Are there health or comfort concerns for men wearing thongs during sexual activity?
Executive summary
Men wearing thongs face mostly comfort-related issues (chafing, wedgies) and some hygiene risks tied to fit and fabric rather than the style itself; studies cited about women found no clear increase in UTIs or BV and experts advise breathable natural fabrics and correct sizing [1] [2] [3]. Reports also note rare but plausible mechanical hazards (entanglement/strangulation of penis or testicles) that are preventable with proper fit and design [4].
1. Comfort wins or loses on fit and fabric
The single biggest determinant of whether a man will be comfortable wearing a thong is fit and material: poorly sized thongs shift, bunch, or chafe, producing irritation and a persistent wedgie sensation, while well-designed pieces in breathable fabrics (cotton, bamboo, micromodal) reduce heat and rubbing and can be worn without trouble [5] [6] [7].
2. Infection risk is tied to moisture, not the thong label
Available reporting ties higher risk of yeast or fungal irritation to increased warmth and moisture around the genitals; that risk comes from tight, non‑breathable materials rather than being intrinsic to thong styles. Studies in women showed no clear rise in yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or UTIs attributable solely to thong use if hygiene and fabric choices were appropriate [1] [2] [8].
3. Strangulation and entanglement: rare, overstated, preventable
Some medical commentators raise the odd case of entanglement or strangulation from very thin straps around the genitals, especially with gimmicky designs; clinicians say proper sizing and avoiding overly flimsy strap constructions largely eliminate that hazard [4].
4. Sperm, scrotal temperature, and fertility—nuance matters
Wider literature on tight underwear and sperm quality finds mixed signals; reports note boxer‑style underwear may be associated with higher sperm concentration in some studies, but those findings relate to long‑term tightness and scrotal temperature rather than short‑term sexual activity in a thong. The specific question of thongs during sex is not directly settled in the provided sources [2]. Available sources do not mention definitive, repeated evidence that thong‑use during sex causes lasting fertility harm.
5. Practical hygiene and safety rules to follow
Sources converge on actionable advice: choose breathable, natural or moisture‑wicking fabrics; avoid synthetic polyester/lace that traps heat; change underwear daily; keep the area dry; pick the correct size and pouch design for anatomy to reduce rubbing and movement [2] [7] [9].
6. When to avoid thongs altogether
Reports recommend skipping thongs when you already have irritation, recurrent fungal or bacterial infections, or immediately after genital surgery or injury; if you experience persistent chafing or abnormal discharge while wearing thongs, clinicians advise stopping and seeking care—those details are emphasized across practical health writeups [1] [3]. Available sources do not give a universal ban for men but do flag circumstances when they’re a poor choice.
7. Social and situational considerations affect “comfort”
Beyond medical points, comfort includes psychological and situational factors: some men report increased confidence and better aesthetics; others find the sensation intolerable. Swim or public settings add concerns like sun exposure to sensitive areas or social stigma in conservative places—issues raised in apparel and swimwear analyses [10] [11].
8. What the evidence doesn’t say (limitations and gaps)
Most controlled studies cited focus on vaginal health in women, not men wearing thongs during sexual activity; direct, peer‑reviewed research on men’s infection rates, mechanical injury, or long‑term reproductive effects from thong use during sex is not present in the provided sources. Therefore definitive claims about rare outcomes (e.g., fertility impacts from short‑term thong use during sex) are not supported by the materials at hand [1] [2].
Bottom line: thongs are not inherently unsafe for men during sexual activity, but comfort and a small risk of irritation or fungal overgrowth depend on fit, fabric, hygiene, and existing health issues; choose breathable materials, ensure correct sizing, and stop use if irritation or unusual symptoms emerge [2] [5] [7].