What will happen to your body if you don't wear underwear: interesting facts and caveats

Underwear has three main functions: hygienic, protective and thermoregulatory. Doctors say that you can limit the use of underwear during nighttime sleep, but you shouldn't completely give up underwear.

There are also positive aspects: some experts note that periodic refusal of underwear can reduce the risk of developing urinary tract infections or candidiasis. What happens to the body if you don't wear underwear, The List explains.

Underwear and fungal infections

It turns out that if you partially limit the use of underwear, you can reduce the chances of developing urinary tract infections or yeast infections. Dr. Lisa Masterson noted that from a medical point of view, intimate areas should "be able to breathe." Itching, odor, and discharge can be the main signs of intimate infections.

According to Dr. Nini Mai, underwear "can trap excess moisture and germs. This creates a humid environment that is most favorable for the development of the fungus Candida.

Dr. Nancy L. Herta, an obstetrician-gynecologist by training, noted that not wearing underwear while sleepng can be especially helpful for women who are prone to vaginal infections and wear synthetic underwear during the day.

Synthetic fabrics and skin irritation

By the way, synthetic fabrics can lead to redness, skin irritation, or even chafing, so you should avoid wearing too-tight underwear. Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Christine Carlan Greves added that you can sometimes refuse to wear underwear, for example, at home if you wear loose pajamas or other comfortable clothes. However, wearing tight jeans without underwear is not a good idea. The tight fabric can lead to even more rubbing, and in fact, your intimate organs will not have an additional protective barrier.

"The trend towards shaving or waxing or laser hair removal has made delicate skin even more vulnerable to irritation from tight clothing," said obstetrician-gynecologist Maria Sophocles.

There is a rather delicate moment in giving up underwear. Going to the gym or for a morning jog without underwear may be quite safe, but it will cause an unpleasant odor, emphasized obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck. If you stop wearing underwear every day while exercising, you may increase the risk of micro cuts caused by skin irritation.

Sometimes certain types of fabrics can cause a localized rash known as contact dermatitis. This is often a skin reaction to certain fabrics, dyes, or chemicals in the laundry. Allergist Dr. Tim Mainardi advises choosing natural fabrics. The detergent you use for laundry can also cause an allergic reaction.

Women's daily discharge is normal and consists of bacteria, skin cells, mucus, and fluid. Obstetrician-gynecologist Jennifer Paul said that women can actually experience a decrease in the amount of discharge if they do not wear underwear. However, doctors emphasize that the absence of a protective layer of fabric makes your intimate areas more susceptible to bacterial penetration.

The dangers of too-tight underwear

It is especially important at home, for example, during sleep, to refuse underwear for women who prefer narrow corrective models.

"Underwear that's too tight keeps your muscles tense all the time, so you can get pinched nerves and poor circulation," said women's health specialist Donnica Moore.

Tingling can be the first symptom of poor circulation. There's even a condition called meralgia paresthetica which is caused by too much pressure on the nerves and causes tingling and numbness. Tight underwear can put pressure on the stomach and, as a result, push acid into the esophagus, causing indigestion.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you how to properly wash clothes in a machine and by hand.

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