It is known that you have to change your underwear every day and wash them before putting them on again (otherwise ... iuu). What about underwear longevity, from a health standpoint, is there a time when you have to throw away old ones and buy new ones?
The answer is not as simple as you might think, Taraneh Shirazian, a gynecologist, told Health. No medical evidence shows that wearing old shoes is a risk factor for a certain vaginal condition, says Dr. Shirazian. But when it comes to comfort and reducing the chances of any problems - like an allergic reaction or infection - it makes sense to change your underwear regularly, she advises.
Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University School of Medicine and author of First Wear a Mask: A Doctor's Guide to Reducing the Risk of Infection During a Pandemic and Beyond, agrees that underwear does not have an expiration date. . But underwear can be "mechanically dysfunctional" - in other words, it has holes or the material is damaged - so it's time to replace them.
What can happen if you wear old underwear? The risk is not high, but worn footwear can really pose a health problem. If a pair does not fit properly it can cause infections. If the shoelaces are weak, they can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection.
"When choosing underwear, be aware of things like natural materials and dyes and chemicals," suggests Dr. Shirazian. She recommends cotton materials because they prevent moisture from building up and avoid infections. Synthetic fabrics like nylon retain moisture and do not dry easily, causing irritation and infection.
Source: Health