Hygiene is one of those things everyone is expected to know, but that we seldom talk about. Warmer, hot, and humid weather during the summer means more heat and sweat retention — yes, even down south. Practicing good feminine hygiene can help you stay dry and cool, preventing the risk of vaginal infections.

Genital/vulvovaginal candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, occurs when there is an overgrowth of the normal yeast in the vagina. Nearly 75 percent of all adult women have had at least one infection in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Some women are more prone to vaginal infections. If this is you, your risk of getting one increases in the summer," Dr. Andrea Randall, a gynecologist at Eisenhower Women’s Health in La Quinta, Calif., told Medical Daily.

Typically, a rise in temperatures during the warmer months causes an increase in sweat production to cool down different parts of the body, including the vulva — the external opening of the vagina. However, fungus and yeast thrive in dark, moist environments like this and make way for skin infections.

"Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are the most common vaginal infections at any time of the year, however they are more common in the summer," said Randall.

This means whatever promotes heat and sweat retention can lead to bacterial overgrowth and increase the likelihood for vaginitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Click “View Slideshow” to avoid the six most common genital hygiene mistakes that can harm your vaginal health in the summer.

Woman in pool
The six summer hygiene mistakes all women should avoid, from sitting for long periods of time to douching. Pixabay, Public Domain