Does Cotton, Nylon, Silk Underwear Cause Yeast Infection?

Are you wondering whether your underwear is causing yeast infection? Well, if you are having a challenge preventing yeast infection in your Favorite Area Down Under (hehehe), here are some pointers which we hope can help you:

1. The bacteria that causes yeast infection, Candida albicans, are – in small amounts – normally present in our crotch area. Your goal is to keep the level of bacteria low and to prevent them from multiplying because if they “overgrow”, you’ll end up with a full blown case of yeast infection. From thedoctorstv.com:

“There’s a very delicate balance between the yeast and the good bacteria,” gastroenterologist Dr. Roshini Raj says. “If anything throws off that balance — and often it’s something like antibiotics, or if they’re taking a medication like steroids — then the yeast has a chance to really overgrow.”

2. A breathable, airy environment in your Favorite Area Down Under (yeah, we’re sticking with this term) helps prevent the growth of Candida albicans. How do you arrive at a “breathable, airy environment”? By wearing cotton underwear instead of those made of nylon or silk.

So to answer the title of this blog post, yes nylon and silk underwear contributes to yeast infection. In contrast, cotton underwear does not.

3. You should also avoid tight trousers, spandex pants, pantyhose with a nylon crotch, or undergarments made from synthetic fabric. More tips from Michigan State University (msu.edu):

… crotch yeasties flourish in non-cotton, tight, or dirty clothes that trap heat and moisture. No doubt Xena, Warrior Princess, gets infections all the time from that leather underwear. Your absolutely best bet is to wear a skirt with no underwear or tights, and definitely avoid pantyhose. If you’ve ever had an urge to go for that sexy thigh-high stocking look but have been too shy, here’s the excuse you’ve been looking for. And if you do wear underwear, your safest bet is unbleached, undyed cotton underwear and breathable clothes. It’s a good idea to change your underpants regularly, like maybe once a day.

4. Both men and women can suffer from yeast infection. What are the symptoms? Here are things you should look out for according to the San Francisco City Clinic:

Women:
• White, “cottage cheese” discharge from the vagina.
• Severe itching around the vagina.
• Burning sensation with sex or with urination.

Men:
Sometimes, men may get yeast under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis. This can be caused by hot weather, underwear that is too tight, spandex pants or nylon underwear.

5. Oh wait, leather underwear may look fabulous on you but leather undies trap the heat and moisture in your crotch area and are thus good breeding grounds of the bacteria that causes yeast infection. So if you want to be healthy down there, you should avoid, avoid, avoid leather underwear!!!

That’s your Daily Health Tip of the Day!

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