Men who hit the hay in their boxer shorts could also be risking infertility

Going to bed in your underwear could end up being responsible for a number of health problems, experts have suggested.

Wearing constricting undergarments overnight can create the optimum environment for a host of unpleasantness particularly in women, including an increased risk of bacterial and yeast infections.

The comments come after American gynaecologist Dr Alyssa Dweck revealed that she advises her patients to ditch their knickers at night across the board.

“I tell my patients to sleep without underwear. If the area is constantly covered, especially by fabric that’s not moisture wicking or absorbent, then moisture collects, creating the perfect breeding ground for yeast.”

Dr Shirley McQuade, Medical Director of Dublin’s Well Woman Centre revealed that wearing underwear overnight can lead the way for infections such as bacteria vaginosis and thrush.

“Wearing underwear to bed can cause problems for women in that the temperature is increased and the circulation is low which can allow for bacteria and yeast to thrive causing problems.

“It isn’t just underwear either. Wearing tight lycra while working out can also be a cause of recurring infections in women and I would always advise them to wear loose clothing while at the gym and cotton underwear,” she said.

It isn’t just women who are advised to hit the hay commando either, as experts say wearing boxers to bed can impact a man’s fertility.

Dr Bart Kuczera of The Beacon Medical Group said that long term over-heating of the testicles could have damaging consequences for male fertility.

"It is a long known fact that both testicular function and sperm production are temperature dependent. This is the reason why testicles are located out of the body, in the scrotum, which together with specific blood supply act as a natural thermostat. Permanently or repeatedly increased testicular temperature is harmful for sperm production and may therefore result in poorer fertility.

"All male patients attending for fertility treatment in our clinic are advised to avoid testicular overheating through either tight underwear and trousers or warm bath tubs and saunas," he said.

The Consultant Fertility Specialist revealed that tight underwear also can cause infections in men, with can cause discomfort and irritation.

"Poorly permeable and overheating underwear or clothing change the skin environment in the groin and scrotum facilitating fungal growth replacing healthy natural bacterial flora of the area. This infection, called tinea, is quite commonly seen as reddening and itchy skin in the area and may give rise to secondary intimate skin infections," he said.

Online Editors