If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you’ve suffered from a vaginal yeast infection and someone’s asked the half helpful, half victim-blamey question: ‘Do you wear g-strings?’
For those of us who are fond of more racy cuts of underwear, it’s the kind of thing you hope is just wellness nonsense, or even a roundabout way of slut shaming (in the vein of ‘sexy panties will give you diseases’). Could g-strings and thongs really cause all that strife? And if so, why are they still so popular?
For more perspectives on wellness, head on over to our Health section.
Luckily for you, we’re here to separate fact from fiction and we’ve enlisted the help of gynaecologist, fertility specialist and women’s health advocate Dr Tzippora Ben-Harim to do so.
What is a yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection, or ‘thrush’ as it’s commonly known, is essentially an overgrowth of yeast inside the vagina or on the vulva. Usually, the yeast in question is candida albicans.
The vagina is an extremely delicate ecosystem made up of bacteria and fungus, and when the balance gets out of whack, one element can grow more powerful than the others. This is also what causes bacterial vaginosis, or BV, which can have similar symptoms to thrush.
Yeast infection symptoms include discomfort (pain, itching or burning), redness, swelling and an unusually thick or lumpy discharge.
They’re surprisingly common – roughly 75 per cent of women will get one at least once. And despite being annoying, they’re also usually fairly easy to treat and avoid, if you take the right steps.
What causes a yeast infection?
Sadly, vaginal yeast infections are just part of the plight of womanhood. Sometimes, they can just happen.
However, there are factors that can contribute. Taking antibiotics is a big one as they can kill off some of the good bacteria in the vagina. Other factors include increased humidity, lack of sleep, eating too much sugar, too much stress and yes, wearing g-strings and thongs.
“Their design allows bacteria and moisture to transfer more easily from the anal area to the vagina, potentially disrupting the natural balance of bacteria and yeast,” says Dr Ben-Harim. “Additionally, the tight fit can create a warm, moist environment where yeast thrives. What’s more, if you do have an infection, thongs and g-strings will only make symptoms worse by causing extra friction.”
It’s important to note while yeast infections aren’t considered STIs, it is possible to transmit them between sexual partners, so refrain from having unprotected sex while you’ve got one (let’s be real, you probably won’t want to anyway). Men can also get them, although it’s much less likely.
If you think you’ve got one and it’s your first time, it’s best to check in with a doctor for confirmation. Then, after a slightly awkward chat with the pharmacist, you can treat it with an over-the-counter anti-fungal oral pill or cream.
How to prevent yeast infections
Once you’ve had one, you’ll probably want to avoid ever having to go through one again. Here’s how to do that.
“Loose-fitting underwear such as briefs or boy shorts allow better airflow and absorb moisture. They also prevent excessive friction and sweating. Seamless or non-restrictive styles reduce irritation and bacteria transfer,” Dr Ben-Harim says.
In terms of fabrics, she recommends avoiding non-breathable synthetic materials like nylon, polyester or lace and opting for cotton, which is gentle on skin, or bamboo or silk, which are naturally antibacterial. A woman of exquisite taste, she also adds she prefers something ethically sourced and locally made, though this won’t impact how healthy they are for you.
She also suggests sleeping naked, changing your underwear at least once a day and immediately after working out, avoiding tight clothing like leggings and skinny jeans for long periods and even going commando if you’re keen.
“Practice good hygiene (wipe front to back, change out of wet clothes quickly). Use unscented soaps and avoid douches, which can disrupt vaginal pH. Take probiotics to support healthy vaginal flora – there are even some vaginal probiotics being developed. Increase the dose if taking a course of antibiotics. Limit sugar intake, as yeast thrives on sugar.”
So does this mean thongs and g-strings are out for good? Not necessarily. But if you’re a stickler for the best health practices, it might be best to leave them for special occasions only.
For more on vaginal yeast infection, head here.
This article Can wearing g-strings cause yeast infections? I asked a gynaecologist appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-03-12 11:15:00
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