Hi Ann - I doubt very much that crossing your legs has as much to do with these problems as you think
(Of course, I am no expert -
!) I am, however, VERY familiar with the hair follicle-cysts you mention - these used to be a HORRIBLE problem for me - and if they were, umm, shall we say, 'inside', they did often lead to a UTI for me if they burst (even if I didn't know they had)
Sorry, gross, but I know what you're talking about!
I have completely avoided these by switching from shaving my bikini area to having it sugared - if you shave, you might want to think about trying waxing, or sugaring, which I find quite a bit less painful than waxing (I have it done - I can't be trusted to actually tear the strips off myself - I'd end up with them just stuck there forever -
!)
The other change might have a lot more to do with your choice of undergarments - any chance that as you've lost weight, you've started wearing different panties/things? Less cotton, more synthetics? I've been told that this was a contributor for me to UTI's and, similarly, yeast infections. I'm pretty careful now about choosing lacy, synthetic thongs only for, ahem - 'special occasions'...
Otherwise I stick to cotton ones, or good old cotton hi-cuts.
Just my three cents worth - but sure, it might be an idea to 'sit like a man' every now and then when no one can see you! -
Good luck!
Heather