Hygiene:
Your vagina is naturally self-cleaning because of healthy vaginal secretions. But keeping your vagina healthy requires good hygiene practice and a good diet. A healthy vagina is full of bacteria — some good and some bad. Good bacteria help keep the vagina a touch acidic, which keeps bad bacteria from growing too fast. Sometimes, however, the bad bacteria can take over and cause issues. Enter, the thong.
Thongs create a bacteria trap:
Most thongs are made from synthetic fabrics like nylon and lycra that don’t “breathe” and can trap moisture. The genital area stays warm and moist creating the perfect environment for yeast to grow. If you are prone to yeast infections, then this could be a real problem. Add to that the fact that wearing thongs can also encourage bacteria to spread from your butt to your vagina, and you have a bacteria trap. What you could end up with is bacterial vaginosis.
Are thongs really a necessary staple in your wardrobe? It’s true that thongs have a magical way of making you feel fabulously sexy, regardless of what you choose to wear on top of them. But while most women wear thongs to prevent panty lines, those same thongs are typically made of a less breathable fabric which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Here’s why it’s time you may want to ditch your thongs and replace them with something better.
Bacterial vaginosis is the result of bacteria like E.coli, which normally inhabit the rectum and spread to the vagina. If your thong moves, it can carry bacteria forward to the vagina and urinary tract. Guess what? These infections can sometimes be contagious. While bacterial vaginosis can affect all ages, it most often occurs during reproductive years.
Preferred underwear for women:
The difference between good and bad underwear is feeling cool and dry or hot and sweaty, with the latter potentially causing great discomfort. Wearing underwear made from synthetic fabrics — like nylon and lycra — that can’t breathe and keep the genital area moist and warm, is one of the factors linked to vaginal yeast infections. So what are your options? Well, thongs aren’t on the list since many women report an increase in urinary tract or yeast infections when wearing them. And of course, wearing undies like thongs that tend to rub against sensitive areas leaves some women prone to vulvar irritation and vaginitis. Cotton is a good choice when it comes to everyday wear. It’s absorbent and best promotes breathability. If you insist on never giving up your thongs, then at least opt for ones that are vagina-friendly, meaning, the thong and gusset (if not the entire garment) are 100 percent cotton.
Organic cotton:
If you have overly sensitive skin or you’ve been dealing with frequent infections or irritation, choosing organic cotton underwear may be beneficial. The difference between organic and non-organic cotton is basically no pesticides in the organic material.
If your thong moves, it can carry bacteria forward to the vagina and urinary tract. Guess what? These infections can sometimes be contagious. While bacterial vaginosis can affect all ages, it most often occurs during reproductive years.
Working out?
Many doctors advise women to wear breathable underwear that gently absorbs any extra moisture. And for the most part, cotton will suffice. However, when you’re working up a sweat at the gym, opt instead for moisture-wicking panties. Additionally, if you’re prone to yeast infections then this material may be your best bet. Moisture-wicking panties are underwear made from fabric that draws sweat and bodily fluids away from the nether regions, rather than just absorbing it. In fact, this type of fabric eliminates moisture quickly, allowing it to stay dry even when you’re working up a real sweat during your spin class. Also, apart from helping you stay comfortable, it can keep your underwear from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
And of course, if wearing underwear isn’t your thing, then you can always go commando. In the end, it’s really about being able to breathe down there — for both men and women.
