Okay, so I am pretty active, I work out 6 days a week, a mix of unconventional and conventional weights and cardio. I normally wore briefs for the snug fit (and they don't twist like boxers) but switched to compression shorts due to the fact that briefs tend to loosen up after wearing them a while.
I do have a few questions/concerns, and was hoping for a few answers.
Normally I go commando but for my workouts or while working (I am a rep at a gym 5 days a week) ill wear the compression shorts. Is there any LONG TERM risks to wearing these? They don't breathe very well and I'm assuming they get pretty warm since they're a a plasticy type material (similar to the under armor shirts for those of you who don't know).
Also, I don't notice much sweat but the smell is terrible when I remove them. I mean god aweful. I bathe 2 times a day, I dry myself thoroughly and even apply some GoldBond powder to myself but the smell gets pretty gnarly. Any way to combat this? I always feel like I'm going to be talking to a girl and she will smell it (even though you only notice it when I remove them or leave them sitting in my bag.
Since they don't breathe would I be more apt to any forms of infections? I mean I wash myself as soon as I'm done lifting so its not like I'm just sitting there for 12 hours straight.
And also is going commando bad for you? I never seem to have the same issues as I do with boxers and such (I.e. sweating or smells) and as foolish as this may be I feel more confident sans underwear haha.
the smell you wont get rid after wearing them until they are washed. I'm sure when you take them off you feel that they're fairly damp right? that's all the sweat and bacteria compressed in there. we had the same problems with football pads. they smelled worse than the most horrid fart you could imagine. i know there are fabrics that try to wick sweat away, do you have those?
infection - you didn't state that you get jock itch and i think that is the most common issue. and you take them quickly so that is good. they should be treated like socks after a workout. they're wet and nasty so take them off asap.
risks - they are supposed to get warm. the main purpose is to keep the muscles less prone to injury. aren't those shorts big enough to fit a safety cup in there so you probably wouldn't have a issue with sperm count. it is warmer but I'm sure no more than sitting in a hot tub. i have worn under armor knock offs under my pads and i think there are no risks to be concerned about. this of course refers to not wearing them all the time like some do but you have stated already that you don't.
going commando - i never liked it because my package bounced around like a girl with big boobs running on a treadmill without a bra. but there is nothing wrong with it, we were born without boxer briefs on.
The lack of "breathing" and, likely being polypropylene, absorbing the body odors are the shortcomings. Physically, or anatomically, there are no issues.
An interesting parallel occurred when panty hose (as opposed to hose with garter belts) were invented. Vaginal infections, and aromas, appeared to increase. We women need to be aired out and with compression shorts, men may as well. God, I am glad not to have all that stuff exposed and flopping around down there!
I had a case of jock itch as a kid. But that was from not understanding that I should shower and change after practice. Haven't had it since. (I use the powder as a precaution nowadays)
Never had and itching, burning or other symptoms, I'm a major stickler of hygiene, and prefer to keep everything shaved as well since it keeps the sweat (and therefore smells) down.
I was mostly afraid of winding up with a bladder infection or something since I had a friend suffering a few infections from her "sexy" underwear. (Usually like a leather or non cotton panties)
I used to know a girl that biked a lot and wore these shorts. She switched to one that was specifically designed to be more breathable and that gets rid off excess sweat, which in her experience reduced chafing, overheating and odors. I'm sorry to say I don't know which brand... perhaps ask for these specific qualities of a compression short at the local sportswear-store?