How Often Should You Really Be Changing Your Panties?

Taking care of your health is essential. Think about it: self-care not only helps you maintain a healthy relationship with yourself, but it also allows you to transmit those good feelings to the other important people in your life.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly, one of the best ways to practice self-care is by maintaining your feminine hygiene. Staying on top of your hygiene routine not only helps you maintain a healthy vulva and normal vaginal pH balance but also boosts your self-confidence.

There’s a reason why you should change your underwear every day: it could impact your health. What’s more, side effects like irritation, sweatiness, and bad odors can linger, leading to potential conditions that you’ll have to clear up—and nobody wants that!

From changing your underwear to treating yourself to new panties, here’s everything you need to know to keep your vagina happy and healthy.

Here’s How Often You Should Change Your Underwear

As a general rule, you should change your panties daily to prevent the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and sweat, according to Sheryl A. Ross, MD, OB-GYN, and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health.

However, there are situations when you should change your panties more frequently. For example, if you’re active and working out or particularly sweaty, aim to change your panties afterward to stay fresh.

Even if you don’t feel dirty after a workout, changing your panties can help you maintain a healthy vulva. Over time, you can develop “nose blindness” to your odors, and you might not notice how dirty you actually are after getting home from the gym.

In some situations, you might need to change your underwear immediately. If your panties are stained with urine, feces, or blood, change your underwear as soon as possible. It’s also essential to change your underwear frequently if you have an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a urinary tract infection (UTI), or an open wound.

When To Toss The Old Underwear And Buy New

Even when you wash your underwear regularly, bacteria can accumulate over time. In fact, according to a 2001 study from the Journal of Infection, there’s approximately one-tenth of a gram of feces in the average pair of “clean” underwear.

To avoid excess buildup, it’s essential to replace your panties with a new set every six months. Alternatively, if you work out frequently or sweat more, you may choose to upgrade your underwear every three months.

When shopping for new panties, you should always pay attention to the material. While your average nylon, polyester, and spandex panties will get you through the day, repeatedly wearing synthetic materials can lead to skin irritation and excess heat and moisture, creating a less-than-ideal environment for your vagina.

To take out the guesswork when shopping for panties, we recommend ethically sourced wood pulp (Tencel™ fabric) material. Tencel™ fabric is antimicrobial, quick-drying, and controls odors. Unlike synthetic fabrics, Tencel™ fabric is breathable and wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long.

Above all else, as long as you’re refreshing your panties each day and washing them after every use, your vagina will thank you. At Eve’s Disclosure, our luxurious panties feature breathable fabric and comfortable raw-cut edges to keep you fresh throughout the day.

Whether you’re working out or relaxing at home, choosing the right panties can help you maintain a healthy vulva and normal vaginal pH balance while indulging in some much-needed self-care.