Woohoo for summer! Well, at least for those of you lucky enough to have sunny skies and warm temperatures. With thermometers rising, it's essential to bring some awareness to the wellbeing of your vulvovaginal region.

Our Top 10 Healthy Hoohoo Tips For Summer

#1. Keep her dry!

Avoiding tight jeans and allow the air to circulate in your pelvic region to help evaporate sweat. Wear loose-fitting clothing like linen pants, skirts, and dresses. At night, sleep without panties for better air circulation!

#2. Keep it natural.

Wear cotton underwear--100% organic is best. Limit your use of synthetic underwear, as sweat reacts differently with polyester/nylon blends, often trapping moisture and causing odor.

#3. Avoid talcum powder.

Regardless if your grandmother or mother passed this tip along, it's best to leave this harmful hygienic practice to the history books. You may think adding a bit to your routine will help with sweat absorption, but studies now link talcum powder use to ovarian cancer.  (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html)

#4. Limit sugar.

Pass on the sugary drinks and sip lemon water instead. Not only will your digestive system love you (https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water) but you'll be avoiding sugar. Sugar is yeast's favorite food, and combined with hot summer temperatures, you may be setting the stage for an uncomfortable vaginal flora imbalance.

#5. Change out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes as soon as possible.

This ultimately fits under Tip #1- the "keep her dry" umbrella; however, we want to place extra emphasis on this summer-specific condition. Both wet workout clothes and swimsuits provide optimal fungus-growing conditions. When fungus grows too quickly, it can lead to a yeast infection. Toss a skirt or sarong over those wet clothes and change into dry ones as soon as you can. You'll look that much more fashionable as a result!

#6. Stay well-hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, and it can also help maintain a healthy vaginal environment (did you know your vagina can become dehydrated?!). Proper hydration helps to flush out toxins and maintain a balanced pH, reducing the risk of infections.

#7. Practice safe sex.

With the excitement of summer and vacations, it's important to remember to practice safe sex. Use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and maintain a healthy vaginal environment.

#8. Opt for fragrance free products.

Scented soaps & bubble baths, and fragrance-filled feminine hygiene products can disrupt the natural balance of your vaginal flora, leading to irritation or infection. Choose fragrance free, gentle cleansers specifically designed for the sensitive vulvovaginal area (hint hint, nudge nudge... check out our Gentle Feminine Wash).

#9. Maintain good bathroom habits.

After using the restroom, always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria from the anus to the vagina. This practice helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other complications.

#10. Schedule regular check-ups.

Summer is a great time to schedule your annual gynecological exam and STI testing if you're sexually active. Regular check-ups help maintain your reproductive health and catch any potential issues early on.

Well, ladies, we hope these tips help and you have a fantastic summer complete with Healthy Hoohoos. Stay cool, and remember to prioritize your personal hygiene and wellbeing during these warmer months!

This article was first published on September 7th, 2015.