The summer beach season favors the development of gynecological diseases. However, with due care and caution, fungal infections can be avoided. Many people don’t realize that most of the time, bathing alone is not the problem. If you want to avoid intimate infections, it is a good idea to follow some basic hygiene rules.
You should pay attention to the following:
- Always take a shower after spending time in the water, whether you have been in a natural lake, river or swimming pool.
- Although wet swimsuits are a nice way to cool down in hot weather, it's still a good idea to get dry after being in the water. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly before getting in your dry clothes.
- During menstruation, the female body is more prone to picking up infections, so bathing is not recommended, even if you use a tampon. If you do go into the water when your period is not as heavy, make sure you change your tampon as soon as possible after bathing.
- In the summer heat, don't wear synthetic lingerie or tight pants. This kind of clothing does not provide adequate ventilation for your body.
- If you use a public toilet, try to avoid direct contact with the seat, as shared toilet seats tend to contain a lot of germs.
- Always use a dry and clean towel after washing
Some tips on staying clean:
In the summer heat, we sweat more, which is why it is especially important to wash your intimate areas regularly and thoroughly. There are many countless modern and effective products available, but it does make a difference what you use and when. In addition to not washing, the use of excessive or inappropriate cleansing agents can also be a problem. Beneficial microorganisms living on the mucous membranes of intimate areas help maintain a proper acidic PH level and prevent the spread of various germs. To maintain the right flora level, it is advisable to use a pH-neutral or pH5 soap or shower gel. You don't need to use vaginal lavage solutions every day: they should only be used if you have an infection, and even in this case there's no need to use them more than once a week.
What are the most common summer infections?
Unfortunately, even with the most careful intimate hygiene, certain gynecological infections can occur. In this case, you should pay attention to the first warning signs and consult a gynecologist as soon as possible. The most common of these infections are cystitis, bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your gynecologist as soon as possible:
- Vaginal burning or itching sensation
- Extensive, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
- Lumpy vaginal flow
- Urination and abdominal pain
- Redness
