Wearing Pantyliners Daily? Expert Shares Why You Should Stop

Pantyliners are a go-to hygiene product for many women. They feel convenient, promise freshness, and seem like an easy fix for daily vaginal discharge. However, using pantyliners every single day may actually do more harm than good. According to experts and studies, prolonged daily use of panty liners can affect vaginal health, disrupt the skin barrier, and even increase the risk of infections. 

So, we decided to reach out to expert Dr Rajni Mittal, Chief Medical Officer at Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, and were’s why experts are urging women to rethink this habit. Read ahead to find out.

Why So Many Women Wear Pantyliners Daily

For many women, pantyliners feel like a safety net, whether it's to control discharge, light spotting, post-period dryness, or even just sweat. They're slim, easy to use, and marketed as breathable and comfortable for everyday wear.

Vaginal discharge is completely normal, and actually healthy. Dr Mittal explained many women misinterpret discharge as a part of bad hygiene, which makes them dependent on liners. “The vagina cleans itself. Discharge protects and maintains pH. Continuous blocking of air with a pantyliner interferes with its functioning process,” she added.

Also Read: How To Increase Sex Drive While On Birth Control

What Happens When You Wear Pantyliners Daily?

While pantyliners may appear harmless, daily use can cause several problems. These include:

1. Skin Irritation and Rashes

Pantyliners may contain synthetic materials, adhesives, and fragrances that could irritate sensitive vulvar skin. When worn daily, the friction produces redness, itching, rashes, and dryness of the vulva.

"The skin of the vulva is sensitive. It weakens its barrier when you trap moisture and trap air, thereby leading to more irritation," said Dr Mittal.

2. Greater Risk of Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Since pantyliners reduce airflow, they maintain a warm and moist environment, one that's ideal for bacterial and fungal growth.

According to Dr Mittal, this can increase the chances of Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs), yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. “The area needs ventilation. When its blocked with panty liners, the microbiome gets disturbed,” she adds.

3. Disruption of Vaginal pH

The pH in the vagina is supposed to be slightly acidic to prevent infection. However, this lining can disrupt that balance when one experiences constant moisture build-up. This may result in abnormal discharge, a bad smell, and discomfort.

4. Allergic Reactions

Many pantyliners are bleached or contain chemical additives that can cause allergic reactions, particularly with long-term use. Skin sensitivity often develops over time, which means symptoms can appear after weeks or months of using the product continuously.

ALSO READ- How To Increase Sex Drive While On Birth Control

5. Overdependence and Misinterpretation of Normal Discharge

Wearing a pantyliner every day may make women believe that discharge is a cleanliness problem and not a healthy biological process. However, Dr Mittal explained, “Discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Using a liner to hide it prevents women from noticing unusual signs that actually indicate infection or hormonal imbalance.”

Should You Stop Using Pantyliners Completely?

As per the expert, you don't need to get rid of them completely, just cease daily usage. Here's what Dr Mittal suggested:

• Use pantyliners only when necessary, such as during light spotting, ovulation discharge, or when traveling for long hours.
• Switch to breathable cotton underwear that can absorb natural discharge without causing any irritation.
• Avoid scented products. If you must use liners, choose unscented ones.
• Change underwear more frequently instead of depending on liners for freshness.
• Practice good hygiene, like washing with water and mild, fragrance-free cleansers.

Bottomline

While pantyliners may be convenient, wearing them every day may upset the balance of vaginal health. Use them infrequently, wear breathable underwear, and let your private place breathe.