Gynecological Diseases Triggered in Summer

The sun, the sea, the beach… When we think of summer, the first thing that comes to our minds is the 'holiday', where we can rest our minds and bodies. However, hot weather, negative hygiene conditions and sweating can trigger some gynecological problems. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Jale Dal Ağca pointed out that you must follow some rules in order not to risk your health on holiday, and said, “You should not enter the pools that are overcrowded and have poor water circulation. Showers must be taken before and after the pool. Cotton underwear should be preferred so that the genital area does not remain moist. It is also very important to change damp underwear, wet swimsuits or bikinis. When a health-related problem develops, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible instead of trying to self-medicate. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Jale Dağ Ağca talked about 4 diseases that are more common in women during the hot summer months; made important suggestions and warnings!

Urinary tract infection 

Urinary tract infection; It manifests itself with symptoms such as frequent urination, burning when urinating, the feeling of constant urination, abdominal and groin pain, color and odor changes in the urine. In summer, its incidence increases due to frequent swimming in the pool and sea. When complaints occur, do not neglect to consult a doctor without delay, otherwise the treatment process will be prolonged and complications such as the spread of the infection to the kidneys may occur.

To be protected… 

• We lose more fluid in hot weather. For this reason, it is very important that you drink 2 – 2.5 liters of water during the day without waiting for thirst.
• Never hold your urine.
• Do your genital area cleaning from front to back.
• Remember that your urine is sterile. Therefore, dry only with toilet paper after urinating in toilets that you think are not clean.
• Always change your swimsuit/bikini when you leave the pool or the sea. Wet swimwear lowers the temperature of the vagina, causing harmful bacteria to multiply instead of beneficial bacteria, thus causing infections.
• Don't forget to take a shower after the pool.

vaginal yeast infection 

Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Jale Dal Ağca states that vaginal yeast infection is the most common genital infection associated with the moistness of the genital area, especially in summer.

To be protected…

• Choose cotton underwear
• Do not forget to change your damp underwear, wet swimsuit-bikini
• Go to the sea instead of the pool
• Avoid tight, low air permeability, synthetic and sweaty clothing
• Avoid high-calorie, sugary foods and drinks. Also, do not neglect probiotic foods and supplements to keep your intestinal flora healthy.
• Do not use daily pads that increase vaginal moisture. If you absolutely must use it, choose cotton ones and change them frequently.

Bacterial vaginosis 

bacterial vaginosis; A picture characterized by disruption of the genital flora, a decrease in lactobacilli that keep the vaginal pH acidic in a healthy vaginal environment, and an increase in bad bacteria. It manifests itself with stinging, burning, itching in the genital area, and increased foul-smelling discharge especially during intercourse and postmenstrual period.

To be protected… 

• Pay attention to your genital hygiene. Do your genital area cleaning from front to back.
• Do not enter pools that are very crowded and have poor circulation. Take a shower before and after the pool.
• Vaginal douching spreads existing vaginal infections, causing loss of protective bacteria. Avoid vaginal douching, which may disrupt the genital flora. Do not use scented soaps, genital sprays, powders, deodorants, and synthetic textured pads. The best thing to use for cleaning the external genital area is water and soap or shampoos suitable for this area.
• You can swim in the sea for a short time with a tampon, but be careful not to enter the pool. Change your tampon as soon as possible.

Trichomonas infection

Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted parasitic disease. It can also be transmitted from swimming pools, shared toilets, towels and underwear.

To be protected… 

• After urinating in toilets that you think are not clean, only dry with toilet paper.
• Do not share your personal items such as underwear and towels with others.
• Swimming pools that are very crowded and have poor circulation.