Summer, marked as the hottest and rainiest time of the year, can harm women’s intimate health. This is because the combination of heat and humidity promotes fungi and bacteria in the vulva, which can cause discharge and vaginal candidiasis.

In summer, special care is required with a high frequency of discharge and vaginal candidiasis. – Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND

For gynecologist and obstetrician Ana Paula Beck, the heat and humidity in Brazil contribute to intimate ailments such as vaginal discharge, which can be accompanied by itching and burning in the vulva.

“In the summer, women have some diseases to which they are more susceptible, especially vaginal discharge. Due to the heat and humidity in our country, we end up severely dampening the vulva and vagina, and this makes this environment susceptible to fungi and bacteria,” he explains.

In addition to vaginal discharge, candidiasis is another disease that can affect women during the summer. Under the influence of a stuffy and humid environment, vaginal candidiasis is caused by an imbalance Candida fungusinhabiting the vaginal flora.

“The main causes of candidiasis are medications such as antibiotics, diabetes, occasional low immunity. In general, a person, for some reason, is more susceptible to this change in the vaginal flora, ”says Ana.

However, in the summer, wearing wet clothes after the beach and pool can encourage fungus to thrive. To avoid the situation, the gynecologist advises to lead a healthy lifestyle, for example, good nutrition, physical activity, regular sleep, avoiding alcohol and smoking.

“This ensures that the vaginal flora remains adequate, and in doing so, we avoid candidiasis. When patients experience a recurrence of candidiasis, we suggest ways to avoid suffocation of the vulva and vagina, namely avoiding tight pants and the use of inappropriate underpants – cotton panties are best – and try to sleep without underpants to avoid this congestion, ”says the gynecologist.

Find out how to prevent

• Wash your vagina every day without soap or, if necessary, use a neutral and hypoallergenic soap;

• Rinse and dry the area completely;

• Change underwear and shower once a day;

• Place ice packs in the area;

• Take a warm sitz bath to relieve pain and itching.