We wait for it all year: summer time fun in the sun. BBQs, lake time, outdoor concerts and the list goes on. But as summer fun heats up, so do a number of vaginal complaints. It’s ironic that the very things we love about summer — heat, humidity, increased activity outdoors, and more frequent swims in lakes and pools — can lead to more vaginal concerns.
Here’s a list of common vaginal complaints in summer and tips to keep your vagina happy and healthy.
Yeast Infections: Warm, moist environments can promote the growth of yeast. Tight clothing, wet swimsuits, and increased sweating can all contribute to yeast infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Changes in your vagina’s environment due to sweating, swimming in pools or oceans, and douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, leading to BV.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Increased activities such as swimming and outdoor sports, coupled with dehydration, can increase the chances of a UTI. It’s important to stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene.
Chafing and Irritation: Sweating, wearing tight clothing, and outdoor clothing made of non-breathable materials can all lead to chafing and irritation around the vaginal area. This can lead to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Heat Rash: Excessive sweating can cause heat rash in the groin area, leading to itching and discomfort.
Swimmer’s Itch: Exposure to certain parasites in natural bodies of water can cause itching and rash. Although it usually affects the skin, it can also cause discomfort in the genital area.
Contact Dermatitis: Also known as inflammation, can become a problem if you use scented wipes, lotions, and sprays during the summer. As a result, you might experience an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis.
Fungal Infections: Spending time in wet swimsuits or damp clothing can create an environment conducive to fungal infections.
Top Tips for Summertime Vaginal Health
As our OBGYN team says, vaginas are like women: efficient! They’re self-cleaning, and just need a water rinse to clean. No soaps or douching necessary. Here are other ideas you can put to work for summertime vaginal health.
- Don’t lounge in wet swimsuits and sweaty clothes. Change as soon as possible.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing and cotton underwear (and go without while sleeping).
- Change period products more frequently.
- Stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene.
- Avoid using scented products and soaps in the genital area.
- Practice good hygiene after swimming, including rinsing off chlorine or saltwater and changing into dry clothes.
If symptoms persist or worsen, our team is here for you.