An knowledgeable provides us the lowdown.
Everyone has their preferences on the subject of choosing the proper pair of knickers for your nether areas. If you took a rummage by my drawer, you’d see some tattered hipster-style ‘period’ underweara couple of boy quick briefs, many cheeky cuts which have nearly misplaced their elastication from a lot put on, and at last, my silky, lace g-strings.
I can not bear in mind when I made the change from the standard bikini temporary to workforce g-banger, however I’ve most popular them for so long as I can bear in mind. As lengthy as they aren’t too tight, I really feel much more comfy and assured in them than a pair of full-coverage underwear that minimize into my hips and thighs in all of the fallacious locations.
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I thought this was the norm, or I suppose I hadn’t given a lot thought to what underwear my friends had been carrying, till final weekend. A girlfriend and I had been getting modified on the sauna and she or he commented on how I’m all the time in a thong. “I only ever wear them if I’m in tight pants, plus I read somewhere they aren’t very good for your vagina,” she defined.
On my stroll house, I naturally googled a number of variations of if or why g-strings had been bad for your vagina. But, since I’m actively making an attempt to not type opinions primarily based on no matter comes up on the primary web page of engines like google, I determined to seek the advice of an knowledgeable in girls’s health, specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Rebecca Mackenzie Proctor.
Are g-strings really bad for your health?
To my instant reduction, Dr Rebecca assures me regardless of the sensational articles I’d stumbled throughout that had all however crucified my go-to model of underwear, in actuality, there’s “limited evidence that wearing a g-string has negative health implications”.
“There is no indication that a particular style of underwear affects vaginal or vulval health. The material your underwear is made from, as well as the fit, should be paid more attention to,” she says.
“On top of this, given underwear is against your precious lady gems all day, it is important to consider things like the washing detergent you use, changing your underwear at least daily (and sometimes more than once a day if you are perspiring) and choosing mild soaps or soap substitutes near the vulval area as these can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria. This is what can result in overgrowth of the normal vaginal flora resulting in bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections and even UTIs.”
What about these articles that say g-strings are ‘bacteria highways’ from your anus to your vagina?
“Again, this is a bit of a myth. Although there is a possibility of this occurring if the g-string is made from non-natural material or if it is too tight fitting,” she explains. Dr Rebecca insists it’s much more probably that “poor body hygiene, increased heat and moisture alongside using g-strings made from synthetic material” could possibly be the rationale for this. From a gynaecologist’s standpoint, “there is no indication to say the g-string is a no-go”.
So if the model is much less essential, which supplies ought to we be selecting?
Much to my dismay, it seems as if my silky numbers could must take a backseat, as they are much less efficient at absorbing moisture ‘down there’. The finest materials in line with Dr Rebecca “is natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo, as these not only allow for good air-flow but also absorb moisture. Some people find that different colours can impact their vaginal health too, as they react to the dyes in the fabric.”
Does the match of your underwear matter?
“A good fit of your underwear is just as important,” says Dr Rebecca. “Too tight underwear can result in irritation and chafing of the skin. The restriction can result in a build-up of moisture that can harbour the growth of yeast and some bacteria. Too tight can also cause irritation and increased pressure on the hair follicles can lead to ingrown hairs.”
What about going commando?
Just asking Dr Rebecca this query gave me pleasure, so you possibly can think about my glee when she confirmed going commando is effectively and actually nonetheless on the playing cards, however is finest saved for bedtime.
“The main aim of underwear is to protect the vulva and vagina but also protect your clothing from the (very normal) presence of physiological vaginal discharge. Commando is something I would recommend at nighttime especially as it gives a chance for the vagina to ‘breathe’ as well as preventing moisture buildup. If commando is not your thing then wearing loose nightwear, briefs, pyjamas etc without underwear would be my recommendation.”
So there you have got it – g-strings are completely secure to put on, so long as you retain up good hygiene and select the best cloth and measurement.
This story was initially revealed on April 4, 2022.
For extra on vaginal and vulval health, head right here.