{"id":7871,"date":"2026-07-10T08:47:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T06:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/johann-strauss-apotheke.at\/?p=7871"},"modified":"2026-07-10T08:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T06:47:19","slug":"vaginal-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/johann-strauss-apotheke.at\/en\/vaginalgesundheit\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaginal health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vaginal health after swimming<\/h1>\n

Irritation or infection of the vagina?<\/h2>\n

Summer, sun, and a dip in the cool water \u2013 for many, swimming is one of the greatest pleasures of the warmer season. However, if itching, burning, or unusual discharge occurs afterwards, uncertainty quickly arises. In reality, swimming itself is usually not the cause. Rather, warmth, moisture, and prolonged wear of wet swimwear can affect the sensitive balance of the vagina and promote discomfort. It is crucial to distinguish between harmless irritation, a vaginal yeast infection, and bacterial vaginosis.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The natural balance of the vaginal flora<\/h2>\n

The vagina has a sophisticated protective system. The most important component is provided by so-called D\u00f6derlein's bacteria (lactobacilli). They produce lactic acid and keep the vagina's pH level in the acidic range (around 3.8\u20134.5). This acidic environment protects against pathogenic germs and ensures that the natural vaginal flora remains in balance.<\/p>\n

Also yeasts of the genus Candida<\/em> belong to the normal vaginal flora in many healthy women. As long as there are enough lactobacilli present and the pH value remains stable, they do not cause any discomfort. Only when this balance is disturbed can yeasts or certain bacteria multiply more strongly and trigger symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Why damp swimwear can encourage discomfort<\/h2>\n

Wet swimwear doesn't immediately lead to an infection. However, it creates a warm and moist microclimate in the intimate area, while the pelvic area simultaneously cools down. This favours the growth of yeasts, such as Candida<\/em>, On the other hand, the sensitive skin is softened and therefore becomes more susceptible to irritation. Furthermore, friction from tight-fitting swimwear or residues from chlorine, salt, or care products can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.<\/p>\n

Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, is not caused by poor hygiene or contaminated bathwater. Instead, it is caused by a shift in the natural vaginal flora, where protective lactobacilli decrease and other bacteria can multiply excessively.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Irritation, thrush or bacterial vaginosis<\/h2>\n

Irritation often manifests as mild burning, redness, or a sore sensation in the external genital area. Discharge is usually unchanged, and the discomfort often disappears within a few days once the causative factor is removed.<\/p>\n

A vaginal yeast infection (Candida) typically causes intense itching, reddened mucous membranes, and sometimes a whitish, crumbly but odourless discharge. A moist, warm environment, such as that found under wet swimwear, can further promote the growth of yeasts.<\/p>\n

Bacterial vaginosis is usually characterised by a thin, greyish-white discharge with a distinctive fishy odour. Itching is often less pronounced than with a fungal infection. As bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of ascending infections, it should be treated by a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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So here's how to prevent complaints<\/h2>\n

With a few simple measures, the risk can be significantly reduced:<\/p>\n