Does my underwear cause vaginal dryness?

No, it doesn’t. However, if you’re post menopausal and adjusting to lower levels of hormones, your underwear may be making your problem worse. Vaginal dryness for some women is unavoidable, but the irritation and itching it causes can be made even worse by underwear made with synthetic fabrics or of a certain cut. How can you avoid making these underwear mistakes? Keep reading to find out.

What underwear is right for me?

Not all underwear styles are created equally. In order to get the most out of your treatment for vaginal dryness and not irritate your genital area even more, search for comfort-fitting styles with these characteristics.

Waist:

High-waisted underwear is best because they allow you more room for comfort. Avoid having your underwear constantly chap your skin by extending the coverage area.

Legs:

Look for underwear that features leg-openings at the thigh or lower so that the elastic band doesn’t rub against your skin.

Backside:

Avoid thongs, g-strings, or any style of underwear that pulls the fabric closer to your skin. The forced design of these styles can cause extreme irritation in an already vulnerable spot.

Coverage:

Boxers and so-called “granny panties” give you the most coverage. Although these styles tend to be bulky and difficult to conceal under clothes, many lingerie companies are now designing coverage-perfect underwear to be more seamless.

What to avoid:

Boy shorts, high cut panties, thongs, and any other style that’s cut too tight or too high to allow space for your vagina to breathe. Also remember to avoid synthetic fibers and stick with cotton instead.

Other remedies for vaginal itch

As much as your underwear can affect your vaginal itching, what you do before you put them on can lessen or worsen your plight. If your vaginal dryness is severe, avoid washing with harsh soaps or douching. There are gentle cleansers formulated for your feminine area that don’t have the same drying agents that regular soap has. It’s also important to remember that you can wash your genital area with water only; it already has a delicate balance of bacteria and other organisms that aid in keeping it clean.

Recommendation for vaginal dryness

If you do decide that a medicinal remedy is appropriate, talk to your doctor about estrogen and/or progesterone creams that are formulated to fight vaginal dryness. Be conscious of all the possible side effects that these creams present, and start with the lowest dosage possible.