With the arrival of lower temperatures, some common winter habits can directly impact female intimate health. Although they often go unnoticed, certain factors can unbalance the natural protection of the vagina and cause discomfort throughout the season.

According to Dr. Madalena Oliveira, doctor and postgraduate professor in Gynecology at Afya Vitória, the region has a microbiota natural responsible for protecting the body against fungi and bacteria. For this protection to work properly, it is important to maintain balanced hygiene habits and avoid excesses.

“The vagina has a protective microbiota that depends on an adequate pH and correct care to remain healthy. The problem is that many everyday factors can interfere with this balance, such as the inappropriate use of vaginal creams, very aggressive products, stuffy clothes and even certain hygiene habits”, he explains.

Below, the doctor shares 3 precautions to maintain female intimate health in winter. Check it out!

According to Dr. Madalena Oliveira, during winter, it is common for women to spend longer time in tight clothing or fabrics that make ventilation of the intimate area difficult. This increases local humidity and creates a more favorable environment for the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. “Synthetic pieces, very tight clothing and spending a long time in damp or stuffy clothing can encourage infections such as candidiasis, as well as increasing irritation and discomfort,” he says.

To avoid these problems, use cotton underwear is the solution, as the fabric allows better air circulation, helps absorb moisture and helps keep the intimate area drier and more comfortable throughout the day.

Another point of attention is excessive intimate care, which can often have the opposite effect to what was expected. “There is an idea that excessive hygiene means more protection, but this is not always true. The frequent use of strong soaps, intimate showers and perfumed products can alter the vaginal pH and compromise this natural defense barrier”, warns the gynecologist.

3. Prefer warm and quick baths

Very high temperatures can sensitize the intimate region, remove the skin’s natural protection and promote discomfort such as burning and itching. “Excessively hot water can dry out and sensitize the skin of the vulva, as it happens in other areas of the body. Therefore, the ideal is to keep warm baths and quickly, preserving the skin’s natural hydration and the balance of the intimate region”, concludes Dr. Madalena Oliveira.

By Beatriz Felicio