Are those skinnies making you itch?

Skinny jeans are trendy. But, according to the experts, they may be bad for your vagina.

The anatomy of the vagina is complicated – it’s a delicate organ that consists of all kinds of sensitive tissues, membranes and fibres. For most women (and their partners!) the health of their vagina is non-negotiable.

Though vaginal infections are extremely common – just a little fact of life that most women have to accept from time to time – the accompanying unpleasant itch and off-putting odour certainly is no laughing matter.

What you might not realise is that those tight-fitting skinny jeans you’re wearing may be making matters worse. Candidiasis, also known as “thrush", is a common infection caused by strains of candida fungi.

These fungi can occur harmlessly in the body, often in the intestine, but under certain conditions (for instance, when you use antibiotics), they can proliferate and cause infection. These fungi thrive in a warm, moist environment. To get rid of an infection, your vagina needs to stay cool, dry and ventilated. The fact of the matter is that jeans don’t allow for good air circulation.

So, what are you to do?

1. Wear loose clothing
Avoid wearing fitted bottoms made from fabrics such as leather, polyester, plastic or other synthetic textiles if you’re susceptible to vaginal infections. These fabrics suffocate the vagina, not allowing it any ventilation.

Wear your cotton skinnies if you have to, but be sure to alternate them with loose-fitting clothing, or avoid wearing them for hours on end. Wearing skirts or dresses are ideal (but beware of pantyhose!).

2. Put your vagina to bed in her birthday suit
Sleep naked or without underwear to give your vagina an unencumbered 8-hour break.

3. Practical underwear wins
Lace and nylon panties will inflame the itch, so wear cotton undies as far as possible.

4. Careful with those chemicals
Laundry detergents, body washes, lotions and soaps can be harsh and irritating to the delicate skin in and around your vagina. Use unscented fabric cleansers, soaps and body lotions as far as possible, and steer clear of fabric softener.

- (Yentl Barros)