A yeast infection is a fungal imbalance. We all have a natural vaginal flora, also known as our vaginal microbiome, which is a healthy balanced mix of yeast and bacteria, like candida and lactobacillus.
When this balance is disrupted from let’s say antibiotics, pregnancy or oral contraceptives, an overgrowth of yeast can occur, leading to an infection that causes itching, irritation, a burning sensation and/or vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, for example, kill a range of bacteria including the healthy ones we need to maintain our balanced microbiome, resulting in an overgrowth of yeast. Up to 3 out 4 women will suffer from a yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.
Another cause can be underwear! Underwear that traps heat and moisture, like sweat, can also create an environment in which yeast thrives. Since sweat rapidly increases bacterial and fungal growth, sweat-soaked underwear can make us more susceptible to infection - meaning the underwear you wear to workout really does matter to the health of your vulva!
Cotton underwear is often recommended to women due to the fabrics breathability - and for your everyday activities this can be a great preferred choice. However, since cotton absorbs and holds onto moisture, it is not always the best fabric when it comes to a sweaty workout. Ever notice that your underwear is damp long after the rest of your other sportswear has dried? That’s likely because of the cotton underwear liner, which can take hours longer to dry than your high performance workout clothes. That’s why we created Netherlin underwear with fabric that is lightweight and mesh, so that it is still breathable, but also wicks moisture and dries quickly to keep your nether regions feeling cool and dry while you sweat.