Warmer weather has finally arrived and, with it, the risk of certain vulvar and vaginal health problems has increased.
Your vulva (the visible part of your genitals) and vagina (the muscular canal inside) are excellent at protecting yourself from irritation and infections. But this means that they are also very sensitive to changes in their environment. Therefore, summer activities, such as more frequent grooming and spending time playing, swimming, or sweating in the sun, have the potential to disrupt that delicate environment.
Follow these summer vaginal health tips to reduce the risk of uncomfortable irritation and infection.
Summer Vaginal Health Tip 1: Stay Hydrated to Reduce UTI Risks
When temperatures rise in summer, the risk of urinary tract infections also increases. In fact, research showsUrinary infections in women reach their peak in the summer months.
One reason could be that heat and humidity can cause excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, your urine production decreases and your body cannot effectively eliminate bacteria and wastewater, and bacteria that enter the urinary tract system are the cause of urinary tract infections.
The amount of water you need each day is different for everyone, and in the hot summer months, your activity level is also a consideration. Here are some things to keep in mind if you work or play in a warm climate:
- Drink some water before warming up. – This makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Drink water or fluids before you feel thirsty. – Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it is already lacking fluids.
- Don’t drink more than 48 ounces of water per hour. – Too much water or other liquids can cause a medical emergency.
Summer Vaginal Health Tip 2: Consider trimming instead of shaving or waxing to minimize the risk of skin problems
Many women increase the amount of shaving or waxing when temperatures rise. But plucking or shaving the vulvar area can affect the natural skin barrier and increase sensitivity. Therefore, consider trimming your bikini area instead of waxing or shaving.
If you choose to shave or wax your bare skin, wait 48 hours before going to the beach or pool. This can give your skin time to recover before exposing it to pool, lake, or ocean water, minimizing the risk of skin problems like razor burn, ingrown hairs, and hair follicle infections.
Tip 3 for summer vaginal health: choose cotton underwear to allow air circulation (and remove them at night)
Cotton is a soft, breathable fabric that can also absorb moisture. This makes it an ideal material for underwear all year round, but especially in summer when sweating increases. If your underwear does not allow airflow, your vulva and vagina are exposed to constant moisture that can irritate the skin and grow bacteria.
It is best to wear 100% cotton underwear when you are active during the day. When it’s time to go to bed, consider ditching your underwear altogether for maximum breathability.
Summer Vaginal Health Tip 4: Change out of wet clothes and swimsuits to avoid chafing, irritation, and more
Wet clothing sticks to your body, creating friction when you move and irritating your skin. Swimsuits are often tight-fitting and can trap sweat and moisture on the skin, which can cause itching and discomfort, especially around the vulva.
Tight, wet clothing and swimsuits can contribute to a higher risk of vaginal health problems, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, by providing a warm, moist, unbreathable space for bacteria to thrive.
This does not mean that you should cut your activities short, but rather that you should change into dry clothes as quickly as you can. If you’re out and about, plan ahead and bring an extra set of clean clothes with you.
Summer Vaginal Health Tip 5: Follow Regular Hygiene Practices
One of the best ways to take care of your vaginal health in summer is to avoid aggressive cleansing. As we mentioned above, your vagina is great at taking care of itself but it’s also sensitive.
Strongly scented soaps, sprays, powders, or wipes can upset the natural bacterial balance of the vaginal area. The same goes for douching, as it is never recommended to wash the inside of the vagina. It is best to use plain water or unscented soap for the vulva and let the vagina follow its natural process.
As for how often you clean your vaginal area, your main priority is to stay dry, not necessarily bathe more frequently. However, it is a good idea to rinse after swimming or sweating a lot.
Summer Vaginal Health Tip 6: Change pads and tampons frequently to keep skin dry and bacteria away
Tampons and pads are made to be ultra-absorbent, but summer heat and activities can push their limits. Excess sweat or wearing unbreathable fabrics can draw even more moisture to the skin and cause vaginal irritation. Bacterial growth can also be accelerated in these conditions, especially if you use a tampon while swimming.
It’s best to change menstrual products at least every 4 to 8 hours, but more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot.
When to Seek Care for Vaginal Health Issues
Any time you feel something is not right in your vaginal area, seek care. But it is especially important if:
- You are experiencing any UTI symptoms, such as frequent needing to urinate even if the bladder is empty, cramps in the abdomen and back, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
- You notice symptoms of an infection, such as abnormal vaginal discharge that is thick and white or milky white, gray, or green in color, an unpleasant “fishy” odor, or mild to severe itching, burning, or redness in the vaginal area.
The good news is that many common vaginal conditions can be treated virtually. At HealthPartners, e-visits offer a convenient way to find relief quickly. You will usually receive a response in as little as two hours.
