Sun, sea, swimming pools and humidity are some of the pleasures of summer. However, when it comes to vaginal health they can provide the perfect environment for trouble.  

Vaginal health comes down to the delicate balance of our female flora. We all have an assortment of beneficial bacteria, less beneficial bacteria and yeasts. Everything is harmonious if beneficial bacteria maintain the upper hand. However, less beneficial bacteria and yeast love the combination of warmth and moisture, so the summer month can be challenging for some women.

If this resonates for you, here are our top seven hacks for maintaining a healthy balance.

1. Change out of your wet gear – after swimming in the sea or a pool make sure you are not sitting around in your wet togs.  Not only is the warmth and dampness a challenge, but seawater, sand and chlorine can act as irritants, so great to wash them off. The same applies to making sure you get out of your wet gym gear.
2. Only use water down there – the delicate pH of the vagina helps to maintain a healthy flora balance. Avoid using strongly perfumed soaps or shower gels in the vaginal area. Also, avoid douches and deodorants. If you are getting problems, you might also need to avoid washing underwear with strong-smelling washing powders.
3. Keep to cotton - cotton underwear helps maintain healthy circulation and is a more breathable material than more synthetic materials.
4. Sanitary products – try to use natural organic cotton products as they are more breathable and have fewer chemicals.  Make sure you change products regularly.
5. Keep good gut flora – bacteria and yeast can migrate from the gut across the perineum that sits between the anus and vagina.  This means the state of the gut can affect the health of the vagina. Look after your digestive bacterial balance, with a good diet of fibre, fermented foods and probiotics. Also, remember to wipe front to back to avoid bacteria spread.
6. Cut the sugar treats – There is nothing that yeasts and bacteria love more than sugar, as it provides fuel for multiplication. If you are experiencing regular issues have a look at your diet and cut back on sugar and refined carbohydrates.  
7. Top up your beneficial bacteria – The vagina has very specific strains that differ from those of the gut or other areas in the body. If you feel that your vaginal balance is out, then topping up your beneficial bacteria can help. Clinicians Flora Restore contains two unique strains of probiotics, which can be taken orally to help support your flora balance. Also, for immediate support for yeast issues try Clinicians Yeast Balance, the only probiotic that comes with its own vaginal applicator.