Here’s what happens when you don’t change your underwear every day

Just like how you were told to brush your teeth every day to maintain oral hygiene, changing into a clean pair of underwear every single day is equally necessary to maintain feminine hygiene. So, are you someone who’s guilty of not changing your underwear every single day? 

If yes, then think again before wearing the same underwear for the second consecutive day! We understand that since winters are here, you might feel too lazy to do so. Even if you don’t feel like doing the laundry or you simply can’t find a clean pair, you still need to change it every single day. 

Also, read: This is a gynaecologist’s guide to underwear hygiene for a healthy vagina

A recent survey of 2,000 Americans found that almost 45% of the participants wore the same undies for two days or even longer! Having said that, this is a very unhealthy habit and it can impact your health in the following 4 ways:

1. You might develop foul odour

The discharge and moisture buildup on the underwear throughout the day provides for an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and fungi that are often contaminated with faecal and urine matter. This accumulated build-up can lead to a lingering foul odour, which can not only get embarrassing but also very unhealthy at the same time.

2. You can get acne there

Because of all the sweat, moisture, dirt and oil build-up, and that too for a long period of time, you can get some painful red bumps. Understand that just like your face, your genital area should also stay fresh and clean if you want to avoid those painful pimples and acne.

3. Breeding ground for yeast infection

Yeast infections are one of the most common issues that women suffer from, and it is majorly because of improper hygiene practices. These kinds of infections generally spread because of wearing the same dirty underwear for multiple days.

And when you are doing so, you’re allowing a breeding ground for the infection. Moreover, this also increases the chances of irritation and uneasiness, in and around your genital areas.

4. You can get rashes

We have all been there, and we know how rashes can get really painful and uncomfortable to deal with. Not only does it make day-to-day activity a struggle, but it is also very unpleasant to deal with. And if you are very particular about rashes, then make sure you are changing your undies daily without fail. Not changing it daily can make your skin irritated, inflamed and sensitive because of the extra moisture, leading to rashes.

So, on that note, how often should you be changing your underwear?

“If you go to the gym and sweat a lot there, you should be changing that pair of underwear,” Dr Deepa Dewan, associate director & head of the unit, obstetrics and gynaecology, Max Hospital, Gurgaon recommends. Further, she suggests changing the underwear more frequently during your periods, as it gets dirty more often.

And in general, you should be changing your underwear daily to prevent any issues in the genital area!