How often do you wash underwear? This question has circulated in many social media groups, gathering answers ranging from daily, to weekly to even months (rare but true).

Health experts say that anything worn directly on the body requires proper hygiene. With dirty underwear, you are prone to various health hazards.

Dr Iba Mayele, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Clinic Galien, Kimironko, says that wearing the same underwear for a prolonged period of time can have severe consequences to a person’s health. For instance, infections.

He notes that not changing undergarments regularly can cause microbe and other bacteria to accumulate and fester, often causing a really bad odour and itchy rash on the skin. To maintain hygiene and cleanliness, fresh underclothing is a non-negotiable essential.

"Clean and hygienic innerwear gives more comfort personally to the individual who wears it. Unpleasant odour and other adverse health effects caused by dirty underwear can create something of a psychological barrier between the wearer and other people,” he says.

Mayele further notes that dirty underwear is a dwelling for yeast infection, due to sweat. It is even worse if they are not made from cotton. Underwear made from nylon and lace trap heat more than cotton ones. Which is why they need to be changed more often. He explains that urinary tract infections are also likely to occur.

What to take note of

Mayele warns against wearing tight underwear as it can hinder blood circulation to one’s ‘intimate’ area. This, in the end, causes irritation.

He adds, you can also feel an itchy sensation in such parts. If you wear overly tight underwear, air doesn’t circulate well and extreme sweat can crowd the area, which causes infections.

Mayele urges wearing underwear that is well fitted as this helps in boosting body shape.

Dr Michel Baingi, a general practitioner in Kigali, is of the view that when it’s time for bed, the private part should be ‘left to breathe’. The comfort that comes is unexplainable, he says, as it needs to be exposed to fresh air.

However, if you change your underwear always, but do not wash yourself thoroughly, there are still possibilities of attracting infections and developing a bad odour. This will make you and the people around you uncomfortable, he adds.

"For women, avoid cleaning the vagina with scented soap or wipes. Rather, with plain water. However, vaginal odour can change at different times of the reproductive cycle, therefore, it shouldn’t always be thought of as a sign of infection or illness,” he says.

Baingi points out that changing your underwear often and washing them in hot water kills bacteria and prevents infections from occurring.

Baingi further says that changing your underwear reduces the risk of building up of dirt and oils which may lead to redness, pimples, irritation or worse.

Mayele discourages women from wearing ‘fashionable underwear’ like ‘thongs’ or ‘G-strings’ as they may increase the risk of irritation and nasty infections. They encourage bacteria to spread from the anus to the genitals.

He says, any non-breathable fabric can cause excess dampness. This can result in a change in the pH of the vulva and genitals, hence, causing a possible increase of bacteria or yeast.

Baingi also points out that if the bacteria from dirty underwear enters the vagina, one can develop thrush or even bacterial vaginosis, or a candida infection. These come with horrid symptoms, like a thick and foul smelling discharge.

Clean is the only way to go

Baingi says that underwear should be hung outside to dry under direct sun after being washed. Always use a laundry detergent that’s gentle but powerful. Separate underwear from other clothing while washing since they are ‘delicates’ and need to be washed alone to avoid carrying bacteria from other clothes to them.

Baingi adds that wearing wet underwear will only breed fungal infections.

If you use the gym or do exercises, it is obvious that you sweat, which is why you need to carry a spare pair of underwear.

Mayele explains that while washing, heavily scented detergent should be avoided as it can cause irritation and itching.

Laundry dilemma: How long do bras really last?

Many women are guilty of wearing the same bra one-two-three days in a row without thinking twice. However, Baingi stresses that a bra shouldn’t be worn more than three times in a row as it gets stained by the lotions, oils, perfume, and sweat. Sweaty undergarments are one of the most common causes of body acne. Acne happens anywhere with a lot of rubbing and excess heat. If the bra isn’t washed often, blemishes might also appear under the breasts.

He also notes that if a bra is dirty for so long, it may be hard to wash it clean. This might keep permanent stains on it.

Baingi advises having a number of bras since over washing them wears them out.

Mayele says a dirty bra makes the rest of your clothes smell bad and can even cause breast cancer. He adds that a dirty bra rubbing against the skin can cause irritation or infection.