Vaginal infection: what is it and how can you prevent intimate infections this summer?

Summer is a time of year when humidity and heat increase. As a result, cases of vaginal infection are more common. In today's post, we share some useful tips for proper intimate care and for preventing vaginal infections this summer.

Vaginal infection: why does it occur in summer?

Vaginal infections are more common during the summer months. These are some of the causes that may explain why:

• Humidity: high humidity levels during the summer months can cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora, which may lead to infections.
• Wet swimwear: wearing wet swimwear for long periods can create a damp environment that favours the growth of bacteria and yeasts.
• Changes in habits: summer habits, such as increased sexual activity or using public toilets, may increase the risk of developing vaginal infections.

The most common types of vaginal infection are those caused by fungi, trichomonas (a parasite transmitted through sexual contact) and bacterial vaginosis.

How can you prevent vaginal infections in summer?

Maintain good intimate hygiene

Clean your intimate area daily with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free wash. Avoid scented or irritating products that could alter the natural balance of the vaginal flora. Ideally, use one with the physiological pH of the intimate area. We recommend the Cumlaude daily intimate hygiene gel. In addition to keeping the area clean, it helps maintain the physiological vaginal pH, which is important for avoiding recurrent infections.

Avoid irritating products

During summer, it is important to avoid irritating products such as feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes or vaginal deodorants. These products can alter vaginal pH balance and increase the risk of infection.

Avoid wet swimwear

Try to change as soon as possible, avoiding keeping the area damp for too long, as this creates an environment that favours the growth of bacteria and yeasts.

Keep the area properly hydrated

This includes drinking enough water, which can help maintain good vaginal health. Proper hydration helps eliminate toxins from the body and promotes a healthy balance of bacteria. Vaginal hydration itself is also important. For this, we recommend Cumlaude Mucus Gel or the Hydra Spray emulsion by Cumlaude. The latter hydrates, refreshes and soothes, as it contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, panthenol and allantoin, among other interesting active ingredients. It is also very convenient thanks to its 360-degree spray, allowing application in any direction.

Use specific products for intimate care

This is very important, especially if you often suffer from recurring infections. For example, Cumlaude CLX mousse for intimate hygiene helps enhance cleansing action and rebalance acidic vaginal pH. Probiotics, such as Cumlaude Prebiotic Vaginal Ovules, can also help rebalance the intimate microbiota and prevent infections from appearing so frequently.

Other tips to prevent vaginal infection

• Practise safe sex: use condoms in all sexual relations to avoid sexually transmitted infections that may affect vaginal health.
• Wear suitable underwear: choose breathable cotton underwear that helps absorb moisture and prevents heat build-up. Avoid tight synthetic materials, as they can create an environment that encourages bacterial growth.

Remember that every body is different, and if you experience unusual symptoms such as itching, burning, abnormal vaginal discharge or a bad odour, it is important to consult your doctor so they can assess the situation properly. If you are interested in the Cumlaude brand products we have recommended for intimate hygiene care, remember that you can find them at Farmaciasdirect with exclusive discounts. We hope these tips help you prevent vaginal infections during the summer so you can enjoy a calm, healthy season. Bibliography:

• Vaginal infections: causes and prevention - Author: Dr Maria Teresa Herrero Ezquerro, Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEGO), 2020.
• Female intimate infections: causes and prevention - Author: Dr Daniel Mira Vives, Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), 2021.
• Causes and prevention of vaginal infections - Author: Dr Monica Batalla, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 2018.