Warmer weather has finally arrived, and a higher risk of certain vulvar and vaginal health issues has come with it.
Your vulva (the visible part of your genitals) and your vagina (the muscular canal on the inside) are great at protecting themselves from irritation and infection. But this means they’re highly sensitive to changes in their environment, too. So, summertime activities such as more frequent grooming and time spent playing, swimming or sweating in the sun have the potential to upset that delicate environment.
Follow these summer vaginal health tips to reduce your risk of uncomfortable irritation and infection.
Summer vaginal health tip 1: Stay hydrated to reduce UTI risks
When temperatures rise in the summer, the risk of urinary tract infections do, too. In fact, research shows that UTIs in women peak in summer months.
One reason might be that heat and humidity can cause excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your urine output decreases and your body can’t effectively flush out bacteria and wastewater – and bacteria getting into the urinary tract system is the cause of UTIs.
The amount of water you need each day is different for each person, and in hot summer months, your activity level is a consideration, too. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re working or playing in hot weather:
- Drink some water before you go into the heat – 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 it’s already missing fluids.
- Don’t drink more than 48 ounces of water an hour – Too much water or other fluids can lead to a medical emergency.
Summer vaginal health tip 2: Consider trimming vs. shaving or waxing to minimize the risk of skin issues
Many women increase the amount they shave or wax when temperatures rise. But waxing or shaving your vulvar area can affect your natural skin barrier, increasing sensitivity. So, consider trimming your bikini area rather than going bare by waxing or shaving.
If you do choose to shave or wax to bare skin, wait 48 hours before hitting 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 issues like razor burn, ingrown hairs and hair follicle infections.
Summer vaginal health tip 3: Choose cotton underwear to allow air circulation (and lose them at night)
Cotton is a soft, breathable fabric that can also absorb moisture. This makes it an ideal material for underwear all year long, but especially in the summertime when sweating increases. If your underwear doesn’t allow for airflow, your vulva and vagina are exposed to constant moisture that can irritate skin and grow bacteria.
It’s best to wear 100% cotton underwear when you’re active during the day. When it’s time for bed, consider ditching underwear altogether for ultimate breathability.
Summer vaginal health tip 4: Change out of wet clothes and bathing suits to avoid chafing, irritation and more
Wet clothes cling to your body, creating friction when you move and chafing skin. Swimsuits are often tight-fitting and can trap sweat and moisture against your skin, which can lead to itching and discomfort, especially on your vulva.
Tight-fitting, wet clothes and swimsuits may contribute to an increased risk of vaginal health conditions, like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, by providing a warm, moist and unbreathable space for bacteria to thrive.
This doesn’t mean you need to cut activities short, rather that you should change into dry clothes as quickly as you can. If you’re away from home, plan ahead by bringing an extra set of clean clothes with you.
Summer vaginal health tip 5: Stick to regular hygiene practices
One of the best ways to take care of your vaginal health in the summertime is to avoid aggressive cleaning. As we mentioned earlier, your vagina is excellent at taking care of itself but it’s also sensitive.
Harsh, scented soaps, sprays, powders or wipes can disrupt your vaginal area’s natural bacterial balance. The same goes for douching as it’s never recommended to wash inside your vagina. It’s best to stick to plain water or unscented soap for your vulva, and leave your vagina to its natural process.
As far as how often you clean your vaginal area, your top priority is staying dry, not necessarily bathing more often. However, rinsing off after swimming or a lot of sweating is a good idea.
Summer vaginal health tip 6: Change pads and tampons often to keep skin dry and bacteria away
Tampons and pads are made to be ultra-absorbent, but summertime heat and activities can push their limits. Extra sweat or wearing unbreathable fabrics can bring even more moisture close to your skin and cause vaginal irritation. Bacterial growth can also accelerate in these conditions, particularly if you’re using a tampon while swimming.
It’s best to change period products at least every 4-8 hours, but more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot.
When to seek care for vaginal health concerns
Anytime you feel something isn’t right in your vaginal area, get care. But it’s especially important if:
- You’re experiencing any UTI symptoms like the frequent urge to urinate even if your bladder is empty, cramping in your abdomen and back, and strong-smelling or cloudy urine.
- You notice symptoms of an infection such as abnormal vaginal discharge that’s either thick and white or a thin milky white, gray or green color, a foul “fish-like” smell, or mild to intense itching, burning or redness in your vaginal area.
The good news is that many common vaginal health conditions can be treated virtually. At HealthPartners, e-visits offer a convenient way to find relief, fast. You’ll usually receive a response in as little as two hours.