If you don’t like your panty lines being visible, you may think that wearing a thong is the solution. But beware. Thongs can increase your chances of getting infections. Since over 70 percent of women suffer from some kind of fungal infection in their lifetime, this can be a major problem. If the thong you’re wearing does not fit properly, it can move forward just enough to spread bacteria and cause infection. Women who are prone to infections are advised against wearing thongs. These groups include:

- People with diabetes
- Those with a history of sexually transmitted infections or chronic cystitis
- And women who are over 40 years whose reduced oestrogen levels as well as vagina pH level changes can make the vagina prone to infection-causing bacteria.

Celebrities have in the past helped make wearing of thongs popular. Many people now wear them without realising the hygiene and health risks. Even though not everyone is affected, if you have a choice and aren’t bothered about what’s fashionable, it’s better to avoid them altogether.

Women’s health experts recommend that you opt for cotton underwear or panties. These allow air to circulate and prevent the area getting too hot and moist and therefore helps prevent problems.

So even though wearing thongs can provide a solution to the visible panty lines and make you stay fashionable by wearing what the latest celebrity icon is wearing, the can make it easier for you to get infections. If you are prone to infections, it is better to avoid wearing them. Types of thongs include the traditional thong, the g-string, t-back, v-string and the c-string.

Some anecdotal evidence from gynaecologists shows that thongs can cause health problems in regular wearers, including vaginal and urinary tract infections. They have been shown to irritate the vagina because they do not allow enough air or space. It has also been demonstrated that thongs can make small lacerations which can invite infections. More importantly, the main string on a thong makes it possible for the anus and the vagina to be connected therefore making it easy for the area to be infected.