The Vagina is a nether region that sometimes doesn’t get enough exposure! Surprised? Let me explain.
Not wearing underwear is actually pretty great for your vagina (and also the rest of your vulva), especially if you’re a bit ~sensitive~.
Undies can be irritating! You can avoid some irritation reactions by looking for undies with breathable fabric or at least a cotton lining.
“I think that going commando has a definite place for women who are really suffering from infections, irritation, rashes, or sensitive skin,” says Alyssa Dweck, M.D., a New York-based gynecologist.
Be sure to have a barrier between yourself and what you may choose to put your bum on!
“As far as STDs and all, I don’t think you’re going to get anything along those lines if you still have a barrier of clothing between you and whatever surface may be harboring infection,” Dweck says.
Be careful WHEN you choose to go commando!
“A lot of women will notice—and rightfully so—that their vaginal secretions change throughout their cycle,” said Dweck. “So, some women can go commando for the first two weeks of their cycle but then once they ovulate the secretions are a little bit heavier and they’d rather wear something for protection.”
This can be even trickier if you don’t know when your period is coming. “If you have irregular periods or you’re not exactly sure when you’re going to get your period, you do run the risk of staining.”
It’s a good idea to wear undies if you really love skinny jeans and when you work out!
Super tight pants can chafe. No one wants a chafed vulva. “Spandex doesn’t allow for any breathing, and certain athletic wear will have a seam right in the crotch area that could be irritating if you’re not wearing something in between,” says Dweck.
If you’re not comfortable going commando in public, maybe try it out at bedtime.
“For patients that are having a really rough time with constant irritation, yeast infections, et cetera, I often will advise them to at least consider going commando at night when they’re sleeping so that the vagina and the vulva have time to really air out and be open to circulation,” Dweck says.
Thongs can be a friend and foe!
“As far as thongs, I think they get kind of a bad reputation. Most people who wear them are perfectly happy with them, and if they’re cotton, even better. But if you have a G-string thong and it’s particularly tight, it can potentially drag bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina, and that can cause potential for infection.”
Ultimately, it’s up to you!
“This is all so individual. You can have some people who could literally wear metal underwear and they’re not going to have any problem whatsoever, and others who are wearing the most delicate cotton and they’re still going to feel chafed or irritated,” said Dweck. “My usual rule of thumb is if you’re not having a problem, then you probably don’t need to change anything.”
Check out the Naughty and Nice Lingerie panty collection at https://naughtyandnicelingerie.com/product-category/bras-and-panties/panties/
So, do you go commando?
Until next time,
xoxo,
Brenda