Why Is Sleeping in Underwear a Bad Habit?

In an interview given to Madame Figaro, Jean-Marc Bohbot, an infectious-disease physician and andrologist, explained why it is better to sleep without underwear at night. Indeed, sleeping with underwear, a thong, or a G-string can cause numerous discomforts.

Sleeping in Underwear at Night: What Risks Do We Face for Our Genitals?

Irritations, yeast infections, urinary tract infections—these are the risks you take when you keep underwear on at night. The infectious-disease specialist Jean-Marc Bohbot, also author of Vaginal Microbiome: The Pink Revolution, explains the risks involved.

Irritations

Wearing underwear during sleep can first cause irritations. Indeed, the rubbing of fabric against the genitals can create an uncomfortable sensation. On the most delicate vulvas, these rubs can also lead to itching or burning sensations (2).

Yeast Infections

It is really better to do without underwear at night because this habit can also lead to yeast infections, especially if you wear synthetic undergarments. Indeed, underwear tends to raise the warmth of the vulva and trap moisture, creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms like fungi.

Urinary Tract Infections

If you suffer from recurrent urinary infections, wearing underwear at night is strongly discouraged. In fact, sleeping in underwear at night can even be the cause of recurrent cystitis.

According to Jean-Marc Bohbot, “the underwear can facilitate the transfer of germs from the intestine, via the anus or the bladder, toward the vulva, and thus cause urinary infections.” If you’re not prone to them, beware anyway because these cautions apply to all vulvas.

When you sleep, it is therefore best not to wear underwear to let your intimate parts breathe.

And Men, What About Them?

For men, it’s a bit the same idea, but for different reasons. In fact, a recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford University (United States) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development showed that this practice affected fertility.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers followed 500 men for a year to assess the quality of their sperm. Those who wore loose underwear and slept naked at night had healthier sperm than those who wore tight underwear day and night. The latter indeed showed 25% more DNA damage, which affects their viability and can even lead to risks of premature birth for the future baby.

So, gentlemen, for the good cause, you know what you have to do!