reviewed on October 2, 2020
Like, did you know that there are certain fabrics that are healthier for you or certain times that going commando is better or that there’s sort of an expiration date for underwear?
These unspoken underwear rules can have an impact on your vaginal health — and, depending on the style, can even affect your mood!
So we did a lot of research, dug through several underwear hygiene studies, and talked to an OB-GYN to collect eight underwear rules to live by.
1. Overall, choose natural fabrics — specifically cotton
You may have heard this before, but with all the cute styles in a variety of fabrics out there, it’s worth saying again: cotton is the best underwear fabric.
“The vulva is a very sensitive and delicate area, similar to the lips on your face. You want to treat [it] gently,” explains Dr. Alyse Kelly-Jones, board-certified OB-GYN.
And the most simple, gentle fabric to touch your skin? Yep, cotton. It’s also breathable and absorbent, which can help prevent yeast infections.
“Since it is healthy to have a vaginal discharge — similar to the moisture you always have in your mouth — you want your underwear to gently absorb any extra moisture,” explains Kelly-Jones.
Synthetic materials like nylon and spandex don’t allow the area to breathe. Instead, they trap heat and moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for yeast infections.
2. Aim to change your underwear every day, even more than once if you want!
It seems like we typically wear one pair of underwear a day and then put it in the laundry to be washed. That may not always be necessary. On the other end of the spectrum, you shouldn’t feel restricted to just one pair per day.
Some doctors say that you can get away with wearing a pair of underwear two days in a row if there’s not much discharge or sweat. But if you start to feel uncomfortable because of vaginal discharge buildup, you can change them more than once a day, as Kelly-Jones reminds her patients all the time.
“Many of my patients are bothered by this moisture and wear pantie liners all of the time,” she says. “I think this is not the healthiest of behavior as liners can cause chafing and irritation. Cotton-lined underwear will solve this problem, and it’s OK to change more than once a day.”
After they’ve been worn, toss them in the hamper to wash. Unlike jeans, underwear shouldn’t be reworn just to save on doing a load.
3. Go commando at night to air out the moisture
There’s a lot of debate about whether or not going underwear-free to bed is better for you.
For those who have a healthy vagina, either choice is fine. For those who deal with regular yeast infections, going pantie-free to bed can make all the difference.
Going without a cloth barrier allows the area to breathe overnight and keeps moisture from building up or creating an environment for bacteria to build.
“I believe the vulva area should be exposed to the air, just like any other area of your body,” says Kelly-Jones.
If you really don’t like the feeling of being naked, Kelly-Jones recommends wearing loose-fitting pajama bottoms. Just remember, if you’re going without underwear but are wearing another type of bottom, they need to be washed frequently as well.
Basically, it doesn’t hurt to go without underwear overnight.
4. Well-fitting, moisture-wicking underwear is best for working out
Again, whether to go pantie-free or not when working out is a personal preference. If you’re wearing shorts that have moisture-wicking underwear built into it, you can forgo the underwear.
Wearing something between you and the fabric may be more comfortable and an even healthier way to catch the sweat. Typically, this would be a high-tech polyester that’s light and slick.
If you do choose to wear a pair, Kelly-Jones notes, “The most important thing is to make sure it fits well and doesn’t cause chafing.”
Once you find your ideal size, you can pick from the tons of great workout-specific underwear options like Lululemon’s Mula Bandhawear Bikini ($18) or Patagonia Women’s Active Briefs ($12).
5. Thongs really aren’t bad for your vaginal health
It’s always been assumed that thongs can’t be good for the health of your nether regions.
However, studies haven’t found evidence that thongs cause yeast vaginitis (YV), bacterial vaginosis (BV), or urinary tract infections (UTIs) — three of the main issues women experience:
ATrusted Source2005
studyTrusted Source looked directly at string underwear and found that the
microenvironment of the vulvar skin didn’t
change at all due to the style of underwear. The underwear had no effect on the pH, skin
microclimate, or aerobic microflora.
A recent study looked at the association of
thongs with UTIs, BVs, and YVs and, again, found no evidence supporting the
assumption that thongs can cause these issues.
Instead, they concluded that sexual behavior and hygiene choices had caused these conditions.
