Since we started spending more time at home, our daily practices have shifted or have completely gone right out the window. Aside from the significant change in our personal hygiene habits due to the pandemic, our home routine is also a little bit different than before. Breakfast at 6 became breakfast at 9, for one; wearing undies became a thing of the past, for another.
Although going “commando” (not wearing undergarment) is sometimes perceived as slacking or unhygienic, OB/GYNs Dr. Jessica Shepherd and Dr. Sherry A. Ross beg to disagree. According to them, going underwear-free is okay and can even be beneficial, too, as long as we wear the right fabrics (i.e. cotton, linen, silk.)
Doctors said that problems only start to arise if we wear rough fabrics like wool and denim or other fabrics that are synthetically dyed or chemically treated. These materials can cause chafing or skin irritation to our nether regions. If we’re going to wear these fabrics, wearing undies is recommended.
However, if we do want to skip underwear, proper hygiene should be our top-most priority.
With all that laid out, let’s now talk about what happens to our body when we choose to cancel wearing underwear.
Going commando for women
- Reduces yeast infection
Yeast infection or the itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva is common in female genitalia.
Since the bacteria that causes yeast infection thrives in moist and warm environments — which typically the case when wearing underwear that isn’t made of breathable material, wearing loose-fitting panties or not wearing any undies at all is seen to help reduce the risk of yeast infection.
- Decreases vaginal discomfort and that “fishy” odor
Undergarments trap sweat and heat in the genital area. This causes the strong smell down there. Losing the underwear allows sweat to evaporate, minimizing the odors.
- Improves breast shape
While we were taught that wearing a bra is the proper thing to do, it’s not necessarily the case for the medical research scene. In a 15-year study by the University of Besançon in France, wearing bras can make boobs sag over time as the “support” of bras weakens the muscles in the breast.
For a rounder and perkier front, it’s actually best to let the breast do their own thing!
Going commando for men
- Lowers the chances of irritation and injury
Since most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the body, it is possible to experience chafing especially on the penis or scrotum area. This can lead to irritation or infections if left untreated.
Chafing happens when men wear tight, rough clothing. This is why wearing loose or comfortable shorts or pants without undies is said to help reduce genital irritations.
- Avoids “jock itch” and other fungal infections.
Fungi like tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch breeds in warm, wet genitals. This fungus can cause redness, itchiness, and irritation.
Without underwear, the genitalia remains ventilated, ensuring the area stays cool and dry, even after long hours of exercise or other athletic activities.
- Can have an impact on sperm production
Testicles hang outside the body in the scrotum (or what we call “balls”) as they need to stay at about 94°F (34.4°C), a several degrees lower than the body’s typical temperature, to produce sperm cells efficiently.
With tight underwear, testicles are pushed against the body, raising its temperature. Over time, this may lead to testicular hyperthermia, a phenomenon that may cause lower sperm count and infertility.
Going to an underwear-free life is a personal choice. Even if it has clear benefits, we don’t need to feel like we have to do it all the time or at all if it makes us uncomfortable. It’s still up to us to decide.
Have a beauty + full day!
Sources:
https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/not-wearing-underwear-health-effects/
https://www.healthline.com/health/going-commando-men#overview
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/259073#1
