Warning over nasty infections that trigger horror itching and affect millions in the hot weather
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AS the UK weathers up for another scorching weekend, a GP has a warned of a rise in nasty infections triggering itching, soreness and discharge.
"While we might enjoy the warmer weather, your vagina might not be best pleased," GP Dr Nisa Aslam warned.
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Infections like thrush can become more common in the summer
Credit: Getty
"That's because vaginal infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more common during hotter temperatures," the advisor to PrecisionBiotics told Sun Health.
Thrush is a common yeast infection that happens when there's an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus.
As for BV, this is a vaginal infection that occurs when normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance
Dr Aslam said: "Around 1.2 million women in the UK suffer from thrush - with 75 per cent of women developing thrush at least once in their lifetime.
"Up to 50 per cent of women suffer from BV.
"Both BV and thrush can be incredibly uncomfortable," according to the GP.
But research from PrecisionBiotics found that up to 76 per cent of women suffer with the infections in silence, feeling too uncomfortable to open up about their vaginal health concerns.
'If you're concerned that you might have developed thrush or BV, there are a few tell-tale signs," Dr Aslam said.
Both can cause irritation such as itching, however thrush often comes with a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, sometimes with a mild, yeasty smell, whereas BV typically involves a thin, watery, grey or white discharge and a fishy smell.
"If these are left untreated, they can continue to cause irritation.
Cheap hacks to stay cool this summer
"BV can also increase your risk of contracting STIs, so it's worth booking an appointment with your GP if you experience symptoms.'
Dr Aslam explained what causes thrush and BV in the first place.
'These common problems are caused by vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, the delicate balance of good bacteria that helps maintain a healthy pH level and protect against infections.
"Dysbiosis is more likely to occur in hot, sweaty conditions," the GP explained, which is why warmer weather can be a major trigger.
Symptoms of thrush
Symptoms of thrush in women include: White vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell
Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina
Soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee
Symptoms of thrush in men include: Irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
A white discharge (like cottage cheese)
An unpleasant smell
Difficulty pulling back the foreskin
Source: NHS
"It can result in an overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria and/or yeast, so it's important to do what we can to maintain the good bacteria.'
But there are ways you can protect your vaginal health as the weather heats up over the weekend - soaring to 34C in some parts of the UK.
1. Breathable clothing
'Avoiding tight clothing is vital," Dr Aslam stressed.
"Cool, breathable clothes help avoid sweat from building up - sweat creates a warm, moist environment, providing the perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria to thrive.
"This can then lead to infections such as thrush.
"The same applies for wet swimsuits; change as soon as possible to keep your vaginal area dry."
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Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV
Credit: Getty
2. Minimise booze
It not just about what you wear - what you drink can up your risk of infections too.
Booze might seem like the perfect pairing for hot weather, but it may it leave with lingering consequences that don't include hangovers.
'Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV as it changes the balance of the microbiome," Dr Aslam explained.
"So if possible keep alcohol to a minimum and make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water.
"Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness which can affect the pH balance of the microbiome."
3. Snack smart
It's also worth paying attention to what you're eating.
'Refined foods high in sugar and saturated fat are also associated with a higher risk of BV," according to the GP.
Symptoms of BV
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: An unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex
A change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery
Half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching.
Source: NHS
"Think pastries, cakes, crisps and processed meats.
"Instead, tuck into a primary whole food, high fibre diet filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats."
4. Try supplements
You could also give supplements a go, Dr Aslam suggested.
'We can support our microbiome with the correct strain of probiotic bacteria – as certain probiotic lactobacilli strains have been shown to be an effective strategy for maintaining vaginal health," she said.
She recommended PrecisionBiotics Daily Women's Flora.
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