Nothing turns the summer into a bummer quite like the unwelcome arrival of a yeast infection.

You know the deal. You’re going along, maybe cutting out of work early on a Friday to do something carefree and fun, like spending time at the lake or attending an outdoor concert, and it happens: A twinge. Something doesn’t feel right down there.

A slight burning sensation when you pee. An itchy feeling you can’t quite scratch. A little more discharge than usual. It looks red and rashy.

While many yeast infections are unpredictable and unavoidable, they do tend to strike more often during the summer months. Why?

Because Candida albicans, the fungus that usually causes yeast infections, thrives in warm, moist environments, and the hot weather and sweaty, wet activities of summer increase the risk of yeast infections for people with vaginas.

Since seasonal changes can trigger a yeast infection, having a prevention game plan can be extra-important during summertime.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid these uncomfortable and frustrating (but rarely dangerous) “health hiccups”, so a seasonal yeast infection doesn’t have a chance of putting another itch or hitch in your summertime plans.

What is a Yeast Infection?

Most yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus, Candida albicans, which occurs when “healthy” bacteria that normally prevents an overgrowth of yeast becomes unbalanced. When this happens, yeast may penetrate deeper cell layers of the vagina and cause the uncomfortable symptoms (itching, burning, irritation, discharge) associated with a yeast infection.

Besides seasonal shifts, like summertime heat and the sweaty conditions and tight-fitting clothes that come with it, there are other factors that increase the risk of upsetting the balance of vaginal bacteria. These include: taking hormonal birth control, having an impaired immune system, being pregnant, having uncontrolled diabetes, and using antibiotics.

So, if you have any of these additional risk factors, it’s particularly important to employ preventive strategies to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection during the summer months.

Tips for Preventing Seasonal Yeast Infections

A yeast infection never occurs at a good time, but most people find a way to carry on despite the discomfort it can cause. Thankfully, there are many practical ways to prevent (or, at least, reduce your chances of) getting a yeast infection, especially during the summer months. Here are a few:

Stay Dry

• After swimming or sweating, change out of wet clothes asap. Warmth and moisture create a breeding ground for yeast.

Maintain Good Hygiene

• Wash the vulva (but never the vagina) with mild, unscented soap and water.
• Douches and scented products can disrupt the balance of “good bacteria” that are trying to protect you.

Wear Breathable Clothing

• Opt for cotton underwear. It offers better airflow compared to synthetic fabrics.
• Avoid tight pants and leggings (or, at least, limit your time in them.) Choose loose-fitting clothes that don’t trap heat and moisture instead.
• Stay away from harsh laundry detergent too. Many chemical-free, unscented options can do the trick.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

• Eating a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins) and drinking enough water can support your immune system and help your body fight off infections.
• Yeast thrives on sugar, so reducing your intake of sugary foods and drinks can theoretically help prevent overgrowth.
• Probiotics, found in certain yogurts and supplements, MIGHT help maintain healthy vaginal flora, but studies are limited.

Choose Healthy Habits

• Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, so practice stress reduction with yoga, meditation, and regular exercise to keep your body resilient and ready.
• Regular exercise and adequate sleep can also help boost your immune system. Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
• Oh, and if you tend to sweat at night, consider sleeping without underwear.

Use Antibiotics with Care

• Since antibiotics are well-known to throw off the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your body, only use them when prescribed by a healthcare provider and follow her guidance about how to avoid a yeast infection while taking them.

Be Aware of Your Body

• Pay attention to your body, so you can recognize the earliest signs of a yeast infection. Besides prevention, early intervention is the next best way to ward off a full-blown infection that can (rarely) become serious.

Seasonal yeast infections make sense when you have a better understanding of what causes yeast infections and what factors increase your risk of developing them. Preventing yeast infections should be an important part of your vaginal healthcare routine throughout the year, but summertime often requires paying extra attention and making additional changes to that routine. Even just knowing that Candida craves warm, moist environments should give you a head start in your efforts to avoid a yeast infection this summer.

If you're experiencing yeast infection symptoms, if you get recurrent infections, or if you’re unsure your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, make an appointment with your provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Sometimes other infections, like certain STIs (sexually transmitted infections), can present with similar symptoms, and only a healthcare professional can make a definitive diagnosis.

Here's to a happy, healthy, and (hopefully) yeast infection-free summer!