OB-GYN Warns Women Why We Should Not Wear Panty Liners Every Day
When it comes to our health, it's something that people should definitely talk about more openly.
With that goal in mind, one doctor has gone viral for explaining why women should not wear panty liners every day, and something seemingly innocent that millions of women do is opening a discussion on women's reproductive health.
The Joys Of Womanhood
Between periods, hormonal changes, bloating, and a slew of other crap, being a woman is a challenge, especially for those several days each month when Aunt Flow comes knocking at our door.
Whether tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, every woman has her preferred choice of feminine hygiene product during her time of the month. So what about during your in-between days?
The TikTok
This is Annie, also known as @anniedeliversmd on TikTok, and she describes herself as an "embarrassing mom to three." She's also a practicing OB-GYN, and she uses the platform to educate women on their reproductive health.
Annie recently went viral with over 11 million views for a TikTok that talks about a seemingly innocuous feminine hygiene product—panty liners.
Vaginal Irritation
Annie begins the TikTok by assuming her role as an OB-GYN and also acting as a patient. While there is no talking during the video, Jordin Sparks' song "No Air" plays in the background.
Annie explains that patients often come to her complaining of vaginal irritation. She confirms that her patients typically don't have a vaginal infection, but that there is an underlying issue.
Do You Wear Panty Liners Every Day?
Annie then explains that she often sees a "defined line" around the vulva, which can be caused by daily use of panty liners.
This is a common practice for many women, as Annie notes that it's often done due to women not liking the feeling of discharge in their underwear.
Contact Dermatitis
She then says that the daily use of wearing panty liners is what causes the irritation, adding that the constant contact between the vulva and panty liners causes "contact dermatitis."
According to the Mayo Clinic, contact dermatitis is an uncomfortable but non-life-threatening red and itchy rash that's caused by coming in direct contact with a substance or having an allergic reaction to it.
What Should Women Do Instead?
So instead of wearing panty liners every day, what should women do? Annie recommends that women carry a Ziploc bag with them in their purse, and when they experience discharge, they can change their underwear.
"But don't wear those liners anymore," the caption on the video reads. "Your vulvar skin does not like them."
A Follow-Up Response
Annie's TikToks went viral garnering hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. In a follow-up, she responds to a user who wrote that they'd never had issues with panty liners before.
In her medical opinion, Annie says that while she doesn't recommend daily panty liner use, and they should instead be reserved for "the last few days of your period when it's really light and you don't want to stain your underwear permanently."
Every Woman Is Different
Annie does add, however, that if you have been using liners for years and have never experienced sensitivity, then you're probably okay. If you do start to experience irritation, discontinue their daily use.
"But there are just some of us who are luckier than others and are not as sensitive, and that's okay," she says.
