When You Stop Wearing Underwear, Avoid This Dangerous Mistake

Not wearing underwear, or "going commando," as it's colloquially known, can be liberating for some people. And, according to Healthline, there can be some benefits as well. For women, skipping underwear could lower the risk of developing yeast infections. Underwear that isn't made of more breathable material, such as cotton, could trap moisture in the genital area and allow unwanted microbes to grow. Similarly, men can avoid fungal infections such as jock itch, by letting things breathe a bit down there.

However, for women in particular, going panty-free might actually cause them to miss some potentially serious signs. The color and consistency of vaginal discharges can be a good indicator of potential infections or sexually-transmitted diseases. When wearing panties, women are more likely to spot these discharges, as they tend to be more visible and located in one area. Without underwear on, it may be harder to notice any possible issues until the infection has become more serious.

One benefit of keeping your undies on is that they can create an effective barrier against zippers. According to Business Insider, with one's genitals left unprotected by underwear, there is a chance that either skin or pubic hair could get caught as you're zipping up your pants. A 2013 study published in BJU International noted that more than 17,000 genital injuries were reported over an eight-year period. And, while penile injuries were the most common, there were also injuries to the labia as a result of zipper-related accidents.

Business Insider also warns that not wearing underwear could leave both men and women prone to chafing. The coarse materials of certain clothes, such as denim, can cause irritation to the scrotum, the urethra, and the vulva. Left untreated, chafing symptoms can worsen. Over time, it can cause bleeding, cracked and broken skin, blisters, and skin infections (per Cleveland Clinic).

There are pros and cons on both sides of the underwear debate. However, care should be taken when choosing what you decide to slip on under your clothes (per Healthline). You should always choose underwear made from natural, breathable fabrics, such as cotton. If you do wear underwear made of lace or other materials, you should only do so for a limited period of time. Additionally, make sure you change your underwear daily to keep moisture and bacteria from building up.

Cleveland Clinic also points out that, whatever you decide to do with your underwear during the day, when it comes to going without undies, nighttime is the right time. Keeping your nether regions free helps promote the flow of air to the area and keeps things cool. This is especially helpful for women who may be experiencing a yeast infection or irritation of the vulva. And, when it's time to wash your undergarments, you should opt for hypoallergenic detergents that are fragrance and dye-free to avoid itching and irritation.