Can shapewear cause health problems?

Can shapewear cause health problems? We all know the marvels that come or are achievable with wearing shapewear underneath your clothes. Those stretchy, skin tight and slimy undergarments are a go-to choice for most ladies who want to go a size down when dressing up. They give you a pleasant-looking and sleeker silhouette than you would normally have when not worn any. You get to look slimmer, firmer, and sharp when you wear the right fit shapewear.

But most ladies cannot help but question whether shapewear will cause any health problems in the long run. With all the Victorian-era corsets portrayed to b tights and have lacings that may hurt or even relocate your organs, some women may tend to believe this is the case for all shapewear. Not to worry as modern shapewear is made to cater to different body shapes and sizes. They are also made to fit snuggly but comfortably provided one gets the right size.

Do shapewear cause health problems?

Can shapewear cause health problems? The answer to this question depends solely on how a lady wears shapewear. These garments hardly cause any health problems to anyone unless one has sensitive skin that may react to the material used to make the garment.

Potential health issues you may encounter when you wear shapewear

You are at a higher risk of suffering from a UTI and bacterial infections

women who wear too tight shapewear for a longer time are at risk of developing UTI. such tight clothing presents them with a challenge when they need to use the bathroom abruptly. Such struggles may make some ladies ignore nature calls as they would not want to deal with the issue.

Prolonged wear of constrictive undergarments prevents free air circulation which may provide the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Such an environment will be a perfect place for conditions such as thrush to develop.

Shapewear can give you acid reflux.

Women suffering from gastric issues and heartburns are highly discouraged from wearing shapewear frequently and for longer periods. The undergarments will compress their intestines, stomach, and colon thus interfering with the digestive system.

Shapewear can cause you to suffer from gassiness and bloating.

Most times when we are full, especially after a hearty meal, most of our clothes usually feel snug. You may feel this effect when you are wearing high-waisted jeans, a non-stretchy bodycon, or even undies. Now, imagine that feeling while you have tight shapewear underneath your clothes. Your organs will be squished which will interfere with digestion. When digestion does not occur in the right way, you are bound to suffer from a bloated stomach or excessive gas. Even though these conditions are manageable, they may be uncomfortable or unpleasant.

It might cause you to hyperventilate.

Too much compression on your tummy area may cause interfere with your breathing process as the diaphragm will not get to relax fully or fully dilate. The pressure caused by your shapewear may affect your veins and stomach. It may cause you to suffer shortness of breath and eventually hyperventilation.

You may be at risk of suffering from varicose veins and blood clots

Too much constriction and pressure caused by shapewear may cause you to experience more serious health conditions. People who are genetically prone to develop varicose veins and blood clots should avoid wearing compressed garments for longer periods.

You might be at risk of getting ingrown hairs

Ladies need loose undergarments 24/7 as it is beneficial to their sexual and reproductive health. Wearing compressed undergarments for longer periods will cause friction to occur. One may end up suffering from ingrown hairs or folliculitis

These garments are perfectly safe so long as you get to wear them with common sense and consider some beneficial tips

Watch out for any skin reactions.

When wearing shapewear, it is good to watch out for any skin reactions that may occur. It is the most likely health issue one may encounter when wearing shapewear. It is not recommended to wear this garment for long periods, 6 to 8 hours may be enough. Most people with sensitive skins may have allergic reactions when they get to wear shapewear for longer periods. This allergic reaction comes about as they tend to react to the chemicals that usually give the garments their stretch.

The skin may turn itchy, chafed, or red. It may get infected at long last when someone fails to take care of the allergy. In case your shapewear reacts this way when in contact with your skin, it is good to take a break from wearing the garment. Take a break from it until the infection or allergic reaction clears up. Afterward, it is advisable to try a different brand made from different materials or even wear a larger size.

Other women may get allergic reactions due to wearing the shapewear continuously. One is urged to constantly wash or launder their shapewear to avoid repetitive wear of dirty and sweaty garments. Dr. Wakim-flemming reminds women that these garments remain in touch with skin more than any other fabric you may be wearing. Therefore, cleanliness is paramount.

Avoid wearing too tight shapewear.

Can shapewear cause health problems? Anyone who wears shapewear or is well informed about these undergarments will always advise you to get the perfect fit. By perfect fit we mean you should invest in shapewear meant for your size; neither too small and tight nor too big. Some women have a misguided notion that tight and downsized shapewear will give them a more perfect shape. As long as shapewear is ultra-tight around your body, then it is not your size. One should try a larger size in such a scenario. In case you also feel any discomfort when you wear your shapewear it may be time for you to change your size choice.  The same goes with shapewear that leaves marks.

More fitting shapewear will make your silhouette look smoother in your clothes. A tighter one tends to constrict blood circulation which can leave you feeling dizzy, experiencing acid reflux, bloated, gassiness, and a generally slowed down digestion.

But apart from the benefits that come with shapewear, women who experience any underlying health issues may worsen them when they wear shapewear that is too tight.