As conversations about personal hygiene continue to trend online, a recent medical reminder is causing a stir: should you really replace your underwear every six months? While the claim sounds dramatic, doctors say the real issue isn’t the age of your underwear — it’s how well you care for it.
According to health experts, wearing the same underwear for years is not automatically dangerous. Instead, problems arise when people don’t wash them properly or ignore signs of wear and tear. Underwear sits in one of the most sensitive parts of the body, so it easily collects sweat, bacteria, and moisture — the perfect environment for infections if hygiene is poor.
Doctors note that fungal infections, rashes, and unpleasant odours often come from underwear that doesn’t dry properly, is washed carelessly, or has become too old to stay clean even after washing. Cotton underwear is also recommended over synthetic fabrics because it allows the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of irritation and yeast infections.
The viral “six-month rule” spreading on social media, however, is not a medical law. Experts say there is no scientific requirement to replace underwear every six months. What they recommend is simple: replace your underwear when it loses its elasticity, becomes discoloured, develops permanent odours, or starts trapping moisture. In short, the moment it stops serving your body well, it has to go.
The doctor’s warning, though exaggerated online, points to a real issue — many people underestimate how important clean, well-maintained underwear is to their health. Proper washing with hot water, good detergents, and ensuring each pair dries completely can drastically reduce the chances of irritation or infection.
So, while you don’t need to throw out all your underwear every six months, you do need to pay attention to how you care for them. Good hygiene, breathable fabrics, and timely replacements are the real game changers for a healthy intimate area.
