Panties don't have expiry dates, but when should you throw out them out?

If you’re not sure when to throw out your panties, consider these tips from your gynecologist.

Most of us are aware that underwear should be changed daily and washed before wearing again.

But when to get rid of old underwear is not so obvious. Should you change them at a specific interval?

Gynecologist, Taraneh Shirazian, in an interview with Health magazine, emphasises that there are no clear scientific studies that would confirm wearing underwear for longer than a certain amount of time is harmful or may contribute to reproductive system diseases.

Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that although underwear doesn’t have an expiration date, there are a few signs that it’s time to throw out the worn-out ones and replace them with new ones.

Stretched elastic bands or holes in panties certainly don’t look good and should be disposed of as soon as possible.

ALSO READ: Why you should always hang your panties outside to dry

Gynecologists point out that wearing worn-out underwear can lead to moisture retention, which in turn creates a risk of vaginal infections. It is important also to wear underwear made of breathable materials, preferably cotton.

Such underwear is breathable and does not retain moisture. On the other hand, panties made of synthetic materials such as nylon or elastane retain moisture, thus increasing the risk of infection and irritation. Although they look nice and often have decorative lace, they are not healthy for our intimate areas.

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This article was originally published on Onet Woman.