SKINNY jeans have become a bit of a staple in most of our wardrobes – and it looks like they’re here to stay.
But experts warn that wearing them could actually be dangerous for your lady bits.
Tight or synthetic clothing, including skinny jeans and leggings, can restrict the flow and circulation of air around your groin.
This can trap heat and moisture in your vagina, creating the perfect environment for bacteria.
So, while skinny jeans may look sexy on, they may contribute to some not-so-sexy conditions.
Dr Shirin Lakhani, an aesthetic physician based in Kent, says that for that reason, skinny jeans shouldn’t be worn every day.
Instead, she says you should just let your vagina breathe – and give the jeans a rest.
Dr Lakhani told MailOnline: “It’s important to give that area room to breathe.
“Wearing tight or synthetic clothing, such as leggings, skinny jeans, gym clothing and swimming costumes, can create an environment where problems like thrush are much more likely to develop.”
That means rotating in some loose-fitting trousers or skirts every now and again – for the sake of your vagina.
If you’re someone who wears them constantly and you’ve been suffering with problems down below, maybe you haven’t even realised your clothing choice is to blame.
These are just four of the signs your skinny jeans might be causing harm to your privates…
Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection that affects most women at some point in their lives.
Signs you could be suffering thrush including itching and soreness down there, pain during sex and a stinging sensation when you pee.
It can also cause swelling and inflammation.
Those suffering for the first time, pregnant women, and those who’ve suffered two bouts of thrush within six months should speak to their doctor.
And those with sores on the skin around their vagina, and abnormal bleeding should also seek medical advice to rule out STIs.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) like cystitis happen when bacteria gets in the urethra – where the pee comes out.
A typical case starts when a woman finds she needs to wee more than usual, and that going for a wee is difficult – it is slow to start and the stream is reduced.
As the infection progresses, it can lead to pain and burning when going for a wee and a general feeling of discomfort around the bladder.
You don’t always need to go to the doctors for one, as cases typically clear up by themselves after a few days.
When antibiotics are needed doctors are advised to prescribe the shortest course to prevent the infection becoming drug resistant in the future.
It may be a good idea to get a back-up prescription to use if your symptoms do not clear up within 48 hours or get worse.
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome of the vulva affects roughly 16% of women for three months or more.
The pain can be characterised as burning, irritation, stinging or sharp pain.
Most cases of vulvodynia are defined by a pain lasting for years, though some cases report intermittent pain.
It can occur after using tampons, having sex, or when pressure is applied to the vagina through long periods of sitting or bike riding, for example.
It’s not just skinny jeans that are getting a bad rep when it comes to vaginal health.
Other trends have been doing the rounds lately – from the Gwyneth Paltrow–inspired steaming and jade eggs to random herbs and glitter.
Doctors have previously warned that putting parsley inside your vagina is highly dangerous.
Some women have also used Vicks Vaporub to “tingle and cleanse” their vaginas, as well as disguise odour, but experts warned it would do more harm than good.
A company called Pretty Woman launched a glitter bomb last year, to put some sparkle in your sex life.
But doctors warned they could cause STIs and “vaginal sunburn.”
Aubergine bath bombs were a recent addition to the bathing market, with some wondering if they could be used as a sex toy.
But Dr Vanessa Mackay warned they should not be placed inside the vagina.
Meanwhile, women have been advised against trying to make ‘yoghurt tampons’ to treat thrush.
In previous interview with The Sun, Dr Mackay said: “ “There have been suggestions that probiotics like yoghurt can help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal thrush, however, there is not enough robust evidence to support this.
Putting yoghurt on the vagina may disrupt the vagina’s good bacteria which are there to protect it and this may lead to infection and inflammation.”
The syndrome can be treated by doctor-prescribed medications like creams and ointments.
Aside from treatments, vulvodynia could benefit from lifestyle changes including using lubricant during sex and wear cotton underwear.
Counselling and physical therapy has also been found to be beneficial.
Okay, so this one may sound like it only affects blokes, but you may be surprised to hear women can get jock itch too.
It’s caused by a type of fungus, called dermatophyte, which doesn’t discriminate.
Also known as tinea cruris, it’s characterised by a red rash that often looks similar to ringworm and can become scaly and very itchy.
Yeast is normally present in small amounts in your skin but if you produce too much it can cause an infection.
You may notice moist, shiny areas on your penis and white stuff in the folds of your skin, along with a rash.
Anti-fungal creams are best form of treatment, but if the problem persists see your doctor.
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