Can My Thong Do Me Wrong?

Itty-bitty undies have always come under attack. Condemned as the uniform of “loose women,” thongs and G-strings’ reputation has often been sullied. But regardless of their supposed lack of morality, is it true what the haters say about thongs and health? Do barely-there drawers spell coochie trouble?

Dental Floss Ain’t for This Orifice: Some docs say women who sport strips or strings between their cheeks are doing a disservice to their girly bits. “The material acts as a bridge for ‘bad’ bacteria from the rectum to migrate to the vagina,” says Dr. Kenneth Johnson, director of the Women's Health Center at Nova Southeastern University. Poorly constructed and too-tight thongs can chafe the sensitive skin of your nether regions. Johnson’s prescription: Cotton granny pants.

Much Ado About Nothing: Other docs like Dr. Lionel Bissoon, author of The Cellulite Cure, say the elastic in non-thong underthings has a “tourniquet-like effect” that impedes lymphatic circulation and leads to dimples (only cute on your other cheeks). “I recommend that every one of my female patients wear a G-string or thong,” says Bissoon, whose book includes a chapter on “The Problem with Panties.”

Privates Investigation: A 2004 study by a Swedish team found that thongs have a negligible impact on “the vulvar skin microenvironment.” Researchers and docs agree: Whatever your choice of skivvies, keep it clean, cool, and dry down there. Prone to vaginal infections? Try a moisture-wicking line like Daywear by NiteSweatz. Or let your lady parts really breathe with disposable, organic cotton Commandos patches.

Back to Lifestyle and Trends