Avoid douching. ATrusted Source2011 studyTrusted Source specifically associated douching with increased BV. Daily bathing slightly increased the chance of BV. BV was not associated with underwear material, pads, or tampons.
So don’t be afraid to wear a thong when the occasion calls for it.
6. Wash your underwear in hypoallergenic soap
All types of underwear should be handled more gently then the rest of your wardrobe, not just your special lacy, stringy thongs. This isn’t because they’re your “delicates.”
It’s mostly because they sit up against your more sensitive skin area for long periods of time. Kelly-Jones recommends using gentle, hypoallergenic soap to wash them because “anything soapy or chemical next to the vulva can lead to irritation, itching, allergic reactions.”
The cleanest way to wash your underwear
After washing, tumble dry on low-heat for 30 minutes.
Sick roommate or family? Don’t mix your underwear in the same load.
Don’t mix contaminated underwear with clean underwear or with pants if you have BV.
Wash underwear separately from clothes that have been contaminated with other bodily fluids.
Was this helpful?
Pro tip: Concerned about the washing machine? Do a hot water and bleach-cleanse (about 1/2 cup of bleach to a full wash-spin-drain setting) to sanitize the machine before putting your laundry in.
7. Consider replacing your underwear every year
Sounds a bit excessive, especially for something that gets washed so regularly. But according to the Good Housekeeping Institute, even clean underwear can contain up to 10,000 living bacteria.
This is because there’s bacteria in washing machine water — about one million bacteria in just 2 tablespoons of used water! Further, about 83 percent of “clean” underwear contains up to 10,000 bacteria.
Beyond bacteria, there’s a chance your underwear could contain feces. According to Dr. Gerba, who told ABC News in 2010, “There’s about a tenth of a gram of poop in the average pair of underwear.”
Throwing out your underwear every year isn’t the eco-friendliest option, and if you don’t have bacterial problems down there, you may not have to clean out your drawers annually.
But if you do experience BV or other symptoms frequently, experts say you may want to replace your underwear every year.
The best way to wash your underwear
Here are some washing recommendations:
After washing, tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes: One doctor told the
New York Times that tumble drying for 30 minutes or ironing after washing can
help minimize new bacteria that’s been picked up during the wash. “The heat from a low
dry cycle or an iron was sufficient to get the clothes free of the studied
bacteria,” she told the publication.
Sick roommate or family? Don’t mix your underwear in the
same load: With bacteria already swimming around in your washing machine, there’s
no need to risk more.
Don’t mix contaminated underwear with other pairs or pants
if you have BV: This is especially important for people who do laundry
less frequently. Do a separate wash to keep the bacteria levels lower and avoid
cross contamination.
Wash underwear separately from clothes with other bodily
fluids: In hospital settings, wash clothes that have been cross-contaminated
(with vomit, blood, urine, etc.) separately. Do the same with your underwear,
especially if you have family members who work in a hospital. If there are
other fluids, focus on getting the blood or vomit out of the clothes and
keeping them away from garments that you wear up against your private parts.
8. The style of underwear can affect your mood
Even though it goes unseen (for the most part), underwear can actually play a major part in how you feel.
In a U.S. nationwide poll from by ShopSmart, 25 percent of self-identified women revealed that their moods were affected by “unattractive” or ill-fitting underwear.
They also discovered that almost half the women polled (47 percent) felt sexier or more confident when wearing a special pair of underwear.
Don’t underestimate the power of your most intimate garment or think that just because nobody sees it, it doesn’t have to look awesome.
If you’re ever feeling a little down, turn to your sexiest pair of panties. Like a power pose, it could give a nice confidence boost.
Emily Rekstis is a New York City-based beauty and lifestyle writer who writes for many publications, including Greatist, Racked, and Self. If she’s not writing at her computer, you can probably find her watching a mob movie, eating a burger, or reading an NYC history book. See more of her work on her website or follow her on Twitter.
Last medically reviewed on August 24, 2018
How we reviewed this article
Sep 11, 2019
Written By
Emily Rekstis
Edited By
Tiffany Louie
Aug 24, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Gerhard Whitworth,
Should I Wear Tight Underwear?
Pros and cons
Underwear tips
Underwear is a largely personal choice. You may prefer briefs, boxers, or thongs.
Regardless of the type of underwear you wear, you may be wondering if it’s OK to wear a tight pair of undies.
