Summer swimming sharply increases infection risk. Delayed treatment can cause long-term problems

During the summer months, gynecological infections and urological problems rise by up to 50 percent. Women are affected most often, but men and children are no exception. Symptoms that seem trivial at first can lead to serious complications without timely treatment.

Summer brings not only the joy of swimming but also a higher risk of urinary tract infections and gynecological or urological problems. According to experts, 4 out of 10 women suffer from a swimming-related problem during the summer months. "Vaginal thrush is one of the most common problems. According to health statistics, around 75 percent of women have thrush at least once in their life, and for some it recurs several times a year. Swimming pools and ponds are particularly risky, because the water is colder and may be contaminated. Sea water, on the other hand, is much better for swimming in terms of infection risk. As prevention, I would recommend vaginal probiotics, which can help in many situations to support local immunity and flora," advised Elena Sudarikova, board-certified gynecologist at Venova Clinic.

Cystitis is also very common; up to 60 percent of women have it at some point in their life. "Risk factors include swimming in cold water, wet swimwear and poor hygiene. Women are more prone to it because of their shorter urethra. But men and children can also have problems, especially after swimming in contaminated water," warned Ondrej Kaplán, urologist at Venova Clinic.

Chlorine, urine, cyanobacteria

Human urine is often found when water from public pools and swimming areas is analysed. In surveys, 1 in 5 public pool visitors admits to having urinated in a pool. A higher concentration of chlorine is also a problem. In ponds, the danger is cyanobacteria. "Chlorine disturbs the natural pH and microflora of the vagina, which increases the risk of an overgrowth of yeast or harmful bacteria. The risk is higher for women with sensitive mucous membranes or a disturbed balance, for example after taking antibiotics or during pregnancy. It is important to shower before and after swimming; this is almost always stated in pool rules, but unfortunately very few people follow it in practice. Swimming in water with cyanobacteria or other contamination is completely unsuitable. Cyanobacteria cause inflammation of the urethra, rashes and stomach problems," said Elena Sudarikova.

Take off wet swimwear

Wearing wet swimwear for a long time is an underestimated but common risk for gynecological and urological problems. It is therefore advisable to change into something dry right after swimming, but people rarely do. "Yeast, bacteria and fungi love warm, moist and poorly ventilated environments. That is exactly what wet swimwear clinging to the skin provides, especially in the genital area. After just 30 minutes, the microflora can overgrow and upset the balance of the intimate environment. The growth of yeast and bacteria can cause vaginal thrush or bacterial vaginosis. Cold, wet clothing around the lower abdomen can irritate the bladder and urethra and contribute to a urinary tract infection. Synthetic swimwear materials do not breathe, and when they stay wet the risk of irritation, chafing and heat rash increases, especially for children, pregnant women and people with sensitive skin. That is why it is important to change into dry swimwear or clothes as soon as possible after every swim," advised Elena Sudarikova.

Swimming during menstruation

The idea that a woman should avoid water completely during her period is a myth. According to available surveys, about half of women bathe or go swimming during menstruation. "Swimming during menstruation is not forbidden, but it requires special hygiene measures. Using a tampon or a menstrual cup is safe as long as it is changed as soon as possible after swimming. Leaving a damp tampon in the body for a long time can increase the risk of bacterial infection," the gynecologist warned.

Itching, burning, pain

After swimming in contaminated or unsuitable water, both women and men may develop symptoms of infection that they should definitely not underestimate. "The most common include burning or stinging when urinating, a frequent urge to go to the toilet, pain in the lower abdomen or bladder area, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Women may also have itching, burning or irritation in the intimate area. In men, an infection may show as redness or pain in the genital area," described Ondrej Kaplán.

Chronic problems and kidney damage

If any signs of infection appear, it is important to seek medical help. Special creams or suppositories available at pharmacies give immediate relief from itching. "An untreated lower urinary tract infection can turn into a chronic problem, which is often difficult to resolve because of changes to the bladder lining. Chronic problems are also harder to deal with in terms of how long treatment takes. Untreated infections can spread to the kidneys and damage them," the urologist warned.