Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.We all have our favorite set of toothpaste-stained pajamas that we love snuggling into at night. And, if it's too hot for those, we'll just sleep totally in the buck. But, how about meeting somewhere in the middle, and losing just the undies before you hit the hay? This is commonly recommended by gynecologists because it allows your vulva to breathe, which could possibly aid in lowering your risk of infections. Yet, according to Shape, only about 18% of women actually sleep undie-less.
“They’re concerned about vaginal discharge — that you’re supposed to have a barrier,” Alyssa Dweck, M.D. and co-author of V is for Vagina, tells Shape. Due to the naturally dark and moist state of your vagina, always covering it with a nonabsorbent fabric will only cause more moisture to collect, creating a potential breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. So, even if you wear a comfy tee up top, you'd be wise to go commando down below.
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Related: 7 Ways to Keep Your Vagina Young
But, if you can’t ditch the panties altogether a few nights a week, at least try transitioning to a loose cotton pair — or even boxers — instead of spandex or Lycra.
To learn more about all the ways going commando can improve your vulva's health, click on over to Shape. (Shape)