In one of the most incredible pieces of cinema of all time, Lindsay Lohan says, “In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” And even though it’s been 20 years and that rule applies every time I go outside, I do make an effort to really slut it up when it comes to Halloween.
While I appreciate the women who put effort and creativity into their Halloween costumes, my main agenda is to show as much skin as possible. Last year, I was a cowgirl with the craziest cameltoe you could ever imagine. Looking back now, I realize that costume, and a lot of the sexy costumes we wear for Halloween, aren’t exactly vagina-health-happy. In fact, your super sexy Halloween costume might just be giving you a yeast infection.
Why Do Yeast Infections Happen?
If you’ve had yeast infections throughout your entire life but never really understood where they came from, let’s break it down. Carly Ross, MD, OB/GYN and Winx Health medical advisor, explains that a yeast infection is basically when there’s an overgrowth of yeast (specifically candida fungus) in places where it’s already present — like the vagina, mouth, or skin.
“There are a large number of reasons as to why an overgrowth in yeast may develop — from hormonal or diet changes, different medications such as a change in birth control pill or antibiotics, to external factors like tight clothing or excess moisture,” Dr. Ross says. “At the end of the day, there is no clear, single answer to the source or cause of a yeast infection in an individual.”
But you can usually tell when you have one. If you have an uncomfortable or burning sensation whenever you pee or if your vag feels itchy, chances are that you could have a yeast infection. But UTIs and bacterial vaginosis usually shares this symptom too, so what you really want to look out for is white, odorless discharge that kind of looks like cottage cheese.
Is My Halloween Costume Giving Me A Yeast Infection?
The problem is that all of the things that make you look super sexy on Halloween — tight costumes made of latex or spandex — aren’t exactly great for your vaginal health.
“Tighter clothes have a tendency to trap heat and moisture, which can create a damp environment that induces excess yeast growth,” Dr. Ross says. “They are also more likely to cause friction against one’s skin, which can lead to irritation and tears that make it easy for yeast to grow.”
Plus, because the costumes are super tight, they’re limiting airflow which doesn’t really allow for your vaginal area to dry out. Unfortunately, wearing something loose and breathable and reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t look super sexy and slutty on Halloween! A Challengers outfit (short, but breathable skirt) or anything with your boobs out can still fit the bill all while keeping your vag happy.
And if you’re thinking “Fuck that, it’s just one night,” then I at least suggest keeping anti-fungal creams and suppositories at your disposal. Your vagina will thank you later.
