Symptoms of itching and stinging infection

Many people who prefer to cool off on hot summer days prefer pools. However, dirty or excess chlorinated water can cause serious problems especially after women enjoy swimming. To protect against vaginal infections caused by pool waters, women need to take some precautions. Memorial Ankara Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Assoc. Dr. Leader Koç gave information about pool infections and protection methods seen in women.

Pools are usually cleaned with chlorine-based disinfectants to keep them clean. One of the most important reasons for the emergence of pool infections is the clog in pool water. Chlorine is a disinfectant that disrupts the vaginal flora. It causes the beneficial bacteria surrounding the natural structure of the vagina to die, causing other organisms such as mushrooms to replicate in the environment. As a result, it can trigger infections.

In other words, pools, which are common areas for many people, are polluted as well as excessively chlorine, which causes vaginal infections in women. Pools trigger not only vaginal infections but also urinary tract infections. Because women have a short urinary tract and infections quickly reach the bladder in this short way, a lower urinary tract infection called cystitis is seen.

Natural bacterial organisms found in the vaginal flora are the most important defense mechanism against infections in women. Contacting these organisms with contaminated water, chlorine and even soap can lead to infections. Vaginal infections can be seen in many different ways.

The most important symptom of pool infections is vaginal discharge. Diagnosis is based on the structure of the current and on the culture results. These currents are; they may be vulgar, colorful and fragrant. Itching, stinging and tingling can also be seen in this area.

If treatment is delayed, infection can spread

In the treatment of pool infections seen in women, it is first necessary to determine the active agent causing the infection. If the causative agent is fungus, bacterial treatment should be started. The treatment should be both a remedy for the illness and a protective feature so that the problem does not recur.

After a short treatment period, the patient will have complaints such as discharge and itching. The most important point here is that the treatment is started in the early period. If it is late in the treatment of such infections, vaginal discharges can spread to the pubic cavities leading to more serious infections. Because the women's genital systems, the uterus and tube channels are opened to the groin. Infections can spread to the pubic cavities if they are not treated.

What women should take care of to protect from pool infections

• Chlorine suitable and clean pools should be preferred.

• The shower must be taken before entering the pool.

• You should not stay in the pool for longer than 30-40 minutes.

• The body should be cleaned of chlorinated water by taking a shower immediately after leaving the pool.

• Absolutely a spare swimsuit or bikini should be kept, the wet swimsuit should be replaced immediately.

• Vaginal tamponade may be preferred before entering the pool. However, the buffer must be removed as soon as it is out of the pool.

• The vaginal area should never be left damp.

• Sea should be preferred instead of pool as much as possible.

• When the onset of the infection is seen, the doctor should be consulted without delay.