Some research suggests that wearing tight underwear isn’t a good idea for your health (more on that later), but the answer isn’t totally black and white.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether tight underwear is bad and what people with penises and people with vulvas need to know about underwear and hygiene.
Pros and cons of tight underwear
The way tight underwear affects your body will depend on whether you have a penis or a vulva.
Underwear, especially briefs, bikinis, and thongs, should fit snugly, but it shouldn’t leave imprints in the skin.
People with penises
A 2018 study found lower sperm counts in people who wear tight underwear, though more research on the topic is needed.
The thought is that wearing tight underwear increases the temperature of the scrotum (much like going into a hot tub or placing a laptop on your lap), which affects the body’s production of sperm.
Researchers found a 25 percent higher sperm concentration in men who wore boxer briefs, though it should be noted that sperm count was still in the healthy range even among folks who wore briefs.
Boxers may be a better choice for people trying to have children in the foreseeable future, but there doesn’t appear to be any adverse effects from wearing clingy briefs for those who don’t have parental aspirations.
People with vulvas
A 2014 studyTrusted Source suggested wearing tight pants or underwear can cause yeast infections in people with vulvas.
This is because moisture and air can become trapped between the skin and the fabric, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. A bacteria-rich environment may cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection.
It should be noted, though, that one 2011 studyTrusted Source found no correlation between tight underwear and UTIs.
In addition, extremely tight undergarments (like shapewear, for example) can potentially cause your circulation to slow. Also, because shapewear is notoriously hard to remove, people may go to the bathroom less often.
Although this is generally safe, holding your pee in regularly could potentially cause kidney issues for all genders or prostate enlargement in those with penises.
Best practice tips for choosing underwear
Wearing tight underwear occasionally isn’t going to cause any major problems, so before you buy all-new underwear, consider the following:
When exercising, try to wear moisture-wicking underwear that will help prevent sweat from entering your genitals.
Underwear that’s too tight can cause uncomfortable chafing.
There’s no evidence that thongs cause yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosisTrusted Source, or UTIs, so if you prefer thongs, it’s fine to wear them daily.
Opt for natural fabric (like cotton or bamboo) instead of synthetic (like lace or polyester). Natural fibers will help absorb discharge and naturally air out the vulva or penis.
Underwear and hygiene tips
Here are some general underwear and hygiene tips that can help improve your genital health and reduce the likelihood of certain conditions, like UTIs and yeast infections.
Always opt for natural fabrics like cotton which naturally absorb moisture.
If you’re between sizes in underwear, go for a size up.
You’ve heard it before, but change your underwear (at least) once a day to prevent bacteria accumulation.
When working out, try to wear moisture-wicking underwear with a little stretch to it, which may help prevent bacteria buildup and chafing.
If you’re a person with a penis trying to conceive, boxers may be a better choice because they help keep the scrotum cool.
Avoid wearing lace, polyester, or super-tight shapewear for long periods of time.
It’s safe and may actually be advisable not to wear underwear at night (aka going commando while you sleep), which allows your vulva or penis to air out. You can wear very loose-fitting bottoms if you prefer not to be naked.
Launder your undergarments in hypoallergenic detergent.
When to see your doctor
In some cases, you may want to see your doctor for your genital health. Make an appointment with your doctor if you:
suspect you have a low sperm count
have a UTI that hasn’t resolved itself with 2 days
have recurrent yeast infections
think you have a sexually transmitted infection
are experiencing pain, burning, or relentless itching in the genitals
Takeaway
Wearing tight underwear can be uncomfortable, and in some cases it may have adverse effects on your health.
For people with penises, wearing tight underwear can push the scrotum against the body, causing the testes to rise in temperature. This has shown in some research to correlate with a lower sperm count. If you’re trying to conceive, it may be a good idea to switch to boxers.
For people with vulvas, wearing tight underwear can cause chafing, and if bacteria and moisture become trapped against the skin, it can potentially cause yeast infections or UTIs.
Whenever possible, opt for undergarments that are made of natural fabrics like bamboo or cotton. Avoid regularly wearing super tight shapewear or manmade materials like many laces or polyester. These fabrics can be irritating to the delicate skin around the vulva and penis.
Last medically reviewed on October 2, 2020
26-30, F