Wearing a thong could be dangerous, gynaecologists warn

Sexy and evanescent, the thong is one of women's favourite pieces of lingerie. But wearing them daily might be dangerous for the private parts.

Gynaecologists warn people who wear thongs
© Getty Images
Gynaecologists warn people who wear thongs

Invisible under a pair of jeans and perfect for showing off your buttocks under a skirt or tight trousers, the thong has many things going for it. That's why they are so popular. Preferred over panties for its sexy side and its undetectable factor, it seems to have only advantages. But that was before gynaecologists looked into the subject and made a rather alarming observation about the impact of the famous string underwear on its wearers.

Discover our latest podcast

Is your thong dangerous for your private parts?

Many doctors have been asked about this and their answers are clear: thongs can be dangerous. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Dr. Jill Maura Rabin, a professor at Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the United States, explained that a thong worn for several hours a day can cause a lot of irritation in the private parts. But that's not all, it also encourages the growth of bacteria. The result? Women's favourite underwear can lead to urinary and vaginal infections and can even cause haemorrhoids. The reason for this is the material from which thongs are made

To make the piece elegant and sexy, the brands that sell this type of lingerie often use lace with very fine sections. Even though this choice makes the piece visually pleasing, it is not quite the same in terms of comfort. Under clothes, the thong tends to create friction in the hips, crotch and buttocks area. It is this friction that can have serious health consequences.

So what sort of undergarment should you wear

Although thongs should not be worn on a daily basis, it is hardly dangerous to wear them occasionally. The best time to wear it is when you are not wearing anything over it or when you have a flowing outfit that you are comfortable in.

For long days of sitting or running from appointment to appointment, gynaecologists recommend cotton underwear. This soft material is more respectful of the woman's body and intimate parts.

Is wearing a thong bad for your health? Here's everything you need to know Is wearing a thong bad for your health? Here's everything you need to know