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5 Things You Should Avoid To Stay Healthy Down There

We all want a healthy nether regions… [Photo: Rex]

Most of us throw on a t-shirt and underwear before bed. But according to one of America’s leading gynaecologists, Dr Alyssa Dweck, that might not be such a good idea.

Speaking earlier in the spring to Shape magazine, she said, “If the area is constantly covered – especially by a fabric that’s not moisture-wicking or absorbent – moisture collects. That provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or yeast.”

Apparently, Dr Dweck often recommends to her patients that they sleep commando, especially if they suffer with frequent infections down there.

Of course, plenty of us have worn underwear to bed for years and never had problem. But if you do have a sensitive intimate area, then you might have found your culprit.

Dr Toli Onin, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in Manchester and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told us that sleeping without underwear may be beneficial if you have vaginitis – an inflammation of the vagina – or if you suffer regularly with thrush.

“Thrush thrives in warm, moist parts of the body, so avoiding tight-fitting underwear or tights can help prevent the infection,” she says. “If you have vaginitis, wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear or not wearing underwear while you sleep may improve the condition.”

Tight-fitting bedtime attire isn’t the only thing that can increase your chances of developing an infection down there.

Four more things should to avoid if you want to keen yourself healthy and itch-free…

1. Panty Liners
Just like tight underwear, Dr Onon says that the synthetic fibres of panty liners help to create the perfect moist, warm conditions for thrush-causing fungi to thrive in.

2. Dirty underwear
Obviously we wear clean underwear everyday – and if you don’t, you have greater personal hygiene issue than we can help you with here! – but Dr Onon says that washing your knickers on a good old-fashioned hot wash is best for killing of infection causing fungi.

3. Bubble bath
As relaxing as a long hot soak in the tub is, all those soaps and salts that make a bath extra fragrant and relaxing just don’t do your lady garden any good at all. According to Dr Onon, they can “disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the vagina”, so it’s best to stick to showers.

4. Anti-biotics
Well, not exactly. We’re not saying you should swear off antibiotics altogether, but taking antibiotics can increase your chance of getting thrush. Dr Onon recommends speaking to your GP about taking an anti-fungal medication as well as a preventative measure.

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