Leaving the house without underwear? For most people, it’s unimaginable. But according to a gynecologist, it’s worth it from a health perspective to air out your downstairs room every now and then – even if it’s just in your own four walls.
Just leave your underwear off? Some people think that’s unhygienic. Others say it’s liberating. For Tobias Sanden, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics from Mainz, doing without has advantages from a medical point of view. In an interview, the gynecologist explains why fresh air in the intimate area is useful – and which social expectations play a role in this.
Question: Is it unhygienic to go without underwear sometimes?
Tobias Sanden: “With regard to infections and skin irritations, there are many advantages to going “bottomless”: Tight underwear increases the risk of infections if bodily excretions remain on the skin for longer. Wearing panty liners or synthetic underwear that does not allow the skin to breathe also promotes infections.
But if you do without briefs and the like altogether, it becomes problematic: then outerwear becomes underwear. Jeans, leggings or trousers are often worn for several days in a row and are not changed or washed as often as underwear.”
Question: When is it advisable not to wear underwear?
Sanden: “It is always better if the skin can breathe. In certain health conditions, it even makes medical sense not to wear underwear: it prevents irritation or promotes healing. For example, in the case of neurodermatitis, wearing underwear can irritate the skin and make it more itchy. It also helps with fungal infections to keep the skin dry, as fungi prefer moist environments. Therefore, you should also – or at least – “ventilate” your bottom area when you sleep. If you prefer to have something on, you can also wear loose pajamas.
And when it comes to sports, if you wear underwear during training or jogging, it should be breathable. And when you’re cycling, it’s better not to wear underwear under your functional clothing anyway.”
Question: Why do we wear underwear at all?
Sanden: “For the most part, wearing underwear is shaped by social expectations. Clothing itself is more of a social convention and does not necessarily offer any health or hygiene benefits. Instead, it can often be uncomfortable. But underwear also has practical reasons. For example, for women during their period: If alternatives such as tampons or menstrual cups are not possible or desired, pads can be used – and briefs are perfect for this.”
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