Why Working Out Without Underwear Is a Good Idea, According to an Ob-Gyn

In the most current iteration of Matters Persons Are Chatting About on TikTok, customers of the application are posting about — and arguing around — whether or not to put on underwear during workouts. Some are proudly sharing video clips stating they’re on Workforce Commando, when other folks are commenting: “I sense like that’s a negative idea.”

Whether or not you’re by now Group Commando and like it, curious about ditching underwear during workout routines, or absolutely aghast at the believed, the dialogue begs the query: is it Ok to function out without underwear? And supplied the selection concerning the two, which is greater for your vaginal health and fitness?

Good news: board-licensed obstetrician and gynecologist Jodie Horton, MD, weighed in right here to established the document straight — and no make a difference which facet you are on, you may be astonished by her answer.

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Jodie Horton, MD, is a board-licensed obstetrician and gynecologist dependent in Washington, DC.

Need to You Dress in Underwear While Working Out?

Imagine it or not, Dr. Horton recommends not putting on underwear when doing work out. “The vagina has regular [good] microbes that prevents the overgrowth of negative bacteria like bacterial vaginosis and yeast. Nevertheless, a warm, soaked natural environment immediately after a sweat sesh can be a breeding ground for infection,” she claims. Donning underwear adds yet another layer that can entice dampness and bring about irritation, itching, and burning.

And if you are apprehensive about panty strains demonstrating via your leggings, likely commando for routines is undoubtedly improved than sporting a thong, Dr. Horton states. “The thong’s friction and movement can introduce E. coli from the anus into the vagina and guide to probable urinary and vaginal infections,” she suggests. E. coli microorganisms is obviously uncovered in your digestive tract and usually harmless, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Nonetheless, if that microorganisms is transferred to your vagina or urethra (via, for instance, your underwear), it can result in an infection like a UTI, the Mayo Clinic reports.

Even if you are just putting on leggings to chill or operate from household, Dr. Horton maintains her suggestions: “I advise heading commando and ditching the underwear,” she suggests.

Having said that, if you want to tweak your tactic based on the place you are in your menstrual cycle — for instance, if you have more discharge or you might be on your interval — of program, that is thoroughly Okay.

The Best Underwear to Don Whilst Performing Out

Are not able to deliver yourself to be a part of Workforce Commando? It is really comprehensible. If you might be continue to heading to don underwear for your exercise sessions, Dr. Horton has recommendations on which type is most effective.

Cotton underwear is not a good preference for the reason that it stays damp, Dr. Horton states, so dampness-wicking underwear (like the type exclusively manufactured for workouts) is a great possibility. These underwear are typically lighter than your common pair of undies and are usually manufactured of polyester, nylon, or bamboo. “Aside from absorbing moisture and allowing for the vagina to remain dry, it can also support you neat down and regulate your human body temperature, according to 1 European examine,” she provides.

The Base Line on Wearing Underwear Through Exercise routines

If you might be just not comfy likely commando at the health and fitness center and have not had any troubles sporting underwear all through exercises up to this position in your lifetime, you’re most likely Alright to hold undertaking so (after all, you know your human body greater than everyone else!). Having said that, if you like heading commando for routines — or want to give it a try out — you officially have an ob-gyn’s stamp of approval.

No matter if or not you decide to wear underwear for the duration of your exercises, it’s essential to get out of your sweaty clothes before long right after. As before long as you complete your workout, change into dry, clean up garments. If you have time, get a shower right away right after doing the job out. Clean the vulva with warm drinking water, and gently pat the vagina dry in advance of placing new clothes on.

And if you recognize nearly anything odd heading on right after switching your exercise-wear strategy of option, take into account looking at your ob-gyn to make guaranteed almost everything is in the distinct.

Lauren Mazzo was the senior health and fitness editor at PS. She is a licensed personalized trainer and physical fitness nourishment expert via the American Council on Training. Prior to joining PS, she worked for 6 a long time as a author and editor for Shape Magazine masking health and fitness, exercise, nourishment, mental well being, sex and associations, magnificence, and astrology.

Jenny Sugar is a previous POPSUGAR staff members author. She experiences on all items conditioning, but especially enjoys CrossFit and yoga.