Can Thongs Cause Infections?
>> Thursday, September 3, 2015
There have been many articles in women's magazines, fashion magazines, and medical journals concerning this very question. But most women don’t even think about it being the cause of vaginal infection, irritation or urinary tract infections. Thong panties may look sexy, but they can bring health risks that don't feel too sexy. It is important that women are conscious about the health risks related to wearing thong panties, so here's what you need to know before you slip on another pair.
The way a thong is constructed makes it a perfect set-up for infection. This is because that thin band of material that fits so snuggly against your delicate areas works like a sponge for bacteria. This is especially concerning as fecal material from the anal area can make its way to the vagina and urethra creating ideal conditions for urinary tract or vaginal infections.
All it takes is for the thong to slide a little when you walk to send fecal bacteria like E. Coli and Beta-Strep where it's not supposed to be. Most non-thong panties don't cause this type of problem because they're looser and allow better air flow. They also don't slide in between the delicate tissues back and forth like a see-saw.
Another problem associated with thongs is the irritating effect of the tight material against the skin. When a woman walks around all day wearing thong panties, the material rubs against the urethra and outer vaginal area creating small tears which create a risk for infection. Thongs can also irritate hemorrhoids and even cause anal lacerations. Even more risky is wearing a thong during exercise, especially in hot weather. This is a set-up for vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.
Women’s urinary pain and/or vaginal irritation often lead women to worry whether they 'caught' something from their partner like an STD/STI. By the time I see them in my office, they have often tried over-the-counter medications and douching to clean the vaginal area.
I have had my patients worry so much about cleaning the vaginal area that they will use disposable douches 3-4xs a day. They will reuse the disposable douche bottles and refill them with their own recipes like vinegar solutions, soap and water, shampoo, mouthwash, lemon juice, or plain water. I’ve even had women who have used a shower nozzle inserted into their vaginal area to clean out the discharge and infection. I have had other women tell me they simply use their fingers to reach up and clean inside their vagina with soap and water. All of these methods can be very harmful and can lead to more infections by continually removing all the 'good' vaginal bacterial or flora that is there to balance and fight infection.
That is why, if you haven't already looked into purchasing the WaterWorks Vaginal Cleansing System, you should.
It is a wonderful way to feel clean, and be able to safely clean inside your vagina without destroying the 'good' bacteria and vaginal flora that is supposed to be there. It is FDA approved and reusable so you never have to re-buy anything. It is made of medical grade stainless steel and is sturdy and well-made.
WaterWorks uses no chemicals - only plain tap water for cleansing. It is the reaction of the stainless steel with the water and the vaginal mucosa that creates the natural chemical reaction to remove unwanted odors. And unlike a traditional douche, the soft downward sprinkling action completely and safely removes unwanted discharge. What a wonderful combination for women today to have to ensure personal hygiene without the worry of creating more infection.
The way a thong is constructed makes it a perfect set-up for infection. This is because that thin band of material that fits so snuggly against your delicate areas works like a sponge for bacteria. This is especially concerning as fecal material from the anal area can make its way to the vagina and urethra creating ideal conditions for urinary tract or vaginal infections.
All it takes is for the thong to slide a little when you walk to send fecal bacteria like E. Coli and Beta-Strep where it's not supposed to be. Most non-thong panties don't cause this type of problem because they're looser and allow better air flow. They also don't slide in between the delicate tissues back and forth like a see-saw.
Another problem associated with thongs is the irritating effect of the tight material against the skin. When a woman walks around all day wearing thong panties, the material rubs against the urethra and outer vaginal area creating small tears which create a risk for infection. Thongs can also irritate hemorrhoids and even cause anal lacerations. Even more risky is wearing a thong during exercise, especially in hot weather. This is a set-up for vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.
Women’s urinary pain and/or vaginal irritation often lead women to worry whether they 'caught' something from their partner like an STD/STI. By the time I see them in my office, they have often tried over-the-counter medications and douching to clean the vaginal area.
I have had my patients worry so much about cleaning the vaginal area that they will use disposable douches 3-4xs a day. They will reuse the disposable douche bottles and refill them with their own recipes like vinegar solutions, soap and water, shampoo, mouthwash, lemon juice, or plain water. I’ve even had women who have used a shower nozzle inserted into their vaginal area to clean out the discharge and infection. I have had other women tell me they simply use their fingers to reach up and clean inside their vagina with soap and water. All of these methods can be very harmful and can lead to more infections by continually removing all the 'good' vaginal bacterial or flora that is there to balance and fight infection.
That is why, if you haven't already looked into purchasing the WaterWorks Vaginal Cleansing System, you should.
It is a wonderful way to feel clean, and be able to safely clean inside your vagina without destroying the 'good' bacteria and vaginal flora that is supposed to be there. It is FDA approved and reusable so you never have to re-buy anything. It is made of medical grade stainless steel and is sturdy and well-made.
WaterWorks uses no chemicals - only plain tap water for cleansing. It is the reaction of the stainless steel with the water and the vaginal mucosa that creates the natural chemical reaction to remove unwanted odors. And unlike a traditional douche, the soft downward sprinkling action completely and safely removes unwanted discharge. What a wonderful combination for women today to have to ensure personal hygiene without the worry of creating more infection.
