Sun, sand, sea and…BV? Here’s why thrush and BV often occur after the holidays — and how you can bring them home with you this year. This is the ultimate guide to emptying your vagina.
About three-quarters of women (75%) suffer from thrush, and one in three suffer from bacterial vaginosis (BV) at some point*. And doctors see an increase in both complaints after the summer. Why? And how can you avoid returning both as unwanted holiday gifts?
INTIMATEA brand dedicated to the intimate well-being of women, is here with the lowdown on what vagina you want that you did – and did not – pack for your holiday health.
WHY YOUR VAGINAL MICROBIOME MAY NOT WAIT FOR YOU
Your vagina has its own delicate ecosystem called the vaginal microbiome, which is mainly made up of Lactobacillus bacteria. These friendly bacteria keep the vagina’s pH at a pleasantly acidic level (between 3.8 and 4.5), which in turn keeps harmful bacteria and yeast in check.
It’s a well-tuned system. And summer is too good to throw it out of balance. We talk for hours in the heat and humidity; warm, wet swimwear; chlorinated pools and sea; scented hotel shower gels and more alcohol and sugary cocktails that feed the yeast that can cause thrush. Add in menstruation and the stakes are even higher: the dampness of sanitary napkins and the absorption of liquid from tampons can put additional stress on our vital vaginal microbiome.
Each of these is independently managed. But put them together for two or three weeks and the microbiome can really fight back. Symptoms may not appear immediately: it may take days or even weeks for changes in the vaginal microbiome to cause significant problems. And this is why problems sometimes arise after returning home.
BV AND THRUSH: Your Unsolicited Companions
BV occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes, and the protective Lactobacillus bacteria outnumber less favorable strains. Symptoms typically include thin, gray or white discharge with a fishy odor, and while it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it’s important to know that BV has nothing to do with being poopy.
Thrush is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, usually Candida albicans, a type of yeast that naturally lives in small amounts in the vagina. When conditions change—more heat, more sugar, less immune stability—it gets a chance to multiply, resulting in intense itching, pain, and a thick, white discharge.
Both are very treatable. The frustrating part is that without addressing the microbiome disturbances, they often return.
YOUR ULTIMATE VAGINAL GUIDE
Dr. Susanna Unsworth, Intimina Certified Women’s Health Expert, says: “The vaginal microbiome is generally very stable, but summer can expose women to several factors at once that can disrupt its natural balance, including heat, prolonged exposure to humidity, dietary changes, antibiotics, and disrupted routines. Understanding this connection is important because prevention is often easier than cure.”
With that in mind, here are Intimina’s top tips on how to maintain your intimate health this summer:
- Replace synthetic underwear with cotton whenever possible and relax G-strings
- Change into a wet swimsuit quickly
- Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing to reduce excess heat and humidity in very hot weather.
- Avoid using scented shower gels, washes, or wipes on the vulvar area
- Do not shower. Always. It kills the bacteria you want to keep at bay
- Some women find probiotics containing Lactobacillus species helpful, although the evidence is still developing and products vary widely. If you have recurring infections, you may want to discuss probiotics or other preventative strategies with your doctor.
- If you’re on your period, skip to a menstrual cup to prevent additional disruption of the microbiome
- Drink plenty of water, as dehydration affects immune function more than most people realize.
- When you return home, cut back on sugar and alcohol for a week or two: this will help starve the Candida overgrowth that causes cancer.
- If symptoms of BV or thrush develop, seek medical advice immediately – both are treatable and early intervention is essential.
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Our editorial team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions are not necessarily those of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under medical supervision, talk to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in this article.
