Is it necessary to wear tight undergarments?
Most people have their own preferences when it comes to their underwear. Briefs, boxers, or thongs are all options if you want to be comfortable.
However, regardless of the sort of underwear you wear, you may be questioning whether or not it is OK to put on a pair of panties that are too tight.
Some studies shows that wearing tight underwear is bad for your health (more on that later), but the answer isn’t as black and white as you may expect it to be.
Persons with penises and people with vulvas should be aware of the dangers of wearing tight underwear, as well as the importance of personal cleanliness in this situation.
tight underwear has its advantages and disadvantages.
Tight underwear will have a different effect on your body depending on whether or not you have a penis.
When wearing underwear, particularly briefs, bikinis, and thongs, it is important that it fits tightly without leaving impressions on the skin.
Penises are found in those who have them.
People who wear tight underwear had decreased sperm counts, according to a 2018 study, however further research is required on the matter.
Supposedly, wearing tight underwear raises the temperature of the scrotum (in a similar way to getting into a hot tub or sitting with a laptop on your lap), which has an effect on the body’s ability to produce sperm.
When it came to guys who wore boxer briefs, the researchers discovered that they had a 25 percent greater sperm concentration. However, it should be emphasized that the sperm count was still within the normal range even among those who wore boxer briefs.
Boxers may be a preferable option for those who are planning to have children in the near future, but there do not seem to be any negative consequences to wearing clinging briefs if you are not planning to have children in the near future.
Affected individuals are those suffering from vulvas.
An investigation from 2014
Vulva patients may get yeast infections if their trousers or underwear are too tight, according to a reliable source.
Moisture and air may get trapped between the skin and its covering, providing an environment conducive to the growth of microorganisms. UTIs (urinary tract infections) and yeast infections may be caused by bacteria-rich environments.
One research conducted in 2011 by Trusted Source, however, revealed no link between wearing tight underwear and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Also of note is that wearing undergarments that are too tight (such as shapewear) might cause your circulation to slow down. People may also go to the restroom less often if they are wearing shapewear, which is notoriously difficult to remove.
Even though it is typically considered harmless, keeping your pee in on a daily basis may create kidney problems in both genders or prostate enlargement in males who have penises, according to the American Urological Association.
Tips for selecting the best underwear for your body type
It is not necessary to purchase new underwear every time you wear tight underwear. Instead, examine the following factors before purchasing new underwear:
When exercising, try to wear underwear that is moisture-wicking to assist prevent perspiration from getting into your genitals.
It is possible to experience unpleasant chafing if you wear your underwear too tightly.
There is no proof that thongs promote yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections (UTIs), thus if you enjoy thongs, you may wear them on a regular basis if you so want Trusted Source
Instead of synthetic fabrics, use natural fabrics (such as cotton or bamboo) (like lace or polyester). Vulva or penis discharge will be absorbed by natural fibers, which will allow for natural ventilation.
Tips on how to properly care for your underwear
In this section, you will find some general underwear and hygiene guidelines that may help you improve your genital health and lower the chance of certain problems such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and yeast infection.
Always use natural textiles such as cotton, which are inherently breathable and absorbent.
A size bigger should be chosen if you are between sizes in underwear.
Changing your underwear (at the very least) once a day can help to avoid bacteria buildup. You’ve probably heard this before.
Whenever you exercise, try to wear underwear that is moisture-wicking and has a little elasticity to it. This may help avoid bacteria accumulation and chafing while you are working out.
Alternatively, boxers may be a better alternative for those who have a penis and are attempting to conceive since they keep the scrotum cold.
Do not expose your skin to lengthy periods of time in lace, polyester, or shapewear that is very tight.
Going without underwear at night (sometimes known as “going commando while you sleep”) is completely safe and may even be beneficial since it enables your vulva and penis to breathe. To avoid being completely nude, you may wear extremely loose-fitting bottoms.
Substitute hypoallergenic detergent for your underwear.
