Beware of infection in the pool and sea

Stating that vaginal infections are more common in women with the entry of pools and the sea in the summer months, Op. Dr. Seda Deniz Işıklar informed about the ways to prevent infection.

Stating that first of all, attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the sea or pool, Eskişehir Private Ümit Batıkent Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Işıklar said that in addition to being dirty, excessive chlorine in the pools can also cause vaginal infections in women. Pointing out that excess chlorine in the pool can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in women's vagina, Işıklar said, “Excessively chlorinated pool water can kill beneficial bacteria in the vagina and cause fungi to grow.

For this reason, Işıklar said that in order to maintain genital hygiene, it is necessary not to be in the pool or sea for exaggerated periods of time, “You should not stay in the sea or pool for longer than 30-40 minutes,” he said. Stating that staying in a wet swimsuit is also among the most important causes of vaginal infections, Op. Dr. Seda Deniz Işıklar said, “After leaving the pool and the sea, we should change our wet swimsuit immediately, take a shower and sunbathe in a dry swimsuit.”

Plenty of water should be consumed

Stating that another effective way to protect against infections is to consume plenty of water, Op. Dr. Işıklar said, “Consuming plenty of fluids is something that the body needs both seasonally and to protect against all kinds of infections.”

Ways of protection in summary

Işıklar summarized the ways of protection from genital infections as follows:

“The sea should be preferred instead of the pool as much as possible. Clean pools with appropriate chlorine levels should be preferred. Shower before entering the pool, do not stay in the pool for longer than 30-40 minutes, shower immediately after leaving the pool and purify the body from chlorinated water, keep a spare swimsuit or bikini, and change the wet swimsuit immediately. The vaginal area should never be left moist and when the onset of infection is seen, a doctor should be consulted immediately.”