Vaginal Health Tips For Swimsuit Season

As the summer temperatures rise, so do the chances of dealing with certain below-the-belt health concerns—from ingrown hairs to bacterial infections. We’re offering advice on how to keep these concerns at bay so you can keep enjoying your fun in the sun this summer.

Tip #1: How To Prevent and Treat Ingrown Hairs

In an effort to achieve that perfectly smooth bikini line, you may be waxing or shaving more frequently, which can lead to ingrown hairs. Because the pubic hair is typically coarser and curlier, it has a greater chance of growing inwards and getting trapped beneath the skin, producing a painful red bump known as an ingrown hair.

A few tips for preventing ingrown hairs:

• If you opt for shaving, make sure you’re using a new, clean razor to get the closet shave possible.
• Always shave in the direction of hair growth, never against the grain as this could cause hairs to break off and grow inward.
• Whether you’re waxing or shaving, exfoliate using a glycolic or salicylic acid pad to remove dead skin cells that could keep the hair from coming out as it normally would.

If you do develop an ingrown hair, you’ll want to avoid waxing or shaving until it heals to avoid any further irritation. Keep the area clean and use a warm washcloth to gently exfoliate the area each day. Don’t worry; ingrown hairs should naturally heal themselves over time. You’ll just want to stay patient and avoid trying to tweeze or pull the hair out, as this will only irritate it more!

Tip #2: How to Feel Comfortable Swimming During Your Period

It’s perfectly safe to hit the beach or the pool and go swimming during your period. In fact, engaging in light exercise like swimming may actually help ease cramps by helping to release endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers.

A tampon or menstrual cup is your best bet when it comes to feeling comfortable and confident while swimming during your period. Just don’t forget to stash a few extra tampons in your purse and make sure to change it within eight hours. Leaving a tampon in for too long can potentially lead to a rare, but serious infection known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

If you’re swimming in a pool, it’s also a good idea to take a shower after swimming to rinse off the chlorine, which could cause irritation down there.

Tip #3: How to Ward Off Common Bacterial Infections

The hot summer months can make things extra sweaty, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can cause different vaginal infections from UTIs, to yeast, to bacterial vaginosis. To practice good hygiene and prevent infections during swimsuit season:

• Ditch the wet bathing suit. It can be easy to pull on a cover-up and go about your day, but it’s best to bring a change of clothes after swimming. Bacteria love to breed in dark, moist areas.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help keep your bladder regulated and flush out any bad bacteria.
• Add a probiotic. If you’re prone to UTIs, it’s a good idea to invest in an over-the-counter probiotic specific to vaginal health that can help ensure you have enough of the good infection-fighting bacteria down there.

With the right precautions and by following these tips, you can keep your vaginal health on track while soaking up those rays! If you do start to notice any persistent symptoms like burning, pain, or unusual discharge, and are unsure of the cause, it’s best to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider.