Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

Vaginal dryness that occurs in winter is also called “winter vagina”. In this season the vagina becomes dry, due to which the risk of many problems related to vagina increases.

Cold weather brings with it many diseases, especially in this season, the humidity in the environment decreases and dry air starts blowing. Due to which the problem of dryness becomes common. Dryness not only affects the health of your skin and hair, but it can also negatively impact your vaginal health. Vaginal dryness, which usually occurs in winter, is also called “winter vagina”. In this season the vagina becomes dry, due to which the risk of many problems related to vagina increases. Therefore, be careful about your vaginal health during the cold season (vaginal care in winter).

Dr. Meenakshi Bansal, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecologist, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi has shared some important information related to vaginal problems during cold season. So let us know about this in more detail (vaginal care in winter).

First know what is winter vagina?

Increased vaginal dryness during the cold months is called winter vagina (vaginal care in winter). If you are feeling dryness in the skin around the vagina, or irritation in the vagina, it could be due to the drop in temperature. In this situation, there is a lack of lubrication, due to which it becomes difficult to perform sexual activity. At the same time, the risk of vaginal infection also increases due to dryness.

There is a risk of your vagina becoming dry in winter. Image:Shutterstock

How does cold affect vaginal health (causes of vaginal dryness in winter)?

Cold in winter affects not only the body but also the vaginal health of women. Therefore, it is important to take care of the health of the vagina during the cold season.

2. Dryness

In cold weather, people participate less in physical activities, due to which they do not feel thirsty. In such a situation, due to lack of water in the body, the body can become dehydrated, which increases the problem of vaginal dryness. Apart from this, just as cold winds snatch away moisture from the skin, similarly the increasing cold in the environment can also make the vagina dry. Dry vagina can cause discomfort and irritation during sex.

Rashes are one of the most common causes of vaginal itching. Image: Adobe Stock

3. Itching

Due to increased dryness in the skin during cold weather, the vagina skin becomes rough and dry, due to which itching can be felt.

Experts are telling some special tips to maintain vaginal health in winter (vaginal care in winter)

Dr. Meenakshi Bansal says, “To prevent vaginal problems caused by vaginal dryness, it is important to maintain moisture in the vagina. You can massage the outer parts of the vagina with a few drops of coconut oil every day or every other day. Coconut oil helps in maintaining moisture in the vagina. Anti-bacterial properties are found in coconut oil, which reduces the risk of infection caused due to dryness.

“Use proper protection during sex in winter, practice safe sex and also take special care of cleanliness and hydration. “Wash regularly, wear cotton clothes, and if any irritation, itching or abnormality is felt, contact a doctor immediately.”

1. Do not clean the vagina with very hot water

Hot water can also strip away the natural oil left in the vagina. Therefore, even in cold weather, take bath with normal water, if you want, you can make the water lukewarm.

Vaginal infection can increase the risk of preterm birth. Image: Adobe Stock

2. Use vaginal moisturizer

To deal with dry vagina, you can use lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. However, instead of chemical products, choosing healthy and natural options like coconut and almond oil will be more beneficial. In this way dryness is reduced, it also reduces friction during sexual activities, thereby reducing the risk of any kind of injury. Maintaining moisture in the vagina prevents infection.

3. Limit sugar intake

“Don't consume too much of fatty or sugary foods and alcohol as these foods can negatively affect vaginal health and cause dryness. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal yeast infections.”

If you want to keep probiotic i.e. good bacteria of the gut alive then prebiotic is very important. Image Shutterstock.

4. Increase the amount of probiotic in the diet

Probiotics can prove beneficial for your vaginal health in many ways. Probiotic-rich foods contain healthy bacteria present in the intestines, which promote digestion and bladder health. In this way, it helps in keeping your vaginal problems away.

5. Stay hydrated

People drink less water in winter, which can cause vaginal problems. Therefore, it is very important to keep yourself hydrated. To deal with the problem of vaginal dryness, drink adequate amount of water, you can also consume herbal tea, green tea and lemon tea.

Also read:Every woman should pay attention to pelvic floor muscles, strengthen them in these 5 ways.