#wetswimsuit

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The warning “do not stay in a wet swimsuit or you will get a urinary tract infection” returns every summer. The reality is more complex. Wet fabric does not create a urinary infection by itself and is not the main cause of a vaginal yeast infection. Prolonged moisture, friction, heat and tight clothing can irritate the skin and create conditions that encourage discomfort or microbial overgrowth. The important point is to distinguish three different problems: a urinary tract infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis and simple local irritation. What actually causes a UTI Most UTIs develop when bacteria, often originating from the bowel, enter the urethra and reach the bladder. Women are more susceptible because the urethra is shorter and anatomically closer to the anus. Sexual activity, previous UTIs, certain forms of contraception, menopause, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary catheters and urinary obstruction are recognised risk factors. Inadequate fluid intake and regularly delaying urination may also make it harder for normal urinary flow to remove bacteria. A wet swimsuit is not considered a direct cause of a UTI. This does not mean that spending hours in cold, damp, tight fabric is comfortable or advisable. It means that burning or irritation should not automatically be labelled “cystitis from swimwear.” What about vaginal yeast infections? Vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that may normally be present without causing disease. Antibiotic use, pregnancy, hormonal changes, poorly controlled diabetes and a weakened immune system can increase the risk. Wet, tight clothing traps heat and moisture and may increase local irritation. Changing into dry swimwear and choosing clean, breathable underwear are reasonable preventive steps, but staying in a wet swimsuit does not mean that a yeast infection will inevitably develop. How the symptoms differ A UTI commonly causes burning during urination, frequent or urgent urination, lower abdominal discomfort and urine that may appear cloudy or contain blood. Fever, chills, nausea or pain in the back or side can indicate that the infection has reached the kidneys. A yeast infection more often causes intense itching, redness, vulval burning and a thick white discharge. Simple irritation from friction, salt, sand, chlorine or fragranced products can produce stinging and redness without infection. Similar symptoms may also occur with bacterial vaginosis, skin conditions or sexually transmitted infections, which is why self-diagnosis is not always reliable. What to do after swimming Changing into dry swimwear, gently rinsing with clean water and drying the area can reduce prolonged moisture and friction. Vaginal douching, deodorants and harsh cleansers should be avoided because they can disrupt the local environment and make irritation worse. Adequate hydration and urinating when needed support normal urinary function. Antibiotics or antifungal treatments should not be used “just in case.” The wrong treatment may cause side effects, mask symptoms or delay the correct diagnosis. When medical assessment is needed Severe or persistent pain, blood in the urine, fever, chills, back or side pain, pregnancy, recurrent episodes or symptoms that do not improve require medical assessment. Urine testing or a gynaecological examination can distinguish conditions that look similar but need different treatments. Read the full article