Attention to Vaginal Infections Increasing in Summer!

From Memorial Service Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Op. Dr. Nihal Çetin gave important advice to women to avoid vaginal infections. Vaginal infection, which is one of the most common infections in women, begins to occur more frequently in the summer months. Vaginal infections caused by fungi, bacteria and parasites; With the effect of hot weather and various environmental factors, it can make women's daily life difficult. From Memorial Service Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Op. Dr. Nihal Çetin gave important advice to women to avoid vaginal infections.

The female genital tract prevents the entry of microbes

Thanks to the healthy genital system defense mechanisms, it prevents microbes from entering the body. The glycogen stored in the cells of the vaginal wall, thanks to the estrogen hormone, first turns into glucose and then into lactic acid, providing an acidic environment. Lactobacilli, consisting of microorganisms that provide the acidic environment of the vagina, prevent harmful bacteria that want to enter the body. However, the decrease in lactobacilli that prevent the infective bacteria from occupying the vagina for any reason or the deterioration of the acidic environment of the vagina facilitates the entry of infections into the vagina. For this reason, it is necessary to protect the lactobacillus-acid couple, which is important for the protection of genital hygiene.

Increased risk of vaginal infections during menstruation

The incidence of genital infections increases during menstrual bleeding. Because the menstrual bleeding that occurs every month creates a suitable environment for the proliferation of bacteria in the vagina due to the protein it contains. Especially in this period, more regular precautions should be taken to prevent vaginal infections.

Change your wet swimsuit, give importance to genital cleaning

The physiological discharge seen in women is colorless, odorless and does not cause any complaints. On the other hand, the discharges due to infection are colored and smelly and cause complaints such as pain, burning and itching. Vaginal infections sometimes progress without any symptoms. This condition can only be detected in any gynecological examination. If left untreated, the following measures can be effective to prevent vaginal infections that negatively affect women's social life:

• Do not use products for washing the vagina (shampoo, spray, deodorant) unless your doctor recommends it.
• Do the post-toilet vagina cleaning from front to back.
• Make sure to dry the genital area after cleaning.
• Change your underwear often.
• Prefer cotton laundry instead of synthetic nylon laundry.
• Do not use tight socks or tight pants.
• Don't delay the need for urination because bacteria can find time to establish an infection.
• Do not use vaginal tampons or change them frequently.
• Do not stand for a long time in wet, sweaty clothes or swimwear after the sea, pool, sauna, bath or exercise.