Say hello to a healthy vagina this summer

Summer is the golden time for yeast infections. Wet swimsuits, sweaty exercises and sugary snacks (hi, ice cream season) bring the perfect storm to vaginal imbalance. Healthy vaginas in summer and beyond make the days feel brighter and better.

If you ever had one, then you know that practice: itching, burning, weird emissions, and general feeling are not right. While yeast infections are very common (they are the second most popular vaginal infection in the world), this doesn’t make them increasingly frustrating or confusing.

What causes yeast infection?

When Candida overgrows, a yeast infection occurs, and this fungus naturally lives in the vagina. Usually, your body controls this fungus with the help of good bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus) Maintaining an acidic environment prevents yeast from taking over. However, when this balance is abandoned, Candida can multiply and trigger symptoms such as itching, irritation and thick white emissions.

So what abandoned it? Actually many. Dr. Shahine adds that hormone transfers (such as during pregnancy or birth control), antibiotics, diabetes, damage to the immune system, and even your favorite exercise leggings can damage the vaginal microbiome. Yes, sitting in a wet swimsuit all afternoon wouldn’t help either. A warm, humid and stagnant environment is basically an open invitation to yeast thriving.

Healthy Vaginal 101: Can probiotics help?

Yes, especially right, according to Dr. Shahine. Studies have shown that specific strains are like Lactobacillus lactica and Lactobacillus Reuteri It can help maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora by promoting good bacterial growth and crowding potential pathogens such as Candida (the fungus behind most yeast infections).

“These beneficial bacteria work by producing natural by-products (about 3.8 to 4.2) that help keep vaginal pH in the ideal acid range (about 3.8 to 4.2).” She explains that this acidic environment makes it harder to occupy yeasts and bad bacteria, especially in summer, when heat and moisture can keep things unbalanced.

If you are looking for the best probiotics for vaginal health, Hum’s private party is a reliable starting point. It contains clinically studied strains L. rhamnosus and L. Reuteri Their ability to settle the vagina and support microbiome balance was specifically selected. Bonus: It also includes cranberry extract, the potential of which is the potential to support urinary tract health, which is a summer focus for many.

Daily habits that can be used for a healthy vaginal microbiome

Your daily habits (from your diet to the clothes you wear) play a major role in keeping the vaginal microbiome balanced, especially in the summer. This is the most important thing:

Reduce sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol

A high-sugar diet can be fed candida, which is the yeast that is most infected after it. This includes not only desserts, but also processed carbohydrates and even frequent alcohol. Reduction helps reduce the risk of overgrowth and supports a more stable vaginal environment.

Focus on gut-friendly foods

Fermented foods, fiber and prebiotics (such as garlic and onions) help to reproduce well. “The balanced intestine supports immunity and maintains vaginal pH,” Klein said. Translation? Intestinal health = vaginal health.

Penetrate the air-breathable fabric and then change quickly

Heat, moisture and tight fabrics are recipes for overgrowth of yeast. To reduce your risk, Dr. Shahine recommends breathable natural fabrics such as cotton underwear and loose clothing that allow airflow and help keep the area dry. Also, please change out your wet swimsuit or sweaty sports equipment as soon as possible. Wet clothes? Yeast paradise.

Skip the scented stuff

Your vagina is self-cleaning. According to Dr. Shahine, soaking or washing with perfume will discard your pH and destroy your microbiome. Instead, she recommends choosing only mild, ignorant cleansers for the vulva while keeping the rest of your life in your body’s natural balance.

Stay hydrated (but don’t rely on it to “flush” the infection)

“While water is crucial for general health, it won’t heal or prevent yeast overgrowth,” Klein said. But hydration does support mucosal health and overall function.

FAQ: Yeast infection in healthy vagina + vaginal health

What is the difference between yeast infection and BV?

Yeast infections and BV are common, but not the same. Yeast is a fungus overgrowth (think: itching, irritating, white emissions thick), while BV is a bacterial imbalance, thin, gray emissions and fishy smell, especially after sex or during your time. A quick pH test or pelvic examination can help confirm what is going on (yes, you can have both).

Can probiotics actually prevent yeast infections?

Yes, the right probiotics can totally help. Strains like Lactobacillus lactica and Lactobacillus Reuteri MVP is when controlling yeast and supporting a healthy vaginal pH. Like Hum’s private parties, daily targeted probiotics can help maintain a delicate balance and provide your microbiome with the backup you need, especially if you are susceptible to irritation or infection.

Is it not good to wear tights all day long?

What if you live in tight synthetic leggings and sweat? Your vaginal microbiome may not be excited. The calories and moisture are trapped, creating the main conditions for yeast to do things. When possible, switch to cotton pants, loose fit, especially after workouts or summer steaming days. Your body (and bacteria) will thank you.

What foods can worsen yeast infection?

Sugar is the main culprit. Candida thrives on it, so dialing back candy, refined carbohydrates, and even excess fruit can make a big difference. Other common suspects? Alcohol, processed foods, and anything that makes your intestine stand out – because your intestinal and vaginal microbiome is more connected than you think.

Do partners need treatment, too?

Usually, no. The treatment partner does not seem to reduce your risk of reinfecting yeast. However, if symptoms keep coming back, or you are not sure what is going on, please contact your healthcare provider. A quick swab can help you identify the problem and provide you with the right fix.