Jeans are the most flexible item that individuals hang in their closets. A pair of jeans fit nearly every occasion and regardless of when, where, and how a person wears them. This type of cloth has evolved over decades as generations and culture change. For instance, there is a significant difference between the jeans that were worn in1990s and 2010s (Montanez, 2021). While jeans won in the 1990s were bigger and baggier, the fashion prevailed in the market in the 2010s, and the current one is the skinny jeans (Montanez, 2021). Both men and women have embraced a style to wear during weekends, weekdays, and even when doing for a date. Although these jeans make an individual outstanding and appear more fashionable, there have been concerns about possible health problems associated with them. While wearing skinny jeans is a choice for a fashion for both men and women, it increases risks for various health problems such as urinary tract infections, blander weakness, and twisted testicles.
Wearing skinny jeans increases the risks for urinary tract infections for both men and women. Microbes such as bacteria cause urinary tract infections when they overcome the body’s defenses. The bacteria breed and grow faster in humid environments. Therefore, women are more prone to urinary tract infections during their menstrual periods than men. The type of clothes worn by individuals influences their vulnerability to the infection. McIntosh (2018) indicates that wearing tight clothes has a significant role in creating a perfect environment for bacterial breeding. Skinny jeans cause sweating, trap moisture, and inhibit aeration, especially during high temperatures. As a result, bacteria on the skin grow faster, causing the infection. The lower urinary, the urethra, and the blander are first affected by the bacteria. The upper urinary tract, comprising ureters and the kidneys, is then affected if the condition is untreated. The symptoms that characterize the illness include frequent and strong urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, bloody or smelly urine, ad abdominal pains (McIntosh, 2018). Therefore, individuals need to avoid wearing skinny jeans for prolonged periods to minimize the risks of contracting urinary tract infections.
Wearing skinny jeans can cause a pinched nerve in the groin. The body part between the upper thigh and the lower abdomen comprises the groin. According to Jewell and Moawad (2019), compression of a nerve by tissues such as bones, muscles, and tendons in the groin causes the condition. Any tissue pinching the nerve interferes with its ability to supply sensory information. As a result, an individual may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the groin region and something down to the legs. Tight clothes such as skinny the health problems because they squeeze the groin as a person moves and tissues push against each other (Jewell & Moawad, 2019). Rattue (2012) adds that approximately 50 % of men who wear skinny jeans experience groin discomfort. The condition can be either temporary or prolonged, depending on the causes.
The signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve in the groin can inhibit an individual’s ability to execute their daily activities effectively. The common symptoms of the health problem are numbness in the upper thighs or groin and dull aching, and chronic pain (Jewell & Moawad, 2019). Notably, a person may also experience sharp, intense, and sudden pain. People also lose sensation in the region supplied by the affected nerve, and their pelvic and groin muscles weaken, especially when they are walking or using them. The condition can cause permanent damage to the affected nerve or chronic pain if untreated (Jewell & Moawad, 2019). Therefore, individuals should think about wellbeing when considering buying the skinny jean that is in fashion.
Wearing skinny jeans contributes to the increased prevalence of bladder weakness or urinary incontinence. According to Aoki et al. (2017), the condition affects both genders, although it is more frequent in females than men. The illness causes considerable negative impacts on health-related quality of life and costs. It is stigmatizing l leading to reduced rates of care presentation. The prevalence of urinary incontinence among women ranges between 5 % and 72 % (Aoki et al., 2017). Skinny jeans increase risks for disease because they contribute to a high rate of urinary tract infection.
Urinary incontinence is a complication caused by a urinary tract infection. As noted earlier, skinny jeans trap moisture, creating a better environment for the breeding of bacteria that cause infection. According to Fletcher and Wilson (2020), 60 % and 12 % of females and males, respectively, suffer from urinary tract infections in their lifetime. The data explains why more women are diagnosed with urinary incontinence than men. If the urinary tract infection is untreated, the bacteria may travel into the bladder. The bacteria then irritate the organ, making it swollen and leaking the urine. The symptoms of urinary incontinence are increased urge to urinate, frequent urination during the day and at night, and bedwetting (Aoki et al., 2017). Avoiding skinny jeans and seeking treatment for urinary tract infections can significantly reduce the risks of contracting urinary incontinence.
Wearing skinny jeans increases the risk of suffering from compartment syndrome. The latter is a health condition characterized by swelling around muscles, blood vessels, and nerves enclosed in the fascia (Saleh & Menna, 2020). Fascia, a thin layer of connective tissues, contains inflammation, leading to increased pressure that interferes with motor action, blood flow, and nerve action. The symptoms of compartment syndrome include puffiness, pallor, paralysis, loss of pulses, and pain. The syndrome can occur at any time, especially when individuals wearing skinny jeans continue with their daily activities such as walking.
The compartment syndrome results from stressors such as skinny jeans. According to (DerSarkissian, 2020), the most affected parts of the body including the upper legs, hips, hands, abdomen, and anterior tibia. Although anterior tibial compartment syndrome is rare, it was reported in 2015 in a woman aging 35 years (Saleh & Menna, 2020). The lady developed swelling in both her legs after hours of pressure caused by skinny jeans. While her knees’ and hips’ power was normal, she could not move due to weakened toes and ankles. She also lost sensation at the top of her feet and her calves’ sides. Her lower legs’ swelling had worsened by the time she reached the hospital such that the doctors had to cut off her skinny jean. A CT scan revealed that her lower legs’ muscles had started breaking down. Compartment syndrome can cause such complications as fibrosis, muscle contracture, and shortening of muscles (Saleh & Menna, 2020). Thus, individuals should consider potential health problems when choosing to wear skinny jeans.