In what circumstances should you consult your physician
Depending on your genital health, you may need to see your physician. Contact your doctor if any of the following apply:
if you have a low sperm count, you should consult with your doctor
I have a UTI that hasn’t gone away after two days and I have recurring yeast infections.
In the vaginal area, you are suffering discomfort, burning, or constant itching because you believe you have a sexually transmitted virus.
Takeaway
In addition to being unpleasant, wearing tight underwear might have negative health consequences in certain situations.
Wearing tight underwear may cause the scrotum to press against the body, increasing the warmth of the testicles in persons who have penises. Several studies have shown a link between this and a reduced sperm count in certain cases. You might consider switching from your underwear to boxers if you’re having trouble conceiving.
It is possible for persons with vulvas to get yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) when they wear tight underwear because germs and moisture become trapped against the skin.
Select underwear that are made of natural fibers, such as bamboo or cotton, when at all feasible. Avoid wearing super-tight shapewear or synthetic fabrics such as numerous laces or polyester on a regular basis, if possible. Skin surrounding the vulva and penis, which is particularly sensitive, might be irritated by these materials.
How Sperm Health Is Affected by Underwear
According to a recent study from Harvard University researchers, the underwear you choose might have an impact on far more than simply your comfort level.
They discovered that males who reported wearing looser kinds of underwear, such as boxers, had greater sperm concentrations and total sperm counts, as well as healthier sperm, than those who reported wearing briefs.
In the words of Dr. Tomer Singer, assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and fertility at Hofstra School of Medicine and director of reproductive endocrinology and fertility at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, “[the study] is consistent with the fact that, biologically speaking, elevated scrotal temperature is bad for the sperm.” “Sperm is a highly distinct cell in the body, and high temperatures may impair its motility, quality, and ability to fertilize an egg.”
What exactly did the research uncover?
Between 2000 and 2017, researchers evaluated sperm samples collected from a group of almost 700 men who sought reproductive therapy at a fertility facility. The average age of the guys in the group was 35 years old, on average. The average BMI of the sample was 26.3, which indicated that they were somewhat overweight.
Men who reported wearing looser underwear had around 25% higher sperm concentrations and a 17 percent higher total sperm count than those who reported wearing tight underwear.
However, before you throw away your beloved pair of jockeys, keep in mind that the research has some limitations that must be taken into consideration. Both body mass index (BMI) and age may have an effect on sperm concentration and health.
On average, the group that wore tighter underwear was one year older and had a little higher BMI than the rest of the group.
“I would not draw conclusions from a single research like this and declare that tight underwear is no longer appropriate for those who are experiencing infertility and that everyone should wear loose underwear. In Singer’s opinion, “it’s a step in the right direction.” He is not associated with the research.
Doctors have previously suggested that men’s underwear may be a contributing factor to the continual reduction in the quality of their sperm in Western nations. It has been observed in these populations over the twentieth and twenty-first centuries that both sperm count and testosterone levels have been continuously declining.
Other lifestyle variables, like as smoking, alcohol use, and the use of certain medicines, have been shown to lower sperm count. Saunas, hot baths, and even electric blankets, all of which boost scrotal temperature, may be detrimental to sperm count as a result.
“I don’t want males to be too concerned about it, but I do feel that there has been a reduction in sperm parameters over the last two decades — whether it’s because of cellular phones, a less healthy diet, or a sedentary lifestyle — we do observe a trend in decreasing sperm parameters,” Singer said.
Why the quality of your sperm is important even if you aren’t planning to have children
The findings of this research may also be relevant to guys who are not experiencing reproductive problems.
“Poor semen quality has been linked to a greater risk of developing common chronic illnesses, demonstrating their relevance in public health beyond conception and reproduction.” According to the study’s main author, Lidia Mnguez-Alarcón, PhD, a research scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the report, “Not just males who are attempting to conceive should pay attention to their semen quality.”
There is still more work to be done, but the take-home message for most guys is that you should at the very least be careful of your underwear choice, particularly if you are suffering with infertility issues. However, when it comes to altering one’s way of life, changing one’s undergarments is probably not the most crucial step.
