Sleeping in panties puts you at risk

Free your vulva. This is not a feminist message like the Free the Japanese movement, but a doctor's advice. "at night, you Don't keep your sweater or your gloves, there's no reason to keep your panties. On the contrary, it should be prohibited ", says Jean-Marc Bohbot, an infectious physician and andrologist, author of Microbiote vaginal: the rose Revolution (1). Whether you're a Mickey pyjamas or lace nuisette, the professional says why you better not wear anything under your sleepwear. Review of the risks involved.

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Irritations

"the panties cause mechanical irritation due to numerous rubbing of the tissue against the genitals. These can be very unpleasant, especially if the woman has a fragile vulva, "says the doctor. These irritations can then cause discomfort, itching or burning in your private parts.

Mycoses

For infectious scientists, the prolonged wearing of lingerie also creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria. "underwear, especially synthetic underwear, increases the heat of the vulva and retains moisture. This encourages the development of micro-organisms such as fungi. "

In other words, if sleeping in a thong will not cause mycosis, it may delay recovery if you already have one. The white organic cotton panties are certainly more comfortable than the lace thong, but no more recommended. "Cotton will absorb all the moisture and create vaginal dryness," Bohbot says.

Urinary tract infections

Subject to repeated cystitis? You'D better drop your lingerie all the more. "panties can promote the transition of germs from the intestine, via the anus or bladder, to the vulva, causing urinary tract infections," says the doctor.

While these warnings are valid for women who are prone to repeated mycoses or cystitis, they are also valid for women who have never had a problem. "just because we didn't have a problem doesn't mean we'll never have one," he warned. His message is clear: "liberate your genitals."

When you go to bed, you can wear a nightgown, a nightgown or a simple t-shirt to let your private parts breathe. If you Don't get used to the idea of not covering yourself, you can opt for a low pair of pajamas or a wide underpants, or a boxer. "the friction is less, but it exists with this type of clothing," the expert warns.

(1) Microbiota vaginal: la révolution rose, by Jean-Marc Bohbot and Étienne Rica, Marabout, 17.90 €.

This entry was originally published on 10 April 2018 and has been updated.