Whether you’re planning a trip somewhere or simply enjoying the sunshine, summer is here and thriving! However, you must not forget about your summer feminine care routine.
Summer is the best time of the year for many, but as the temperature increases, our bodies create more moisture everywhere which can lead to vaginal infections. Which is why I will tell you how to best prevent infections from occurring to stay happy and healthy!
Warm weather can cause an increase in the normal amount of yeast in the vagina, which can lead to uncomfortable yeast infections. Unfortunately, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) also tend to increase in the summer which is why it is so important to have a summer feminine care routine.
Here are some tips on how to best maintain your vagina cool, dry and healthy.
5 Tips
1. Wear cotton underwear
Firstly, you should be using underwear made from breathable material like cotton instead of silk. You can also go commando at bedtime to avoid underwear all together! Allowing your intimate area to get some air will help reduce the risk of infection.
Save your pretty lace or silk underwear for sexy bed time under the sheets!
2. Don’t stay in wet or moist bottoms
“Warm, moist, and damp environments are perfect for candida growth (the fancy name for yeast).”
In addition, you should avoid staying in a wet bathing suit bottom or moist post-workout underwear to prevent infections from creeping in. By changing into something dry after going for a swim or after sweating, you avoid trapping sweat that could cause irritation.
If you tend to sweat a lot during the day, or you just finished working out, it’s helpful to carry a mist or wipes to freshen up down there.
3. Eat these foods
Our vagina needs a lower pH balance compared to other parts of the body to fight off harmful bacteria. Food can play an important role in maintaining vaginal health. Here are some foods to take note of:
- Probiotics: Known for adding healthy bacteria to the body, they can be taken as a supplement or you can eat foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir
- Omega 3: Can be taken as a supplement, but is found mostly in fish like wild-caught salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies
- Plant-based fats: Nuts, chia seeds, olive oil, avocados can help create a healthy hormone balance and may also help regulate pH levels
- Vitamin C: Found in many citrus fruits like oranges, berries, strawberries, etc.
4. Be careful when washing
You might think that showering and washing your intimate area is the perfect thing to do, but it doesn’t always help! Actually, the vagina is self-cleaning through natural secretions (discharge).
Avoid using perfumed soaps, gels and disinfectants because it can cause irritation and can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina. It is best to use plain, unscented soaps to wash the area around your vagina.
5. Grooming is important!
If you’re planning on going for a swim somewhere and you’re thinking about shaving, do it in advance! It is best to shave at least 24-48 hours before going the beach or into a pool filled with chlorine. Going into a chlorinated pool can cause irritation to the skin or may cause an infection.
If you choose to shave, make sure to switch the blades every once in a while, to prevent irritation and the spread of bacteria.
