What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Underwear Enough

Let's say you've skipped laundry day a couple of times and you're down to one pair (the one you're wearing). Yikes. So, this might seem gross, as you have to wear the same underwear for two days straight, but is it harmful? Are there actually dangerous consequences that can happen from chilling in the same underwear without a wash?

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on maintaining their personal hygiene, for their own health and the wellbeing of those around them (no one likes to smell down there). Still, sometimes slip-ups happen and you forget to bring an extra pair of panties on a weekend trip or you spend the night elsewhere without of change of clothes. If these things happen, and it's totally find if it's the latter especially (you do you), it's good to know what can happen to the body from the extra time spent in dirty underwear. Plus, if it's a routinely occurrence, you definitely want to be informed. Here are 7 things that can happen if you wear the same underwear for two days in a row, and why you might need to be vigilant to bring a spare pair wherever you go.

1. It Can Lead To Infection

According to J. Scott Kasteler, M.D. over interview with Greatist, if you have any cold sores or cuts around your vagina, it could become infected if you wear the same pair of underwear for a two or more days in a row. If contaminated, it could spread to an infection, Kasteler explained.

2. It Can Make You Smell Different

Down there, I mean. If you notice a more musky scent, it could be from excessive sweating or wearing dirty or constricting clothing. If you're wearing the same pair of undies for a couple of days, you're likely to have sweat and other bacteria residue on it, which will linger and increase odors.

3. It Can Lead To Yeast Infections

If you're wearing the same underwear, you might notice there's a build up of sweat and bacteria on it, or it's a bit more moist and damp at the end of the day. If you let that carry over into the following, it could lead to a yeast infection, as bacteria spreads. Plus, if you're hitting the gym, you definitely will need a change.

4. It Can Transfer E. Coli

According to Raquel B. Dardik, M.D., clinical associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center over interview with Huffington Post, thongs are a major culprit, here. If you wear the same thong, you're giving yourself more time for E. Coli to spread, as thongs travel easily between the anus and vagina and can pass it along.

5. It Can Cause Acne

Have you ever had a pimple down there? It hurts. A lot. Wearing the same underwear for a few days will lead to acne, as the build up of sweat and oil can accumulate and cause breakouts. And yes, those are likely to be big, disgusting white heads. Think of the vagina as a face: it can get affected with flare ups just as easily.

6. You Can Get A Rash

You might start to notice itchy, red splotches and rashes around your vagina and inner thighs, and this can happen from any sort of infections or bacterial viruses that have made contact with your skin. This is especially likely if you're known to have sensitive skin to begin with.

7. Chafing

Dermatologist Robin Travers, M.D., based in Boston, told Fitness Magazine that chafing can happen when sweat accumulates in dirty lingerie, and while he specifically discussed the occurrence in bras, the same rule applies for underwear. If you let that bacteria remain on your undies, and in direct contact with your skin for a few days, it can cause chafing and discomfort.

If you notice any of these issues when you're wearing the same underwear for two or more days in a row, definitely stop, do your laundry, and be better about changing regularly.