'Survivor' players still aren't given swimsuits even though the decision comes with major health risks

• As of episode 2, "Survivor: Fiji" players don't have swimsuits - not even for water challenges.
• The 2018 season "Survivor: Ghost Island" was the last time players were seen competing in swimsuits.
• Wearing the same wet clothes for days can lead to health issues like a urinary tract infection.

Season 41 of CBS' "Survivor" has been touted as tougher than ever.

On the September 22 premiere, host Jeff Probst announced that players would not receive the usual flint or supply of rice and the competition would only last 26 days instead of 39.

Despite these differences, players are still limited to just one outfit, meaning no swimsuits.

By episode two, players have already had to compete in water challenges while wearing cargo shorts, bike shorts, boxers, sports bras, and even denim shorts.

It's been a few years since players have had swimsuits on the show

For about 18 years, "Survivor" players did have access to swimsuits.

After "Survivor: Ghost Island," which ran from February to May 2018, players have only been seen wearing swimsuits in promotional material and have not had access to them during the actual competitions that take place in the water.

Since that season, players have only received a single set of clothes.

"Survivor" producers have not released an official statement regarding the removal of swimsuits from the show.

Wearing wet clothes for too long can lead to health risks

Insider has previously reported on the potentially life-threatening consequences of wearing the same clothes and underwear for an extended period of time.

Without swimsuits or a spare outfit, players don't have the option to change out of their damp clothes and into something else. Urologist Dr. Premal Patel previously told Insider that "constant wetness" can lead to rashes and skin irritation.

Plus Patel added that being limited to one pair of underwear already places players in a vulnerable position.

"If they're unable to kind of change the pair of underwear and they're spending a long time in the sun that welcomes in dirt, sand, sweat, bodily fluids, rashes, or any of the skin conditions," Patel said.

Gynecologist Dr. Mary Jane Minkin also previously told Insider that sitting around in damp clothes can create "a wet, moist, warm environment" that can lead to unwanted bacteria and yeast.

Specifically, competing in wet clothes for extended periods of time puts players with vaginas in an especially risky position since urinary tract infections disproportionately affect people with shorter urethras, according to Minkin.

Competitors have spoken to Insider about the health issues they have faced on the island

Three contestants from "Survivor: Island of the Idols" - Karishma Patel, Lauren-Ashley Beck, and Janet Carbin - told Insider that they contracted UTIs while competing on the show in 2019.

Patel described her UTI as "a constant 24-hour pain." Though she said she was given antibiotics while on the show, she said she was hospitalized after filming due to traces of the infection spreading to her bladder.

Beck told Insider she suspects they all got UTIs because their underwear had to double as a swimsuit. Carbin echoed this sentiment, saying that producers should revisit the choice to nix swimwear.

"I think bringing the suits back would be very, very helpful in preventing a health problem," Carbin told Insider. "And I still think they can keep the theme of the show realistic."

Representatives for "Survivor" didn't immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.