Summer health & hygiene

If you’ve ever wondered, but were afraid to ask, our gynaecologist answers some common questions she often hears from her patients about vaginal health.

Our gynaecologist answers your questions

As the weather heats up each year, there are three particular questions that my patients start asking – and they all point to the fact that there’s a lot of misinformation out there! I’ll give you the science-backed skinny so you can enjoy your time all season long.

I’m on the Pill and would like to avoid periods this summer. Is it OK to skip the Pill-free days?

There’s no medical need to take days off from hormonal contraception in order to get a period. The scientists who developed the Pill provided a Pill-free week in which a monthly “period” occurs only so that women would be more comfortable taking it. Not only is it OK to fool Mother Nature so you can wear your white jeans without fear, but for many women there’s also a significant medical benefit. Menstrual cramps, hormonal migraines, heavy bleeding, and pain from endometriosis are reduced or eliminated by taking an active pill daily.

Do I need to change out of a wet swimsuit to avoid a yeast infection?

Relax after your swim: there’s no need to do a mad dash from the pool to put on dry clothes. Despite what your mother, or even your doctor might have told you, there’s no scientific basis to the common

belief that wearing a wet bathing suit will increase the risk of a vaginal yeast infection. Research has debunked that myth! Similarly, there’s no credible scientific evidence that wearing pantyhose, a thong or synthetic underwear, or no underwear at all will increase the chance of getting an infection. What can up your risk: diabetes, pregnancy and taking antibiotics or birth control pills.

My new partner thinks it would be fun to have sex in a pool. Is it safe?

Pool sex may sound erotic, but as a gynaecologist I can tell you that you may increase your risk of infection. Pool chemicals will take care of most nasty bacteria growing in the water, but won’t take care of any STDs living in your partner’s genital tract. In fact, you’re more likely to catch an STD than if you have sex on dry land, since water washes away your body’s natural lubricant and increases the risk of microscopic tears through which bacteria and viruses can enter. And for those who think you’re less likely to get pregnant in a hot tub: it’s not true. If a guy spends a lot of time there, he may produce less sperm, but less sperm is not no sperm. And hanging out in hot tubs alters those that aren’t released until three months later. Even a toasty hot tub won’t kill sperm that goes directly from him to you.