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Your old, worn out underwear can spell trouble for your vaginal health! Find out how

It may be time to ditch your old and overused panties! A doctor shares underwear hygiene tips to keep you safe from vaginal infections.
Tips for underwear hygiene
Know these underwear hygiene tips. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Updated: 26 Jul 2022, 00:11 am IST
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Not everything is meant to last forever, neither the people in your life nor things you love. And that also includes your underwear, which should be discarded after use and reuse within a certain period of time. As we go through different phases of life, we constantly notice change in size and weight. In this scenario, pay heed to the need for well-fitting, fresh panties for the sake of your vaginal health. You should know how often should you replace your undies. After all, underwear hygiene matters!

Dr Anjali Kumar, Founder and Head of the Department of Gynecology, Maitri Women’s Health, says, “Tight, old, and abrasive underwear can cause yeast infections. These cause your vagina to become warm and moist. In the vaginal area, the heat and humidity create the perfect conditions for germs to grow. So, it is very important that you keep these factors in mind if you want to maintain good vaginal health.”

Don't ignore your vaginal health
Don’t ignore your vaginal health! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Tips for good underwear hygiene

1, Avoid wearing panties made up of shabby or worn out cloth

Remember that it’s crucial to thoroughly clean your underwear if you want to prevent them from wearing out. You don’t need to use an additional germ-killing product to clean your underwear because many washing machines contain a germ-killing ingredients. You can use these with regular hot water.

You should hand-wash your underwear if it is made of a delicate material. To achieve total cleansing and to prevent germs in such a case, it would be wise to use an antibacterial wash. Dry your washed panties in the sun as it helps in destroying bacteria.

2. Choose your underwear carefully

* Avoid tight underwear
Underwear that is too tight, unclean, or old might irritate the vagina especially when you’re experiencing menopause. The thin walls of the vagina can cause irritation in your intimate area. If you’re someone who loves thongs, you should know that it can move around the butt line. There are chances that E.coli bacteria (type of bacteria that normally lives in your intestines) can spread. If you already have a history of vaginal problems or any such infection, your worn-out underwear will only make it worse.

Are thongs okay for your vaginal health
Are thongs okay for your vaginal health? Image courtesy: Shutterstock

* Do not use your panty for more than six months
Your underwear should be used for six months. You should be aware that bacterial and yeast infections can be caused by both old and moist underwear. Even after washing and drying, worn-out underwear can lead to yeast infections.

* Use underwear made up of a good fabric
It is important to know what cloth your panties are made up of. When you go to buy underwear, look for some natural components and dyes that are used to make it. The expert suggests wearing cotton or cotton pad-based underwear. They are permeable and prevent moisture from building up quickly. Conversely, synthetic materials such as nylon and spandex have a tendency to hold moisture. As they get old, they get worse. The material used to make fancy-laced underwear can be unpleasant. This can cause both discomfort and pain.

Last but not least, let us remind you that your intimate hygiene is extremely important. Take due care of your underwear hygiene and enjoy good health.

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