To get to the bottom of whether lace undergarments are so bad for us , we confer with MD who specialize in vaginal health .

It ’s mutual knowledge thatcotton underclothing is the bestchoice for the wellness of your nether area . Many people , however , choose to ignore this advice for the sake of fashion and opt for knickers that are made out of lace or satin .

Yet , three countries , Russia , Belarus , and Kazakhstan , effectivelybanned lacing pantiesin 2014 . The forbiddance are n’t about modesty or headache about what people might be doing in the privacy of their bedrooms . Instead , these governments think that lacing underclothing without a cotton lining is unhygienic and poses a threat to one ’s health . In the wake of these banning , protestsbroke out as women demand the right field to choose their underclothing .

Lace underwear with a decorative butterfly motif on a plain background

To get to the bottom of whether lace pantie are so uncollectible for us , we consulted doctors who specialize in vaginal health .

What’s the big deal with cotton, anyway?

Cotton underwear is often the most comfortable choice , but there are some health benefit to tire it too , saidDr . Jennifer Angler ,   a   urogynecologist and co - generator of ” A Woman ’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor : What the F*@ # Is Going On Down There ? ” Cotton is debate the “ gilded standard ” of panty when it comes to wicking away wet and keeping the vaginal area clean-living and reinvigorated , she said .

“ The reason so many doctor recommend cotton step-in , or at least cotton crotches , is that cotton is a very gentle , absorbent and breathable cloth , ” saidDr . Victoria Scott , a urogynecologist and one of Angler ’s co - author . synthetical materials like spandex and nylon may trap moisture and heat . This creates “ an ideal environment for bacteria and barm to grow and cause infection , ” Scott allege . Moreover , because cotton is “ a gentle textile , ” it is less probable to “ make vulvar irritation , ” which is uncomfortable and can be painful , she sum up .

People with certain health condition should stick to wear underclothing with cotton genitalia most of the time . “ If you are prone to barm infections , bacterial vaginosis , or urinary tract infection , panty with cotton wool fork may decrease your risk of acquire infections , ” Scott say . to boot , people who have vaginal sobriety or vulvar pique or pain sensation may find that panties with cotton fiber crotch help keep them more comfortable .

White underwear hanging on a clothesline against a sky background

Greves adds that those with diabetes or who are pregnant are at high danger for developing barm infections and should baffle with cotton plant facing to stay levelheaded .

Those who want the benefit of cotton but the expression of lacing should front for panties with cotton crotches or cotton inserts . “ The crotch is the most important part of panties for vulvar and vaginal wellness , ” Scott explain . underclothes with a cotton fork “ allow for lacing , or any material , underwear to be worn but with the comfort of cotton correctly where it matters most , ” Angler said .

What happens if you don’t have a cotton lining?

The biggest risk in wearing underwear without a cotton genital organ is that wet can progress up , which allow for yeast and bacteria to thrive , Scott explained .

giantism of barm can induce uncomfortable yeast infections . When bacteria starts grow in the vaginal sphere , “ it may lead to an asymmetry of healthy bacteria in the vagina ” and do bacterial vaginosis ( BV ) , saidDr . Erica Montes , an OB - GYN . BV make go off that “ can appear thin or milklike and possibly do a fishy olfactory sensation , ” she explained . BV is not just unpleasant , but it may “ require antibioticsthat are prescribed by your physician , ” she said .

Despite the risk of infection , Scott says that wearing panties made out of other material “ is surely not severe ” for most people . Because “ the balance of bacteria in the vagina is different for all women , ” many can fatigue non - cotton underwear without any negative effects , Montes explained .

Close-up of a person's midsection wearing a white bikini bottom, focusing on body acceptance

Dr. Christenie Greves , an OB - GYN , emphasizes that lacing undies have advantages for some . If you choose a high-pitched - quality dyad , it “ is soft , so it may experience proficient . … Do n’t toss out your lacing panties if you bump to savour wearing them ” and they are n’t causing any problem , Scott enunciate .

Consider what you’re wearing them for

Montes encourages her patients to consider wear the right eccentric of underwear for the season and the occasion . Greves stresses that the phrase “ everything in moderateness ” can also apply to lace underclothes .

All - lace panties may be fine in the common cold of winter , but they can start to stimulate problems in the heat of summer when “ sweating is more rough-cut , ” Montes said . Greves explicate that wearing lace undies on special occasions might be hunky-dory , but “ during a steady day or when you are working out , you may not want to take chances bilk your noblewoman parts . ”

The bottom line

Scott also recommends that mass who are prostrate to infection or “ vulvar or vaginal discomfort ” wash their underclothes with fragrance - free detergent and avoid fabric softener . Fit is also of import . Panties that are too tight “ may increase risk of infection or vexation , ” she say . fail commando at dark is also helpful because it give “ your vulvar struggle a break from insurance coverage and decoct the risk of inveterate irritation , ” Scott explained .

According to Scott , some people will carry on to acquire vaginal infections or vulvar vexation even after wearing panties that have cotton wool crotch and developing other hefty riding habit . For these folks , “ it is deserving trying panties that are made of 100 % cotton , ” she said .

Greves says that the end for most charwoman “ is not to think about their lady parts . ” That intend that “ if a twosome of beautiful lacing panties ” have irritation , pain , or an infection “ then they may not be right for you , ” she say . However , Greves encourages her patients to experiment and reckon out what play for them . This clause in the beginning appear onHuffPost .

Two pairs of underwear hanging on a clothesline against a blue sky

Woman in a yellow tank top and high-waisted briefs, standing with her side to the camera, pulling on her waistband