Women have special health needs all the time, but should take extra precautions especially during the hot summer months. Your gynecological health should be paramount to prevent infections and reduce the possibility of other suboptimal consequences. Let’s look at some top tips for maintaining gynecological health during the summer.
What About Your Period?
If you have heavy periods, you may wonder about water sports or even getting in the pool. Even if you don’t have very heavy menstrual cycles, you should still be wary of certain things.
First of all, don’t worry about getting in a pool or wading into the ocean as long as you have a tampon in place or some other protection. Just be sure to change your tampon at least every 8 hours to prevent a rare but serious infection known as toxic shock syndrome. Swimming can be beneficial as engaging in light exercise can reduce cramping.
One other precaution is to remove your wet bathing suit if you are finished swimming. Change into dry clothes to prevent any discomfort or bacterial infection in the genital area. Another tip for women is to rinse off the chlorine to reduce any chance of irritation.
Protect Your Skin
Since so much of our skin is visible during summer, take special care. You will probably be wearing bathing suits and doing a lot of shaving, including near the bikini line. You will want to remove hair under your arms, on your legs, and in the genital area. Paying attention to summer vaginal hygiene will keep you free from infections, ingrown hairs, and other irritations.
- Be sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Use a new clean razor to prevent irritation.
- Exfoliate this delicate skin using a glycolic or salicylic acid pad to keep skin smooth for shaving.
Prevent Bacterial Infections
Dark hot moist areas are breeding grounds for infection. You know what we’re talking about. Urinary tract infections can increase if you are not careful along with yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Drink lots of water during the summer to flush out any bacteria and to regulate your bladder. Showering more than once a day can be helpful if you sweat a lot.
Watch What You Wear
Choosing lighter and more breathable clothing in summer, especially cotton underwear is a vital summer hygiene tip for women. Cotton keeps moisture away from the body and helps to prevent yeast infections. At least pick panties with a cotton crotch.
Make an appointment with Capital Women’s Care in Silver Spring and Germantown, MD if you have symptoms of a yeast infection or a UTI. Ask more questions about how to maintain summer gynecological health during the hottest of months. Call us today at (301) 681-3400.
Sources: Don’t sweat it: tips for enjoying summer more safely while pregnant (uabmedicine.org)
Daily Dose – Hot Weather Hacks: Eight Ways Expectant Moms Can Beat the Heat (atriumhealth.org)
8 Ways to Survive a Summer Pregnancy (thebump.com)
Don’t sweat it: Safely enjoy summer while pregnant – News | UAB