As the winter months near, temperatures are dropping and your skin may feel dry.
Experts say that women often have winter vaginas due to dry and cold air, which causes their genitals into a ‘drought mode.
FEMAIL spoke to health professionals who revealed that vaginal dryness could be worsened during winter, making intercourse extremely painful.
Stephanie Taylor, Intimate Health Specialist at Kegel8, stated that winter vagina is when the female genitalia goes into drought mode during the colder months. Cold weather has been suggested to be an aggravator of the problem of vaginal dryness. A lack of moisture is apparently to blame.
Meanwhile Nutritional Therapists Claire Floss said: ‘Just like the gut, the vagina has a delicate microbial ecosystem, known as the microbiome.
FEMAIL experts shared their concerns with FEMAIL about the possibility of women suffering from winter vaginas (stock photo)
‘Some of our beloved winter habits such as taking hot baths, wearing heavy clothing, and even the dry air from cranking up the central heating can upset the vaginal microbiome, creating the perfect environment for a ‘winter vagina’.
Claire explained that there were many ways to make your intimate health a priority this winter. She suggested microwaving underwear or switching from baths to showers.
Get a good shower
Claire advised women lean towards showering more during the winter, explaining: ‘Baths are a winter staple; however, did you know that baths can also be sneaky culprits for disrupting the vagina’s natural pH?
‘If you’re having a bath, use unscented natural bath products and if you want to add in something that is naturally anti-bacterial pop in a few drops of organic lavender essential oil.’
Stephanie was adamant, saying that Stephanie also agreed.
“Scented soaps and bath products, as well as lotions and shampoos, can dry out and irritate already sensitive areas.
Avoid these products, and you will hopefully notice some improvements.
Go ‘au naturelle’
Experts warn that while it might be tempting to bundle up for winter, it can actually lead to increased vaginal dryness.
Claire explained that tights, thick clothing and synthetics in winter may increase your chances of developing vaginal problems. These items encourage the creation of a warm and moist environment, which is what yeasts and other bacteria like.
Swap out heavy, unbreathable and synthetic fabrics for cotton. Give your vagina some rest by scheduling time that isn’t dominated with underwear (perhaps over the weekend).
Consider microwaving your underwear
Microwaving underwear can help you keep your winter skin healthy, despite being a strange idea.
Claire explained: ‘If persistent yeast infections are your biggest winter burden, it’s possible that your laundering is not ridding your undies of yeasts or bacteria.
Ironing your knickers’ gusset can help you to combat it.
“Put freshly-laundered and damp cotton undies in the microwave to eliminate any lurking pathogens.
Don’t over-indulge
The effects of diet on your vaginal health can be also significant. With Christmas being a time to indulge, this can cause problems for your intimate areas.
Claire revealed: ‘Winter is the party season and life’s too short to cut out sugar and alcohol from your diet completely!
“Just keep in mind that overindulging in sugary and fatty foods or alcohol can have a negative impact on your vaginal health.
‘Sugary foods can feed bacteria or yeast, increasing your chances of bacterial vaginosis, UTI’s and thrush.’
Take a look at a probiotic supplement
The experts recommended that you take a vaginal supplement if all else fails.
Claire shared the following: “Probiotic supplements are a great way to help your gut and pelvic health this winter.”
‘Make sure you pick a probiotic which contains bacteria strains proven to reach the vagina alive like Optibac Probiotics ‘For Women’.
Experts revealed that adapting your diet can help women keep their vaginas healthy and moist during winter months.
Mary Burke said women should drink apple juice, which is rich in phytoestrogens, which can reverse the hormonal imbalance that causes vaginal dryness.
In the meantime, she recommended greens such as spinach, broccoli, and kale. These nutrients prevent dryness and increase circulation. Sweet potato and watermelon also contain the compound citrulline which helps relax the blood vessels in the body to improve circulation and blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Others disagree on whether “winter vaginas”, however, are true.
Jen Gunter previously dismissed the notion of “summer vaginas” – the idea that women’s genitals get drier in the summer months.
She wrote that ‘Vaginas function well in all seasons’.
“The vagina is kept at a constant temperature by being inside the body. Heat stroke can cause the human body to rise with outside temperatures.
According to the NHS, vaginal dryness can be caused by certain medications, contraceptives, and treatments for cancer, as well as menopause, breastfeeding, childbirth, laxity before sex, and lack of arousal after sex.
The recommendation is that women apply a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant before they have sex.
If dryness due to menopause is severe, vaginal estrogen may be needed. A hormone replacement therapy might also be helpful.