The intimate area of women is quite delicate and during summer, it is not enough to take a daily shower. The tight clothes you use to go out in the sun, the long hours you spend with wet bathing clothes when you go to the beach and the use of sanitary napkins for long periods could cause a vaginal infection. Jaime Seminario, Gynecologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma, explains that heat and humidity in your intimate area cause fungi (infection also called candidiasis) that proliferate in the vagina, triggering annoying symptoms such as burning, pain during urination or sexual intercourse, inflammation of the genitals and changes in the color of the vaginal discharge.

Take care of yourself

The specialist suggests cleaning the intimate area superficially with soap and water (preferably showering), using cotton panties (not synthetic material) and changing them more than once during the day, if you have walked a lot or sweated. In turn, wear loose clothing made with fabrics that facilitate perspiration of the entire body, frequently change tampons or sanitary napkins and avoid vaginal douching since they alter the bacterial flora.

“Something important is to drink plenty of water during summer because hydration makes the body’s defense system work better, protecting us from infections. Also, don’t stop the urge to urinate and urinate before and after sexual intercourse”, he recommends.

Treatment

In case of a vaginal infection, it is necessary not to self-medicate. Taking antibiotics without medical evaluation can destroy the good bacteria in the vagina, which function as a natural protective layer of that organ. It is best to see a specialist to evaluate and determine if the condition is due to a fungus, bacteria or a parasite and, according to that, to suggest oral or vaginal treatment.

Attention!

After a day at the beach or pool, it is very important to take a good shower to eliminate possible infectious agents, especially if there are traces of sand or chlorinated water

Women who suffer from vaginal infection and are sexually active should refrain from intimacy during the treatment, in order not to aggravate the medical condition.

Dr. Jaime Seminario
Gynecologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma