Clive Anderson
THE BBC news of May 31, 2005, carried a story from Germany which has created quite a stir in Europe. A Dr. Thomas Gent of the Association of Gynaecologists, advised women to revert to bigger underwear to prevent genital infection. The good doctor was quoted as saying that the friction caused by the string part of the underwear (thong or G-string) has led to a rise in the number of patients seen with genital infections. He went on to suggest that this form of undergarment should be banned.
Diligent research, by this writer, has unearthed the offending garment to be a bikini panty with virtually no back coverage. It consists of a small front panel held to the body entirely by strings. It is worn to prevent panty lines being seen under tight fitting clothes. Proponents of this mode of dress extol its many virtues. They claim it is very comfortable, quite aesthetically appealing and they wear it always.
UNCOMFORTABLE GARMENT
Other persons insist that it is a most uncomfortable garment and they spend too much time adjusting it. One of the variants of this garment has a strip that runs from back to front passing over sensitive areas. It is the argument of persons like Dr. Gent that these garments cause signifi-cant friction. This friction results in the skin barrier being broken and may lead to infection. Additionally, the claim is that the thong provides a wick that carries bacteria and fungi from the anus to the vagina.
The article from the BBC was nothing if not fair as it quoted Mr. Nick Panay, consultant gynaecologist at the Queen Charlotte's Hospital, in London, as saying: "Certainly if you are wearing something that is two sizes too small, it could lead to abrasions and discomfort". He claimed that it is too tight underwear that creates the ideal environment for fungal infection, such as thrush, to grow and thrive. "I'm sure properly fitting under-wear is no problem, whether they are briefs or G-string", Mr. Panay is quoted as saying.
CONDITIONS FOR GENITAL DISTRESS
The genital region is prone to irritation. Moisture from vaginal secretions, warmth from tight clothing and irritation from harsh soaps and inappropriate scrubbing all predispose to irritation and infection. If friction and abrasions from the G-string or thong is added to all this, we will have the conditions for increased genital distress.
I have it on good authority, however, that the problem is indeed due to inappropriate sizes being worn. If the garment is too small, it will indeed rub mercilessly. It will also find its way where it shouldn't. A more comfortable fit as well as the choice of material that stretches with movement and is absorbent (like cotton) should reduce the likelihood of friction and irritation.
There is no need to ban the thong. In this matter, as in so many other areas, size is important.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a dermatologist and venereologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
