Vaginal infections rise following summer holidays

Medical experts report a significant increase in consultations for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis following the summer holiday season. This trend is often linked to disruptions in the vaginal microbiome, a delicate ecosystem primarily composed of Lactobacillus bacteria that maintains an acidic pH between 3.8 and 4.5 to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Several summer-related factors contribute to this imbalance, including prolonged exposure to wet swimwear, heat, humidity, and frequent changes between sea and pool water. Other contributing factors include changes in diet, disrupted sleep patterns, increased alcohol consumption, the use of scented hygiene products, and the use of certain antibiotics which can eliminate protective bacteria. Symptoms such as itching, unusual discharge, and burning sensations may appear several weeks after the initial exposure to these environmental stressors.