Prior to focusing on the sort of underwear that men are wearing, Singer advised that they should adopt a healthy lifestyle, reduce their use of alcohol and tobacco, and avoid taking medications that might impair sperm quality.
The Advantages and Risks of Not Wearing Underwear
What’s the point of going paratroopers?
“Going commando” is a slang expression that means you’re not wearing underpants.
The word refers to elite troops who have been prepared to be ready to combat at any time. In other words, when you’re not wearing any underwear, you’re ready to go at any time – without those pesky undergarments getting in the way.
Leaving aside linguistic snark, it’s possible that going commando has some tangible advantages. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons why you may wish to experiment with living without underwear.
The advantages of not wearing undergarments
Men and women get various advantages from being commando, according to the variances in their genitalia.
For women, it’s all about going commando.
Here are a few compelling arguments in favor of female genital autonomy:
It lowers the likelihood of acquiring yeast infections.
Candida albicans, the organism that causes yeast infections, thrives in warm, humid settings.
Underwear and undergarments that are too tight, especially if they aren’t made of a breathable material like cotton, may cause moisture to build up in your genital region, making it easier for yeast germs to thrive.
There has been no study on whether not wearing underwear may lessen the risk of year infection. If you do decide to wear underwear, make sure it’s loose-fitting and made of cotton.
It has the potential to help minimize vaginal odor and discomfort.
When moisture from perspiration and heat is trapped in the genital region by underwear, the odor down there might become more noticeable.
Skipping underpants might have the following consequences:
Make it possible for your perspiration to escape, and keep the scents at bay.
Chafing caused worse by dampness should be avoided.
It helps to keep your vulva safe from harm.
They are formed of fragile tissue, similar to that found on your lips, and they are located outside of your vagina.
Lingerie made of synthetic fibers that is too tight may chafe and irritate the labia and the area surrounding them.
This may cause skin damage and put you at risk of injury, bleeding, and even infection. In addition, it’s physically painful.
It is possible to lessen or totally eliminate the chance of chafing or harm by removing your underwear, particularly if you are wearing loose-fitting clothing.
It keeps you from having an allergic response or being sensitive to anything.
An allergic response called as contact dermatitis may occur when people come into touch with artificial colors, textiles, or chemicals found in many garments.
Bumps, rashes, blisters, and discomfort are all possible manifestations. Severe responses might result in tissue damage and infection.
By removing your underwear, you eliminate one more article of clothing that might cause an allergic response.
For males, it’s time to go commando.
When males opt to go commando, they get some of the same advantages as women.
However, there are a few of extra advantages for men when they go commando, most of which are connected to the particular physiology of the penis, scrotum, and testicles:
It is effective in preventing jock itch and other fungal diseases.
Tinea cruris, often known as jock itch, thrives in warm, moist genitals. Redness, inflammation, and itching may occur on your genitals as a result of this.
Keeping your genital region ventilated ensures that the area remains cool and dry, which is particularly important after engaging in strenuous physical activity for an extended length of time.
It lessens the likelihood of discomfort and harm.
It is possible to have some chafing of the penis or scrotum against your clothes, regardless of whether you wear underwear.
This may cause discomfort and even harm, which, if repeated or left untreated, can result in infection.
When you put on a pair of jeans or shorts that are loose and comfy, you may really decrease chafing on your genitals.
It is possible to alter sperm production.
There is a reason why the testicles dangle outside of the body in the scrotum. The testicles must maintain a temperature of around 94°F (34.4°C)Trusted Source in order to generate sperm effectively, which is a few degrees colder than the body’s normal temperature of 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C).
Wearing underwear, particularly tight underwear, may force the testicles against your body, increasing the warmth of your scrotal cavity.
As a result, the testicular environment is less than optimal for sperm generation, resulting in testicular hyperthermia (high temperature in the testicles).
Over time, this may result in a decrease in sperm count and an increase in your chances of becoming infertile (although the jury may still be out on this because more research is needed).
