Undergarments And Your Gynecological Health: What You Need To Know
Although they remain hidden, your undergarments are very important. They don't just make your clothing look better, but they also play a part in your gynecological health. Wearing the wrong types of undergarments can increase your risk of a vaginal infection as well as a number of other conditions. Make certain you are protecting your body by choosing your undergarments carefully.
Thongs
Thongs can also serve as a favorable spot for microbes, bacterium microorganisms that cause diseases. Thongs hit directly over your perineum, the area of skin between the anus and the vagina. Any bacteria that adheres to this part of the fabric has a direct path right into your vagina.
As you move this fabric shifts, introducing more bacteria. As the bacteria is introduced this alters the balance in your vagina, leading to an infection. While you don't have to toss your thongs out, wear thongs made in a breathable fabric, such as cotton. Breathable fabrics are naturally drier, decreasing the ability for bacteria to grow.
Girdles and Corsets
In an effort to look thinner, some people choose to wear girdles or corsets. While they do offer a shape enhancement, if you are wearing a girdle for an extended period of time, they can also be dangerous. The restrictive nature of girdles and corsets can cause them to bruise your internal organs and cause a number of other health concerns.
Particularly when you're wearing a panty girdle for a long time, you could be putting the health of your reproductive organs at risk. Additionally, if the girdle is causing you to perspire, the increase in moisture could also be putting you at risk for an infection.
What To Do If You Have An Infection
Unusual discharge, itching and a foul smell are just a handful of the indications that you may have a vaginal infection. Although there are a number of over-the-counter options available for at-home treatment, this generally should not be your first step. This is especially true if you have never had an infection before. It's best to visit your provider to be diagnosed. This way you can ensure you are getting the right form of treatment to clear up the issue.
If you aren't sure whether or not you are wearing the appropriate undergarments, ask places such as Triad OB-GYN PC for help. While it might seem like an unusual subject, your undergarments have the potential to affect your gynecological health, so make sure you're asking questions.