Are There Any Side Effects To Wearing A Bra? Rumors And Facts About Using A Bra

Herbert Huffner Health & Medicine, Public Information March 8, 2021

There is conflicting information about the side effects of wearing a bra. Some of this information has a scientific document; But the rest of them are based on rumors.

In this article, by looking at scientific documents, we discuss the benefits and advantages of wearing a bra and examine the rumors and facts of using a bra. Stay with us until the end of the article.

2 common rumors about the side effects of wearing a bra

There is little scientific evidence that wearing a bra has a negative effect on a person’s health. Most of the rumors about wearing a bra have no scientific basis.

Rumor 1: Wearing a bra increases sagging breasts

One of the rumors about using a bra is that the breasts sag with the bra.

In 2013, a specialist named Jean-Denis Rouillon conducted a study on 330 women between the ages of 18 and 35. She concluded from her research that bras are of no use to women and may even be harmful to the breasts over time. This study shows that not wearing a bra causes the breasts to produce more muscle tissue to prevent sagging breasts. In contrast, the use of bras prevents the growth of breast muscle tissue and causes sagging breasts.

This article has not been published and therefore it is not possible to say how valid this research is. On the other hand, this research has been done on a small scale and can not be considered the cause of sagging breasts in general women in society.

There are a wide range of issues that affect sagging breasts, including:

Age;
Genetics;
Pregnancy ;
Weight change;
Natural aging process;
Natural hormonal phases.

Finally, there is insufficient scientific evidence to suggest that wearing or not wearing a bra has an effect on sagging breasts. However, for people with large breasts, using a bra to support the connective tissue of the breast may reduce sagging breasts.

Rumor 2: Wearing a bra increases the risk of breast cancer

The rumor is based on the belief that wearing a bra affects lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage removes toxins and wastes from the body. Problems with lymphatic drainage can cause substances to accumulate in the bloodstream and potentially increase a person’s risk of cancer .

The rumor also stems from the fact that overweight people are more inclined to wear bras. On the other hand, overweight or obesity is known as one of the risk factors for cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific evidence for a link between wearing a bra and reducing or increasing the incidence of breast cancer. This connection has not even been seen among postmenopausal women.

Wearing a bra at night; True or False?

According to an old study in 2000, wearing a bra or other tight clothing at night may affect a person’s sleep -wake cycle . Researchers have found that the pressure caused by tight clothing at night may increase central body temperature and decrease melatonin . Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Decreased melatonin affects sleep quality.

Of course, this study was conducted on a small scale with 10 participants in 58 hours. To reach definitive results, research with a larger statistical population and longer duration should be conducted.

Wear a bra during the day; True or False?

There is no scientific evidence that wearing a proper bra during the day has a negative effect on health . However, using the wrong bra can cause pain in the neck and chest muscles.

Excessively tight straps on the shoulders also affect the shoulders. One of the main supports of the breasts is the bra straps that are placed on the shoulders. After a few years, this pressure may create a permanent groove in the soft tissue of the shoulders.

In addition, there may be an association between the use of an inappropriate bra and subsequent breast reduction surgery . A 2003 study found that of the 102 women who underwent breast augmentation surgery, all wore the wrong size bra. Using the wrong size bra is the worst reason to go for breast augmentation surgery . It is best to make sure you are wearing the right size bra before having breast reduction surgery.

Use of sports bras

Not wearing a bra or wearing an inappropriately sized bra can be an obstacle for some people to exercise . Exercising can also cause a range of health problems. A study was conducted among 249 women, 17% of whom indicated that their breasts were a barrier to exercise. Here are some reasons why:

Finding the right sports bra;
Embarrassment from shaking breasts during exercise;
Increased chest pain due to strenuous exercise and insufficient chest support .

Increasing participants’ information about breast health increased their use of exercise bras and increased exercise among volunteers.

When buying a sports bra, you should choose the option that has the most support. A study was conducted on the effect of wearing a sports bra while running. Its findings show that the bra that has the most support reduces chest pain, especially in people with larger breasts.

See the best-selling types of sports bras

Does wearing a bra relieve back pain?

Large breasts have the following symptoms:

Neck and back pain ;
Nerve stimulation;
Headache .

Many people with large breasts complain that their breasts cause back pain. However, according to research, large breasts are rarely the primary cause of low back pain.

Low back pain can be caused by the following:

Wearing a bra of inappropriate size;
Osteoporosis or spinal weakness;
Lumbar muscle injury;
Inflammation of the spinal nerves;
Overweight or obesity;
Pregnancy.

Wearing a bra of the right size, especially in people with large breasts, improves the condition and prevents back pain .

People who have persistent low back pain should see a doctor. The doctor will diagnose the cause.

Sagging breasts, fashion and health

In the 1960s, experts used the term “Cooper sagging” for sagging breasts, saying it occurs when women do not wear bras for long periods of time. The name is derived from the Cooper ligament that holds the chest up.

Cooper’s dropping theory is out of date. The researchers’ findings show that sagging breasts in old age have nothing to do with bras or even breastfeeding, and probably depend on a woman’s number of pregnancies and the distance between births.

In general, advertisements for not wearing a bra are more of a distraction than a health issue, and fashion has no basis in health. Magazines in recent years may encourage people not to wear bras, or there may even be a day without bras; But their reasons have nothing to do with health.

Conclusion

There is not enough scientific evidence to confirm or disprove that wearing or not wearing a bra can contribute to sagging or deformed breasts.

Also, there is not enough evidence that wearing a bra of the right size has a negative effect on health. In fact, using the right size bra can help improve posture and reduce back pain in people with large breasts. In other words, wearing the wrong size bra can cause pain and discomfort.

Using a proper exercise bra supports the breasts and reduces chest pain during physical activity. It also encourages more exercise. On the other hand, regular exercise helps maintain a balanced weight and, therefore, reduces the risk of breast cancer .

At the end

What do you think about the side effects of the bra and its use? Have you heard anything about these rumors? Be sure to share your opinion with us and other audiences. If you wish, send this article to your friends and ask their opinion about it.

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