Skinny jeans are associated with incidences of twisted testicles among men. According to Rattue (2012), 20 % of men are at risk of suffering from twisted testicles or testicular torsion because of skinny jeans. The jeans deprive the spermatic cord that holds testicles in place of a room to move. As a result, the cord can twist around the testicles, obstructing its blood supply. The symptoms associated with testicular torsion include severe and sudden pain, tenderness, nausea, and enlargement of the impacted testicle. According to Cleveland Clinic (2021) indicates that testicular torsion is common among youth. Unlike the older generation, the youths like to wear skinny jeans, increasing their risks for the condition. The disorder requires an emergency surgical procedure to restore blood flow. It is impossible to save the affected testicle if the blood supply is cut for long, necessitating its removal. Therefore, young men should be careful when choosing jeans to wear to minimize risks for testicular torsion.
Men who wear skinny jeans risk lowering their sperm count and being infertile. According to Mínguez-Alarcón et al. (2018), sperm production requires a temperature that does not exceed 34 degrees Celsius. This condition explains why the testicle hangs outside the body. Wearing skinny jeans inhibits aeration and traps heat, affecting the quality and concentration of produced sperms. Mínguez-Alarcón et al. (2018) found that men who do not wear tight trousers and underwear have 25 % and 17 % higher sperm concentration and total sperm count, respectively than those who wear tighter clothes. Therefore, avoiding skinny jeans can help men improve their reproductive health.
Wearing Skinny jeans is among the contributing factors for yeast infection among females. Notably, significant numbers of yeast live on the skin and mucus membranes without causing health problems. Certain bacteria on the body inhibit the growth of the yeast until the former is killed or the latter’s living condition is altered (Johnson, 2021). Skinny jeans change the yeast’s surroundings since they prevent aeration, increasing body temperature and moisture in the vagina (Johnson, 2021). As a result, yeast gets a better environment for growth, causing infection. Thus, females should avoid wearing skinny jeans, and if they do, they minimize the period they remain with clothes on.
Wearing skinny jeans increases the risk of blood clotting, which can cause other complications. These jeans contribute to poor blood circulation in the lower parts of the body. They also stop blood circulation around the thighs when worn for long, causing swelling of the feet (Delgado & Murrell, 2019). The blood clot can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and possible pulmonary embolism if the clot moves up into the lungs. Delgado and Murrell (2019) indicate that the DVT typically forms around the thighs or lower legs. Notably, these parts are the most affected by skinny jeans. Signs and symptoms and DVT occur within half an hour after a blood clot forms. The condition is characterized by swelling of the feet, cramping pain that begins around the calves, severe ankle pain, and pale skin over the affected part (Delgado & Murrell, 2019). Therefore, it is essential for individuals wearing skinny jeans to seek medication when they experience such symptoms.
Tight clothes such as skinny jeans increase the possibility of experiencing heartburn. They exert pressure on the stomach and make it feel more gaseous. The pressure applied on the stomach by the skinny jeans causes the acid to move up through the esophagus. Equally, improper food digestion occurs due to the pressure exerted on the stomach, causing the generation of gas and further contributing to acid reflux (Leikin, 2020). Heartburn causes chest discomfort or burning sensation, especially after meals. Severe heartburns can cause trouble in swallowing and a sour taste in the throat. Additionally, it can trigger chronic cough, shortness of breath, and asthmatic attacks. Individuals can suffer from recurrent irritation and esophagus inflammation, leading to ulcers if they ignore the heartburns. Therefore, people wearing skinny jeans can remove them when they experience the problem.
In conclusion, although wearing skinny jeans is a choice for a fashion for both men and women, it is associated with various health problems. Skinny jeans increase risks for urinary tract infection for both men and women and cause a pinched nerve in the groin. Skinny jeans also contribute to increased prevalence of bladder weakness or urinary incontinence and increase risks for suffering from compartment syndrome. They are also associated with incidences of twisted testicles and low sperm count and concentration among men. Moreover, they are among the contributing factors for yeast infection among females. Further, they raise risks for blood clotting and the possibility of experiencing heartburn. Therefore, males and females should be considerate and sensitive when choosing the type of jeans they wear. Indeed, skinny jeans are a dominant fashion regardless of age. However, individuals should weigh between looking stylish and the possible health problems associated with wearing skinny jeans. Suppose a person cannot do without skinny jeans every day. In that case, they should not wear them for a prolonged period to guarantee their wellbeing and safety costs associated with medications and lost productivity.
References
Aoki, Y., Brown, H., Brubaker, L., Cornu, J., Daly, J., & Cartwright, R. (2017). Urinary incontinence in women. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 3(1), 1-44. Web.
Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Testicular disorders: Types, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Web.
Delgado, A., & Murrell, D. (2019). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention. Healthline. Web.
DerSarkissian, C. (2020). Compartment syndrome: Causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments. WebMD. Web.
Fletcher, J., & Wilson, D. (2020). Can a UTI cause incontinence? Symptoms and treatment. Web.
Jewell, T., & Moawad, H. (2019). Pinched nerve in your groin: Causes, treatments, and more. Healthline. Web.
Johnson, T. (2021). What causes yeast infections?. WebMD. Web.
Leikin, J. (2020). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Disease-A-Month, 66(1), 1-5. Web.
McIntosh, J. (2018). Urinary tract infection: Causes, symptoms, and prevention. Web.
Montanez, M. (2021). The history of jeans – A detailed look at denim over the decades. Byrdie. Web.
Mínguez-Alarcón, L., Gaskins, A., Chiu, Y., Messerlian, C., Williams, P., Ford, J., & Souter, I. (2018). Type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center. Human Reproduction, 33(9), 1749-1756. Web.
Rattue, G. (2012). Skinny jeans cause health problems for men. Web.
Saleh, N., & Menna, M. (2020). Could skinny jeans be bad for your health? Verywell Health. Web.