Summer is a time when we go all out to enjoy ourselves — whether that’s taking a family vacation to Disneyland, going camping, heading to Europe, or just catching some rays on the beach. Unfortunately, summer is also a time when urinary tract infections, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis like to show up and wreak havoc. Unfortunately, when you sweat or become dehydrated, it is more likely for problems to ensue down below.
What you wear, what you drink, how you move your body, what birth control you use, and even the type of topping you put on your frankfurter can make a difference, so keep reading to learn how to choose wisely, because, as with any illness, prevention is always preferable to treatment.
1. Avoid Alcohol
Yes, summer is the best time for frozen cocktails on the beach, but alcohol is not the best choice if you are prone to UTIs as it can actually encourage dehydration (even though it is a liquid). You might want to sip unsweetened cranberry juice instead. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it could decrease your risk of developing a UTI, although the science is not conclusive.
2. Cozy Up to Cotton
Diet and antibiotics largely influence the development of yeast infections, but the type of underwear you choose can also be a culprit. Cotton is a great choice if you’re trying to prevent yeast infections, as it is harder to develop infections in drier environments compared to damp, hot or moist ones. You can even go commando at night! Whatever you do, avoid nylon, spandex and other synthetic materials because these will keep the area moist and hot.
3. Top Your Dog With Sauerkraut
Summer is prime time for hot dogs, and sauerkraut is one of the most popular toppings. That vinegary taste really goes well with that spicy frank flavor. If you’re prone to urinary tract infections, you might want to pile that frank especially high because sauerkraut is a fermented food that has probiotics. (Yes, probiotics are in more than just yogurt!) Probiotics, long known for potentially treating or preventing yeast infections, may increase protective bacteria in the urinary tract as well.
4. Do Yoga
I’ve written before about how yoga can be great for pelvic health. It turns out it may prevent bacterial vaginosis as well. Yes, there’s real science behind this! A study from 2018 showed a link between cortisol and BV, and yoga could help reduce stress. If yoga isn’t your jam, please consider other ways to regulate stress, like watching a funny movie or meditation.
5. Reconsider Your Birth Control
Birth control plays a role! You may not realize that your birth control could be promoting your chance of getting BV, yeast infections or UTIs. Although there are many individual reasons a woman might choose a certain form of birth control, infection prevention should be a consideration, especially if you are prone to them.
Asking your partner to use condoms is not only a good way to prevent pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, but it can prevent BV as well. Having a high number of sex partners, or any partners at all, can possibly be a contributing factor to BV. There are also multiple forms of birth control that are more likely to promote a urinary tract infection because they allow bad bacteria to grow, such as diaphragms, spermicides and condoms that are not lubricated or contain spermicide. Oral contraceptive pills are not proven to increase UTI risk, according to some studies. If you choose hormonal birth control or spermicide, then you may want to be extra careful to prevent yeast infections, since these two can raise that risk. However, because there are so many factors to consider when choosing birth control, it is always a good idea to discuss any adjustments with a gynecologist before making a final decision.
I know that was a lot to digest, especially the sauerkraut-loaded hot dogs, but it’s worth taking the time to do so because UTIs, BV and yeast infections are more than just mere nuisances or “the price of being a woman.” Preventing them (and treating them when they occur) is part of taking responsibility for your health. It’s also one of the best ways of making sure your summer is as enjoyable and sunny as can be!