Do thong panties pose risks to women’s intimate health?

Considered one of the sexiest pieces in the women’s wardrobe (if not the most!), the thong panties divide opinion. There are women who love to wear it, because they feel more sensual, and also those who avoid wearing it for the sake of comfort.

However, one thing is certain: this type of piece is very popular among men. That’s why it’s often said that a thong can work wonders in life for two!

However, women who are in the habit of wearing this type of panties with a certain frequency (and not just on occasions for two) should be aware of the fact that thong panties can be harmful to health.

Jurandir Passos, gynecologist and obstetrician at Lavoisier Medicina Diagnóstica, explains below the risks that this type of underwear can offer women and indicates which models are the most suitable to use without harming health.

Risks that thong panties can pose

Passos explains that, due to their smaller thickness, thong panties tend to have greater contact with the anal and vaginal region, thus exposing the vagina to a greater risk of infection than traditional panties.

“Due to movement throughout the day, local humidity and the presence of bacteria and fungi of perianal origin, the vagina is exposed to infections that would normally be hampered by other types of underwear. Thus, thongs increase the risk for bacterial and fungal vaginal infections, as well as facilitate the occurrence of urinary infections as well”, highlights the gynecologist.

It is worth mentioning that thong panties can be dangerous to women’s health when used frequently: daily or almost every day! Otherwise, it will not pose any risks.

Details that make it “more dangerous”

Some points can make it more dangerous for a woman to floss frequently. Passos explains that the more synthetic the fabric, the greater the risk of infection. “As well as favoring contamination, synthetic fabrics make women more humid by making the natural evaporation of sweat and vaginal secretion difficult,” she says.

The gynecologist points out that cotton-based fabrics absorb sweat better, but do not prevent the occurrence of infections.

In addition, Passos adds, very tight and thick clothes, such as jeans, can traumatize the vaginal mucosa or even the vulvar and perianal skin and facilitate infections by breaking the protective barrier that the skin or mucosa represents. “If they are associated with thongs, that risk is even worse,” he explains.

Extra care during menstruation

The menstrual period, naturally, asks for more attention from the woman. Passos explains that menstrual blood is alkaline and the vagina normally has a more acidic PH. “This change in ph in itself favors the occurrence of genital infections, hence we contraindicate intercourse during the menstrual period, especially without the use of condoms”, she says.

“If the infection is facilitated by the vaginal characteristics in the menstrual period and you still use a factor that is known to increase the risk of vaginal infection, such as dental floss, then the chance of developing an infection is certainly increased”, warns the doctor.

Different models of panties

G-string panties are indeed sexy. But there are other models that help to enhance the woman’s body and/or that can be excellent options for everyday life.

The so-called “bikini panties”, for example, is a good option for everyday life. The width of the side is medium and the waist, reasonably low, with the back more behaved. It is a piece that wears very well, so it is suitable for all body types.

Thongs are also very popular. There are those that have a larger side and back, and those that have a slightly thinner side. Both types are comfortable.

String panties are also a good tip, especially for moments together. The side is very thin, summing up to the thickness of a ribbon, while the back is similar to the thong.

What is the best underwear model?

Passos highlights that the ideal underwear is the one that allows maximum ventilation of the genital region, which absorbs sweat and vaginal moisture and allows evaporation. “In addition, it must be soft, malleable and respect the woman’s body, avoiding traumas such as dental floss”, he says.

“I emphasize that the thong panties can be used to ‘spice up’ a relationship, since its design enhances the female body shapes, but should be avoided for daily use”, concludes the gynecologist.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.