Skinny jeans, otherwise known as slim-fit pants, have been in fashion on-and-off for centuries. But in recent years this type of clothing has made something of a resurgence, with both men and women embracing the trend.
But wearing such tight pants can be dangerous. Take, for example, the case of a 35-year-old Australian woman who developed a serious condition known as compartment syndrome, which is caused by bleeding within the muscles. According to a recent article in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry–which explores this particular case–the condition was intensified by the patient’s decision to wear skinny jeans.
The problem affects both sexes. Men are being warned to avoid wearing skinny jeans on a regular basis because it could actually lead to reproductive issues, such as a twisting of the testicles. According to Dr. Sarah Jarvis, avoiding skinny jeans is particularly important when partners are trying to conceive, as slim-fit pants can increase temperatures in the groin area and decrease sperm production.
Doctors also warn people with urinary tract infections to avoid skinny jeans because they can place extra pressure on the lower abdomen and increase discomfort. The same goes for people with stomach and intestinal problems.
Still, everything in moderation, notes Jarvis, who admits to wearing slim-fit pants on occasion. “I’m not going to give up my skinny jeans,” she says.
