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Are Wife’s Pantyhose Safe for Hubby?

Q. I suffer from chronic leg pain. My doctors have tested me and all they can say is that it might be due to nerve damage. They suggest support hose.

I bought some medical support hose but they are very expensive. I thought I could save money with regular support pantyhose.

It feels strange to wear them but they really help my legs feel much better. Is it a problem to wear women’s pantyhose? My wife bought them for me but she worries someone might think I am gay for wearing them. Is there anything else I could use or is she worried over nothing?

A. Pantyhose don’t provide as much support as medical support hose. On the other hand, if they relieve your leg pain, we see no reason to spend money on more expensive stockings. As long as you are not parading around in shorts, you shouldn’t attract undue attention.

If you are trying to start a family, pantyhose might be troublesome. They could raise testicular temperature and reduce sperm count. If that’s not an issue, your wife can relax.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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