Risk Of Vaginal Infections Increases In Winter? A Gynaecologist Explains Why

Vulvovaginal Infections (VVIs), or vaginal infections, can occur throughout the year, but winter makes individuals more prone to them for several reasons. Usually caused by fungal infection or bacterial imbalance, a vaginal infection can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and burning in the intimate area. Cold temperatures and seasonal changes make you more prone to various infections, and vaginal infections can be particularly bothersome, impacting your daily life routine severely.

Speaking to the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist and IVF Expert at Nurture, shares that it becomes crucial to take extra measures during winter as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and vaginal infections seem to spike during the colder months. Read ahead to find out the reasons behind the increase in vaginal infections in winter and how you can manage them.

Cold Weather And The Risk Of Vaginal Infections

According to a study published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information of the US, Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection among women aged 15 to 44, and its chances increase as the temperature goes down.

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj shares that the number of vaginal infections seems especially high in the winter season, particularly between December and February, and this seasonal effect is strongly correlated with lifestyle and hygiene patterns specific to lower temperatures.

“Most women switch to heavier material, take fewer baths, use less water, and spend excessive time in closed, hot places. These habits may disrupt the natural vaginal pH and microbiome, which leads to a situation where infections like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis become more prevalent,” Dr Bajaj added.

Knowledge of such triggers coming along with chilly mornings can be used to avoid discomfort and keep intimate health intact. Here are a few common reasons behind this spike shared by Dr Bajaj:

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Tight and Layered Clothing

The use of thermal wear, tight leggings, and layered clothing in winter is one of the leading reasons for the rise in vaginal infection cases. These clothes become traps of warmth and moisture, creating a humid atmosphere around the genital area and affecting the vaginal pH.

Since the majority of winter clothes are made of synthetic materials, this creates friction and sweat retention. Accumulation of moisture promotes the proliferation of yeast and disease-causing microbes, resulting in itching and other symptoms of the infection.

Change In Hygiene Habits

As the chilly mornings arrive, people often do not take regular baths or do not give enough attention while bathing in a hurry because of the cold weather, which causes the accumulation of sweat, dead cells, and secretions in the intimate area.

The combination of several layers of clothes along with a lack of proper bathing forms an ideal environment for infections to develop. Lack of hygiene during winter is one of the major factors that contribute to irritation, the risk of infections, and odour. Although over-hygiene might also disturb the natural pH.

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Dehydration

With the onset of winter, people’s water intake reduces significantly, leading to dehydration. The use of room heaters also contributes to the condition, impacting the vaginal tissues. “When the body is not properly hydrated, the natural lubrication will be reduced, and the mucosal lining will be more susceptible to irritation and pH imbalance.”

The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the majority of the population automatically reduces water consumption during winter without compensating for the dryness caused by heaters and low humidity.

Weak Immunity

Dr Bajaj highlighted how winters are usually characterised by low exposure to sunlight, thus low amounts of Vitamin D, when the body is already stressed because of the frequent changes in temperature. These aspects can weaken the immune response, reducing the body's ability to resist infections. “The holiday period usually leads to more consumption of sugary foods, and high sugar levels have been shown to encourage the growth of yeast; thus, fungal infection is likely to occur,” Dr Bajaj mentioned.

Prevention Tips

Dr Bajaj explained that small changes play a significant role in preventing vaginal infections associated with winter. Here are a few prevention tips shared by the doctor:

• Choose light, breathable cotton underwear and thermals to allow for better air circulation.
• Maintain a gentle hygiene routine regularly throughout the winter months.
• Stay hydrated even when you do not feel the need to drink water.
• Consume healthy and warm foods such as almonds and seeds to boost your immune system, which will eventually save you from most of the seasonal infections.
• In winters, the chances of Urinary incontinence also increase, and if this is the case with you also, maintain extra hygiene, wash the vaginal area with normal temperature water frequently and change wet clothes immediately.

Bottomline

Winters do not necessarily have to result in intimate discomfort. With a healthy diet and proper hygiene, you can enjoy the cosy winter without getting troubled by vaginal infections. However, if the condition deteriorates and persists for a longer duration, do not take much time to get checked by your doctor.