8 tips for vaginal care while swimming

Most women like swimming. However, there are many women who do not know how to swim but they like to spend time in the swimming pool. Along with this, if you are a female swimmer, and spend a long time in the pool, then sometimes you must have felt something unusual in your vagina after swimming (vaginal care while swimming). Non-swimmer women also spend time in the pool, they are also at risk of vaginal irritation. Usually people often talk about hair and skin care during swimming, but there are very few women who are worried about vaginal health.

Due to the presence of chlorine in the pool water during swimming, the risk of itching and infection in your vagina increases. In such a situation, you should have information related to prevention. It is not necessary that you are a swimmer, if you like spending time in the pool, then you should also know the tips of vaginal care. Dr. Aastha Dayal, Director – Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram has given some important tips related to vaginal care for swimmers, so let's know more about this (vaginal care while swimming).

Know what harm chlorinated water does to the vagina (side effects of chlorine water on vagina)

1. Yeast infection

Chlorine affects the pH balance of the vagina, and as a result, increases the risk of yeast growth in the vagina, which can lead to yeast infections (vaginal care while swimming).

2. Bacterial vaginosis

Spending a long time in chlorine water and leaving the vaginal skin wet for a long time sometimes increases the growth of bad bacteria on the vaginal skin, and a condition of bacterial vaginosis arises. This infection causes a lot of itching in the vaginal area, and smelly vaginal discharge (vaginal care while swimming). This can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Also, the discharge from your vagina can also cause other skin problems there.

3. Swelling

Pool water can cause inflammation as it can irritate the vagina. pH Balance It can also cause allergies which can make it swollen or itchy.

Also read: Smelly Vaginal discharge: If there is smelly discharge from the vagina, then know its causes and solutions

4. Vulvitis

The chlorine present in pool water affects the outer area of ​​the vagina. If your vagina becomes very sensitive to chlorine, you may feel irritation or itching on the skin of your vagina.

Know some special tips for vaginal care while swimming

1. It is very important to maintain vaginal health, so avoid spending too much time in the sea or in chlorinated water. It is important to wear a clean, air-permeable swimsuit to protect your vagina when swimming.
2. Also, try to avoid wearing damp swimwear for long periods of time, this helps prevent infection.
3. Clean the vagina thoroughly with normal water after swimming to get rid of any bacteria, salt or chlorine.
4. Stay away from harsh soaps, as they can upset the pH balance of the vagina.
5. To keep the area dry after swimming, wear cotton underwear. This will allow air to pass through and the good vaginal bacteria will prevent infection from developing.
6. Many women experience vaginal irritation after swimming. A pH balanced intimate wash recommended by gynecologists will help you reduce irritation.
7. Apart from this, maintain proper hydration and consume healthy foods, this will make it easier to maintain the health of the vagina.
8. Use a tampon before swimming or enjoying pool water, this prevents chlorinated water from entering your vagina.

Know when a doctor is needed

You can try to avoid chlorinated water while swimming. But do not try to treat the infection caused by it yourself, otherwise the condition worsens. If you are experiencing excessive itching, burning sensation etc. after coming out of the pool water and it persists for a long time, then consult a doctor without waiting. Sometimes chlorine reacts with the vaginal skin, due to which one has to face a lot of trouble.

Also read: Urine leaks during sex? So know its causes and how to control it