As winter sets in, it is important to think about how the cold weather can affect your health. One area that you might not give much thought to during the winter is your vaginal health, but your vagina and surrounding area can be negatively affected by cold-weather habits too. Here are three vaginal risks that you should look out for this winter.
Tight Clothing and Layers Can Increase Bacteria Growth
During the winter, it is common to wear several layers of clothing to help stay warm. However, the extra layers can cause you to sweat in your intimate areas throughout the day and the extra heat and moisture can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
You should wear underwear made from natural fibers and loose layers around your pelvis. You might consider wearing legwarmers instead of thick tights to help keep your extremities warm without overheating your vaginal area. Additionally, make sure that you clean your vaginal area when you get home and switch into loose, comfortable clothes without underwear to give your vagina time to breathe.
Low Vitamin D Can Contribute to Bacterial Vaginosis
Vitamin D is associated with a high immunity, which is one of the reasons why people are likely to get sick during the winter months, when their skin is unable to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin D. As with any infection, your body may be less likely to fight off a bout of Bacterial Vaginosis if you suffer from low levels of vitamin D in the winter.
To avoid this, you should consider taking probiotics to boost your immune system. You may also want to talk to your doctor about supplements to boost your intake and absorption of vitamin D.
Dehydration Can Contribute to Dryness and Itching
You might not think about dehydration during the winter, because you are less likely to feel thirsty. However, dehydration is a serious risk during the cold months, and one of the areas where you may experience dryness when you are slightly dehydrated for an extended period of time is in your vagina. This can cause itchiness and negatively impact your sex life.
If you experience vaginal dryness, think about increasing your fluid intake and limiting drinks that contribute to dehydration such as coffee and alcohol.
If you are concerned about your vaginal health or experience any unpleasant vaginal symptoms during the winter, you should talk to a gynecology office, such as Anchorage OB.
