The gross reason you should NEVER wear a thong…and why going commando is better
Wearing a thong could actually cause a nasty infection, by encouraging bacteria to spread from your bum to your vagina
WHEN it comes figure-hugging clothes visible panty lines are an absolute no-no...that's when we reach for a thong.
G-strings are a must-have for any woman's wardrobe, but while they may keep your outfit looking fab it can leaves other areas not so fresh.
That's right, we are talking about your lady bits, va-jay-jay, hoohah...whatever you call it.
Wearing a thong could actually cause a nasty infection, by encouraging bacteria to spread from your bum to your vagina.
It could land you with things like thrush or bacterial vaginosis, neither of which you want.
Plus, if it moves around under your clothes you increase your risk of irritation - think itchy rashes, ingrown hairs and, in horror situations, tiny cuts to the fragile skin down there.
Here's something else that will make your skin crawl...Kim Kardashian was recently snapped wearing a Gucci thong from the Tom Ford spring/summer collection in 1997.
It's unclear where she got the thong from, but it sparked concern on social media that she was wearing underwear handed down from someone else.
In case you didn't already know, you should NEVER wear someone else's underwear.
That's because you risk spreading infection from person to person, especially if the knickers haven't been cleaned properly (yuck).
It's best to keep your own bacteria - yes, we all have some down there but that's healthy - to yourself.
Dr Vanessa Mackay, a spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, suggested wearing cotton underwear during the day to reduce the risk of infection, changing your underwear after you have had a work out and making sure you wear clean pants every day.
"Try and make sure the crotch is cotton, synthetic underwear increases the moisture trapping in that area because it is not breathable," she told The Sun Online.
"If there is more moisture there is more risk of bacterial infections and yeast infections because they thrive in that environment.
"You might want to think about using non-perfumed or hypoallergenic washing power as well.
"And thongs may increase your risk of irritation and, in theory, there is a risk of bacteria from your back passage to your vagina."
So, what's the best way to avoid nasty infections and irritation in a place you'd rather not think about? Go commando!
It's something we all know many celebrities are a fan of, especially under tight fitting dresses.
Donnica Moore, a New Jersey-based gynaecologist suggests going commando is a good sexual health move.
She told ";It’s not good to always have the lady parts locked up.
"They need air like all other body parts."
Wearing knickers day and night causes heat and sweat to build-up down there and that increases your risk of yeast or other types of nasty infections, she explained.
And the material your pants are made of can also increase your risk of infection.
Lycra and lace or other non-breathable materials are the worst offenders as they can irritate the delicate skin around your vagina.
Cotton is your best option if you absolutely cannot face going commando at any time.
Dr Mackay agrees.
She said: "Wearing your underwear all the time, if nothing else, can lead to chafing and irritation.
"Especially for menopausal women as they have thinner skin down there so are more susceptible to irritation and rubbing.
"Sleeping without underwear may be beneficial to women with vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina, and those who suffer from thrush, a common yeast infection.
"Thrush thrives in warm, moist parts of the body, so avoiding tight-fitting underwear or tights can help prevent the infection.
"Women have vaginitis, wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear or not wearing underwear while they sleep, may improve the condition."
Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects most women at some point in their lives.
In most cases the yeast infection is easy to treat, with help from your pharmacists and over-the-counter medications.
Signs you could be suffering thrush including itching and soreness down there, pain during sex and a stinging sensation when you pee.
Those suffering for the first time, pregnant women, and those who've suffered two bouts of thrust within six months should speak to their doctor.
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that can cause itching, discomfort and discharge.
Women with vaginitis may experience pain while having sex or peeing.
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But there is a small downside to going commando - apart from the risk of accidentally flashing someone.
You also run the risk of irritation if your tight fitting clothes rub against your vulva.
Think seams on skinny jeans and yoga pants.
According to Dr Moore this "can lead to very small nicks in the skin that act as portals for bacteria".
So if you are wearing jeans pair them with cotton pants that protect from seams but are breathable and absorb sweat, she said.
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