It’s time to jump in the pool and eat lots and lots of colas! Summers are officially here!
But before you take that plunge into the pool in your oh-so-sexy swimwear, we have something very important to discuss.
Apart from the tasty cols, summer brings with itself a host of problems as well. The scorching heat, endless sweating, the humidity and the harmful sun rays - all of these things attack your body - leaving it dehydrated and even parched. While your body being dehydrated is quite common, a lot of women do not pay any attention to vaginal hydration needs.

Yes, you read that right - your vagina needs hydration. Unfortunately, just like any other topic related to feminine genital health, it is often ignored. Read on to know more about how to take care of your vagina during this summer season.

Keep it clean

This is kind of true for all seasons, but when it comes to summers, you need to be a little extra careful, all thanks to the sweat. However, your vagina is a self-cleaning organ, a gentle wash with water will help. It is advisable not to use any soap or body wash as it might end up disturbing the pH balance, which might lead to irritation and itching. You can also go for intimate wipes as they are fragrance-free and are quite helpful in gently cleaning the vaginal area without causing any harm.
Another thing that you need to take care of is not over wash. This might also lead to a pH imbalance.

Have a healthy diet

A healthy diet helps in maintaining a healthy vagina. Avoid eating extra spicy and oily food as it is not only good for your stomach but consuming more acidic food can cause a pH imbalance in your vagina. This can cause a pungent odour and make it burn even. Instead, go for healthy probiotic foods like yoghurt or eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as this will help enhance good and healthy bacteria in the vagina. You can also go for juices as they are good for your health and have a cooling effect on your entire body.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes

We know you worked hard for this summer body but do not stress it by wearing tight-fitting clothes. Avoid suffocating your vagina by wearing skin-fit jeans or pants for long hours as it restricts the airflow. The summer heat, along with sweat, will act as a breeding ground for bacterial growth and lead to infections that can cause vaginal dryness. Instead, go for loose-fit clothes that are breezy and made of skin-friendly fabric. This will give your vagina some breathing space. You can also consider wearing panty liners while you go to the gym, as they will absorb all the sweat and keep you dry and clean. You can use vaginal wipes for added cleaning.

Do not use any scented products

All the sweat and the bad odour might prompt you to use scented products. Be it the detergents or hygiene products like tampons, opt for the fragrance-free ones. Wash your inner wears well and do not use any harsh detergents or chemicals that can eventually lead to any problem.

Keep yourself hydrated

You must drink 8-10 glasses of water every day! It is not only good for your digestive health but also your vagina! So drink up this magic drink to flush out the toxins and keep your urinary tract hydrated.

Be careful while removing pubic hair

Summers mean pool parties, and pool parties mean swimsuits! But swimsuits come at a cost - waxed and shaved bikini lines.
While there are no medical reasons that promote the elimination or keeping of the pubic hair, it is important to understand the pros and cons of both.

Incorrect shaving or waxing might increase the chance of infections as the pathogens can enter your skin through the cuts or areas or irritated skin.

But if you are going for shaving or waxing, we will advise you to wait for at least 24-48hrs before you wear any tight-fitting clothes or break into a sweat. This will give your skin enough time to heal and decrease the risk of infections and possibly other annoying issues like an ingrown hair.

The bottom line is, it can be a little tricky to keep everything happy and healthy down there during the summer season, but following the above-mentioned tips will help beat the heat. We also recommend being a little more open about any discomfort that you might feel down there and getting in touch with your doctors asap. This will help avert the risk of getting any serious infections. Being vocal and open will also encourage other women to be more aware and take charge of their overall well-being!