Growing up, maybe you were told that you’re supposed to sleep sans underwear to let your nether regions “air out” overnight. Or perhaps you’ve just never been a fan of going to bed commando. But is there a “right” answer when it comes to your health — and does it differ by sex? We talked to doctors to find out.
First, know that the underwear versus no-underwear debate is not one that’s backed up by much research, said Orange County, California, urologist Dr. Aaron Spitz.
“The topic of going commando under the sheets is not routinely discussed in academic conferences, and a literature review will not turn up any erudite studies on the topic,” Spitz, author of “The Penis Book: A Doctor’s Complete Guide to the Penis,” told HuffPost.
Dr. Sherry Ross — an OB-GYN and the author of “She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period.” — said that it really comes down to personal choice.
“There is no right or wrong answer whether you decide to sleep with or without underwear,” she told HuffPost.
And while there’s no scholarly consensus on the matter, there are some factors to take into account when deciding what’s right for you. We talked to a handful of experts to get their take.
You may want to wear underwear to bed if…
If you’re someone who has a lot of vaginal discharge or you’re on your period, sleeping in undies “may be your best option to prevent a nighttime mess in the morning,” Ross said.
Those with male genitals, on the other hand, may experience discomfort — particularly in their testicles — if they go commando “due to compression that may occur from their thighs or the mattress while they toss and turn in their sleep,” Spitz said.
If that’s an issue for you, he recommends sleeping in a pair of supportive underwear to prevent any uncomfortable squashing.
Another thing to consider: Wearing underwear to bed means your genitals aren’t making direct contact with your pajamas or your sheets….
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