Even if you’ve gotten away with this in the past, it doesn’t mean you’ll be OK in the future. This underwear mistake can trip you up, leaving you uncomfortable, itchy and possibly even smelly. If you continue to unintentionally self-sabotage, you could be setting yourself up for some serious future discomfort.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to completely switch up your underwear habits. But doctors say that you’ll keep falling into the same health hazard trap if you repeatedly keep doing this.
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Cotton is a breathable, moisture-wicking natural fiber that allows for air circulation and helps keep the vulvovaginal area dry, explains Dr. Dillon Knight, MD, ob-gyn at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital. “Synthetic fabrics—nylon, polyester, spandex—trap heat and moisture against the skin, creating a warm, humid microenvironment that favors the growth of Candida species (yeast) and potentially pathogenic bacteria,” she says.
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What Can Happen if You Make This Mistake?
Not only that, “odor-causing bacteria can get trapped,” leading to a bad smell, points out Dr. Jennifer Wider, MD, an ob-gyn and host of the "Open Wider" podcast.
Doctors generally recommend steering away from synthetic fabrics for underwear. However, you may be able to get away with underwear that just has a cotton-lined crotch, Dr. Greves explains. “You could try it and see what seems to work best with you,” she says. “Keep in mind that whatever you’re choosing, you want to make sure that it does not irritate and allows for moisture absorption and breathing to help limit irritation, friction and infections.”
Other Ways To Lower Your Risk of Utis and Yeast Infections
There are a few other ways to lower your risk of UTIs and yeast infections, according to Dr. Knight:
Drink more water. This can dramatically lower your risk of UTIs, she says. “This is particularly relevant in summer when dehydration from heat and sweating concentrates urine and reduces voiding frequency,” she adds.Don’t spend a lot of time in wet clothes. “Change out of wet bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes promptly,” Dr. Knight says. Otherwise, drawn-out moisture exposure can encourage the growth of fungus and bacteria down there.Pee regularly.Don’t try to hold it in, and pee soon after sex, if you can, Dr. Knight recommends. Don’t douche. This can disrupt your vaginal flora, raising the risk of infection, she says. Try to avoid irritants. “Excessive washing, bubble baths and perfumed soaps can damage the protective vaginal flora and should be avoided,” Dr. Knight warns.Up Next:
Sources:
Dr. Jennifer Wider, MD, an ob-gyn and host of the Open Wider podcastDr. Melanie Santos, MD, urogynecologist and medical director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Health at Providence Little Company of Mary in Torrance, CADr. Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, FloridaDr. Dillon Knight, MD, ob-gyn at Northwell’s Lenox Hill HospitalHence then, the article about this underwear mistake is super common doctors warn and it s a health hazard was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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