Does Linen Underwear Cause UTI? Doctor Says If It’s a Myth or Fact

Linen underwear has remained a popular choice for years now. Known for being comfortable, breathable, and sustainable, these kinds of underwear allow for free passage of air and also help regulate the body temperature as per the season. Linen is made from natural flax fibers, making it a top-notch fabric for intimate apparel. However, recently, a doubt has hit the clean reputation of linen underwear. The question was, does linen underwear cause urinary tract infections (UTIs)? When we reached out to Dr Swarna Goyal, a gynaecologist at Lilavati, Mumbai, she said this.

Does Linen Underwear Cause UTI? 

According to Dr Swarna Goyal, the idea that linen underwear can cause UTIs is “not a medically proven fact.” It is, in fact, a myth, she adds. Linen, as mentioned before, being a natural fabric is a good absorbent material and is breathable.

“This allows air circulation around the genitals and helps lower the chances of developing bacterial and fungal infections,” the doctor highlights. India generally has a hot and humid climate. In this situation, it is “advisable to wear underwear, preferably made from breathable and natural fibres, like cotton and linen, to keep the genital area clean and dry. Breathable fabrics typically absorb sweat and help prevent bacterial formation.”

Meanwhile, there are synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, and Lycra, which are “generally form-fitting and stylish.” But, they trap moisture and heat, enabling a “hotter environment for bacteria to thrive and become an issue, especially during prolonged periods of use,” points out Dr Swarna Goyal.

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So, there you have it! Linen underwear doesn’t cause UTIs. Rather, they are soft and provide long-lasting comfort. Then what causes UTIs? Read on!

Reasons Behind UTIs and Preventive Measures

From what we could gather, linen underwear, or any material innerwear for that matter, is not responsible for causing UTIs. Synthetic fiber may be the catalyst to such an infection, but it is not a direct cause.

Dr Swarna Goyal says the real contributors to UTIs are:

• Poor hygiene
• Improper wiping (back to front)
• Holding urine for long hours
• Frequent use of intimate washes
• Douching often, which disrupts vaginal flora
• Tight clothing
• Not changing underwear regularly
• Sweat and lack of access to bathroom facilities

So, how can we reduce the risk of contracting UTIs? Dr Swarna Goyal suggests: 

• Maintain adequate hygiene
• Wear the right clothes
• Avoid wearing wet underwear
• Change innerwear every day
• More frequently, if exercising or sweating a lot
• Avoid fitted jeans
• Avoid synthetic leggings for an extended time (these clothes trap heat and moisture) 
• Keep hydrated
• Do not hold urine for a long time.
• Thoroughly wipe and clean yourself after bathroom breaks
• Do not use any scented vaginal cleansers (they disrupt balance of protective flora)

In the end, it’s not your linen undergarments that’s causing UTIs. They are rather better options than synthetics. To avoid getting such nasty infections, pay attention to your hygiene sense, the breathability of your innerwear fabric, and moisture prevention. Every small habit change can make a big difference with UTIs, especially if the climate remains hot and humid, like in India.

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