Rising temperatures and humidity during the summer months can bring with them many health issues that affect women. In particular, vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and health problems related to dehydration may occur more frequently during the summer. However, it is possible to significantly reduce these risks by taking simple precautions in daily life.
With the start of the beach and pool season, staying in a wet swimsuit for long periods, not drinking enough water, neglecting hygiene, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can negatively affect women’s health. Dr. Hasan Can Toyganözü, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Medline Adana Hospital, emphasised the need to be particularly vigilant against the risk of infection during the summer months and offered important advice to help women enjoy a healthy and comfortable summer.
The most common health issues among women during the summer months
Hot and humid weather creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections may be more common during the summer months. Staying in wet swimwear or sweaty clothing for long periods is also among the key factors that increase the risk of infection.
When symptoms such as vaginal itching, foul-smelling discharge, burning, irritation, pain during urination, or groin pain appear, it is important to consult a gynecologist rather than self-medicate. Early diagnosis and proper treatment prevent infections from progressing and help maintain quality of life.
Why is genital hygiene important?
Paying attention to genital hygiene rules during the summer months is one of the most effective ways to protect against infections. However, perfumed soaps, sprays, and chemical-based cleaning products used for hygiene purposes can disrupt the vagina’s natural flora and increase the risk of infection.
Cleaning the genital area with water alone or with appropriate products as recommended by a physician, choosing cotton and breathable underwear, changing underwear regularly, and keeping the area dry all contribute to protecting women’s health.
Why is water intake important for women’s health in the summer?
Due to increased sweating in high temperatures, the body loses more fluid. Insufficient water intake, however, can increase the risk of various health problems, particularly urinary tract infections.
Drinking enough water throughout the day, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugary and processed foods both support the immune system and help protect women’s health during the summer months.
What should you bear in mind after swimming in the sea or a swimming pool?
One of the most common mistakes women make in the summer is staying in a wet swimsuit for a long time after swimming in the ocean or a pool. A damp environment can create ideal conditions for fungal infections to develop.
Therefore, you should change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming, avoid pools where hygiene is questionable, and pay close attention to personal hygiene.
Which symptoms should be taken seriously?
Symptoms such as a change in the colour or odour of vaginal discharge, itching, burning, pain during urination, lower abdominal pain, fever, or irritation should not be ignored. If these symptoms occur, consulting a gynecologist without delay ensures that potential health issues are treated early on.
10 Golden tips for protecting women’s health during the summer months
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